Customer Reviews (3)

Satanic Ritual Abuse and the Roman Catholic Church.
_Lucifer's Lodge_ by William H. Kennedy is a highly disturbing book detailing various accounts of pedophilia and other forms of sexual abuse as well as Satanic ritual among Roman Catholic priests, as well as speculation concerning various Satanic secret societies and sex magic cults which have infiltrated the Roman Catholic Church. The author, a friend of Father Malachi Martin (who wrote a fictional account detailing Satanism within the Vatican, _Windswept House_), has unearthed many very bizarre and twisted details of the sexual activities of predator priests. However, unlike certain other books which have been made available detailing the sex scandals (particularly within the Boston Archdiocese under Cardinal Bernard Law), this book attempts to show that Satanic abuse may be involved. As noted in the introduction, by Tracy R. Twyman, throughout the Old Testament the ancient Hebrews encountered various depraved sex cults (which included bestiality, homosexuality, and pedophilia) which were repeatedly condemned by that ancient people and their God, Yahweh, as Satanic in nature. Satan, or Lucifer, is regarded by Christians to be a fallen angel, cast out of heaven for pride before God, and according to Christian doctrine has been trying to destroy Christ and His Church since its inception. Indeed, to instate the reign of Antichrist upon the Earth, Satanists seek a worldwide institution to serve as a vehicle for their diabolical plot. No institution could be more fit for that role than the Roman Catholic Church and its venerable hierarchy. The author distinguishes between modern day Satanists (of Anton LaVey's Church of Satan, for example) who are mere hedonists and self worshippers, and the more diabolical kind (unrecognized by modern day Satanists) who may engage in human sacrifice and sexual depravity. The first chapter of this book concerns the original "Satanic Panic" of the 1980s, a modern day witch craze, which brought many innocently accused into the spotlight. However, as the author notes, this original Satanic scare may have merely covered up the more diabolical kind, which currently may exist within the Roman Catholic Church. The author next considers some severely sick and disturbed individuals among the Roman Catholic priesthood. Many of these are sexual predators, although not all pedophiles (and quite a few are blasphemers as well). Perhaps one of the sickest individuals considered is that of "Father" Paul R. Shanley, a "priest" in the Boston Archdiocese, who engaged in pedophiliac and homosexual acts with countless victims (especially among disaffected and troubled youth), was an active member of the Gay Liberation movement, and whose perverted speech on "man-boy love" served as inspiration for the founding of the ultra-sick NAMBLA organization. This part of the story is particularly difficult to take, and the reader may feel him or herself having to retch several times over as he completes this most vile chapter in the history of pedophiliac priests. The odd thing about these priests is that nothing was done to defrock them and remove them from interacting with the youth by the Catholic hierarchy. In fact, many of them were given protection or variously re-assigned. The author also examines the secret psychiatric hospitals where many of these so called "priests" are sent to be "cured" of their diabolical disease. The author also shows how certain other priests within the Church, particularly those of a traditionalist bent, have been prevented from stopping the perverse actions and goings-on. Indeed, one Father Alfred Kunz, a friend of both Fathers Malachi Martin and the Dominican Charles Fiore, was found murdered, in ritualistic fashion (his throat was cut, having revealed the secrets of the brethren and a mutilated calf was found nearby), for having promised to reveal details of the pedophiliac priesthood. Much of this book is spent detailing various aspects of the secret societies involved in Satanic ritual and "sex magic". The author refers to these as "the underground sewer", referencing Saint Thomas Aquinas and his remarks on prostitution. According to certain heretical movements (and according to the popular book _Holy Blood, Holy Grail_), Christ may have been married as well as promiscuous and have spawned a bloodline. This is certainly the most diabolical of all heresies, attempting to mar the innocence of Christ. Indeed, even the Mormons have been known to believe such things, and supposedly a geneological chart detailing the supposed "bloodline" of Christ through the French and Merovingian kings can be found at their temple in Salt Lake City. The author argues that this cult has infiltrated the Roman Catholic Church as well, perhaps as far up as the Vatican, and refers to it (as did Malachi Martin) as "Lucifer's Lodge". Certainly this is a most disturbing revelation. The question remains as to what Catholics can do to reclaim their Church from the treacheries of Satan. Given the sorry state of the American Church it remains a difficult question to answer. The Catholic hierarchy, overtaken by liberalism and the so called "Spirit of Vatican II", continue to enact diabolic "reforms" within the Church and protect pedophiles and homosexuals. Indeed, many of the homosexual priests are blackmailed by the pedophiles into protecting their cult. Satan's serpents continue to move against Christ and His Church as well as climb the rungs of the hierarchical ladder making their way up to the Pope himself. Perhaps this is an indication that we are living near a time of great turmoil, as revealed in prophecy.

