The supernatural on TV and in Catholic teaching

Abstract

This dissertation compared and contrasted the supernatural as it is represented in Roman Catholicism, with the supernatural as it is represented in the television shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Content analysis was carried out on the episodes of these two television shows with a view to test three hypotheses, based on the notion that identifying certain key words in the context in which they appear, offers insight into the way the supernatural is perceived. On the basis of the content analysis, in-depth analysis was then carried out on a few select episodes of these two shows and similarities and differences with the Roman Catholic view of the supernatural were identified. This study suggests that while the supernatural in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel and the supernatural in Roman Catholicism are not entirely disparate, there are a great many differences as well. The main difference is the presence of God. While the supernatural in the Roman Catholic faith is defined in relation to God, in the two television shows in question God plays no part in the supernatural whatsoever.