Theology and H.P. Lovecraft (Theology, Religion, and Pop Cultu...

While still relatively unknown to the general public, early twentieth century American horror author H.P. Lovecraft left an indelible stamp upon popular culture. Images of tentacled horrors, forbidden tomes, and protagonists struggling against the insanity that comes with the revelation of the terrible truth of reality–Lovecraft pioneered all of these. Best known for his short story “The Call of Cthulhu,” Lovecraft instantiated his philosophy of cosmicism into every one of his tales. This collection of fourteen essays is the first sustained academic engagement with horror author H.P. Lovecraft from a theological perspective. Covering the major themes of Lovecraft's work such as nihilism, xenophobia, dark cults, and unimaginable horrors beyond the stars, the book is divided into five sections corresponding to each of the divisions of theology: biblical, historical, systematic, practical, and comparative. With responses ranging from admiration to critique, the contributors explore the dark uncharted regions of Lovecraft’s dark mythology in the service of theological truth.

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In his introduction, Austin Freeman asks an important question, "Why does Lovecraft fascinate people of faith?" This fine collection of essays ably answers this question, showing the variety of theological questions one can explore in conversation with one of America's greatest horror writers. This volume is a valuable contribution to the literature of theological aesthetics, but also to Lovecraft studies. Highly recommended. -- Philip Tallon, Houston Baptist University Any reader who is interested in Lovecraft will find an exceptional resource in Theology and H.P. Lovecraft. What we find is that with the reader’s priorities in place and lens firmly attached, reading Lovecraft can ironically be a spiritual experience that brings us to a place of deeper contemplation about the God of New Jerusalem himself, the original Old One.

About the Author

Austin M. Freeman (PhD, systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) specializes in the theology of fantasy literature, especially that of J.R.R. Tolkien.

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