Customer Reviews (5)

Much Better than the First Volume
This sequel to Bubeck's book "The Adversary" is much better in quality and content than the first volume. The bulk of this work focuses upon the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6, and upon what it means to wear that armor in daily life. I've read numerous treatments of the armor of God, and the explanation given here is certainly among the best. For anyone wanting practical tips and insight on spiritual warfare, this title is by all means a very good investment.

THE POWER OF GOD'S TRUTH TO FREE US
This was a life changing book for me. Far from being a sensationalistic book about demons etc, the focus is on Jesus Christ and God's truth as revealed in the Bible. While reading it, I understood for the first time that I needn't be subject to the emotional-spiritual-psychological baggage of my past. God's Truth is "true" and His character doesn't change. He is reliable in spite of the emotional "reality" to which we are subject at a particular time in life. Through knowing that truth, we gain a perspective of life and reality which puts all else into true perspective. He addresses satan as a real adversary, yet makes it clear that he, too, is subject to God's truth. I thank God for Bubeck and the work he composed. Highly recommended.

Beating the beast on his home court
This should be a fundamental resource in any Christian's library. The fact that people who glorify witchcraft and satanism give it one star on Amazon should be a clue. Satan is concerned about this book because it is clear, simple, and exciting. It's a classic. It is perfect for building a solid foundation in a society that rejects the beauty and love of Christ. And it's cautionary, exposing the results of following a very real Satan. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baptist authors   2. Christian life   3. Christianity   4. Christianity - Spiritual Warfare   5. Demonology & Satanism   6. Devil   7. Religion   

Customer Reviews (1)

Seriously about satanism
The "Satanism Scare" is a modest and serious approach to satanism. I live in Norway and during the 90`s there has been a series of church burnings, linked to "satanists" or Black-metallers. During that period the press become in a state of moral panic. So much for the history. Even in Norway where satanism has been a big issue, there is hard to get a good book about the phenomena. But The Satanism scare is exactly that. And maybe if people read this book, the newspapers didn`t have to use this stupied headlines containing "child offering" and so on. All in all an enligthening book about something that scears people, with a modest approch, from sociologists, folklorists antrophlogists and other academics. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century   2. Cults   3. History   4. Public opinion   5. Religion - Spiritual Warfare   6. Satanism   7. Sociology   8. United States   9. Social issues   

Customer Reviews (18)

Was he lying in the book, or on the radio?
Christian Research Institute president Hank Hanegraaff once said that Larson wouldn't know a demon "if it bit him in the rear," and this book supports his contention. During Larson's on-air live radio exorcisms, the purported demons never challenge him about his litany of personal sins (e.g., adultery, lying, avarice), and always obey relevant FCC regulations regarding profanity ... but in the book, they are purportedly aggressive, exploiting any and all weaknesses in an exorcist's life to gain an upper hand. Is Bob Larson lying on the air, or in this book? You make the call.

Personal attacks donot a review make
Many of the reviewers are too busy bashing this man personally that they are not taking the time to actually review the book. The point of this book is to know thy enemy. Knowledge and the awareness of spiritual warfare is key in every christian's success.

That being said, I enjoyed this book immensely, especially when Mr. Larson explains how demons work in groups and a pyramid heirarchy, with the stronger demons at the top drawing energy and power from the weaker ones. I am reminded of Jesus' conversation with the demon possessed man and when Christ asked the demon possessed man,"What is your name?" the man replied,"Legion, for we are many." This is a point that Bob Larson hits on as well as how demons, once they are expelled will sometimes return with other demons in order to repossess a person and this time the person is worse than before.

THe old saying, "The greatest trick the devil ever played on man was convincing man he doesnot exist." Bob Larson not only verifies the existence of Satan but of Satan's henchmen, a legion of fallen angels that Satan took with him to earth in rebellion against God.

Hilarious dreck!
Bob Larson is the funniest man on television. An impotent Cotton Mathers with greasy skin and sleazball suit, he trumpets his gospel of paranoia to a captive audience (most of his parishoners undoubtedly having come from a mental hospital). This book follws the grand tradition of Montegue Summers and Hal Lindsay. Meaning that its a mix of misinformation and fictions arising from a psyche that would make a Freudian scream with delight. Witness the demoniac origin of masturbation illucidated in this massive slander, and see what I mean. Page after page of this book is an insult to every religion besides the authors own. Buddhism, Hinduism, Wicca, and yes, Satanism are all flagrently misrepresented. Larson's exploits among his wicked quaries are enough to make Max Weber give up anthropology and take up coin collecting. Has the man never heard of "valueless anthropology"? Recomended for a good laugh, after which it should be promptly consigned to the flames of a Solstice needfire. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity   2. Christianity - Theology - Angelology   3. Demoniac possession   4. Devotional   5. Exorcism   6. Religion   7. Religion - Prayer & Spirituality   8. Satanism   9. Spiritual life   10. Larson, Bob   

Customer Reviews (17)

