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Really Wanna Be Terrified? Check Out These Christian Hell Houses

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Christian Hell Houses

Horror movies, scary masks and haunted houses are the typical ways we get geared up for Halloween. If you’re one of those people always looking for the biggest scare, though, visiting a few Christian hell houses might be right up your alley. While they typically focus on teaching religious lessons, they do so in the most terrifying way possible.

The idea of these haunted attractions goes all the way back to the 1970s. They’re meant to showcase what the creators believe to be sinful activities – along with the eventual outcome of such behaviors. Regardless of your religious affiliation, checking out a Christian hell house this Halloween may be the scariest thing you do.

Best Christian Hell Houses

This writer finds it difficult to pick the “best” when it comes to haunted houses based on religious teachings. This isn’t because some of them don’t stand out. In reality, many of these are just insanely terrifying and grotesque. To get an idea of what I mean, check out this trailer for the Trinity Church hell house:

That’s some scary stuff, right? Did you notice the school shooting scene? That moment was featured in the Christian hell house just six months after the Columbine school shooting. This caused a bit of uproar throughout the country. A documentary titled Hell House was even released about the religious haunted house in 2002.

Bethel Church in Temple, TX has also garnered a bit of attention in the media. Texas Monthly reported that scenes depicted in this haunted attraction included domestic violence, drunk driving, abortion and suicide. Here’s a little sneak peek of what you can expect should you ever venture into a similar Christian hell house:

In each of these Evangelical haunted houses, you’re likely to see teenagers make choices deemed sinful by the church. By the end of the experience, you can expect a few dead teenagers. Actually, it will probably be lots of dead teenagers. Years after experiencing one of these attractions, one former church congregant had this to say about a scene she remembered:

“But what I really remember is all the bodies. It was just, bodies hanging halfway out of the car, and blood pouring out of them. There was blood everywhere. I thought about that recently, actually, when I was in my very first car wreck. I’m okay, and my car is okay, but I was hydroplaning for a second and this scene flashed back to me. It was so graphic.”

So in summation, you can expect Christian hell houses to stick with you for a while.

The Rise of Christian Hell Houses

The first haunted house centered around religious teachings is believed to be Scaremare, an attraction created by Jerry Falwell’s followers. It was around 1996 – nearly 20 years after Scaremare began – that a Colorado preacher took things to the next level. He created the Hell House Outreach Kit – which included sound effects, scripts and more essential items for hosting a hell house.

Within 10 years, he had sold this kit to more than 800 ministries around the country. The pastor estimated that around 3,000 houses of worship were hosting similar events by 2006. That same year, Trinity Church was boasting around 10,000 yearly visitors to their Christian hell house. You remember Trinity Church – the ones with the Columbine scene?

You can see one of their more recent entries below:

The discussion surrounding these religious-themed haunted houses has died down in recent years. This is mostly because they’re not as novel anymore. They’ve come to be expected, but the content is just as graphic as ever. Denver’s Abundant Life Christian Center even depicted a date rape scene in one of their prior performances.

If you’re looking for a haunted attraction that will stick with you, a Christian hell house might be the right decision. Even if you don’t subscribe to their beliefs, you’ll no doubt have an unsettling experience. For everyone else, sticking to haunted house movies might be the way to go.

Where Are the Religious Haunted Houses

If you look hard enough, you’ll undoubtedly find a haunted attraction with religious undertones in your city. For those who are really looking for the best, though, the following Christian hell houses are among the most popular. Keep in mind that availability may differ due to COVID-19.

  • Scaremare – Lynchburg, PA
  • Hell House Trinity – Cedar Hill, TX
  • Judgement House – Rock Hill, SC
  • Judgement House – White Pine, TN

I’m going to be real with you. Some of these places might be a bit more frightening than the actual most haunted house in America. I think I’ll sit this one out.

Have You Ventured Into One?

Have you ever stepped inside of an actual Christian hell house? Let us know in the comments! How was your experience? Does it still stick out in your mind today? Tell us where you went and if they’re still hosting the event, and we might just feature it before Halloween!

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1994’s ‘The Crow’ Coming Back to Theaters for A New Special Engagement

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The Crow

Cinemark recently announced that they will be bringing The Crow back from the dead once again. This announcement comes just in time for the film’s 30th anniversary. Cinemark will be playing The Crow in select theaters on May 29th and 30th.