Wake up altar boys!
William Kennedy has finally exposed the Satanic element lurking behind the priest abuse scandal. I thought I would have to wait forever for someone to finally come out and say it.

It has been obvious for some time to anyone paying attention that there is a Luciferian pattern evident in all of the more sensational stories of priest sex abuse. Most notably the case of Paul Shanley, whom Kennedy devotes an entire chapter to in this book. He was even involved with the Process Church of the Final Judgement, as Kennedy proves.

It's interesting that this man has not been invited on the Art Bell show yet, considering that he's Malachi Martin's official biographer, and Art Bell is supposedly such a big follower of Malachi Martin.

But we all know that Art Bell is in with the Illuminati.

Lucifer's Lodge: Straight from the headlines!
LUCIFER'S LODGE

"Malachi Martin was correct in his assertion that Lucifer's Lodge exists within the Church of Rome. Unfortunately, there are no quick answers as to how to deal with this horrible state of affairs. Lucifer's Lodge is an ongoing problem. It is still in operation and should be of major concern to people of goodwill everywhere."

With that statement, William H. Kennedy closes his investigation into the sexual abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church.

One searches for the words..."shocking"? If only I were shocked. Things I was not prepared to believe of priests have turned out to be true. The time to be shocked passed with the reading of Goodbye, Good Men; Amchurch Comes Out; Lead Us Not Into Temptation.

"Inaccurate"? But I don't think that it is inaccurate. Some of the material in the book had already surfaced in research I had done over the last several years. Kennedy uses quotes from newspapers like the Boston Globe. The accounts of priestly sexual abuse that he uses to tell his story are familiar. Half way through reading the book I checked some of the unfamiliar sources and found them credible. He does use a few marginal sources which I would like to check further.

"An exaggeration" then? I've read too many of the press releases to even think it for a moment. Much of this has already appeared in the Boston Globe and elsewhere. Kennedy merely connects the dots.

In trying to sum up Kennedy's book, only one word comes to mind..."diabolical." And just maybe that is the only word that needs to be said.

A trio of priests--Fr. Malachi Martin, Fr. Al Kunz, and Fr. Charles Fiore--became aware that something was seriously wrong in the Catholic priesthood and began collecting data. William Kennedy came a bit later to join in the investigation, making it a foursome. Today all but Kennedy are dead. Fr. Kunz's death in 1998 was sudden and bloody; and the crime has not been solved. Fr. Fiore's health as well as Fr. Martin's declined immediately after the murder. Within 16 months Fr. Martin was dead, and Fr. Fiore was not well enough to continue the investigation. He died in March 2003. Kennedy states that a mutilated calf also found the morning that Fr. Kunz's body was discovered is the calling card or signature of Satanists.

Kennedy discusses the OTO and Aleister Crowley, along with Jack Parsons, AMORC, Rose Croix. He also mentions a cult called The Process Church, Scientology, Charles Manson, and Fr. Paul Shanley and so much more. The Processians were active in the Harvard Square area in the 1960's, which means they were active in Paul Shanley's stomping grounds. Later they moved to California near the headquarters of Charles Manson. There is some controversy over how much contact Manson and Shanley had with these cultists. What Kennedy does point out is similarities in rituals and some evidence of exchanges between them.

In fact similarities are the basis of what he presents. Essentially he offers information about which the reader is asked to draw his own conclusion. He shows, for example the similarity between the Alpha Omega House, a retreat house for wayward and displaced youth, and the Devil's Room at Loftus Hall. Both rooms, he believes, were used for ceremonies which included sex magick; and he explains how sexual rituals are intended to make the practitioner a god, and in some cases Jesus Christ come again.

He talks about the abuse of nuns which has not come out in the press, and a priest who concentrated on abusing young women who were studying to enter the religious life. He paints a rather different picture of Magdalene laundries than the one recently released in the press.

He speaks of ceremonies that took place in Catholic convents which are reminiscent of Rosicrucian ceremonies; and tells stories of prostitution within convents, lurking in the history of the Catholic Church. I have not yet had time to verify this.

He develops a very interesting line of reasoning centered on cults from the early days of the Church which preached a married Christ who had children, attempts to show how this heresy remained alive down through the centuries, and where it surfaces today, including in The Da Vinci Code.

There is a great deal in this book that will prompt further investigation. If he is correct in all of his assertions, it will explain a lot of what we are seeing develop in the culture. It will not exhonorate the Vatican, however. Once again it appears that Rome knew. Rome did nothing.

I was surprised that he did not touch on Eugene Vintras and on the Mariavites. Perhaps he had to keep the book to a certain length and decided to leave them out. Neither did he discuss the Paris occult revival. Possibly for the same reason.

What he has done is link the details of news reports to historical information and in that way tells his story. The bulk of the book is quoted material from a great variety of sources. It's a hard book to put down.

