Research Interests

Dr. Jennifer Porter in Hong Kong Disneyland
Mickey House

Disney and Religion

My latest research project involves an exploration of the implicitly spiritual or religious themes in Disney films and theme park productions.


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Star Trek and Religion

Since the first Star Trek series debuted in 1966, the franchise has consistently engaged with religious themes. What does this iconic series have to say about religion?



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Star Wars and Religion

George Lucas once claimed to have deliberately added a spiritual dimension to his Star Wars Saga. Just what does this influential film franchise have to say about Religion, and are Star Wars fans really religious about Star Wars?



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Spiritualism

The Religion of Spiritualism emerged in the 19th century, and continues to be practiced to this day. How has Spiritualism changed over the years, and where in pop culture can we see the continuing influence of this US-grown religion?