| Dr. Kim Paffenroth April 14, 2007 |
About Kim Paffenroth
In addition to his other written works, Dr. Paffenroth has
written Gospel of the Living Dead: George A. Romero's
Visions of Hell on Earth (Baylor, 2006), and his zombie novel,
Dying to Live (Permuted, 2007). He grew up in New York,
Virginia, and New Mexico. He attended St. John's College,
Annapolis, MD (BA, 1988), Harvard Divinity School (MTS, 1990),
and the University of Notre Dame (PhD, 1995). Dr. Paffenroth
lives in upstate New York with my wife and two wonderful kids
and teaches religious studies at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY.
Gospel of the Living Dead: George A. Romero's Visions
of Hell on Earth This volume connects American social and
religious views with the classic American movie genre of the
zombie horror film. This study proves that George Romero's films
go beyond the surface experience of repulsion to probe deeper
questions of human nature and purpose, often giving a chilling
and darkly humorous critique of modern, secular America.
Dying to Live: A Novel of Life Among the Undead
Jonah Caine, a lone survivor in a zombie-infested world, struggles
to understand the apocalypse in which he lives. Unable to find a
moral or sane reason for the horror that surrounds him, he is
overwhelmed by violence and insignificance. After wandering for
months, Jonah's lonely existence dramatically changes when he
discovers a group of survivors. Living in a
museum-turned-compound, they are led jointly by Jack, an
ever-practical and efficient military man, and Milton, a mysterious,
quizzical prophet who holds a strange power over the dead.
Both leaders share Jonah's anguish over the brutality of their
world, as well as his hope for its beauty. Together with others,
they build a community that reestablishes an island of order and
humanity surrounded by relentless ghouls. But this newfound
peace is short-lived, as Jonah and his band of refugees clash with
another group of survivors who remind them that the undead
are not the only-nor the most grotesque-horrors they must face.
In addition to his other written works, Dr. Paffenroth has
written Gospel of the Living Dead: George A. Romero's
Visions of Hell on Earth (Baylor, 2006), and his zombie novel,
Dying to Live (Permuted, 2007). He grew up in New York,
Virginia, and New Mexico. He attended St. John's College,
Annapolis, MD (BA, 1988), Harvard Divinity School (MTS, 1990),
and the University of Notre Dame (PhD, 1995). Dr. Paffenroth
lives in upstate New York with my wife and two wonderful kids
and teaches religious studies at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY.
Gospel of the Living Dead: George A. Romero's Visions
of Hell on Earth This volume connects American social and
religious views with the classic American movie genre of the
zombie horror film. This study proves that George Romero's films
go beyond the surface experience of repulsion to probe deeper
questions of human nature and purpose, often giving a chilling
and darkly humorous critique of modern, secular America.
Dying to Live: A Novel of Life Among the Undead
Jonah Caine, a lone survivor in a zombie-infested world, struggles
to understand the apocalypse in which he lives. Unable to find a
moral or sane reason for the horror that surrounds him, he is
overwhelmed by violence and insignificance. After wandering for
months, Jonah's lonely existence dramatically changes when he
discovers a group of survivors. Living in a
museum-turned-compound, they are led jointly by Jack, an
ever-practical and efficient military man, and Milton, a mysterious,
quizzical prophet who holds a strange power over the dead.
Both leaders share Jonah's anguish over the brutality of their
world, as well as his hope for its beauty. Together with others,
they build a community that reestablishes an island of order and
humanity surrounded by relentless ghouls. But this newfound
peace is short-lived, as Jonah and his band of refugees clash with
another group of survivors who remind them that the undead
are not the only-nor the most grotesque-horrors they must face.
Post Meeting Write-up
Face the Fiction welcomed guest speaker Dr. Kim Paffenroth for a
fantastic discussion. Dr. Paffenroth presented to approximately 30
people in the Panera Community Room in Ramsey. One of
those people was our past and future December guest speaker
(and SFSNNJ member) S.E. Schlosser!
The night began at 7:00 with several people arriving early to set
up - once again Jim and Steve had both calendars and the flyer
on Dr. Paffenroth printed out and on each chair for those
attending. This is a nice touch that we've come to look forward
to. The room was set up nicely with a very professional display
of our guests books (I'll guess Todd on that one). A pre-meeting
topic took place with our guest in a meet & greet fashion for
those there. (I wasn't, so Steve can fill-in the topic).
At 8:00 Steve began the meeting with some announcements -
particulalry the one involving Todd and Craig's article "The Art of
Roleplaying" being published in Rifter magazine, as Todd turned
at least 4 different shades of red in the corner - humble - and
gave a very nice intro for our guest. Dr. Paffenroth then took
center stage.
Dr. Paffenroth has written several books, including Gospel of
the Living Dead: George A. Romero's Visions of Hell on
Earth, Dying to Live: A Novel of Life Among the
Undead and The Truth is Out There ( a book focusing on
the SF classics like Star Trek, X-Files, Twilight Zone). He also
teaches at Iona College in Westchester (Gene is alumni!).
