Bodies Out of Place: Sex, Horror, and the Religious Imagination

Some people prefer their sex, horror, and religion separate. Others, not so much. In his latest book, Bodies Out of Place, Doug Cowan explores one of the most prevalent—but least discussed—intersections of horror culture. From creature features that reinforce conventional notions of sexuality to indie horror flicks that ask what happens when different gods come knocking, from nunsploitation to the sacrificial body, find out what happens when sex, horror, and the religious imagination come together.

Doug Cowan is Professor of Religious Studies and Social Development Studies at Renison University College, and the Department of Religious Studies’ Associate Chair for Grad Studies. Among others, he is the author of Sacred Terror: Religion and Horror on the Silver Screen; Magic, Monsters, and Make-Believe Heroes: How Myth and Religion Shape Fantasy Culture; and America’s Dark Theologian: The Religious Imagination of Stephen King. This presentation is based on his forthcoming book, Bodies Out of Place: Sex, Horror, and the Religious Imagination.

Bodies Out of Place: Sex, Horror, and the Religious Imagination