Two horror movies are set to be shown as part of the QUAD in Residence series.
A local cinema is using the church for a number of screenings starting with The Wicker Man and Don't Look Now.
The films include a graphic sex scene, full female nudity and a Pagan sacrifice.
A number of local churchgoers have questioned the decision to show the movies.
But speaking to the BBC, the Cathedral's Dean said the films won't be "showing God anything that he hasn't seen before".
He also said in a statement to Premier: "We are looking forward to welcoming all those who want to enjoy these diverse special screenings and my hope is that it will encourage the people of Derby and Derbyshire to discover their Cathedral.
"Not all the films will be to everyone's taste and some of them will provoke comment and engagement with serious issues, which is to be encouraged.
"For example, as well being a great film and example of superb story-telling, The Wicker Man is the story of a Christian martyr.
"Every culture tells stories to help it think about what it believes, and one of the primary ways our culture does this is through film.
"I believe people will be helped to think in relation to some powerful and sometimes disturbing movies, and the screenings will help to release other much-needed resources for the mission and ministry of the Cathedral in the city."
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