Dr. Paffenroth began his presentation by discussing the
symbolism of the zombie in books and movies. He pointed out
that even though "zombies" have existed in literature and lore for
many, many years, it is the Romero films that our concept of
Zombie mythology is based on/influenced by - it is even called
Basic Romero Rules. This was likened to our concept of vampires
being strongly influenced by Stoker's Dracula. He discussed how
the zombie films were Romero's commentary on social, cultural
and symbolic issues. There was a progression in each of the films
and it's strongly indicated that humans are as parasitic as the
zombies (i.e. the evil, cackling Dennis Hopper in Land of the
Dead). Racism is also prevalent in the films.
Many comparisons were made. For example, Dr. Paffenroth told
us his inspiration for Gospel of the Living Dead was a quote
in Dante's Inferno ("these are the suffering race of souls" quote
when Virgil answers Dante's question about who the people in
Hell were). He likened the concept of Hell in the Inferno to the
existence of zombies. He also compared the zombie movie to
survival movies like Poseidon Adventure, Towering Inferno.
Why? In the zombie movie, it's not so much about the zombie
as it is about surviving the assault. It's about the group of "plucky
survivors" fighting the odds - whatever that may be - fire, rising
water, ravenous zombies - and what "plucky survivor" will make it
in the end. The no dog rule was hilariously discussed. Also a
very funny highlight was the "oxymoron" discussion - jumbo
shrimp, girly man and living dead. The progression of the
zombie was discussed - from mindless, shambling husk to
"reasoning" entity. It was pointed out that the thinking zombie
was way more of a threat and took away the "safety net" of the
reader/viewer. We're supposed to be faster, smarter and better
than the monsters - if they can keep pace - we're DOOMED! Dr.
Paffenroth added other notables such as I Am Legend (strong
recommendation to read the book before the Will Smith movie -
no bridge, no bridge!), EC Comics (banned by parents), 28 Days
Later and several other books including Monster Island. Two
zombie comedies, Fido & Black Sheep were also recommended
for some fun. Fido is about a boy with a pet zombie who gets
out and wreaks havoc on the neighbors resulting in the zombie
ASCPA wanting to euthanize him and Black Sheep is about,
what else, a herd of zombie sheep. What struck Dr. Paffenroth's
funny bone was that sheep don't have sharp teeth - "what are
they going to do? gnaw people to death?"
The floor was opened up to questions and observations. Dr.
Paffenroth was impressed by the well-thought out questions and
knowledge of the audience. One example was Kate Landis
knowing that Fiddlers Green (the condo hide-out in Land of the
Dead for the human survivors) was from a pirate/sailor diddy.
Steve H, Mike, Aubrey, Bill, Bob, Dean, Madeleine, Remi, Paul,
Todd and I all had questions and/or observations that sparked
much conversation. Ana had the line of the night when she
stated "oh yeah, well Eve may have been a pushover, but
Adam was a SNITCH!" when conversation about some biblical
implications were made. Brian's response "wow, you're really
not over that" was too funny. The presentation ended to
rousing applause. We lined up to purchase books - this time
pushing Todd out of the way. Dr. Paffenroth also had FREE
t-shirts available in limited quantities (you guessed it - Todd beat
most people out - he's fast that one). Dr. Paffenroth was so
impressed and had such a good time that HE ASKED US if he
could come back!!
The majority of us continued the night at Stateline Diner
including Sandy Schlosser. They had to fit 20 of us at 4 different
tables and a booth - we made it work. Poor Remi, Kate and Paul
drew the short straw - we all had food and they hadn't even had
their orders taken yet! They sat looking at us with envy.
Conversation ranged from zombies to drive-by smitings (go
Brian) to swimming across the ocean to London and Quaker
oatmeal. I was dragged out by a tired Jo (my ride) at 1:00am -
when the rest of the dirty stay-outs left I have no idea!! They
weren't moving and were still immersed in blabbing. Much fun,
great guest. Thanks to all who helped with the set-up, put back,
copies, introductions and all that good stuff. We eagerly
anticipate next month when we get stuck in a time-warp in the
Bergen Museum in the Bergen Mall, fighting the museum beast
while welcoming guest Ken Gale.
Face the Fiction welcomed guest speaker Dr. Kim Paffenroth for a
fantastic discussion. Dr. Paffenroth presented to approximately 30
people in the Panera Community Room in Ramsey. One of
those people was our past and future December guest speaker
(and SFSNNJ member) S.E. Schlosser!
The night began at 7:00 with several people arriving early to set
up - once again Jim and Steve had both calendars and the flyer
on Dr. Paffenroth printed out and on each chair for those
attending. This is a nice touch that we've come to look forward
to. The room was set up nicely with a very professional display
of our guests books (I'll guess Todd on that one). A pre-meeting
topic took place with our guest in a meet & greet fashion for
those there. (I wasn't, so Steve can fill-in the topic).
