Is it spiritually dangerous to enjoy “dark” themed music, literature and films?

[Therese20]

This may seem like a silly question, maybe even scrupulous in nature, but it’s something I’ve always wondered about. Is it morally wrong to be naturally drawn to arts of a dark nature, such as vampire or supernatural-themed films and literature? Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve found myself attracted to the supernatural, then as a teenager I enjoyed music such as Tori Amos, etc. I still watch, on occasion, series about the paranormal, etc. I don’t engage in those activities or truly believe in vampires or the occult, etc., and am not considered “goth” in my attire. I’ve just always been naturally drawn to these “dark” themes and find them romantic and beautiful. I do enjoy other forms of entertainment as well, so this propensity to watch/ listen to dark music and films isn’t excessive. What are your thoughts? Is it detrimental to one’s soul?

 

[ProdglArchitect]

I think it has to do with where you are spiritually.

If you’re secure in your faith and you recognize that the events in most paranormal movies are fiction, then I think there’s really no issue. The macabre isn’t foreign to Catholicism (there’s at least one church entirely decorated in human bones, not to mention some of the Catholic artwork that’s out there), and the church has always placed an emphasis on recognizing and preparing for death.

However, I’ve also heard very compelling arguments about why it’s not a good idea to hold any fascination with such things, and if you’re struggling in your faith at all then I would recommend avoiding them completely, if only out of an abundance of caution.

 

[CelticWarlord]

I’ve just always been naturally drawn to these “dark” themes and find them romantic and beautiful

I agree with the ProdglArchitect here;

If you’re secure in your faith and you recognize that the events in most paranormal movies are fiction, then I think there’s really no issue

If you find beauty in things that others may be horrified of, that need never be a concern for you. Early in my Christian walk, back in the early 1970’s, I became hugely attracted to the music of Black Sabbath. It never caused me to think differently for even a moment about my faith, it was purely entertainment. I have been a Christian all my life and been drawn to any number of genre’s of pop culture. They add to the sum of what I am and have experienced. They take nothing away from my love for God or the Catholic Church.