How Is Western Christianity Manipulated In American Supernat ✓ Solved

How Is Western Christianity Manipulated In American Supernatural Thril

How is Western Christianity manipulated in American supernatural thrillers like "It Follows" to produce a social map of judgment and condemnation? Are these types of films extensions of religion? Why can't young people have sex outside of marriage? How is all this emotional maelstrom regarding sex ultimately linked to the counterculture of the 1960s? Use my documentary link below on the 1978 American horror film "Halloween" as an example that connects sex, the counterculture, and sin.

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American supernatural thrillers such as "It Follows" serve as modern reflections of Western Christianity's moral doctrines, particularly its emphasis on sin, judgment, and salvation. These films often portray sexuality, especially outside the confines of marriage, as a dangerous transgression that invites supernatural retribution or moral condemnation. This thematic framing reveals how religious notions of morality continue to influence contemporary societal fears and behavioral expectations, functioning as a social map of judgment and condemnation. Rather than outright religious texts, these movies act as cultural extensions of religious morality, perpetuating the idea that certain acts—most notably sexual activity—are inherently sinful and deserving of punishment.

In "It Follows," for example, sexuality is depicted as a curse that must be contained or sanitized, echoing religious teachings that view premarital sex as morally perilous. The figure of the "curse" or relentless supernatural entity symbolizes divine judgment for immoral acts, thus perpetuating the idea that sexual transgressions carry spiritual consequences. This portrayal aligns with traditional Christian teachings, which have historically condemned casual sex outside of marriage and linked morality with divine sanction. The film's narrative functions as a moral caution, warning audiences of the spiritual danger associated with sexual freedom—an ideology deeply rooted in Western Christian doctrine.

This manipulation of Christian morality in popular culture is not accidental but a deliberate extension of religious ideology into secular media. Films like "It Follows" perpetuate the notions of divine punishment and moral purity by embedding them into contemporary horror narratives, thus reinforcing societal norms around sexuality. This process is especially influential for young viewers who might be navigating their understanding of morality, sexuality, and social expectations. The cinematic portrayal creates a moral landscape where sex outside marriage is transported from personal choice to a moral failing with supernatural consequences.

The emotional turmoil related to sexuality, as depicted in these films, can be traced back to the upheavals of the 1960s counterculture. During this decade, social norms concerning sexuality, gender roles, and personal freedom experienced radical shifts, challenging traditional authority and religious mores. However, in the subsequent decades, mainstream media often responded by reinforcing conservative morality, framing sexuality outside traditional norms as dangerous or sinful—particularly through horror films and morality tales. These narratives serve as cautionary tales that seek to restore moral order by demonizing sexual liberation, thus linking the counterculture's rejection of traditional authority with supernatural notions of sin and punishment.

The 1978 horror film "Halloween," as discussed in the documentary linked below, exemplifies this connection between sex, sin, and societal fears rooted in religious morality. In "Halloween," the character of Michael Myers embodies pure evil—an entity driven by inexplicable, primal violence often linked to themes of sexual repression and moral failure. The film's portrayal of the killer aligns with the idea of sin manifesting physically, and its narrative suggests that immoral behavior, particularly related to sexuality, leads to chaos and punishment. The conservative messaging surrounding "Halloween" underscores how horror films of the late 20th century often serve as moral commentaries rooted in religious tradition, warning against moral decay and societal breakdown.

In conclusion, American supernatural thrillers manipulate Western Christianity's moral codes by portraying sex and morality as interconnected in a cosmic or supernatural framework. These films act as cultural extensions of religious morality, warning audiences of the spiritual and social consequences of immoral behavior. Rooted in the socio-cultural upheavals of the 1960s counterculture, such narratives seek to reinforce traditional moral boundaries, linking sexuality to sin, judgment, and societal order. Movies like "It Follows" and "Halloween" exemplify these themes, illustrating how religious morality continues to shape contemporary horror narratives while reflecting broader societal anxieties about morality, sexuality, and social cohesion.

References

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