Theology and H.P. Lovecraft engages with the work of horror author H.P. Lovecraft from a theological perspective. With responses ranging from admiration to critique, the contributors explore the dark uncharted regions of Lovecraft’s dark mythology in the service of theological truth.

While still relatively unknown to the general public, early twentieth century American horror author H.P. Lovecraft left an indelible stamp upon popular culture. Images of tentacled horrors, forbidden tomes, and protagonists struggling against the insanity that comes with the revelation of the terrible truth of reality–Lovecraft pioneered all of these. Best known for his short story “The Call of Cthulhu,” Lovecraft instantiated his philosophy of cosmicism into every one of his tales.

This collection of fourteen essays is the first sustained academic engagement with horror author H.P. Lovecraft from a theological perspective. Covering the major themes of Lovecraft's work such as nihilism, xenophobia, dark cults, and unimaginable horrors beyond the stars, the book is divided into five sections corresponding to each of the divisions of theology: biblical, historical, systematic, practical, and comparative. With responses ranging from admiration to critique, the contributors explore the dark uncharted regions of Lovecraft’s dark mythology in the service of theological truth.

Introduction: The Stars Are Right

Austin M. Freeman

Part I: Lovecraft and Biblical Theology

1. Biblical Cosmicism? Religion and Cosmic Insignificance in Old Testament Wisdom Literature and H. P. Lovecraft

Eric Ortlund

2. Dagon and Idolatry: Lovecraft’s Use of the Bible in “Dagon” and “The Shadow over Innsmouth”

Alexander P. Thompson

3. Concerning the Hidden God Who Surpasses All Understanding: Lovecraftian Meditations on Christian Theodicy

David K. Goodin

Part II: Lovecraft and Historical Theology

4. “A Dark Poem”: Lovecraft’s Puritan Aesthetics and the Vice of Curiosity

Geoffrey Reiter

5. August Derleth and the Christianization of the Cthulhu Mythos

J.S. Mackley

6. The Lurker at the Threshold of Interpretation: August Derleth and the Debate over Lovecraftian Dualism

Justin Mullis

Part III: Lovecraft and Systematic Theology

7. When God Goes Mad: Lovecraft, Von Balthasar, and the Split between Transcendence and Goodness

Lyle Enright and Nick Bennett

8. One God Further: Lovecraft and the Critique of Ontotheology

Ryan G. Duns

9. Mythos and Mythopoeia: Lovecraft and Tolkien on the Transcendent Function of Fantasy

Austin M. Freeman

Part IV: Lovecraft and Pastoral Theology

10. Haunted Steeples and Horrible Peoples: Church and Cult in Lovecraft

Neal Foster

11. Lovecraft’s Gods: Cosmic Anxiety and Racist Hatred

Michael Spence

12. Sudden Onset Belief: The Brutality of Conversion in Lovecraft’s Stories

Robert Grant Price

Part V: Lovecraft and Other Religions

13. Lovecraft the Pagan?: Lovecraft and Classical Religion

Katherine Kelaidis

14. Prophet of the Mythos: H.P. Lovecraft, Muḥammad, and Arabic Scriptures

Andrew J. O’Connor