The Righteous Gemstones is a dark comedy about a world-famous megachurch pastor; his three children, who assist with the ministry; and various associates, extended family members, and antagonists.  Each season (2019, 2022, 2023) is self-contained and intricately structured, inviting scene by scene and even frame by frame analysis. Typically the family faces two interconnected outside threats; parallel father-son crises featuring patriarch Eli, his eldest son, and his grandchildren; parallel relationship crises involving the other children and their partners; and a disruptive force.

Abstracts for 5000-7000 word essays are invited for an edited collection on The Righteous Gemstones. Essays should be accessible to both a scholarly and a general audience. Suggested topics include:

• Sin, forgiveness, and redemption
• Deviance and criminality
• Mental illness
• Sexual identity and coming out
• The importance of place
• Death and resurrection
• Musical backgrounds
• Horror and science-fiction tropes
• The paranormal and divine intervention
• Time and atemporality
• Plot misdirections
• Fan fiction and fan art

Submit a 250-500 word abstract and a 50 word author biography to Dr. Jeffery P. Dennis, Department of Criminal Justice, Minnesota State University, Mankato.  Email: jeffery.dennis@mnsu.edu

Deadline for abstract submission: November 30, 2023

Deadline for submission of selected papers: March 1, 2024