Religion and The Uncanny


As we move into Unit 2, the “uncanny” was something I was interested in blogging about. After reading part I of Sigmund Freud’s essay “The Uncanny,” I realized the “uncanniness” of religion. In his introduction, Freud writes that “the ‘uncanny’ is that class of the terrifying which leads back to something long known to us, once very familiar” (Freud 1). After reading Freud’s description, I came to realize how it applies to religion and culture. Particularly how “uncanny” religion is portrayed in film. Movies such as The Exorcist, The Conjuring, and The Nun, all add an element of terror to religion. As someone who is religious, I can confidently say that there’s aspects of my religion (Catholicism) that terrify me. Most times after watching horror movies that revolve around religion, I’ll keep watch that all the crosses in my house aren’t turned upside down. Religion is something that is so familiar to people. That’s what makes horror movies so “uncanny.” It’s the element of twisting something so familiar and safe into something so dark and demonic. Catholicism teaches of Saints and Angels. Most Christians, however, are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with them. Just like the Protestants and Catholics, Christians can also feel unfamiliar within Catholicism.