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America's Dark Theologian: The Religious Imagination of Stephen King
Illuminating the religious and existential themes in Stephen King’s horror stories
Who are we? Why are we here? Where do we go when we die? For answers to these questions, people often look to religion. But religion is not the only place seekers turn. Myths, legends, and other stories have given us alternative ways to address the fundamental quandaries of existence. Horror stories, in particular, with their focus on questions of violence and mortality, speak urgently to the primal fears embedded in such existential mysteries. With more than fifty novels to his name, and hundreds of millions of copies sold, few writers have spent more time contemplating those fears than Stephen King. Yet despite being one of the most widely read authors of all time, King is woefully understudied. America’s Dark Theologian is the first in-depth investigation into how King treats religion in his horror fiction.
Considering works such as Carrie, The Dead Zone, Misery, The Shining, and many more, Douglas Cowan explores the religious imagery, themes, characters, and, most importantly, questions that haunt Stephen King’s horror stories. Religion and its trappings are found throughout King’s fiction, but what Cowan reveals is a writer skeptical of the certainty of religious belief. Describing himself as a “fallen away” Methodist, King is less concerned with providing answers to our questions, than constantly challenging both those who claim to have answers and the answers they proclaim. Whether he is pondering the existence of other worlds, exploring the origins of religious belief and how it is passed on, probing the nature of the religious experience, or contemplating the existence of God, King invites us to question everything we think we know.
Who are we? Why are we here? Where do we go when we die? For answers to these questions, people often look to religion. But religion is not the only place seekers turn. Myths, legends, and other stories have given us alternative ways to address the fundamental quandaries of existence. Horror stories, in particular, with their focus on questions of violence and mortality, speak urgently to the primal fears embedded in such existential mysteries. With more than fifty novels to his name, and hundreds of millions of copies sold, few writers have spent more time contemplating those fears than Stephen King. Yet despite being one of the most widely read authors of all time, King is woefully understudied. America’s Dark Theologian is the first in-depth investigation into how King treats religion in his horror fiction.
Considering works such as Carrie, The Dead Zone, Misery, The Shining, and many more, Douglas Cowan explores the religious imagery, themes, characters, and, most importantly, questions that haunt Stephen King’s horror stories. Religion and its trappings are found throughout King’s fiction, but what Cowan reveals is a writer skeptical of the certainty of religious belief. Describing himself as a “fallen away” Methodist, King is less concerned with providing answers to our questions, than constantly challenging both those who claim to have answers and the answers they proclaim. Whether he is pondering the existence of other worlds, exploring the origins of religious belief and how it is passed on, probing the nature of the religious experience, or contemplating the existence of God, King invites us to question everything we think we know.
- GenresNonfiction
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 12, 2018
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92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 13, 2019
Academics are making inroads into understanding horror as well as religion. My own exploration of this, reflected in my book Holy Horror, began with a book by Douglas E. Cowan, Sacred Terror. Scholars, by the nature of their profession, must move on from topic to topic, so I was very glad to see Cowan again addressing the topic in America’s Dark Theologian: The Religious Imagination of Stephen King. As I note elsewhere (Sects and Violence in the Ancient World), I haven’t read nearly all of King’s work. For novels I’ve gone through The Shining, Pet Sematary, It, ’Salem’s Lot, and Carrie. For that reason I was reluctant to read America’s Dark Theologian for fear that I might not get the references. I needn’t have worried.
Cowan explains things carefully and with interpretive vigor. His writing style is readable and non-academic, although the ideas certainly provide further information that can be brought to the discussion in the ivy-covered walls of the academy. What’s more, it’s great fun to read. Cowan is insightful and playful, and knows the territory very well.
Not all of King’s (many, many) works are covered here. You don’t have to have read all of them to make sense of the narrative. King is such a force in pop culture that many of his plot-lines and ideas are already known, even to those who haven’t read the books or watched the movies. In this treatment Cowan has come the closest yet to helping explain why some of us in the field of religious studies are irresistibly drawn to the realms of horror. And in the present day, horror owes a great deal to the imagination of Stephen King.
Cowan explains things carefully and with interpretive vigor. His writing style is readable and non-academic, although the ideas certainly provide further information that can be brought to the discussion in the ivy-covered walls of the academy. What’s more, it’s great fun to read. Cowan is insightful and playful, and knows the territory very well.
Not all of King’s (many, many) works are covered here. You don’t have to have read all of them to make sense of the narrative. King is such a force in pop culture that many of his plot-lines and ideas are already known, even to those who haven’t read the books or watched the movies. In this treatment Cowan has come the closest yet to helping explain why some of us in the field of religious studies are irresistibly drawn to the realms of horror. And in the present day, horror owes a great deal to the imagination of Stephen King.
