The following sources have been reviewed and utilized to shape the arguments and themes I will be making to communicate both the obvious and underlying presence of religion found within HBO's television series True Blood. Additional sources will be added to this page as further research is conducted.
Academic Books:
Erickson, Gregory. "Drink in Remembrance of Me: Blood, Bodies and Divine Absence in True Blood." True Blood: Investigating Vampires and Southern Gothic. Ed. Brigid Cherry. London: I.B. Tauris, 2012. 75-77. Print.
This text demonstrates the idea that although there are numerous forms of Christianity and religion found throughout True Blood, the show tends to not conform to traditional religious notions. Rather, characters and their acts are utilized to present religious themes in non-conformists ways -- through sex, drugs, violence, etc. This piece will prove useful when looking at exactly how religion is presented in True Blood.
Hall, Melissa Mia. "True Blood." Encyclopedia of the Vampire the Living Dead in Myth, Legend, and Popular Culture. Ed. S.T. Joshi. Santa Barbara: Greenwood, 2011. 329-330. Print.
This text discusses the adaptation of True Blood by Alan Ball and how he presents the anti-vampire movement in the second season. Commentary suggests that this represents the homophobia that is present in organized religion, whether it be through the church or a form of paganism. Elements of fear and hate for vampires throughout the series alludes to a metaphor for homophobia that exists in the Southern states and elsewhere. Sections from this book will be useful when conducting a critical analysis of the presence of religion in the opening sequence of the show, and the comparison between queer and vampire rights.
Amador, Victoria. “The Gothic Louisiana of Charlaine Harris and Anne Rice.” The modern vampire and human identity. Ed. Deborah Mutch. First ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013. 163-176. Print.
This piece discusses the Sookie Stackhouse novels (and the translation into True Blood) of the understood American identity of the hard-working Protestant, which vision can be altered by sexuality, gender, race, etc -- all of which are present and are challenged in the series. This text will be beneficial to give background on the Sookie Stackhouse literary series, as well as the way in which the Protestant identity is confronted.
Academic Articles:
Atkinson, Andrew. "When You Walk Through the Garden: HBO and the Cross Pressures of Post-Secular Humanism." The Journal of Religion and Popular Culture 24.3 (2012): 393-404. Print.
This article discusses the character of Godric and how earlier he represents the urges of humanity as a monster, but later sacrifices himself in order to protect the members of the vampire community. The author compares Godric to Gandhi as a “vampire saint” and discusses the belief of God in Godric’s last words before he sacrifices himself. This text will be essential in understanding the development of the character of Godric and how he made the shift from a vampire with outwardly violent and gruesome actions, to Eric's maker with a near angelic appearance.
Braun, Heather L. . "Vampire God: The Allure of the Undead in Western Culture." Religion & the Arts 14.3 (2010): 347-348. Print.
Within this text, the author presents the idea that Mary Hallab’s book Vampire God makes the argument that traditional culture surrounding vampires separates good and evil, sex and death, and the natural and the supernatural. This article is helpful in that it clarifies the way True Blood challenges this traditional model by combining all of these elements, including religion which is mixed with numerous other themes.
Hudson, Dale. ""Of Course There Are Werewolves and Vampires": True Blood and the Right to Rights for Other Species." American Quarterly 65.3 (2013): 661-687. Print.
This article aids in understanding the mix of religious and sacreligious themes that are present throughout the show and within the opening sequence, contradicting each other. The author presents the idea that the white represent fundamentalist Christianity, while the black represent reform churches. The character of Jesus, his mix of Spanish, indigenous religion and Christianity, and Lafayette’s abilities to communicate with him as a medium are also presented.
Marrati, Paola. "True Blood, Bon Temps, Lousiana 2008-2012." MLN 127.5 (2012): 981-996. Print.
This article provides knowledge on the battle by the American Vampire League for vampires rights in America, against The Fellowship of the Sun. It is explained that for this military-like group, vampires deserve the wrath of God and must face the ultimate death. The author elaborates on the idea of a suicide bomber that is introduced to kill vampires, which deals with self-sacrifice and dying to protect others (similar to the actions of Jesus in the Bible).
