Beast and Bible
Hosted by Dr. Seth Pierce, Beast & Bible explores the intersection of the “monstrous”, religion, and popular culture. Informed by academic thought, each episode features accessible dialogue that doesn’t fall into sensationalism, conspiracy theories, or the pitfall of becoming blind pop culture apologists. Instead, this show reveals how the study of monsters can help us become better people - maybe even better people of faith.
Listen on:
Episodes
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
22 min
Dr. Pierce speaks with two scholars about an early slasher story...and it's in the Bible. Dr. Rahel Wells and Dr. Brandon Grafius share their takes on the tragic story of the woman in Judges 19.
This is Part 2.
Mar 6, 2023
Mar 6, 2023
19 min
Dr. Pierce speaks with two scholars about an early slasher story...and it's in the Bible. Dr. Rahel Wells and Dr. Brandon Grafius share their takes on the tragic story of the woman in Judges 19.
This is Part 1.
Feb 20, 2023
Feb 20, 2023
27 min
What do Jesuits and wereloves have to do with each other? Dr. Pierce sits down with Dr. Emily Zarka from PBS' Monstrum to find out...
Feb 6, 2023
Feb 6, 2023
22 min
In Part 2 of Interview with a Scholar, Dr. Seth Pierce and Dr. Jeffrey Cohen talk about how religion intersects with Monster Theory.
Show Notes:
Find Dr. Cohen on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/jeffreyjcohen
Or on his website: https://www.jeffreyjeromecohen.com/
Jan 23, 2023
Jan 23, 2023
33 min
In this episode, Dr. Pierce interviews the preeminent scholar on Monster Theory, Dr. Jeffrey Cohen.
This is Part 1.
Dec 12, 2022
Dec 12, 2022
21 min
In this episode, Dr. Pierce walks us through the basics of monster theory and how to "read" monsters in sacred and popular texts.
View a transcript of this episode here: https://share.descript.com/view/SlvlgD6T9aW
Works Mentioned
The Hobbit (TV Movie 1977)
The Hobbit narrated by Nicol Wilianson (1974 Vinyl)
“The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins” by Leonard Nimoy
Monster Theory: Reading Culture by Jeffrey Cohen
Brahm Stroker’s Dracula (1992), directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Dracula (2020)
Prey (2022)
Predator (1987)
Jaws (1975)
Jaws 2 (1978)
Jaws 3-D (1983)
Hereford Mappa Mundi
Jurassic Park (1993)
Alien (1979)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Nov 28, 2022
Nov 28, 2022
24 min
What does holiness have to do with horror? Dr. Pierce explains the surprising connection in this episode.
Works Mentioned
Casper (1995)
Tasmanian Devil (Looney Toones)
Scooby-Doo, Where are You? (1969)
Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022)
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983)
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Nov 14, 2022
Nov 14, 2022
31 min
Dr. Pierce shares his philosophy of monster hunting that prevents us from becoming monsters ourselves.
Works Mentioned
Pokemon Go (Video Game, 2016)
Why ‘Pokemon Go’ Is Taking Over the World | NBC Nightly News Report
Pokemon Go | What You Need to Know - ABC News Report
Frankenstein (1931)
Weekend Update: Debbie Hole and Stacey Bussy on Disney's Hocus Pocus 2 - SNL
Satanic Panic
Michelle Remembers (Book)
Black Panther (2018)
The Victorian Ghost Story and Theology: From Le Fanu to James by Zoe Lehmann Imfeld
Worst Missed Field Goals of All Time | NFL
Midsomer Murders (1997)
Poltergeist (1982)
Elden Ring (Video Game, 2022)
Transformers (2007)
John Williams(Composer)
Hanz Zimmer (Composer)
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
Hi! I'm Dr. Seth Pierce.