Goths and God
Theological Reflections on a Subculture
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20242582 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Roger Latham, Roger Allonby Latham (corresponding author) |
| Year | 2014 |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 280-292 |
| Publication date | 2014-12-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Practical Theology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1756-073X • E-ISSN: 1756-0748 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1179/1756073x14z.00000000047 |
| OpenAlex | W1525632331 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 8 |
Goth subculture is theologically interesting as a form of cultural expression which co-opts religious language and iconography to engage existential themes of darkness, suffering, and death. Goth’s use of Christian imagery is frequently blasphemous and provocative, but also articulates a commitment to core values of individuality, tolerance, and a reflective engagement with issues of suffering and pain which is life-enhancing rather than life-denying. Goth is also regarded by many participants and analysts as having a spiritual dimension expressed through its post-Christian co-opting of religious imagery. In this respect Goth subculture finds resonance with aspects of Christian tradition, as exemplified by Walter Brueggemann’s interpretation of the prophetic tradition, or Henri Nouwen’s concept of the Wounded Healer. Goth subculture thus offers intriguing prospects for theological engagement with a Christian tradition which finds itself increasingly in a subcultural position vis-à-vis the cultural mainstream
Aesthetics · Art · Art history · Christian tradition · Epistemology · Existentialism · Iconography · Literature · Mainstream · Sociology · Theology · History · Music History and Culture · Philosophy · Religious studies · Social and Cultural Dynamics
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |