The Theology Mill Ryan Duns / Theology of Horror
Sep 16, 2025
Join Ryan G. Duns, SJ, a Jesuit priest and theology professor at Marquette University, as he explores the unsettling connection between religion and horror films. He discusses favorites like The Black Phone and how they reflect theological themes. Delve into the ideas of horror versus terror, the significance of the body in film, and the phenomenon of sociophobia. Ryan also examines why horror often features rich Catholic imagery, distinguishing between dark and divine transcendence, leading listeners to an intriguing understanding of frag events in the genre.
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Episode notes
The Black Phone And Hidden Providence
- Ryan names The Black Phone as a favorite for its portrayal of providence working backward in the plot.
- He praises Scott Derrickson for showing how mysterious divine action can be perceived in hindsight.
The Devil's Doorway: Catholic But Without Absolution
- He cites The Devil's Doorway as an Irish found-footage film exposing institutional corruption and social sin.
- Ryan says it reads as deeply Catholic but deliberately lacks absolution.
Teach With Midnight Mass
- Use Midnight Mass as a teaching tool to probe theological and metaphysical questions.
- Pair episodes with theoretical texts to deepen student engagement and reflection.