Mutch, Deborah. "Coming Out of the Coffin: The Vampire and Transnationalism in the Twilight and Sookie Stackhouse Series." Critical Survey 23.2 (2011): 75-90. Print.
This article discusses the groupings of people and supernatural beings that are found within Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse novels, which the True Blood series is based upon. This author gives valuable insight to the idea that the Fellowship of the Sun as evangelical, but contains elements of military and the Klu Klux Klan to enforce power over the vampires.
Internet Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Blood
This page takes an in-depth look at the presence of religion in the opening sequence of the show. This will be useful as it depicts how the theme of religious forgiveness is displayed, in that the sequence moves from day into night, ending in baptism and ultimately being cleansed of sin. It also elaborates on the images of rebirth by exorcism.
http://judaism.about.com/b/2012/06/18/was-lilith-a-vampire-jewish-mythology-on-hbos-true-blood.htm
This article gives background on the spiritual entity of Lilith. This page gives context on the idea that within the Vampire Authority, Lilith is idolized and was created in the image of God, while she was depicted as Adam’s first wife (before Eve) in the Book of Genesis and is found in Jewish texts. Vampires are of the belief that she has acted as God and put humans on earth as food.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithforward/2010/04/vampires-define-them-the-portrayal-of-religion-in-true-blood/#comments
This blog post exemplifies the presence of religious hypocrisy within True Blood, particularly in relation to the characters within The Fellowship of the Sun. It provides context to specific examples, like how the people of Bon Temps frown upon the sexual deviance of vampires but these views do not influence their own actions i.e., adultery.
http://playinggodwithmonsters.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/true-blood-undead-religion-and-the-politics-of-fear/
This blog post discusses the reversal of what the public in True Blood deems as “good” (religion) and “evil” (vampires). This is useful as it is demonstrated that through The Fellowship of the Sun, Steve Newlin and his army of religious followers seek to kill vampires in the name of God and commit other unchristian, violent acts.
http://religionandmediacourse.blogspot.ca/2009/08/metaphor-critical-review-of-true-blood.html
This article gives knowledge on the notion of fundamentalism that is present in True Blood. Insight is provided on the strict, religious practice followed by those within The Fellowship of The Sun. Provides perception on the hate that religious individuals project upon vampires and their rights, in close comparison to the experiences of queer individuals.
http://religionandmediacourse.blogspot.ca/2010/08/true-blood-vs-buffy-vampire-slayer.html
This blog post explores the True Blood opening sequence and the religious images and themes present. There are images of sexual corruption contrasted with religious themes of redemption, images of praise within the Pentecostal church, crosses, and the “God hates fangs” sign. These specific examples provide context to the religious undertones found in the opening sequence.
http://religionviolenceandpeace.blogspot.ca/2009/08/review-assignment-religious-violence-in.html
This blog post explains The Fellowship of the Sun’s uncompromising position toward vampires and how it compares to queer rights, or lack there of. It also provides context of The Fellowship of the Sun’s ‘leadership camp’, which is seemingly like an army to do God’s work. In addition, this post also touches on the character of Maryann’s presence as a pagan creature, a Maenad.
http://www.trueblood-online.com/the-goodness-of-godric/
This blog post looks at the etymology behind the name of the character Godric which obviously contains the word “God” and translates to mean “power of God”. Another section gives insight on his first appearance in the series in contrast to his presence in later as his actions and physical appearance move from devilish to angelic.
http://trueblood.wikia.com/wiki/Adele_Stackhouse
This page provides in-depth information on Adele Stackhouse (Gran) as she appears as a spiritual figure in the latter parts of the series. Emphasis is placed on her ironic involvement with the Descendants of the Glorious Dead, where she invites a vampire in to speak at the church, displaying her accepting Christian traits.
http://www.watchthetitles.com/articles/00131-true_blood
This page outlines the making of the series' opening sequence, including the ideas behind it and how they created it. It also includes a valuable interview with the concept co-creator. This page provides a good understanding of the thought process that went into the making of the opening sequences and how sexual images are used to contrast religious ones to represent sin versus redemption.