April 6, 2018
Click here to read my full review at Signal Horizon America's Dark Theologian is, at its core, an academic book yet it reads much more fluidly than an average academic text would. Douglas Cowan focuses on a dizzying array of Stephen King's works, but not necessarily the ones you would think, to tease out the deeper religious undertones. Cowan also invests a bit of time up front discussing a much broader definition of theology that extends far beyond Sunday morning services, bible studies, and houses of worship. In fact, there is an everyday theology that even atheists and agnostics engage in that Cowan is keen to probe and becomes the fascinating focus of this book.
The big question is of course, "Is this book for me?" If you are a huge Stephen King fan and want to read more about the philosophical and religious questions his books raise, then yes this book is absolutely for you. In fact, if you are a mere Stephen King dabbler but an avid horror fan there is a lot of great stuff to take away from this book. Moreover, horror writers can surely benefit greatly from Cowan's discussions as the challenges of our common religious and metaphysical understanding in King's work is often fundamental to the sense of dread and horror we feel. If you want to know how and why Stephen King's writing works so well this is a great place to start your journey. It is academic and that is sure to put many people off, but once you pick it up you are unlikely to be able to put it down. On the other hand, if you have no interest in reading non-fiction, particularly literary criticism, about genre fiction than this book is not for you.
The big question is of course, "Is this book for me?" If you are a huge Stephen King fan and want to read more about the philosophical and religious questions his books raise, then yes this book is absolutely for you. In fact, if you are a mere Stephen King dabbler but an avid horror fan there is a lot of great stuff to take away from this book. Moreover, horror writers can surely benefit greatly from Cowan's discussions as the challenges of our common religious and metaphysical understanding in King's work is often fundamental to the sense of dread and horror we feel. If you want to know how and why Stephen King's writing works so well this is a great place to start your journey. It is academic and that is sure to put many people off, but once you pick it up you are unlikely to be able to put it down. On the other hand, if you have no interest in reading non-fiction, particularly literary criticism, about genre fiction than this book is not for you.
July 19, 2018
I unfortunately have to DNF this one, and not because it isn't enjoyable... But because there are spoilers galore!! I am someone who doesn't like to know a single thing going into new reads, and there were quite a few little spoilers here and there and I was only 6 or 7% into the book! I will say that if you are a constant reader who has read every or even the vast majority of King's work, you may very well enjoy this one. It gives some major insights into the more religious aspects of King's work which I was finding very intriguing. I'd definitely say that this is one that any hardcore fan of King's would probably want to have handy once you've finished your collection. I've only given it 3/5 stars for the simple fact that there were spoilers and I just couldn't bare to go on and ruin several books and short stories I've left to read. I definitely see myself adding this to my shelf one day and would absolutely recommend to any constant readers out there, especially if religious theology interests you.
May 2, 2018
Douglas E Cowan’s non fiction look at the work of Stephen King from a religious stand point is an interesting read. Although at times his point is like pushing a square peg in a round hole but overall he hits all the right points.
The book deals mainly with early to mid era of the Stephen King cannon forgoing his serial work such as Dark Tower. In fact, I found this to be King at his most interesting and Cowan’s writing ability has a way to involve the reader and get them involved with his theories and ideas. He has an interesting voice that he never panders to his audience but entices them with his knowledge and his personal experiences which adds to the text.
Overall this is a comprehensive work looking at religious themes, imagery and characterisations found within Stephen King’s body of work. If you a King fan, I think this will definitely be a definitive reference book to look at the author’s books in a new light. If you are not a fan, then this will probably not entice you one way or the other. As a book that looks at modern fiction with religious tones and theories, this book will be a nice addition to your book shelf.
The book deals mainly with early to mid era of the Stephen King cannon forgoing his serial work such as Dark Tower. In fact, I found this to be King at his most interesting and Cowan’s writing ability has a way to involve the reader and get them involved with his theories and ideas. He has an interesting voice that he never panders to his audience but entices them with his knowledge and his personal experiences which adds to the text.
Overall this is a comprehensive work looking at religious themes, imagery and characterisations found within Stephen King’s body of work. If you a King fan, I think this will definitely be a definitive reference book to look at the author’s books in a new light. If you are not a fan, then this will probably not entice you one way or the other. As a book that looks at modern fiction with religious tones and theories, this book will be a nice addition to your book shelf.
