Erotic Ritual in Literature and Film / Literature and Film as Erotic Ritual

This panel will explore the uses of erotic ritual in literature and film, as well as the ways in which the viewing of literature and film on this topic might itself serve as a transformative ritual for its audience. We will consider literature and film within their historical and cultural context, with the understanding that writing about erotic ritual often arises out of existing ritual practices, and that literature and film may also act as missionizing tools for the practices and values they portray.

Kent L. Brintnall, Emory University: "What hath Bataille to do with Gibson?: The (Homo)erotics of the Male-Body-in-Pain in _The Passion of the Christ_"

Christine Hoff Kraemer, Boston University: "From Het Polarity to Queer Eros: The Development of Ritual Sex in the 20th Century Novel "

George Popham, Boston University: "Manichaeism and Ritualized Satanic Sexuality in Film: The Prince of Darkness's Biological Portal to World Domination"

Shaher-Bano Nousheen Yousuf, Boston University: "To Live and Love in the Spirit of Christ:Bridal Mysticism in Mechthild of Magdeburg and Marie of the Incarnation"