NCJ Number
132552
Editor(s)
J T Richardson,
J Best,
D G Bromley
Date Published
1991
Length
326 pages
Annotation
These 18 papers examine the origins and current features of public concern about satanic cults, emphasizing the perspectives of anthropology, sociology, folklore, and history and the roles of religion, rock music, rumor, and the mass media.
Abstract
Individual papers examine satanism as a modern form of demonology, the relationship between satanism and monotheistic religions, and the link between contemporary antisatanism and the Anticult movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Additional papers discuss the history of the concept of ritual abuse of children, the role of fantasy games played by adolescents in promoting satanism, the reports of "occult survivors," the methods used by mental health professionals who accept survivors' stories, and the characteristics of police personnel who specialize in and accept the reality of antisatanism. Further papers examine the role of satanism in legal cases involving satanic murders, ritual child abuse, cult brainwashing, and heavy metal; rumor panics involving satanism; media coverage of witches and satanists; and the history of a specific satanic group. Tables, photograph, chapter notes, author biographies, index, and chapter reference lists