At 8:00 Steve began the meeting with some announcements -
particulalry the one involving Todd and Craig's article "The Art of
Roleplaying" being published in Rifter magazine, as Todd turned
at least 4 different shades of red in the corner - humble - and
gave a very nice intro for our guest. Dr. Paffenroth then took
center stage.
Dr. Paffenroth has written several books, including Gospel of
the Living Dead: George A. Romero's Visions of Hell on
Earth, Dying to Live: A Novel of Life Among the
Undead and The Truth is Out There ( a book focusing on
the SF classics like Star Trek, X-Files, Twilight Zone). He also
teaches at Iona College in Westchester (Gene is alumni!).
Dr. Paffenroth began his presentation by discussing the
symbolism of the zombie in books and movies. He pointed out
that even though "zombies" have existed in literature and lore for
many, many years, it is the Romero films that our concept of
Zombie mythology is based on/influenced by - it is even called
Basic Romero Rules. This was likened to our concept of vampires
being strongly influenced by Stoker's Dracula. He discussed how
the zombie films were Romero's commentary on social, cultural
and symbolic issues. There was a progression in each of the films
and it's strongly indicated that humans are as parasitic as the
zombies (i.e. the evil, cackling Dennis Hopper in Land of the
Dead). Racism is also prevalent in the films.
Many comparisons were made. For example, Dr. Paffenroth told
us his inspiration for Gospel of the Living Dead was a quote
in Dante's Inferno ("these are the suffering race of souls" quote
when Virgil answers Dante's question about who the people in
Hell were). He likened the concept of Hell in the Inferno to the
existence of zombies. He also compared the zombie movie to
survival movies like Poseidon Adventure, Towering Inferno.
Why? In the zombie movie, it's not so much about the zombie
as it is about surviving the assault. It's about the group of "plucky
survivors" fighting the odds - whatever that may be - fire, rising
water, ravenous zombies - and what "plucky survivor" will make it
in the end. The no dog rule was hilariously discussed. Also a
very funny highlight was the "oxymoron" discussion - jumbo
shrimp, girly man and living dead. The progression of the
zombie was discussed - from mindless, shambling husk to
"reasoning" entity. It was pointed out that the thinking zombie
was way more of a threat and took away the "safety net" of the
reader/viewer. We're supposed to be faster, smarter and better
than the monsters - if they can keep pace - we're DOOMED! Dr.
Paffenroth added other notables such as I Am Legend (strong
recommendation to read the book before the Will Smith movie -
no bridge, no bridge!), EC Comics (banned by parents), 28 Days
Later and several other books including Monster Island. Two
zombie comedies, Fido & Black Sheep were also recommended
for some fun. Fido is about a boy with a pet zombie who gets
out and wreaks havoc on the neighbors resulting in the zombie
ASCPA wanting to euthanize him and Black Sheep is about,
what else, a herd of zombie sheep. What struck Dr. Paffenroth's
funny bone was that sheep don't have sharp teeth - "what are
they going to do? gnaw people to death?"
The floor was opened up to questions and observations. Dr.
Paffenroth was impressed by the well-thought out questions and
knowledge of the audience. One example was Kate Landis
knowing that Fiddlers Green (the condo hide-out in Land of the
Dead for the human survivors) was from a pirate/sailor diddy.
Steve H, Mike, Aubrey, Bill, Bob, Dean, Madeleine, Remi, Paul,
Todd and I all had questions and/or observations that sparked
much conversation. Ana had the line of the night when she
stated "oh yeah, well Eve may have been a pushover, but
Adam was a SNITCH!" when conversation about some biblical
implications were made. Brian's response "wow, you're really
not over that" was too funny. The presentation ended to
rousing applause. We lined up to purchase books - this time
pushing Todd out of the way. Dr. Paffenroth also had FREE
t-shirts available in limited quantities (you guessed it - Todd beat
most people out - he's fast that one). Dr. Paffenroth was so
impressed and had such a good time that HE ASKED US if he
could come back!!
The majority of us continued the night at Stateline Diner
including Sandy Schlosser. They had to fit 20 of us at 4 different
tables and a booth - we made it work. Poor Remi, Kate and Paul
drew the short straw - we all had food and they hadn't even had
their orders taken yet! They sat looking at us with envy.
Conversation ranged from zombies to drive-by smitings (go
Brian) to swimming across the ocean to London and Quaker
oatmeal. I was dragged out by a tired Jo (my ride) at 1:00am -
when the rest of the dirty stay-outs left I have no idea!! They
weren't moving and were still immersed in blabbing. Much fun,
great guest. Thanks to all who helped with the set-up, put back,
copies, introductions and all that good stuff. We eagerly
anticipate next month when we get stuck in a time-warp in the
Bergen Museum in the Bergen Mall, fighting the museum beast
while welcoming guest Ken Gale.
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