Academic Books:
Erickson, Gregory. "Drink in Remembrance of Me: Blood, Bodies and Divine Absence in True Blood." True Blood: Investigating Vampires and Southern Gothic. Ed. Brigid Cherry. London: I.B. Tauris, 2012. 75-77. Print.
This text demonstrates the idea that although there are numerous forms of Christianity and religion found throughout True Blood, the show tends to not conform to traditional religious notions. Rather, characters and their acts are utilized to present religious themes in non-conformists ways -- through sex, drugs, violence, etc. This piece will prove useful when looking at exactly how religion is presented in True Blood.
Hall, Melissa Mia. "True Blood." Encyclopedia of the Vampire the Living Dead in Myth, Legend, and Popular Culture. Ed. S.T. Joshi. Santa Barbara: Greenwood, 2011. 329-330. Print.
This text discusses the adaptation of True Blood by Alan Ball and how he presents the anti-vampire movement in the second season. Commentary suggests that this represents the homophobia that is present in organized religion, whether it be through the church or a form of paganism. Elements of fear and hate for vampires throughout the series alludes to a metaphor for homophobia that exists in the Southern states and elsewhere. Sections from this book will be useful when conducting a critical analysis of the presence of religion in the opening sequence of the show, and the comparison between queer and vampire rights.
Amador, Victoria. “The Gothic Louisiana of Charlaine Harris and Anne Rice.” The modern vampire and human identity. Ed. Deborah Mutch. First ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013. 163-176. Print.
This piece discusses the Sookie Stackhouse novels (and the translation into True Blood) of the understood American identity of the hard-working Protestant, which vision can be altered by sexuality, gender, race, etc -- all of which are present and are challenged in the series. This text will be beneficial to give background on the Sookie Stackhouse literary series, as well as the way in which the Protestant identity is confronted.
Academic Articles:
Atkinson, Andrew. "When You Walk Through the Garden: HBO and the Cross Pressures of Post-Secular Humanism." The Journal of Religion and Popular Culture 24.3 (2012): 393-404. Print.
This article discusses the character of Godric and how earlier he represents the urges of humanity as a monster, but later sacrifices himself in order to protect the members of the vampire community. The author compares Godric to Gandhi as a “vampire saint” and discusses the belief of God in Godric’s last words before he sacrifices himself. This text will be essential in understanding the development of the character of Godric and how he made the shift from a vampire with outwardly violent and gruesome actions, to Eric's maker with a near angelic appearance.
Braun, Heather L. . "Vampire God: The Allure of the Undead in Western Culture." Religion & the Arts 14.3 (2010): 347-348. Print.
Within this text, the author presents the idea that Mary Hallab’s book Vampire God makes the argument that traditional culture surrounding vampires separates good and evil, sex and death, and the natural and the supernatural. This article is helpful in that it clarifies the way True Blood challenges this traditional model by combining all of these elements, including religion which is mixed with numerous other themes.
Hudson, Dale. ""Of Course There Are Werewolves and Vampires": True Blood and the Right to Rights for Other Species." American Quarterly 65.3 (2013): 661-687. Print.
This article aids in understanding the mix of religious and sacreligious themes that are present throughout the show and within the opening sequence, contradicting each other. The author presents the idea that the white represent fundamentalist Christianity, while the black represent reform churches. The character of Jesus, his mix of Spanish, indigenous religion and Christianity, and Lafayette’s abilities to communicate with him as a medium are also presented.
Marrati, Paola. "True Blood, Bon Temps, Lousiana 2008-2012." MLN 127.5 (2012): 981-996. Print.
This article provides knowledge on the battle by the American Vampire League for vampires rights in America, against The Fellowship of the Sun. It is explained that for this military-like group, vampires deserve the wrath of God and must face the ultimate death. The author elaborates on the idea of a suicide bomber that is introduced to kill vampires, which deals with self-sacrifice and dying to protect others (similar to the actions of Jesus in the Bible).
