"Horror art exists to confront what we deny, and Be Afraid fundamentally understands that. Kutter Callaway neither sanitizes nor exploits his subject, but rather treats it with moral and emotional seriousness. By engaging horror films as a medium of truth, this book offers a rare and thoughtful conversation between theology and terror, between faith and dread. Be Afraid insists that when faced honestly, fear can be the beginning of wisdom rather than an enemy to avoid."
-Scott Derrickson, director of The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Sinister, and The Black Phone
How Horror Helps Us Fear Rightly
Is it possible to be scared―in a good way?
In Be Afraid, theologian and psychological scientist Kutter Callaway explores the surprising relationship between fear, horror, and Christian faith. Drawing from film, psychology, and theology, this book engages popular horror narratives to ask what our deepest fears reveal about what we truly love, long for, and believe.
"There can be comfort in being afraid—at least at the movies. They allow us to vicariously experience the whole swath of human emotions, the darkest of which, if we're lucky, we rarely encounter in our real lives. But we can't turn away from the darkness. It keeps our faith honest, forcing us outside our comfort zones. Kutter Callaway understands this, and I applaud this deep dive into the many faces of horror, showing us how thoughtful engagement with this genre can deepen our lives, helping grow our empathy and compassion for others. That's certainly nothing to be afraid of."
-Scott Teems, writer of Halloween Kills, Insidious: The Red Door, and The Exorcist: Believer
By exploring the genre of horror through the lens of Christian faith, Be Afraid:
demonstrates how that faith is enriched by engaging with horror;
offers theological insight into our culture's fascination with the terrifying;
helps readers learn how to redeem real world fears; and
includes discussion questions for individual or group reflection.