July 5, 2018
America's Dark Theologian explores the religious themes within some of Stephen King's works. It is an academic read that, although thought provoking, not overly exciting. I did enjoy the exploration of why we love horror and all the things that go 'bump in the night'. I like Stephen King but I haven't read a ton of his books and have just started a monthly buddyread to start exploring some of his more popular works so perhaps I'm not the preferred audience for this book. If you're a diehard fan I can see this being of great interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and New York University Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and New York University Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2018
Having been a fan of Stephen King since my early teens, I jumped at the chance to review this book for Netgalley. Mr Cowan delves into Mr Kings extensive back catalogue and delivers an excellent, thought provoking book, that explores the religious themes within some of the authors most famous novels. From Carrie to The Stand and Salem’s Lot to Pet Sematary, it’s clear that Mr Cowan has extensively researched the subject matter. Discussing why we love horror and dark things that go bump in the night, to the religion that finds itself between the pages of most of Stephen Kings novel, the author gives a wider appreciation of this master storyteller.
June 10, 2019
America's Dark Theologian is an interesting examination of the underlying themes of religion and spirituality in Stephen King's novels. It is a bit of a dry read but at the same time, it offers a fascinating insight into the different levels of Stephen King's work. It does go into detail into his books so will have spoilers for those who have not read Stephen King's books yet.
January 13, 2019
Cowan's book was a very interesting read that I think I'm still kind of wrapping my head around. A sociologist of religion, Cowan has an intriguing perspective on the way that religious beliefs are formed and expressed in culture, and applying that lens to the fiction of Stephen King was the source of some tremendous insights as far as the characterization and worldviews presented in some of King's works. I learned a lot about culture, and gained a deeper appreciation for the nuance that pervades King's horror stories. That being said, I felt that there were some drawbacks to the book as well. First, while the focus was intelligently limited to King's horror stories, the definition of what comprised a horror story varied a lot to include things like "The Things They Left Behind" (which I'm not sure I have an exact category for, only it's certainly not horror) while leaving out many more horror stories that I thought could have been intelligently and justifiably included. Second, Cowan's constant refrain is that King's work is important not because it supplies answers, but because of the questions he asks; this may be true, but stating it over and over in an academic work like this just feels lazy, or like Cowan has few conclusions of his own to offer. Third, as a whole the book is a great work of insight into King and his work, but it felt like there was little generalizable knowledge to be gained from it, other than perhaps a greater awareness and definitions (aided through King's work) of terms prevalent in theology and the sociology of religion. It's not that the book felt pointless, just that it didn't have as significant a "so what" component as I anticipated.
Overall this was a good read for fans of King, but I think few others would really get so much out of it. Familiarity with King's catalog is effectively a requirement to get the most out of the book, and so there is a fairly limited audience for the book right off the bat.
Overall this was a good read for fans of King, but I think few others would really get so much out of it. Familiarity with King's catalog is effectively a requirement to get the most out of the book, and so there is a fairly limited audience for the book right off the bat.
July 23, 2018
This was a great read. It is a truly scholarly examination of the way religion has been described and the role it has played in Steven King’s horror novels. Cowan examines a number of elements of religious study and examines the way that King has elucidated those concepts within his body of work.
The only thing that seemed to be missing from this study was a more cultural element that has always stood out to me as a mostly secular Jewish woman born and raised in Southern California, and that is the prevalence of organized religion in the lives of so many of his characters; something that was not a part of my upbringing, nor that of most of my friends. But that could be more a sociological issue, rather than a religious one.
In general, this is a well-argued, accessible, yet intellectual study of the work of an author who I believe is greatly underrated.
I received an advanced reading copy from NYU Press via NetGalley. Thanks!
The only thing that seemed to be missing from this study was a more cultural element that has always stood out to me as a mostly secular Jewish woman born and raised in Southern California, and that is the prevalence of organized religion in the lives of so many of his characters; something that was not a part of my upbringing, nor that of most of my friends. But that could be more a sociological issue, rather than a religious one.
In general, this is a well-argued, accessible, yet intellectual study of the work of an author who I believe is greatly underrated.
I received an advanced reading copy from NYU Press via NetGalley. Thanks!
January 14, 2019
This book was an interesting read for someone who is fairly familiar with the works of King discussed. Although repetitive at times, Cowan presents some interesting points regarding King's ability to perpetually ask questions that cause readers to think, consciously or not, about themes that mainstream religion also grapple with. Cowan really hit his stride in the section "If It Be Your Will," as so many of King's works do force us to acknowledge the seeming absence of a caring, omnibenevolent God.
June 18, 2018
An interesting academic look at religion and theology within the books of Stephen King. I wish the book was a little more organized, as the section seemed a little scattered and jumped back and forth between books/stories a little too often. But the content itself was well written, and gave me some new insights into my favorite writer.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2025
3.8
Reading the book in public made me feel more like a nerd than normal. People would go “ooohhhh, Stephen King!” And I’d go, “ahhhhhh, kinda!”
The rationale is that I’m gonna have to write a Master’s thesis/doctoral dissertation at some point, so I might as well start reading some. Is it dry at points? Yes. Is it super informative and helpful in understanding the “science” of ritual and religion? Yes.