For those unaware, The Crow is a fantastic film based on the gritty graphic novel by James O’Barr. Widely considered one of the best films of the 90s, The Crow’s lifespan was cut short when Brandon Lee died of an accidental on set shooting.

The official synapsis of the film is as follows. “The modern-gothic original that entranced audiences and critics alike, The Crow tells the tale of a young musician brutally murdered alongside his beloved fiancée, only to be risen from the grave by a mysterious crow. Seeking revenge, he battles a criminal underground that must answer for its crimes. Adapted from the comic book saga of the same name, this action-packed thriller from director Alex Proyas (Dark City) features hypnotic style, dazzling visuals, and a soulful performance by the late Brandon Lee.”

The Crow

The timing of this release couldn’t be better. As a new generation of fans eagerly awaits the release of The Crow remake, they can now see the classic film in all of its glory. As much as we love Bill Skarsgard (IT), there is something timeless in Brandon Lee’s performance in the film.

This theatrical release is part of the Scream Greats series. This is a collaboration between Paramount Scares and Fangoria to bring audiences some of the best classic horror films. So far, they are doing a fantastic job.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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Hugh Jackman & Jodie Comer Team Up for a New Dark Robin Hood Adaptation

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A report from Deadline details director Michal Sarnoski’s (A Quiet Place: Day One) newest project, The Death of Robin Hood. The film is set to feature Hugh Jackman (Logan) and Jodie Comer (The End We Start From).

Michael Sarnoski will write and direct the new Robin Hood adaptation. Jackman will be reunited with Aaron Ryder (The Prestige), who is producing the film. The Death of Robin Hood is expected to be a hot item at the upcoming Cannes film market.

Hugh Jackman, The Death of Robin Hood
Hugh Jackman

Deadline describes the films as the following. “The film is a darker reimagining of the classic Robin Hood tale. Set of its time, the film will see the title character grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, a battleworn loner who finds himself gravely injured and in the hands of a mysterious woman, who offers him a chance at salvation.”

Lyrical Media will be financing the film. Alexander Black will produce the film alongside Ryder and Andrew Sweet. Black gave Deadline the following information about the project. “We are thrilled to be part of this very special project and to be working with a visionary director in Michael, a phenomenal cast in Hugh and Jodie, and producing with our frequent collaborators, Ryder and Swett at RPC.”

“This is not the story of Robin Hood we’ve all come to know,” Ryder and Swett stated to Deadline “Instead, Michael has crafted something far more grounded and visceral. Thanks to Alexander Black and our friends at Lyrical along with Rama and Michael, the world is going to love seeing Hugh and Jodie together in this epic.”

Jodie Comer

Sarnoski seems to be excited by the project as well. He offered Deadline the following information about the film.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to reinvent and freshly innovate the story we all know of Robin Hood. Securing the perfect cast to transform the script to screen was essential. I could not be more thrilled and trusting in Hugh and Jodie to bring this story to life in a powerful and meaningful way.”

We are still a long way away from seeing this Robin Hood tale. Production is expected to begin in February of 2025. However, it does sound like it will be a fun entry into the Robin Hood canon.

That’s all the information we have at this time.

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Mike Flanagan In Talks to Direct New Exorcist Movie for Blumhouse

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Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs. Not only has he created some of the best horror series to ever exist, but he also managed to make a Ouija Board movie genuinely terrifying.

A report from Deadline yesterday indicates that we may be seeing even more from this legendary storysmith. According to Deadline sources, Flanagan is in talks with Blumhouse and Universal Pictures to direct the next Exorcist film. However, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse have declined to comment on this collaboration at this time.

Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan

This change comes after The Exorcist: Believer failed to meet Blumhouse’s expectations. Initially, David Gordon Green (Halloween)was hired to create three Exorcist films for the production company, but he has left the project to focus on his production of The Nutcrackers.

If the deal goes through, Flanagan will take over the franchise. Looking at his track record, this could be the right move for the Exorcist franchise. Flanagan consistently delivers amazing horror media that leave audiences clamoring for more.

It would also be perfect timing for Flanagan, as he just wrapped up filming the Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck. This isn’t the first time he has worked on a King product. Flanagan also adapted Doctor Strange and Gerald’s Game.

He has also created some amazing Netflix originals. These include The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Midnight Club, and most recently, The Fall of the House of Usher.

If Flanagan does take over, I think the Exorcist franchise will be in good hands.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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