Overview:
“Ghostbusters” (1984) has had a lot of analyses written about it. With a closer look at the film, there are certain themes you can find that one may least expect. It’s interesting to discuss how the aspects of religion and faith are intertwined into the narrative of “Ghostbusters.”
Who Ya Gonna Call? You may have heard this catchphrase. That’s a classic line from a movie that came out 41 years ago. The first “Ghostbusters” from 1984 is still referenced today.
Faith and Faithfulness: Ernie Hudson’s Spiritual Perspective
Ernie Hudson has often spoken about the profound influence of his Christian upbringing on both his life and career. Raised in a deeply religious family—his grandfather and great-grandfather were ministers—Hudson was active in church as a child, participating in choir and youth groups. In a heartfelt interview, he described how these early experiences shaped his worldview: “The truths that are found in the Bible are universal truths. And it shapes who you are and guides you throughout your life.” For Hudson, portraying Simon Peter in the audio Bible project Word of Promise was more than a role—it was a responsibility. He viewed the opportunity as a chance to bring honesty and purpose to a faith-based character. He said it deepened both his spiritual awareness and his acting.
Upcoming meet and greet signing with Ernie Hudson: Comic Con NYC October 2026
Over the past four decades, there have been many analyses of this film. Two interesting aspects of the movie that a casual fan may not associate it with are religion and faith.
Before delving into the discussion of how the concepts of faith and religion are utilized within “Ghostbusters,” it’s important to make a few things clear. This is not an article that is an endorsement of any specific religion, nor is it arguing against one. In addition, its purpose is not to push religious beliefs or show opposition to them. It’s just a look at how these concepts are intertwined in the narrative of the film.
Judgment Day
There’s a beautiful shot in the movie of the Ghostbuster’s vehicle, Ecto-1, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge at what appears to be dusk or dawn. Ghostbuster Winston Zeddemore, played by Ernie Hudson, is driving the car, talking to fellow Ghostbuster Ray Stantz, played by Dan Aykroyd. Winston asks Ray, “Do you believe in God?” to which Ray responds, “Never met him.” Winston responds, stating, “Yeah, well, I do. And I love Jesus’s style, you know?”
Ray seems uninterested, but Winston continues, “Hey, Ray, do you remember something in the Bible about the last days, when the dead would rise from the grave?” Ray responds, stating, “I remember Revelations 7:12: ‘And I looked as he opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake. And the sun became as black as sackclots, And the moon became as blood.’” Winston finishes the scripture verse, “And the seas boiled, And the skies fell.” Both men then say, “Judgment day.”
Ray, who is seemingly not as religious as Winston, then makes a comment about how every ancient religion has its myth about the end of the world. However, Winston disagrees. He believes that there had been so many ghosts “because the dead have been rising from the grave?”
Evil Spirits and Gozer
Earlier in the film, the movie character Dana Barrett, played by Sigourney Weaver, had a frightening experience in which she encountered a ghost in her refrigerator that yelled, “Zuul.” Dana then reported this incident to the Ghostbusters, where she met Peter Venkman, played by Bill Murray, who developed a love interest in her. Eventually, Dana starts to reciprocate these feelings. After performing some research, Peter informs her that “The name Zuul refers to a demigod worshipped around 6000 B.C. by the Hittites, the Mesopotamians, and the Sumerians.” Dana also reads Peter’s notes and sees that Zuul was a follower of Gozer, a god of destruction with the ability to transform itself.
End of the World
A member of the Environmental Protection Agency named Walter Peck, played by William Atherton, is suspicious of the Ghostbusters’ business operations. After being dismissed by Peter, Peck returned a few days later with law enforcement and city personnel to arrest the Ghostbusters and have their containment unit turned off. The deactivation of the containment unit causes an explosion that releases the captured ghosts. As a result, pure chaos erupts all over New York City, and the Ghostbusters are taken to jail.
Upon returning to her apartment, Dana is attacked by a terror dog and becomes possessed by Zuul, who we learn is the Gatekeeper. Across the hall, her neighbor, Louis Tully, played by Rick Moranis, is also attacked by the same type of creature and becomes possessed by Vinz Clortho, who is the Keymaster. The two meet up and form a bond.
While in jail, Ghostbuster Egon Spengler, played by Harold Ramis, along with Ray, reveals the reason that Dana Barrett’s apartment was possessed. Evidently, there was a man named Ivo Shandor, who was the leader of a Gozer-worshipping cult in the early 20th century. Shandor designed the apartment where Dana Barrett lived to draw spiritual energy to call on Gozer’s presence. Also, Shandor and the Gozer-worshipping cult had performed rituals. As Egon states, these were “intended to bring about the end of the world.” This ties back to the discussion that Winston and Ray had had about Judgment Day.
Sign from God
The Ghostbusters are taken to see the mayor of New York City, played by David Joseph Marguiles, to convince him to release them from jail. Before speaking with the Ghostbusters, the archbishop of New York City, played by Tom McDermott, speaks with the mayor, who is beside himself. The archbishop revealed that the church would not take any position on the “religious implications of these phenomena.” However, he does state, “Personally, Lenny, I think it’s a sign from God. But don’t quote me on that.”
After the archbishop’s comments, the Ghostbusters make their case to the mayor while Walter Peck, who is present, seethes in disgust. While speaking with the mayor, Peter states that the “city is headed for a disaster of biblical proportions.” The mayor ultimately agrees to let the Ghostbusters try to save the city.
“Nobody Steps on a Church in My Town”
When Gozer makes itself present to the Ghostbusters on top of the apartment building, Dana and Louis. They are still possessed by Zuul, the Gatekeeper, and Vinz Clortho. The Keymaster, transform into terror dogs, that had attacked them.
After attempting to battle Gozer, it then disappears into thin air. Gozer’s voice then instructs them to choose the new form of “the destructor.” The Ghostbusters attempt to clear their heads. However, Ray had, unfortunately, thought of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, which begins wreaking havoc on the city. There’s a scene where the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man steps on a church. This prompts Peter to state, “Nobody steps on a church in my town.” They then zap it with their proton packs.
Relying on Faith
After realizing their efforts were unsuccessful, the Ghostbusters decide on a plan. While this plan will put their lives in danger, the chances of it defeating Gozer are high. Their plan not only proved to be successful, but all of the Ghostbusters survived. You could say that, even though the move was risky, they relied on faith to accomplish their goals and preserve their lives. In the end, they survived and were successful. Also, the beastlike dogs transformed back into Dana and Louis, who are back to their former selves. Dark turns to light, and good defeats evil.
Next time you watch “Ghostbusters” (1984), pay attention to some of the dialogue. You may surprise yourself.
References:
Ghostbusters. (1984). Directed by Ivan Reitman.
Beliefnet – Ernie Hudson: Faith and Acting
https://www.beliefnet.com/entertainment/celebrities/2009/10/ernie-hudson.aspx
Editor’s Disclaimer:
Presence News has no religious affiliations, endorsements, or connections. This article was created solely by a member of the Presence News staff as an analysis of religious themes presented in the classic film Ghostbusters. It is intended as cultural commentary, not as a reflection of any religious belief or position held by Presence News.