Mutch, Deborah. "Coming Out of the Coffin: The Vampire and Transnationalism in the Twilight and Sookie Stackhouse Series." Critical Survey 23.2 (2011): 75-90. Print.
This article discusses the groupings of people and supernatural beings that are found within Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse novels, which the True Blood series is based upon. This author gives valuable insight to the idea that the Fellowship of the Sun as evangelical, but contains elements of military and the Klu Klux Klan to enforce power over the vampires.
Internet Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Blood
This page takes an in-depth look at the presence of religion in the opening sequence of the show. This will be useful as it depicts how the theme of religious forgiveness is displayed, in that the sequence moves from day into night, ending in baptism and ultimately being cleansed of sin. It also elaborates on the images of rebirth by exorcism.
http://judaism.about.com/b/2012/06/18/was-lilith-a-vampire-jewish-mythology-on-hbos-true-blood.htm
This article gives background on the spiritual entity of Lilith. This page gives context on the idea that within the Vampire Authority, Lilith is idolized and was created in the image of God, while she was depicted as Adam’s first wife (before Eve) in the Book of Genesis and is found in Jewish texts. Vampires are of the belief that she has acted as God and put humans on earth as food.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithforward/2010/04/vampires-define-them-the-portrayal-of-religion-in-true-blood/#comments
This blog post exemplifies the presence of religious hypocrisy within True Blood, particularly in relation to the characters within The Fellowship of the Sun. It provides context to specific examples, like how the people of Bon Temps frown upon the sexual deviance of vampires but these views do not influence their own actions i.e., adultery.
http://playinggodwithmonsters.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/true-blood-undead-religion-and-the-politics-of-fear/
This blog post discusses the reversal of what the public in True Blood deems as “good” (religion) and “evil” (vampires). This is useful as it is demonstrated that through The Fellowship of the Sun, Steve Newlin and his army of religious followers seek to kill vampires in the name of God and commit other unchristian, violent acts.
http://religionandmediacourse.blogspot.ca/2009/08/metaphor-critical-review-of-true-blood.html
This article gives knowledge on the notion of fundamentalism that is present in True Blood. Insight is provided on the strict, religious practice followed by those within The Fellowship of The Sun. Provides perception on the hate that religious individuals project upon vampires and their rights, in close comparison to the experiences of queer individuals.
http://religionandmediacourse.blogspot.ca/2010/08/true-blood-vs-buffy-vampire-slayer.html
This blog post explores the True Blood opening sequence and the religious images and themes present. There are images of sexual corruption contrasted with religious themes of redemption, images of praise within the Pentecostal church, crosses, and the “God hates fangs” sign. These specific examples provide context to the religious undertones found in the opening sequence.
http://religionviolenceandpeace.blogspot.ca/2009/08/review-assignment-religious-violence-in.html
This blog post explains The Fellowship of the Sun’s uncompromising position toward vampires and how it compares to queer rights, or lack there of. It also provides context of The Fellowship of the Sun’s ‘leadership camp’, which is seemingly like an army to do God’s work. In addition, this post also touches on the character of Maryann’s presence as a pagan creature, a Maenad.
http://www.trueblood-online.com/the-goodness-of-godric/
This blog post looks at the etymology behind the name of the character Godric which obviously contains the word “God” and translates to mean “power of God”. Another section gives insight on his first appearance in the series in contrast to his presence in later as his actions and physical appearance move from devilish to angelic.
http://trueblood.wikia.com/wiki/Adele_Stackhouse
This page provides in-depth information on Adele Stackhouse (Gran) as she appears as a spiritual figure in the latter parts of the series. Emphasis is placed on her ironic involvement with the Descendants of the Glorious Dead, where she invites a vampire in to speak at the church, displaying her accepting Christian traits.
http://www.watchthetitles.com/articles/00131-true_blood
This page outlines the making of the series' opening sequence, including the ideas behind it and how they created it. It also includes a valuable interview with the concept co-creator. This page provides a good understanding of the thought process that went into the making of the opening sequences and how sexual images are used to contrast religious ones to represent sin versus redemption.