InterVarsity Press has launched a new Christian book series looking at popular culture through a theological lens, with Be Afraid: What Horror Reveals About Facing the Darkness becoming its first release - written by theologian and psychological scientist Kutter Callaway, Be Afraid was released on September 29, 2026, and looks at the relationship between horror, fear and Christian faith.
A New Way of Looking At Christian Media
The book is the first title in InterVarsity Press's new Discovering God in Pop Culture series, edited by Kutter Callaway and Matthew William Brake - according to InterVarsity Press's official announcement, the series is intended to explore the relationship between Christian faith and popular culture, with future books looking at subjects including film genres, music and specific franchises.
It is also an example of Christian publishing taking a more direct interest in popular culture rather than treating entertainment simply as something to approve or reject, and the publisher has said the series will also look at how popular culture can help Christians think about theology and Christian practice, while also examining the theological ideas that appear within popular culture.
IVP describes Callaway as a theologian and psychological scientist who explores how engaging with horror can contribute to Christian reflection, and the publisher also points to Callaway's argument that the Christian life isn't necessarily about eliminating fear, but learning how to redirect it.
Horror, Christianity And Popular Culture
The subject matter makes Be Afraid particularly relevant to the continuing conversation around Christians and horror movies - horror has often been treated as a difficult genre within Christian circles, particularly when films deal with violence, supernatural subjects, evil or disturbing imagery.
Callaway takes a different route by asking what can actually be learned by engaging with the genre, but that doesn't mean the book is simply an argument for watching horror, either, because its focus is on what the stories themselves can reveal and how Christians might engage with popular culture more thoughtfully.
The book includes chapters examining what horror is and who watches it, the relationship between good and evil, supernatural beliefs and the ways people respond to darkness - Be Afraid is also only the beginning of the Discovering God in Pop Culture series.
IVP says forthcoming books will look at other areas of popular culture. One upcoming title will examine intergenerational and interfaith dialogue through contemporary films, while another will explore what anime can reveal about the meaning of life.
Be Afraid Book Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Be Afraid: What Horror Reveals About Facing the Darkness |
| Author | Kutter Callaway |
| Series | Discovering God in Pop Culture |
| Series editors | Kutter Callaway and Matthew William Brake |
| Publisher | InterVarsity Press |
| Imprint | IVP Academic |
| Release date | September 29, 2026 |
| Length | 208 pages |
| ISBN | 9781514017227 |