I wonder if anyone who had not done some investigating into the occult would take Kennedy seriously. It helps to already know about Crowley and Parsons and their relationship with Scientology, and a little about Masonic obediences, and the Mormon Church before picking up the book. Otherwise this seems just too fantastic to be true. I would expect those bloggers who poke fun at conspiracy theories to poke fun at this book. They would be wrong. Had the abuse scandal not been broken by the Boston Globe there is little chance this story would have been told because no one would believe it.

In the next several days, if all goes as planned, I will be looking at his sources on the web, which means that most likely the usual blogging won't get done. But we'll have to see how that works out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church   2. Child sexual abuse by clergy   3. Christianity - Catholicism   4. Clergy   5. General   6. Religion   7. Religion - Roman Catholic   8. Ritual abuse   9. Satanism   10. Sexual behavior   

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction   2. Arts   3. Demonology & Satanism   4. Devil in art   5. History - General   6. Religion   7. Subjects & Themes - Religious   

Customer Reviews (16)

A scary expose of justice gone awry!
This book is must reading for anyone concerned with justice in America. This book details cases of child abuse accusations that put people behind bars for outlandish crimes that could never have been committed, crimes that were so fantastical and so unreal as to be utterly unbelievable. This is not a one-sided account, but a true and courageous investigative expose of the child-abuse and satanic ritual cases like the McMartin Pre-school case that were nothing but a house of cards that came crashing down when the facts were examined with a critical eye. Read it and you will wonder in amazement and disbelief how prosecutors and judges -- elected public officials -- could have allowed these cases to happen and why some of the accused are still behind bars despite their innocence and the fact that the crimes never could have occurred.

Must Reading for Anyone Who Cares About Justice
Satan's Silence is simply the best book yet written about the ongoing epidemic of false accusations of child sexual abuse that began in America with the daycare panics -- McMartin, Fells Acres, Little Rascals, etc. -- that swept this country in the 80s. Satan's Silence examines several key cases in detail, explaining what happened and why. It is carefully researched, well reasoned, intelligent and compassionate.

The Real Persecutors
In the Margaret Kelly Michaels case, if you read the judicial evaluations carefully you can see clearly who the real perpetrators are: not Kelly at all, but the teams of prosecutors and "experts" who coerced the children into telling them exactly what they wanted to hear to whip up public hysteria. By the time the Superior and Supreme Court justices caught up with these misguided prosecuting "adults", Kelly's life as an actress and writer had been ruined, five years of her life had vanished into unjust imprisonment, and the lives of her students had been damaged for a very long time by those "adults" who forced them to dance to a prejudiced prosecution tune having nothing to do with the facts. These are the real tragedies, and they are far from over. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminology   2. Satanism   3. Social Science   4. Sociology   5. Sociology - General   

Customer Reviews (1)

Conveying a real sense of fear and dire warning
Written by a Bible Teacher and host of "Victory in Grace", and international radio and TV broadcast featuring verse-by-verse exposition of the Scriptures, Son Of Satan: The Coming Economic Prosperity is a chilling portrait of how the Antichrist may well manifest in the modern day and age. A devout, fiery warning written with the unbridled passion of fundamentalist Christian faith, Son Of Satan is vocal and stringent in its denounciation of viewing prosperity as more important than God, or placing too much faith in too many different religions. Sharply worded, conveying a real sense of fear and dire warning, Son Of Satan is a severe account that reflects an underlying, all-encompassing feeling of a world that has far too much wickedness in it and is in great need. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Demonology & Satanism   2. Good & Evil   3. Philosophy   4. Religion   5. Christianity - Theology - Eschatology   6. Antichrist   7. Bible - Prophecies   

Customer Reviews (2)

What to do in your holidays
I can't remember when I last laughed out loud reading a book. Especially a book about... what is it about?

Magic ? Yes, because we can all use some magic in our lives - in fact, we are doing so without noticing it. Ever read adverts ?, watch T.V.? support a good cause ? You're doing magic. Dukes can help!

Philosophy ? Yes, because Dukes has thought deeply and curiously about the way things are, the way they work - or don't. Whatever you think, you'll find something new to think about in these essays. (You have been warned)

Psychology ? Dukes would disavow himself as a psychologist, but his efforts to understand why he thinks and does - and fails to do - are some of the 'laugh out loud' bits. And the wisest. I have an image of being led down byways by Dukes' self-deprecating tales, chuckling as I went, only to find it was a cul-de-sac. And a mirror instead of a way out.

Artificial Intelligence; What women really want; His Most Divine Holiness Sri Baba Rebop; Frank Sinatra's place in the witches' sabbath; Sir Roger Penrose's in consciousness studies; Passion Homes; Naughty things to do in New Age workshops; Virtual Reality. It's all here and more besides.

