Biblical Epics and American Postwar Society, Episode 1

This episode investigates the effect of the Cold War on biblical epics. We discuss the Red Scare, and the closely-related Lavender Scare, and how Hollywood films were enlisted to use religion against them. In two biblical blockbusters of the era, four villains embody the twin fears of communism and the infiltration of gays and lesbians and other “deviants” in government. Biblical film experts are David Blanke, Matthew Page, and Adele Reinhartz. For more information on the movie posters referenced in this episode, go to dspt.edu/movie-posters-podcast