Q&A: Mike Duran on the bridge between faith and horror fiction
Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Horror?
“Basically, I’m aiming at Christians who are interested in the horror genre and [their faith’s] compatibility—or incompatibility—with the horror genre.”
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What’s the Deal With Christian Horror?
To many, the term “Christian horror” probably seems like a contradiction in terms. But novelist Mike Duran has something to say about that. His new book is Christian Horror: On the Compatibility of a Biblical Worldview and the Horror Genre—the expanded version of an earlier edition of this book.
In the book, Duran explores the Judeo-Christian roots of contemporary horror, the religious themes that frame much of the horror art, and how evangelical culture has come to distance itself from such a potentially rich and powerful medium.
Duran also looks at Christian artists and authors whose works employ the macabre and grotesque. From surrealist Hieronymus Bosch to Southern Gothicist Flannery O’Connor to the master of horror Stephen King, Duran points out a distinctly biblical worldview that frames their visions of terror.
Along the way, Duran answers objections while developing an apologetic—not for a new sub-genre, but for a rethinking of the reasons that “Christian horror” has come to be viewed as such a contradiction.
In our interview with the author, Duran shares with Monster Complex some examples of what first got your interest in horror fiction, and what sparked the need to revise (and expand) his book for a new edition. Also—who is this book actually FOR and what is Duran hoping to help them learn?
About the author
A novelist, artist, and freelance writer, MIKE DURAN writes fiction and non-fiction. He’s interested in religion, science, conspiracism, media, books, and monsters.
Duran is the author of THE GHOST BOX (Blue Crescent Press, 2014), which was selected by Publishers Weekly as one of the best indie novels of 2015 and first in a paranoir series that continues with SAINT DEATH (2016), and THE THIRD GOLEM (2020). He’s also the author of CHRISTIANS & CONSPIRACY THEORIES: Investigating Alternative Truth Claims without Buying in to Fear, Fanaticism, or Tribalism (2023).
His short stories, essays, and commentary have appeared in Relief Journal, Cemetery Gates Media, The Gospel Coalition, Relevant Online, Bewildering Stories, Rue Morgue, Zombies magazine, Breakpoint, and other print and digital outlets.
Q&A: Mike Duran on the bridge between faith and horror fiction
Q: What are some examples of what first got your interest in horror fiction (and related types of stories)?
MIKE: Being a pastor was a huge part of me becoming interested in the horror genre. Dealing with a church’s everyday struggles is difficult enough. But there was also much weirdness and unexplained phenomenon in the ministry.
Once, I had a church member tell me that her husband had been attacked by a succubus. I had no training in succubi eviction and was forced to research the subject.
Another couple approached me after church one day to say they had a ghost in their house. These were not the types of situations pastor’s manuals typically covered.
Point being: The ministry was filled with lots of dark, disturbing, and rather unusual experiences.
Q: Your new book Christian Horror is actually a revised (and expanded) edition of the previous version. What sparked the need to make a new version of the book?
MIKE: Since its publication (in 2015), the horror genre has continued to grow in popularity. For example, 2017 was the highest-grossing year for horror movies in box-office history. As a result, many ministries and pop cultural commentators began addressing the issue more frequently.
Articles and podcasts began exploring the genre more critically. Should a Christian watch horror? was a question that continued being asked.
In fact, Christian involvement in the genre has continued to expand with films like Nefarious (2023) being openly labeled as “Christian horror.”
Q: What changes did you make?
MIKE: The book is almost twice as long, going from 35K word to 65K. I’ve expanded some chapters to include topics like folk horror, generational curses, holy terror versus unholy terror, occult objects and haunted houses, “woke” horror, and zombies, just to name a few. I’ve also included study questions at the end of each chapter for those interested in leading group discussions.
Q: So… what can be called “Christian fiction” is like categories within categories (within categories). It’s kind of a club that some members kind of hate (and measure it against outrageously incorrect expectations). It’s also a category for which some people are anti “Christian” and some people are anti “fiction.” Which of these different people is your book actually FOR and what are you hoping to help them learn?
MIKE: I am targeting the Christian who finds value, enjoyment, or interest in the horror genre. This could involve content creators, like filmmakers, writers, or artists, or simply consumers, readers, and filmgoers. Basically, I’m aiming at Christians who are interested in the horror genre and its compatibility—or incompatibility—with the horror genre.
Q: Given all the thinking behind Christian Horror, how much of your book is about helping other people understand all this better—or is it maybe also driven by working it out for yourself? (I mean that in the good way.)
MIKE: One of my chapters is simply titled “Christian Horror—Towards an Apologetic.” Just like any apologetic, I attempt to put forth an argument, a reasonably-thought-out justification for the permissibility of the genre.
Because the horror genre receives so much pushback from well-meaning Christians, I felt it would be helpful to compile some biblical arguments to support the genre, as well as answer some of the specific objections.
This book is intended to help the Christian who enjoys reading Stephen King or watching The Exorcist to discern their own motivations and offer a sound apologetic to detractors.
Q: Between the original edition and this one, how have writing these books made an impact on your own fiction?
MIKE: Researching the subject has made me appreciate the breadth and malleability of the genre. Horror exists along a broad spectrum, from in-your-face gore to quiet, psychological terror; from monsters who are pining for humanity, to humans who act like monsters.
I have always gravitated to more fantastical content. Writing this book has helped clarify the theological underpinnings of many horror motifs and helped me more confidently implement them.
Q: What are the horror stories you recommend right now?
MIKE: One of my favorite recent horror films is A Quiet Place. Not only does it have some very cool monsters, but the story focuses upon a traditional family and how they survive in a post-apocalyptic world. Though the film does not contain any overt Christian content, it portrays one of the most powerfully redemptive resolutions I’ve seen in any recent films.
Q: What are the best ways for readers to keep track of you online? What’s new or upcoming with your own fiction?
MIKE: My latest fiction is The Visitant: A Tale of Lovecraftian Noir. It’s about an exit counselor who is inextricably drawn into a client’s conspiratorial delusions. The best place to follow me online is via my website, which is MikeDuran.com.
Horror and comedy both make us jump—which is why these elements work together so well together. Looking at books from authors like Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Tanya Huff, Kelley Armstrong, John Scalzi, Diana Rowland, and Kevin J. Anderson, plus many authors you should meet.