He did it in his holidays. Give yourself a treat and read it in yours.

Both witty, and interesting. Highly recommended.
This is a definate must for all practitioners of the occult. But don't take my word for it, read it for yourselves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cults   2. Demonology   3. Europe - General   4. General   5. History of doctrines   6. New Age / Parapsychology   7. Occultism   8. Religion   9. Satanism   10. Religion / Cults, Demonism, the Occult   

Customer Reviews (1)

Innovative and compelling treament of magic ritual
The latest work by Naomi Janowitz of UC Davis and Hebrew University is a fast-paced and well-organized treatment of "magic" in the first three centuries. "Magic", as Janowitz shows, was at this time very much defined by those who were hoping to discredit a ritual or practice of another party, and was in most cases merely an adjective of disparagement used by the competition. To those using it, magic wasn't magic at all, rather magic was power and efficacy steeped in ritual. Discussions include Greco-Roman, Christian, and Jewish concepts of magic, theories on daemons and angels, cursing and binding spells, practices of divination and deification, and a focus on the gender bias against women in the practice of magic throughout the period.
I found the book a breath of fresh air, and an enormous step forward, not least of which in the portions dealing with women's issues, which should prove a major contribution to women's studies in late antiquity. But also the bibliography alone is worth noting as it is extensive and reveals the wide range of sources brought to the topic, and is alone worth the price of the text. The book is not long and can be easily read, even by a newcomer to the topic, in one or two sittings. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome   2. Demonology & Satanism   3. History   4. Magic, Ancient   5. Magick Studies   6. New Age   7. New Age / Parapsychology   8. Religion   9. Rites and ceremonies   10. Rome   11. Ancient Rome   12. BCE to c 500 CE   13. Christianity   14. Comparative religion   15. Judaism   16. Magic & alchemy   17. Paganism   

Customer Reviews (4)

A Comprehensive Examination of Witchcraft
When discussing the impact of women in European society, witchcraft inevitably enters the forefront of study. Many authors have discussed the crimes and punishments of witches, but Stuart Clark's Thinking With Demons: The Idea of Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe breaks away from the traditional format. Rather than focus on witchcraft itself, Clark writes about the idea of witchcraft; he concludes that the concept of witchcraft was an integral component in the general intellectual life of early modern Europe, woven into the scholarly debates about the key issues of the era. According to Clark, the emphasis was on demonology, which was a "composite subject consisting of discussions about the workings of nature, the processes of history, the maintenance of religious purity and the nature of political authority" (viii). To encompass this broad nature of demonology, Clark divides the book into five separate yet overlapping sections - Language, Science, History, Religion and Politics - each of which expresses a relatively simple argument. In 'Language,' Clark discusses the antithetical nature of rhetoric and discussion in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; this permitted the discussion of witchcraft as the natural malevolent balance to proper behavior. The section titled 'Science' argues that demonology was part of the advancement on science, rather than an obstacle or adversary to it. Magic, both good and evil, was assumed to be part of the natural world, and subject to the scientific investigations of the time. 'History' details how the people were easily convinced of the activities of the devil and his minions through the increasing emphasis on the apocalyptic vision that the world was in the Last Days. 'Religion,' which focused mainly on the writings of the clergy, essentially demonstrated that the religious powers of Europe believed that witchcraft was a sin against the Lord, and involved illicit dealings with the devil. Finally, 'Politics' presents that view that the power of the king was based upon his inability to engage in witchcraft. Essentially, since a monarch was conferred power through divine right - meaning the ruler was empowered by the Lord - he was inviolable and therefore immune to the effects of witchcraft.
Thinking with Demons continues the examination of women and their relationship to criminal behavior that was introduced in Ulinka Rublack's The Crimes of Women in Early Modern Germany. The most fascinating aspects of this book dealt with the importance of duality in early modern Europe, particularly in regards to the masquerade. Such dualism, and the perception that it was natural and important to society, is a fascinating concept to consider. Such a system of duality, in which everything is "distributed between a column of positive (or superior) terms and categories and a column of their negative (or inferior) opposites" (38) would seem to be an important tool in explaining the gender-based hierarchies that evolved in society.

