Should Christians Watch Horror? House of David Writer N.D. Wilson Responds

Should Christians Watch Horror? House of David Writer N.D. Wilson Responds

November 2, 2026 · 41 min

Should Christians watch horror movies or read scary stories? N. D. Wilson, author of Ashtown Burials and an early contributor to House of David, joins Pastor Tim Hatch on The Deep End to challenge a common assumption: just because a story is frightening doesn't mean it is ungodly.

Wilson argues that God Himself tells frightening stories—and that stories involving danger, suffering, and darkness can teach courage, sacrifice, and redemption.

Responding to a Christian debate involving Allie Beth Stuckey, Wilson explains the difference between stories that glorify evil and stories that prepare us to confront it. From the terrifying events of the Old Testament to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Scripture does not hide the reality of evil. But darkness never gets the final word.

Wilson also shares insights from his involvement in the early development of House of David, explains why biblical characters should not be reduced to sanitized Sunday school lessons, and discusses how his Ashtown Burials fantasy series seeks to strengthen readers through redemptive storytelling.

**IN THIS EPISODE:**

- Should Christians watch horror movies or read scary books?

- Why N. D. Wilson says God tells frightening stories

- The Christian debate over fear, horror, and entertainment

- The difference between glorifying evil and overcoming darkness

- How scary stories can teach courage, sacrifice, and perseverance

- Why biblical storytelling shouldn't sanitize suffering or sin

- Behind the scenes of House of David and portraying King David realistically

- Ashtown Burials, The Silent Bells, and redemptive Christian fantasy

**📚 EXPLORE N. D. WILSON'S BOOKS**

Discover Ashtown Burials, N. D. Wilson's four-book fantasy adventure series, including its concluding volume, The Silent Bells.

https://ashtownburials.com/

**⏱️ CHAPTERS**

**📖 SCRIPTURE REFERENCED & DISCUSSED**

John 1:5 — The light shines in the darkness

Luke 16:19–31 — The rich man and Lazarus

2 Kings 6:15–17 — Elisha and the heavenly army

Matthew 2:13–18 — Herod's massacre of the children

John 19–20 — The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ

**💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION**

Can a frightening story actually strengthen Christian faith? How do you distinguish between stories that celebrate darkness and stories that show good overcoming evil?

Share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more biblical conversations on The Deep End with Pastor Tim Hatch.

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