A Response to Rachel V's "A serial killer and God walk into a bar..."

A response to Rachel V's entry:A serial killer and God walk into a bar

 Rachel, I found your entry about Dexter and its relation to the as you noted the "multi-dimensional approaches [of] studying the relationship between Christianity and pop culture," really intriguing and unique.


I find Dexter's reasoning for killing people he perceives as deserving to die due to the torture they've inflicted upon others, an intriguing representation of a moral debate. Moreover, I find the inclusion of Christianity and another serial killer who utilizes Scripture as motivation and justification for his crimes, an interesting addition to a show about a likeable, or as you stated, "loveable" serial killer. I also think Dexter's own internal debate about what to teach his son in regards to religion, very relatable and relevant, as many people struggle with coming to terms with their religious beliefs in today's modern world that is wrought with many influential social forces.

As you noted, many people would find using Christianity in a show like Dexter, which is overflowing with violent, sexual, and corruptible undercurrents, offensive. However, I find including Christianity among these other themes is simply realistic. These other themes are themes that have always occurred throughout history and are important forces that drive some people to respond in opposition of these actions centered upon violence and crime with love, benevolence, and other more 'positive' stances in life.

 I agree with your belief that the inclusion of Christianity among the other, more darker themes in Dexter is an example of how popular culture and religion can be used together in such a way that creates a positive outcome. By portraying the violence and destructive ways of deviant members of society, particular that of serial killers, the show reveals the importance of justice and the importance of asserting positive forms of human nature such as love and kindness, in today's society that is often ridden with evil forces such as crime.


I do not think that it's better to have shows that do not deal with uncanny, dark themes such as violence, as it's best to not sugarcoat the world in our portrayals of it in television shows and films. A more realistic depiction of today's society in television serves a more beneficial function for viewers--- it allows viewers to see the detrimental effects of violence and other destructive human behaviours and gives them the opportunity to reflect on their own behaviour and that of the society they live in.