A Comprehensive Work
When discussing the impact of women in European society, witchcraft inevitably enters the forefront of study. Many authors have discussed the crimes and punishments of witches, but Stuart Clark's Thinking With Demons: The Idea of Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe breaks away from the traditional format. Rather than focus on witchcraft itself, Clark writes about the idea of witchcraft; he concludes that the concept of witchcraft was an integral component in the general intellectual life of early modern Europe, woven into the scholarly debates about the key issues of the era. According to Clark, the emphasis was on demonology, which was a "composite subject consisting of discussions about the workings of nature, the processes of history, the maintenance of religious purity and the nature of political authority" (viii). To encompass this broad nature of demonology, Clark divides the book into five separate yet overlapping sections - Language, Science, History, Religion and Politics - each of which expresses a relatively simple argument. In 'Language,' Clark discusses the antithetical nature of rhetoric and discussion in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; this permitted the discussion of witchcraft as the natural malevolent balance to proper behavior. The section titled 'Science' argues that demonology was part of the advancement on science, rather than an obstacle or adversary to it. Magic, both good and evil, was assumed to be part of the natural world, and subject to the scientific investigations of the time. 'History' details how the people were easily convinced of the activities of the devil and his minions through the increasing emphasis on the apocalyptic vision that the world was in the Last Days. 'Religion,' which focused mainly on the writings of the clergy, essentially demonstrated that the religious powers of Europe believed that witchcraft was a sin against the Lord, and involved illicit dealings with the devil. Finally, 'Politics' presents that view that the power of the king was based upon his inability to engage in witchcraft. Essentially, since a monarch was conferred power through divine right - meaning the ruler was empowered by the Lord - he was inviolable and therefore immune to the effects of witchcraft.
Thinking with Demons continues with the examination of women and their relationship to criminal behavior, as was introduced in The Crimes of Women in Early Modern Germany by Ulinka Rublack. The most fascinating aspects of this book dealt with the importance of duality in early modern Europe, particularly in regards to the masquerade. Such dualism, and the perception that it was natural and important to society, is a fascinating concept to consider. Such a system of duality, in which everything is "distributed between a column of positive (or superior) terms and categories and a column of their negative (or inferior) opposites" (38) would seem to be an important tool in explaining the gender-based hierarchies that evolved in society.

Compulsory for those interested in the Occult
With "Thinking . . . ," Clark has produced one of the most important history books of the 20th century. Clark voices ground breaking views of a vastly misunderstood phenomenon - the evolution and prosecution of witchcraft in the early modern period. This book is meticulously researched and well written. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe   2. Europe - General   3. History   4. History - General History   5. History: World   6. Intellectual Life (General)   7. Witchcraft   8. Witchcraft & Wicca   9. European history: c 1500 to c 1750   10. European history: c 500 to c 1500   11. Magic & alchemy   12. Satanism & demonology   13. Social history   14. c 1000 CE to c 1500   15. c 1500 to c 1600   16. c 1600 to c 1700   

Customer Reviews (2)

The Bible ... starting with The Bride of Frankenstein
Can a serious theological book possibly go wrong after opening with remarks concerning The Bride of Frankenstein? Not this book!

This book is a serious, publically accessible study of chaos monsters and religion or, if you prefer, the edges of ordered reality and religion. From the religious perspective it takes you through the Near Eastern chaos monsters thru Job, the Psalms and Revelations. It has fascinating observations concerning the monsters of the Hebrew Scriptures as both frightening as God's playthings.

Culturally, the book looks at Orientalism, monster flicks, horror fiction and Goth music - as embracing or staving off the chaos monsters.

One often wishes that Beal would distribute the attention he gives to detail differently -- Job and Dracula get the most detailed attention. But one must admit that it is only because ones own interests are differently distributed. However, the topics that are less detailed have well chosen seminal ideas for the reader to think for themselves! This encouragement for independent thought around his subject is the result of the author's humility despite the breadth of knowledge he displays.

If you have any interest in the dark side of society, this book is well worth your time.

Masterpiece in Religious Literature
The moment I started to read this intriguing modern religious masterpiece, I could not put it aside. Religion and Its Monsters is a book where one reading can easily lose track of time, because the words flow so perfectly with much thought and genius behind them. Professor Beal seems to have gone through and mastered every possible source, both modern and ancient, on the topics concerning monsters and how they are intertwined with religion. I especially enjoyed the sections concerning Leviathan, Tiamat, and vampires, and how all these creatures have their place in our very own Judeo-Christian Bible. I already know this is a book I will read through several times and I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Religion - World Religions   2. Religion   3. Comparative Religion   4. Demonology & Satanism   5. Monsters   6. Horror   7. Philosophy of religion   8. Theodicy   9. Monsters in the Bible   10. Popular Culture   11. Horror in literature   

Customer Reviews (2)

Confusing messages
There are HUGE distinctions and variances between satanism, new age, and occultism. By categorizing them all together, this book shows a serious lack of research and/or knowledge about these "belief systems." I am a child of God with a loving spiritual practice that is in NO WAY related to the devil, and I am truly offended by this umbrella of judgement. I'm amazed that every other religion and spiritual practice in the world hasn't been placed in these pages as well. What ever happened to "love thy brother?"