Does it make me want to go on a King binge? Yes yes yes yes
Reading the book in public made me feel more like a nerd than normal. People would go “ooohhhh, Stephen King!” And I’d go, “ahhhhhh, kinda!”
The rationale is that I’m gonna have to write a Master’s thesis/doctoral dissertation at some point, so I might as well start reading some. Is it dry at points? Yes. Is it super informative and helpful in understanding the “science” of ritual and religion? Yes.
Does it make me want to go on a King binge? Yes yes yes yes
November 15, 2018
A provoking topic, but the book misses the mark overall. For an academic book, it doesn't go very deep or offer much new insight. It could possibly work as a more pop-culture type of book, but lacks an engaging writing style. Needs to go further in one direction or the other (academic or popular) to work. Didn't do it for me.
May 24, 2018
A fascinating exploration of the religious themes present in many of Stephen King's novels. Reading this book made me view King's novels in an entirely new light. I found it especially insightful when the author compared and contrasted various characters in King's novels.
December 11, 2022
The premise was interesting; however, some of the points raised have better arguments/supports than others. Some of the chapter jumped around quite a bit and didn’t seem to be creating a cohesive argument.
April 23, 2019
This is an incredible fresh analysis of some of King's most iconic novels. I particularly enjoyed the discussion of religious themes in Pet Sematary and The Shining, and it helped build up on what I already thought was amongst King's finest.
An essential read for die-hard Stephen King fans and newbies alike.
An essential read for die-hard Stephen King fans and newbies alike.
December 17, 2019
I used to be a huge Stephen King fan. I've read most of his earlier books but I haven't read the newer ones. My favorites are The Shining and his short story collections. IT used to be a favorite but after a recent rereading it kind of went down in my opinion a bit. Bag of Bones was never a favorite of mine (you can see my reaction to it here). I thought this book would be very interesting as religion does show up in King's books a lot. Sometimes in a positive light, most often in a negative light.
America's Dark Theologian was very good as it approaches King's work from a very objective view and not from a particular religious viewpoint. It looks at the main body of King's works and sees how religion inspires, fear, awe and sometimes extremism.
It can be a little dry at times and, I have to admit, my attention would wander a bit. I think I might actually like it better as an audiobook since I tend to like narration heavy audiobooks. I do think it could have broadened its scope a bit. It mainly focuses on certain novels and one short story (N.). The novels mentioned are Pet Sematary, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, Needful Things, The Shining, IT and, of course, Carrie. The Stand is largely unmentioned as the religion aspect of The Stand is at the forefront of the book and there have already been books and papers on it. I respect the book for not going for the easy way out and digging deeper into more unexplored books.
I always love a good, deeper look at books and what drives some of them. I would be very interested in seeing more books in this same vein or further looks at other books in this same category or even focusing on a different subject.
In short, while it is a bit dry in spots it might not be for everyone but I really enjoyed it.
Received from Netgalley for review consideration
Find this review and much more at https://www.scifiandscary.com/
America's Dark Theologian was very good as it approaches King's work from a very objective view and not from a particular religious viewpoint. It looks at the main body of King's works and sees how religion inspires, fear, awe and sometimes extremism.
It can be a little dry at times and, I have to admit, my attention would wander a bit. I think I might actually like it better as an audiobook since I tend to like narration heavy audiobooks. I do think it could have broadened its scope a bit. It mainly focuses on certain novels and one short story (N.). The novels mentioned are Pet Sematary, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, Needful Things, The Shining, IT and, of course, Carrie. The Stand is largely unmentioned as the religion aspect of The Stand is at the forefront of the book and there have already been books and papers on it. I respect the book for not going for the easy way out and digging deeper into more unexplored books.
I always love a good, deeper look at books and what drives some of them. I would be very interested in seeing more books in this same vein or further looks at other books in this same category or even focusing on a different subject.
In short, while it is a bit dry in spots it might not be for everyone but I really enjoyed it.
Received from Netgalley for review consideration
Find this review and much more at https://www.scifiandscary.com/
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September 3, 2018A very disappointing book. The best writing on theology/philosophy and pop culture elevates pop culture and shows us that there is more in it than might be thought by a cursory observer. Cowan instead drags it all down into unrelieved banality. I haven't read a huge amount of King's fiction, although I've enjoyed the books I've become acquainted with, but I think it could be treated either philosophically or theologically. But this is not that book. I'm not sure how the author would describe himself - post-modern? logical positivist? - it doesn't really matter. He makes it clear that he considers religion in general and theology in particular as not really worth our time. I return the sentiment.
January 16, 2019
Overall, an interesting read. I have noticed a tone of spirituality in a number of Stephen King's books. Any fan of his works should read consider this one.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a thought-provoking read.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a thought-provoking read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews