Can You Write a Good Horror Story Without Risking Your Faith?

On the many challenges of writing a horror story from a Catholic perspective

As a writer, I have explored various genres that can express both my imagination and my Catholic beliefs. I have written love stories, inspirational plots as well as children’s stories set in a fantasy world. But one genre I have yet to explore is horror, and I want to try that, too!

My concern right now is “how”. How do I write a horror story without undermining my faith?

I asked this because I watched so many horror movies that seem to do just that. While there are some stories that can delve into the unknown, there are so many stories that seem to depict false beliefs when it comes to the truth as we Catholics believe it.

For one thing, ghost stories that intend to scare people seem to be written in such a way that it ignores our Catholic belief that ghosts rarely return to talk to the living. People go to heaven, hell or purgatory after death. They are not allowed to stay and cause harm and terror in the world.

If there are ever instances of the dead returning, they are few and rare. It may be that some souls in purgatory are given a chance to appear to their loved ones so that they could pray for them. It can also be that the departed are holy souls in heaven who have a good intention in making their presence known again. But those in hell, those who are most likely to cause havoc, will never be allowed to do so. They are, after all, already receiving their due punishment and are not allowed to perform more evil deeds.

Another theme that is often exploited is the occult such as the use of Ouija boards and consulting fortune tellers. We know that this is wrong, but such are often included without showing the consequences of engaging in these practices.

Still another theme that comes to mind is the possession of evil spirits. While exorcism rituals are shown, they are often depicted in a negative light. Here, the power of evil is often shown to be greater than the power that comes from good, from God.

Considering the above, it will indeed be a challenge to write horror stories from a Catholic perspective.

However, not writing one because of the difficulty doesn’t seem right as well. I think that this is a theme that can be powerful when it comes to connecting with other people. And because of this, there is also a great opportunity to influence people for the better.

If you would also like to write a horror story while mitigating the possible risks to your Christian beliefs, here are some of the things I recommend:

1. Respect God

Don’t write a story that blasphemes God. While there may be characters that challenge one’s belief in God, the overall effect of the story should not encourage the reader to disrespect or mock God.

2. Limit the powers of evil

Don’t show evil to be far more powerful than the forces of good. Even if you can write a plot with a great struggle against the forces of evil, it should not be shown as though being good or holy is also being weak or powerless.

3. Be careful when it comes to exorcism scenes

The possession of evil spirits is a serious matter that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Do your research so that you know what really goes on during exorcism rituals. Avoid false ideas that can put people at risk when it comes to dealing with evil spirits.

4. Show the spiritual risks when it comes to the occult

Don’t use occult practices as tools for your hero to defeat evil. Show instead that evil consequences comes from these practices.

5. Consult with an expert such as a real exorcist

If there are areas you’re very doubtful of, don’t hesitate to consult experts that can help you clarify your concerns.

6. Give due reverence for the sacraments

Let the readers know the power of the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist.

7. Show the horrors of sin

Instead of focusing only on external horrors, show the true horrors of sin and how it can affect our souls.

8. Give a lesson to remember

Stories should incorporate morals that help people live better lives. This is a great opportunity to influence your readers to draw closer to God and the sacraments.

9. Use religious symbols with respect

Don’t use religious symbols only for mere decoration. Show the rightful use of crucifixes, holy water and other sacramentals like the rosary as channels of God’s power against evil. Don’t use them in a superstitious or disrespectful way.

10. Show the importance of prayer

Many movies today rarely show the true power of prayer. The characters do all sorts of things externally but fail to make that act of faith within through prayer and trusting God. Let at least some of your characters show the power of prayer when it comes to overcoming evil.

Our Opportunity In Writing Horror Stories

It isn’t easy to write horror stories when you’re coming from a Catholic perspective. But this is our opportunity to remind people that there is another world and an unseen battle between good and evil.

Fill your stories then with light, hope and redemption. Show that no matter how difficult it may be, goodness and light will triumph in the end.

“Even when they explore the darkest depths of the soul or the most unsettling aspects of evil, artists give voice in a way to the universal desire for redemption.” (Pope John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 10)

“The novelist with Christian concerns will find in modern life distortions which are repugnant to him, and his problem will be to make these appear as distortions to an audience which is used to seeing them as natural; and he may well be forced to take ever more violent means to get his vision across to this hostile audience. When you can assume that your audience holds the same beliefs you do, you can relax a little and use more normal ways of talking to it; when you have to assume that it does not, then you have to make your vision apparent by shock -- to the hard of hearing you shout, and for the almost blind you draw large and startling figures.”
― Flannery O'Connor

I rely upon God's providence to continue the work of spreading the Good News and inspiring people. Be a channel of blessing and help me work full-time as a Catholic writer.

To support Jocelyn in her “full-time mission” as a Catholic writer, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, buying her books or giving her a tip via Ko-fi.