Great book for concerned parents
Mr. Anderson does a wonderful job in concisely explaining the insidious nature of satan and evil and it's prevelence in today's world. He uses scripture, fact, and case stories to illustrate this fact. He does an excellent job of showing how even the most innocuous "parlor games" can leave our children very vulnerable to demonic attack. His chapter "Tools of the Devil's Trade" is excellent and a must have reference for parents. I've owned this book for several years and refer back to it often. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children   2. Christianity - Christian Life - General   3. Christianity - Theology - Angelology   4. Demonology   5. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help   6. Religion - Marriage & Family/Singles   7. Religious life   8. Satanism   9. Self-Help   10. United States   

Customer Reviews (2)

Satanic dictionary
Well what can I say about this book....well for one it has a poor title for what this book is real about.If you are looking for a book on satanic philosify and rituals,then don't buy this book.What this book actually is,a: A to Z book of satanism.You could call it a satanic dictionary.It's a great reference book,but for the price it's not worth it.

A good book for the outsiders.
well,as i saw the title i had the passion to read it.i found it in a friends house,and i finished the book in 3 days. not a worthy book for me,but a good start for an outsider,it gives you somehow the feel of the satanism.and beside nice paintings.over all something intresting to read,but not as a source or a ceriouse guide.if you're looking for a guide to give you the feel of the satanists,start with the most famouse one: The satanic bible. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cults   2. Mythology   3. New Age   4. Parapsychology   

Customer Reviews (1)

Not for most people
I was assigned this for a class on German history. I cannot comment on its value to social history but can only say that it took what was titulary a somewhat occult and interesting subject matter and turned into dry intellectualizations. If this is your field, by all means. Otherwise, avoid. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe   2. Europe - General   3. History   4. History - General History   5. History: World   6. Modern - 17th Century   7. Popular culture   8. Sex role   9. Witchcraft   10. Witchcraft & Wicca   11. Anthropology   12. Cultural studies   13. Gender studies   14. Historiography   15. Satanism & demonology   16. c 1500 to c 1600   17. c 1600 to c 1700   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - Angelology   2. Demoniac possession   3. Europe - France   4. Exorcism   5. France   6. History   7. Religion   8. Theology   9. Christian sacraments   10. History of religion   11. Satanism & demonology   

Customer Reviews (1)

GREAT LEARNING TOOL
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO UNDERSTAND THE BATTLE CHRISTIANS ARE IN WITH THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS. ALONG WITH THE BOOK IS A LEADERS GUIDE (IF YOU CAN FIND ONE) THAT ALLOWS YOU TO COPY LESSONS FOR THOSE YOU ARE TEACHING. BRINGS MUCH TRUTH TO LIGHT - IF YOU ARE WILLING TO FACE IT. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity   2. Christianity - Theology - Angelology   3. Devil   4. Evangelistic work   5. General   6. New Age / Parapsychology   7. Religion   8. Satanism   

Customer Reviews (2)

Find a place for this book in your library
Sometimes we do not need 'how to' books because our need is not 'how to' but 'why'.  Sometimes we need reminders of why we are, as opposed to who we are or what we do.  Sometimes we need books that inspire us, or give us a reason for our lives.
The Paganism Reader is a well put together volume that provides us with material that offers inspiration, gentle teachings and insights into the very nature of our spirituality.
Mr. Clifton and Mr. Harvey have put together various works, classified by the time of their writings (classical, proto-revival, revival and diversification) that touch the heart of what it is to be pagan.  The material is fresh for the most part, well chosen for content and it's appeal to the pagan reader in a variety of applications.  The material can be read as individual pieces, or taken as a whole.  It can be used for private meditation or as a group exercise for study.
The classical is represented by various excerpts; from the 'Book of Jeremiah' to 'Pliny the Elder' and material from the 'Irish Cycles' to Geoffrey of Monmouth.  The material covers a wide range of myths and mysticism. 
The proto-revival material is characterized by excerpts from "Aradia', Aleister Crowley's 'The Book of the Law', Margaret Murray on 'Witchcraft' and Rudyard Kipling's 'A Tree Song', to name a few.
Revival and diversification contains material selected from the writings of Doreen Valiente, Gerald  Gardner, Robert Heinlein, Marion Bradley, Mr. Clifton and others.  There is also a 'Further Reading' list that is quite in depth and a well thought out Index.
The material presented is as diverse as the many paths of paganism.  The book offers to the general pagan some wonderful material that will provoke discussion as well as contemplation. 
A must have book on your library shelf, it should be included in your 'must read' lists and is a very useful tool for any teacher, as well as a book I would consider a primer for anyone looking at the pagan path.  boudica

As diverse as nature...
Routledge Press has a strong reputation for putting out fine scholarship and helpful editions for students, scholars, and other interested readers, as this book on Paganism, edited by Chas S. Clifton and Graham Harvey, is no exception to that tradition. This is a reader; it is not a single narrative-strand history nor is it simply a collection of works under the guise of scholarship but really saddled with an agenda. There are three primary sections, largely based on historical division - Part One introduces classical texts from the ancient world, Part Two looks at what are called 'proto-revival' texts, and Part Three looks at the revival and diversification of paganism over the past century or so.

