Holy Terror: Understanding Religion and Violence in Popular Culture

by Christopher Partridge (Editor), EricS.Christianson (Author)

• New

  Hardcover
  2010

  $141.43

  To what degree does violent rhetoric shape belief and values? How might we understand the social function of violence in popular discourses? What is the significance of violence being associated with particular religious groups or ideas in the media? This collection of essays arose from an international conference investigating those questions.

• New

  Paperback
  2010

  $43.99

  The authors of religious scriptures had little difficulty enhancing sacred narratives with the rhetoric of violence. The phenomenon continues in the habitual linkage of violence and religion in contemporary film, music and literature. 'Holy Terror' brings together scholars of religious studies, biblical studies, film studies and sociology to examine the social function of violence in popular discourse. The book questions how violent rhetoric shapes belief and values, how audience empathy with violent protagonists can be understood, and the significance of the association of violence with particular religious groups and ideas. A range of phenomena are analysed, including terrorism in Scripture, apocalyptic texts in film and violence in sport.