How Horror Movies Created Real Religious Beliefs | Dr. Joseph Laycock

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How much do movies (especially schlocky movies) really shape what we believe?

In this episode of Solomon & Smith, we sit down with religious studies professor Dr. Joe Lacock to talk about how horror films like The Exorcist didn’t just reflect culture—they changed it.

We speak about the rise of modern exorcisms, figures like the Bradys (infleunce for the Conjuring franchise) the spread of the satanic panic, and other conspiracy theories, such as the Lizard people. We break down the surprising feedback loop between pop culture and real-world belief systems.

How does entertainment quietly influence how millions of people see reality itself?

What We Cover:

How The Exorcist influenced real exorcism practices

Why satanic panic took off in America

The link between horror films and religious belief

How media shapes fear, faith, and conspiracy thinking

Why educated people aren’t immune to these effects