The Classical Texts draw on literature from many different cultures (British Isles, Nordic/Icelandic culture, and ancient Egypt as well as the more well-known Israel, Greece, and Rome). There was no one systematic religious framework called 'paganism', as these texts indicate, but rather Paganism is a term used to cover a wide range of religious and spiritual ideas. These texts include a diversity of literary forms - autobiography, poems, narrative stories, histories, and even an epistle/letter.

The proto-revival texts include texts that reawaken to a celebration of the natural world and the spirituality inherent in it during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Again, the motivations are diverse (Romantic views of nature, a disillusionment with progress and urbanism, etc.) as well as the types of literature - included here pieces from Rudyard Kipling, Robert Graves, Aleister Crowley and Kenneth Grahame, among others. There is also the entry written by Margaret Murray for the 1929 edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica on witchcraft, a rather sympathetic account of the history of witchcraft, making it something very different than it is popularly envisioned.

The third part explores twentieth century scholarship as well as works written by and for Pagans. Some of the tensions that exist in the diversity that is Paganism have to do with the emphasis on nature versus the emphasis on the self and personal reflection/discovery. Another tension has to do with hierarchy - are there those with power and position or not? Among the many titles given to Pagans today are Witches, Druids, Shamans, Eco-activists, Goddess worshippers, and several others. Magic sometimes plays a role, but not always. Paganism is far from the kind of devil worship sometimes portrayed by church hiearchs.

In the introduction, Clifton and Harvey clearly state that it is not the intention of this collection to steer the reader in any particular direction regarding this texts; to that end, the introduction is but a few pages long, and the list of further readings is quite generous at the end of the book. Clifton does contribute a few articles in Part Three, on nature religion and Western shamanism.

A fascinating study. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality   2. Anthropology - General   3. Cults   4. Demonology & Satanism   5. History   6. Paganism   7. Religion   8. Spirituality - Paganism   

Customer Reviews (35)

A wonderful example of a wrong-headed fellow Christian
I am a devout Catholic - not fanatical, but devout nevertheless. If I had not been doing research on Christian fundamentalist paranoia for a school paper, I wouldn't have read this. Larson reiterates the same old prejudices which have been discarded by mainstream Christianity since the false horror stories of Satanist cults in suburbia of the Eighties. In fact, many "conservative" Catholics and Protestants no longer listen to these fairy tales.

A Good read
Some of the facts are misinformed, but ya know, this guy is probably liberal. One must keep in mind that 90% of satanist are poseurs who want attention. Since more and more people doubt the existence of satan, I doubt there are to many satanist out there, so let's focus one more important topics, like why the heck there is an increase of fascists in our great nation!

Unresearched Fear-mongering Sensationalism
Bob Larson's book "Satanism: The Seduction of America's Youth" is really a poor piece of journalism. It is a product of the Satanic Panic of the 80s and early 90s when a number of fundamentalist groups were convinced that there were wide-spread underground Satanic cults attempting to recruit millions of children for Lucifer through the use of heavy metal music and fantasy role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. Today, most people see this as the farce that it is. The fact that anyone would take what Larson describes in this book seriously is frightening. Suffice it to say that while this book is entertaining for it's sensationalist and misguided views, I think that it also has the power to seriously delude the unsavvy reader into beliving that simply because someone listens to Metallica, wears black clothing, or plays D&D that they are headed down the Left Hand Path to evil.

This book, and many others like it, are dangerous in that they are propagandist works that promote misinformation about simple adolescent rebelliousness and disparage other belief systems while pandering to people's fears. For example, Larson's guide to "Satanic" symbols is just foolish. Among other things, it continues the myth that the pentagram and the Egyptian Ahnk are Satanic symbols, which they are not. It also promotes an unecessary fear of anything considered New Age or connected to the Occult, which basically continues to equate anything non-Christian with the Devil... This book is un-intenionally entertaining, but not to be taken seriously in the least. If I had children I would be more worried about them stealing beer and bashing mailboxes than selling their souls to Satan. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting   2. Christianity - Spiritual Warfare   3. Cults   4. Religion   5. Religion - Spiritual Warfare   6. Religious life   7. Satanism   8. Teenagers   9. United States   10. Youth   11. NEW AGE/PARAPSYCHOLOGY   12. Witchcraft   

Customer Reviews (5)

A Book of False Information.
I found that this book had information which is false to the religion of Satanism. Though not a Satanist myself, Ive studied the religion... What this book describes are more or less teenagers out to cause a bit of havoc, and just have fun in their own way. This book is very uninformative and biased, I cant recommend it.

