The Encyclopedic Sourcebook of Satanism [Hardcover]

James R. Lewis (Editor), Jesper Aagaard Petersen (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 19, 2008

In the public imagination, Satanism is associated with bizarre rituals, perverse hedonistic lifestyles, heavy metal music, immature adolescents acting out, horror movies, and rumours of ritual abuse. But what are the facts behind the urban legends and the 'moral panics' that periodically sweep the country regarding this countercultural phenomenon? This authoritative reference work gathers together scholarly studies of Satanism and original source material, focusing on two major aspects - organised religious Satanism and the Satanic Ritual Abuse hoax that was prevalent in the 1980s and early 1990s. The contributors first examine modern Satanism, a decentralised movement whose only coherence is based on certain themes that date back to the writings of Anton Szandor Lavey, especially his Satanic Bible. Among other factors, the authors discuss how the emergence of the Internet as a form of communication has created some coherence among disparate groups through cross-reference. Many articles are devoted to the Satanic Ritual Abuse scare, an erroneous belief in a vast underground network of Satanists who were abusing children. For years members of the law enforcement community and numerous therapists, encouraged by the hype of mass media, bought into this panic. Other topics include the role of the media in the perceptions of Satanism and Satanic Ritual Abuse, juvenile delinquency and Satanism, and police pursuit of satanic crime. The volume concludes with primary source material, including a report from the Ritual Abuse Task Force and selections from current Satanism groups. This objective reference work will be useful for professionals in many fields and members of the public interested in sorting out the facts from the myths surrounding this controversial subculture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[It] is an excellent resource within its very highly specialized area of coverage. In summary, this book would be useful for academic libraries supporting programs in psychology, anthropology, folklore, and media." -- American Reference Books Annual, Vol. 40, 2009

About the Author

James R. Lewis (Stevens Point, WI), a world-recognized authority on nontraditional religions, is a lecturer in philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, and an adjunct assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He is the author or editor of more than 20 books, including The Encyclopedic Sourcebook of New Age Religions; The Encyclopedic Sourcebook of UFO Religions; Odd Gods; Doomsday Prophecies; and The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religions.

Jesper Aagaard Petersen (Copenhagen, Denmark) is a lecturer at Rodøvre Gymnasium and the University of Copenhagen and the editor (with James R. Lewis) of Controversial New Religions.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 774 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (February 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591023904
• ISBN-13: 978-1591023906
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #710,336 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Both historic and modern Satanism are covered, August 13, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedic Sourcebook of Satanism (Hardcover)

Satanism is popularly associated with hedonism and horror, but there are concrete facts which actually surround the practice of Satanism, and this reference gathers together scholarly studies of Satanism along with original source material to survey its history and practices. Both historic and modern Satanism are covered in a survey which discusses its practices, common misbeliefs, and modern concerns such as the role of the media in Satanistic coverage. An outstanding sourcebook and a 'must' for any library where Satanism and alternative beliefs are covered.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great source, March 6, 2011

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satanismi.fi - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Encyclopedic Sourcebook of Satanism (Hardcover)

I have studied occult for some years. This is a great sourcebook for occult researchers. This book is clearly written for everyone

interested in satanism as a movement. There's also good religious tolerance undertone found in this research. It's basically quite dry and neutral and not a hype. It's debunking many myths about satanism. Also the american christian moral panic in 90's. It's essential to expose "satanism experts" who are christians who write sensational disinformation books about satanism.

You have to know something about satanism and should have a analytical intelligence and not to believe christians or every poor "truth about satanism" paperback written about satanism out there. This is a hardcover and a real book despite the low price. Still I think it's a good book but unfortunately it's a bit ourdated because most of the source material is from 90's. Perhaps it's that because the movement was most active in 80's and 90's. Nevertheless the satanism movement has not been very active after the death of LaVey. There's still many small study groups of satanism.

This is an important book for all truthseekers and individualists out there. Ultimately one who knows the facts and the history of religions will always be better off. After reading this anyone can hardly be self proclaimed occult researcher because there's so much more to find out if you start digging the original citations and sources too.

Hail to knowledge!

9 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Another Pleading Propaganda Machine, February 15, 2008

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Myriad "Legion" (Second Mantle, 9th level of Hell) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Encyclopedic Sourcebook of Satanism (Hardcover)

Well, I've read my share of books on satanism over time and this one takes the cake. I've just finished reading this one and I am ashamed of the entire thing from cover to cover. The book in itself at first glance appears to be a great work that will reveal a little more of the dark arts and then upon reading of the table of contents it is shown to be another wining book on ritual abuse and the misdrawn conclusions as if they are attempting to convince someone that today's satanism is actually legitimate. WHAT?!? HUH?!? Any cult or religion over time has had its fair share of bloodshed and tears and pains even satanism and most ESPECIALLY CATHOLOCISM (the basic worship of one deity). When you ask someone if they believe in a god and then upon their answer of no or yes automatically they are wrong because they don't know what you know. This is a religion based on fear and "Have to be right'rs" WTF! Satanism, on the otherhand, when practiced with the proper knowledge and enthusiasm reveals life's secrets and allows the magician to properly and appropriately utilize such workings to his benefit. Satanism advocates something that any religion of one deity has always strived to strip away from civilization, a CHOICE of not only WHAT to believe in, but how to believe in it and what belief actually is and how it may be appropriately used alongside CHOICE. Choice is a magical working even within itself. Yes, this does take some of the magic out of the practice of it, but to become a true magician you will come to understand this over time. Most other religions base their entire campaign on the fact that most people relinquish their CHOICE to people that don't even know how to make choices. Talk about blind leading the blind. This book only serves one purpose. To propose to the Pope and many christian and catholic followers alike that Satanism is OK, kids tested, mother approved!!! Click, Click, End of Surmin, now get the **** out!