Satanism

by Tamara L. Roleff

Authors examine whether Satanism is a dangerous new cult to be feared or whether a few publicized event have been exaggerated out of proportion to their seriousness and extent.

112 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2001

Reviews

[Amanda]

This book includes articles from every viewpoint of Satanism. I think that is interesting. However, it was disheartening to read the article from Teen magazine, written by Elizabeth Karlsberg. It was loaded with misinformation, including the idea that the Church of Satan advocates devil worship.

It’s an interesting read. It’s important to understand all viewpoints, but it’s a shame when not all articles included are well-researched.

I also think it’s interesting that the copy I have came from Richmond Christian School.

[Shea Mastison]

I really enjoy this type of anthology; where they take a current controversial issue confronting society, and offer a variety of different essays from people from a variety of different perspectives. This has to be one of the better compilations that I've read.

The book starts off with the obligatory delusional ravings of those advocating a huge global plot of Satanists. Their view of Satanists as a whole tend to correspond to those found in a Dennis Wheatley novel than anything imaginable in real life. It's almost embarrassing to imagine their lurid fantasies as some kind of peek into their respective minds.

But the articles get much better; my favorite being Jeffrey S. Victor's step-by-step dismantling of the "Satanic Panic." He thoroughly discredits these fictional accounts and the practice of Recovered Memory Therapy.

If Satanism interests you, and you can find it; check it out.