Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buzz Tanner is a self-proclaimed "Buffy junkie." Tanner, 59, was introduced to the hit television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" by his daughter during its first season. "I just got hooked right off. I taped shows while she was away at college, and when she came home, we’d have a Buffy fest."

During its seven-year run, the show about the teenage "slayer" and her circle of friends doing battle with supernatural foes earned critical acclaim. One of the draws, Tanner said, was the metaphorical nature of the battles against vampires, demons and dark beings. The show inspired a number of academic books, including the Christian-themed "What Would Buffy Do?"

Next week, St. Francis Church in Macon will kick off a weekly series exploring the spiritual lessons found in "Buffy." The adult education class will be taught by Tanner and fellow St. Francis member Barry Jenkins.

"It’s the most artistic and literate program that’s been on TV in 10 years, maybe ever," Tanner said. "Spiritually, Buffy’s virtues are Christian, though it would be hard to say Buffy is a Christian. The show deals with good and evil, right and wrong."

The class will meet for the next seven Thursdays, with an eighth session held - when else - on Halloween. Each week the class will watch a different episode, handpicked by Tanner, then discuss it over beer (with ID), soft drinks and popcorn. For the first session, on Holy Cross Day, the church also will serve up hot cross buns.

The weekly discussion will continue on a special blog. The class will also be encouraged to read the "What Would Buffy Do?" book.

For the Halloween session, people will be encouraged to come as their favorite "Buffy" character.

"It’s about helping people not be so uptight about their religion," said John Mark Parker, pastoral assistant at St. Francis. "One of things we want people to do is look for themes that reflect what they experience in their faith. ... It’s really about creating dialogue."

The church expects the series to generate lots of interest outside the church. Tanner said he was surprised to learn just how large an audience the series, now in syndication, still has.

"I always thought I was the world’s oldest Buffy fan," he said. "It’s amazing how widespread its appeal is."

IF YOU GO

What: The Gospel According to Buffy the Vampire Slayer weekly adult education series

When: 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 14-Oct. 26, and Tuesday, Oct. 31

Where: St. Francis Church, 432 Forest Hill Road

Cost: Free