Misinformation and Finger Pointing
This book is a quickly thrown together, very poorly researched attack on a subculture that is not understood. The "Satanic" threat is just a bunch of idiotic, inbred, trashy teens from small towns that think that its cool to kill a dog to get power. There is a growing movement of people, me included, that with intelligence and carefull political manuevering, are trying to make the United States a better place for non-Christians. I am Buddhist, and when people find that out, they react in horror or don't understand it. But we have freedom of religion in this country. And this stupid, ignorant book, written probably for quick profit by a greaseball that knows a lot of "god-fearing" people will react to their xenophobia, is just not worth your reading time, unless you want to laugh, and believe me, I got quite a few belly laughs from this one!

worth reading
Unfortunately it seems that Carl Raschke's book has fallen into the hands of the people that he has written about and now they are writing reviews. Painted black is insightful as well as informative look at the upswing in Satanism and the peculiarly unintelligent members of the cults (please see previous review). I have never met Carl Raschke, but it seems that he has a keen insight into the working of these cults and how they are infiltrating into our society. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the growing problem of satanic cults in this country. You will find the book informative and helpful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century   2. Church And Social Problems   3. Crime   4. Cults   5. General   6. History   7. Nonfiction - True Crime / Espionage   8. Occult Sciences   9. Satanism   10. Satansim   11. Sociology   12. United States   

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Study
For anyone interested in the Romantic movement, or in any of the poets/writers of the day, this book is an absolute necessity.

Whether you are taking a course on the subject, teaching the subject, or a fan of the poets involved, you will find this book immensely helpful and fun to read.

I loved it. Get this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century   2. Byron, George Gordon Byron,   3. Devil in literature   4. English poetry   5. English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh   6. Great Britain   7. History and criticism   8. Literary Criticism   9. Poetry   10. Romanticism   11. Literary Criticism & Collections / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh   

Customer Reviews (21)

Say You Love Satan
The first time that I read this book was almost ten years ago, but I still find myself thinking about the story today. The book has had a huge impact on my life. I recently visited Northport, Long Island, so that I could see the town for myself. It looks exactly the same way that the author described it in the book. The book is very simple reading with an excellent story. I would recommend it to everyone.

If you find it...read it
I was walking through a store and looked up and saw a book title I knew would drive my parents teachers and friends running to the shrinks. I had never heard of Ricky Kasso or Nothport Long Island. It is the easiest book to read since See Jane jump Spot. The story pulls you in from the first page. Before your realize it you're sucked into the life of a troubled kid whose life takes an unexpected turn and shows how easily a kid can go wrong. I was 16 when I first read it. I've gad 6 copies of the book 5 of which vanished. The last I found hidden in the stacks at the library. If nothing else it should be part of some required reading list for would be parents. The book changed my life. Even the most heartless can't put the book down without Rcky, Jimmy or Gary sticking with them for years.

I recomend this book to everyone.
The first time I read this book was 1987. It was recomended by a girl I was seeing, I could not put it down. The whole story captivated me,to think that teenagers could be driven to such extreams.The author put everything in prospective and you actually felt as if you were right there. This book is a very tramatic documentry of what took place. I wish I could find a copy to let my kids read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies   2. Cults   3. Long Island (N.Y.)   4. Murder - General   5. Nonfiction - True Crime / Espionage   6. Satanism   7. Sociology   

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Book - Would Read It Again And Again And Again
This was great bathroom reading. I especially enjoyed the cannabilism parts. I didn't know human children tasted like chicken. The recipe section was particularly helpful. So if you're in the moody for some dining a bit out of the ordinary, try this book. (Helpful hint here..... it also gives you instructions on what countries in Africa sell youngsters for devouring. VERY helpful!)

Terribly misleading
The problems with this book are many. Among these are the assumption that the author is telling the truth, that there are secret, powerful "cults" out there that are committing dreadful acts. Second, it assumes that disassociation comes about naturally as a result of mental trauma. In truth, the only people who have ever had this disorder only developped it while under psychiatric care.
The author does not seem to realize any of this, and, in fact, states repeatedly that the opposite of both is true. She seems to think that the "Recovered Memories" the her counselor forced into her head are true. She does not deserve any of my pity, however, because she wrote this work of fiction that she disguised as truth, and because it is such works that lead to innocent people getting killed by those who wish to oppress these innocent people's religions.
Other than Christianity, there are no cults that abuse children extant in the world today. This author seems to hold that the opposite is true, and tells this to all of the gullible little sheep out there. My advice: Avoid this book. To find out the truth about religions read materials written by their founders/ members. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult child sexual abuse victi   2. Biography & Autobiography   3. Dissociative Disorders   4. Personal narratives   5. Recovery   6. Ritual abuse victims   7. Satanism   8. Women