POE'S GOTHIC PARABLES: A MISSIOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF SIN, JUDGMENT, AND REDEMPTION

This article explores the missiological implications embedded within Edgar Allan Poe’s Gothic fiction, focusing on themes of sin, judgment, and redemption as they manifest in his most iconic parables. Through a close reading of The Fall of the House of Usher, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Masque of the Red Death, and other selected works, the study uncovers how Poe’s exploration of the human condition intersects with theological concerns. By framing Poe’s Gothic imagination as a vehicle for theological reflection, the article offers a new lens through which to view his works: not merely as tales of horror, but as narratives imbued with spiritual significance. Key themes such as ancestral sin, divine judgment, and the possibility of redemption are examined in light of missiological discourse, positioning Poe’s characters as emblematic of the universal struggle between moral corruption and the hope for grace. This analysis not only contributes to Poe scholarship but also extends the dialogue between literature and theology, revealing the profound spiritual dimensions in the Gothic tradition. The paper concludes by suggesting how Poe’s parables might serve as rich texts for contemporary missiological reflection, particularly in evangelism and the framing of universal human experiences.