Christ in the Horror Genre at ConNooga
Can Christianity and horror exist in the same story? This is what a panel of Christian fans plans to discuss in the Religion in Horror panel at ConNooga in February. Emerging from a fellowship of geeks called Fans For Christ which is involved in ministry at a number of fan conventions across the U.S, four people think that horror is a viable way of presenting Christlike ideas in an art form not often approached by the church.
Chad S Sides is the poet behind Teaching the Wisemen and the creator behind the tentatively titled Voided Realities project which he likens to Silent Hill meets C.S. Lewis. He has felt called to use the genre of horror to present the idea that God’s loving mercy is what gives us hope from the darkness.
M.B. Weston is the writer of the Elysian Chronicles, a Christian-based series that has been speedily gaining popularity among fans of fantasy. Her interest in writing about the paranormal has been growing as she considers how it can lead people to Christ if used correctly.
Dave Mattingly has been working with BlackWyrm Publishing for some time, a company that has a history of publishing horror. Dave has been discussing Christianity as it relates to gaming for some time at conventions and has helped create a forum in which Christians such as the late Gary Gygax could share their faith with fans.
Tony Young is a horror movie aficionado aspiring to find venues to speak about his fandoms and his faith. A key person in putting this panel together, Tony brings with him a knowledge of how Christian influences have made their way into classic horror tales.
As these four gather they will discuss the calling of God in their lives to use their talents for the Great Commission, as well as how and why they believe the genre of horror is an appropriate vessel. They will discuss the works of other Christians who have sought to use horror before them such as Frank Peretti author of The Oath and Scott Derrickson director of The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
ConNooga is a fan convention taking place Feb. 17-19, 2012 at the Historical Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel and Convention Center in Chattanooga, TN. The Religion in Horror panel is slated to take place at 3:00 PM on Saturday as a part of the horror track.
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