The Satanism Scare

Social Institutions and Social Change

by Joel Best

Although there is growing concern over Satanism as a threat to American life, the topic has received surprisingly little serious attention. Recognizing this, the editors of this volume have selected papers from a wide variety of disciplines, broadly covering contemporary aspects of Satanism from the vantage points of studies in folklore, cults, religion, deviance, rock music, rumor, and the mass media.All contributors are skeptical of claims that a large, powerful satanic conspiracy can be substantiated. Their research focuses instead on claims about Satanism and on the question of whose interests are served by such claims. Several papers consider the impact of anti-Satanism campaigns on public opinion, law enforcement and civil litigation, child protection services, and other sectors of American society.The constructionist perspective adopted by the editors does not deny the existence of some activities by 'real' Satanists, and two papers describe the workins of satanic groups. Whatever the basis of the claims examined and analyzed, there is growing evidence that belief in the satanic menace will have real social consequences in the years ahead.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sociology, Occult, Satanism

326 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1991

Reviews

[Lukas Szrot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the 'satanic panic' which reached a fever pitch in the late twentieth century that received so much sensationalist journalism and provided abundant grist for rumor mills and fodder for sanctimonious 'moral entrepreneurs' in a virtual absence of corroborating evidence (other than testimony from emotionally disturbed persons gained via controversial hypnotherapy techniques) that such organized networks of diabolical adherents existed. This book represents some solid and (mostly) objective scholarship that also serves as a cautionary tale, detailing what can happen when we allow our fears to obfuscate our rationale. The truly tragic aspect gleaned from this collection of articles written by social and behavioral scientists is that there are individuals who commit monstrous acts out there, though comparatively rare and scattered, and that scapegoating and untested conjecturing does the victims of real human-perpetrated evil no favors.

[Scott Ferry · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good book on how rumors are spread and built upon, legend tripping, how the panic model is applied to various events in history.. communism.. terrorism, etc. The last chapter about the Process Church and theories on monotheism, paganism, satanisma and spiritual experimentation is the best.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative. I particularly liked Jeffery Burton Russell's article. It's interesting to see varying points of views in this subject.