Latter-day Saints and the Horror Genre

Horror films rank among the top five most popular genres in the United States, and true crime documentaries and podcasts draw millions of listeners. Chances are that you have already encountered these types of stories in your search for entertainment. A common reaction among Latter-day Saints is to dismiss such narratives as the work of the adversary, intended to weaken faith and erode virtue.

Much of the entertainment of the world will have a deleterious effect and there are many teachings directed at Latter-day Saints that warn about the dangers of the horror genre specifically. Many horror films and stories foster a sadistic appetite or fascination with the occult, which can erode faith and compromise virtue.

That said, I argue the revelatory counsel does not altogether dismiss the need for horror stories. Repeatedly and clearly, when making media choices, we are admonished to seek virtue, maintain consistency with the Spirit, and avoid that which inspires sin or desensitizes us to it. It is my aim to persuade you to take a closer look and seek after the virtue found in these kinds of stories.

In writing this article, I acknowledge that I am walking a thin line. I do not seek to endorse darkness or violence but rather their opposites. I suggest that stories centered around themes of death, danger, and sin present a unique opportunity to educate the soul on the reality of evil, its consequences, and how to avoid it. Such narratives refine our ability to regulate negative emotions, prepare us for danger, help us process trauma, and, when approached thoughtfully, can ultimately strengthen our faith in God and His Plan of Happiness.

To read the entire article: Public Square Magazine