This is a collection of new essays on the religious themes in, and the implications of, the works of Joss Whedon, creator of such shows as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly, and more recently writer and director of the box-office hit Marvel's The Avengers. The book addresses such topics as ethics, racism, feminism, politics, witchcraft, spiritual transformation, identity, community, heroism, apocalypse, and other theologically significant themes of Whedon's creative enterprises. The disciplinary approaches vary as well; history, theology, philosophy of religion, phenomenology, cultural studies, and religious studies are all employed. The various essay authors differ in that some are clearly believers in God, some are clearly not, and others leave that matter aside.
Anthony R. Mills received his Ph.D. in theology and culture and lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. He contributes to
www.poptheology.com and blogs at
transgressivespaces.blogspot.com .
John W. Morehead is an independent scholar who specializes in new religious movements, the intersection of religion and popular culture, and interreligious conflict. He lives in Syracuse, Utah.
J. Ryan Parker received a Ph.D. in religion and the arts from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, and a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University. He works in film marketing and publicity, is the founder and executive director of the Mississippi Film Society and the creator of Pop Theology,
www.poptheology.com. He lives in Jackson, Mississippi.