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‍Religion, Theology and Stranger Things: Studies from the Upside Down on Evil, Ethics, Horror, and Hope brings interdisciplinary analysis to the teeming spiritual side of the hit television series. With chapters from social scientists, historians, theologians, and Biblical scholars, the volume addresses the many different theological, religious, and supernatural themes present in the fictional world of Hawkins, Indiana. From spiritualism to secularism, Mormon gender norms to monsters of abnormality, rock & roll to Dungeons & Dragons, an international list of scholars come together to argue that imaginative realms like the one created by the Duffer brothers can serve to showcase and to scrutinize the common impulses and needs of our culture and ourselves. To venture into the darkness of the Upside Down is to venture into the depths of human experience. This volume explores the shadows and suggests a few paths back into the light.

The book launch will feature work by a range of scholars from a range of academic disciplines engaging with the pop cultural phenomenon of a Netflix streaming show. Some of the essays draw on wisdom from the social sciences and discuss themes important for religious studies, while others are grounded in theology, engaged with Scripture, and keenly “alert to our cultural moment” through close readings/viewings of this television show.

The event will include a range of international scholars, some very well known within their disciplines, who will join us either in person or on Zoom. You will be able to meet and speak to the editors of the book physically - Andrew J. Byers and Adam J. Powell. We look forward to welcoming you both in person at Ridley Hall and online on Zoom!

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