Who to believe?
You know, I am not sure if this book is true. I do know that SRA does happen, although how frequently or infrequently is anyone's guess. My brother-in-law was a Detroit cop for over 20 years, and he assures me that it happens. I also know about so called Christian organizations who take every opportunity to character assassinate anyone who believes differently than them. These same people who went after this author and her story also claim that Charismatic Christians are of the devil. Because we speak in tongues, God forbid! (see the book of Acts in the Bible).Give me a break. They also deliberately distort and falsify many of the "facts" that they present. And for that one reviewer who claims that the author would be in prison just for ADMITTING she had killed her baby, then WHY ISN'T SHE? SHE ADMITTED IT IN HER BOOK! Simply put, because the story sounds too crazy to be true. Yet how do we know it isn't????

troubling
I would like nothing more than this book to be a work of fiction, but I believe it to be true. Lauren is one of the few survivors, and I admire her courage. It is a painful book to read. What can the average person do other than get depressed? I became aware of this type of abuse by reading the works of David Icke. He points out that no one wants to think about this type of extreme evil. But as he said, what do we say to the children who are now going through this? "Sorry too depressing and negative?" Her mother and the porno king were especially hard to read about. The smelly bum who laughed at Lauren for calling for her mom--"she's the one who brought me here." Brutal. My only reservation about this book is the Christian dogmatic viewpoint that Christianity is the only path to God. For example Lauren feels meditation can be dangerous, and I know that meditation is a valid way of communing with our Creator. I overlook that however, because Lauren needed her Christian faith to make it through the horror. She survived to tell her story, so I honor her path. What can we do? Be aware, speak when the opportunity is there, and pray to God. This must and will stop.

This proven hoax has been reissued?!
Folks, do yourselves a favor and type +"Lauren Stratford" +cornerstone into Google's search engine. The very first link you will probably see is one to Cornerstone magazine's website, there you will see an updated expose of this author.

Finding the truth is that easy.

It simply amazes me that I'd already seen this story exposed by Cornerstone around 15 years ago, the book was consequently dropped by her publisher, and she was able to go on to concoct yet another tale (again debunked by Cornerstone - see the link) AND get this old story republished!!

She's a victim of a Satanic cult and NOW a holocaust victim as well!

But the joke's on you, folks. You paid for it... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography   2. Biography & Autobiography   3. Biography/Autobiography   4. Christian converts   5. General   6. New Age / Parapsychology   7. Occultism   8. Satanism   9. Sexually abused children   10. Stratford, Lauren   11. United States   12. Women   

Customer Reviews (2)

Satan as hero
This book isn't so much a history book as it is a book by an individual Satanist elaborating his own historically-based reasons for joining the Devil's side. This book predates the Church of Satan by over a century, and forms the bases of the additudes and ideas of "Michelet Satanism."

A Desperate Plea for Feminism (or at least Humanism)
Some stuff never quits. And, it seems some stuff never starts, when it should, anyway. This book is a great example of both, I think. Strangely contemporary in its impact, this book is a startlingly empathic study of, well - oppressed women way back then - I mean just ordinary women trying to live their lives. These women are much more like us than is the society around them; I owe this emphasis much to the genius of Michelet. Not to be read by thrill seekers but by lovers of humanity and seekers of sociological truth, I guarantee you a very rich experience indeed. I'm a community radio producer and on my next show (just before Hallloween) I am going to try to read excerpts from this book mixed with pieces from Richard Thompson and Maddy Prior; any other suggestions? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural   2. Customs & Traditions   3. Demonomania   4. History   5. Medieval   6. Religion   7. Satanism   8. Sociology   9. To 1500   10. Witchcraft   

Customer Reviews (1)

Not what it appears, but good
For those of you looking for ways of casting spells, etc., you'll be disappointed -- I was! But give it a try anyway. Turns out to be a very good book, well worth reading. Perhaps the author will write another book with more practical advice for practitioners! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cults   2. Demonology & Satanism   3. History   4. History - General History   5. History: World   6. Magick Studies   7. Medieval   8. Nider, Johannes,   9. Witchcraft   10. ca. 1380-1438   11. to 1500   

Customer Reviews (1)

this was a great christian book
the spell was a great christian book with alot of spiritual warfare.It showed alot of satanism and curses without a great scare.i recomend this book to any adult or teen or any advanced reader! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Religious   2. Children: Grades 4-6   3. Christian life   4. Fiction   5. Juvenile Fiction   6. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories   7. Religious - Christian   8. Satanism   

Customer Reviews (33)

Who is fooling who?
A fascinating book to say the least. It is a story of a little girl who is given up to satanists for all kinds of abuse. The book has some of the most lurid and sickening things I have ever read. Is it true? After looking through the internet and finding it is supposedly a hoax made up out of delusion and desire for money, I had serious doubts about it being a hoax. Intresting how most of the claims for a hoax come from satanic and witchcraft sites. Claims of hoax also come from the false memory foundation, a foundation in which one of the founders advocates child molestation. While these sites and people present the evidence against such abuse, what about the evidence for it? These supposedly objective people never bring it up. Why? Oh, and it does exist. Are we supposed to believe that Michelle Smith, Lauren Stratford, Doreen Irvine, Mike Warnke, Roberta Blankenship and others who were either directly involved or participated in these cults all hoaxers? This must include the leaders in Rome and other ancient countries who ordered witches to be imprisoned or killed. This must also include all the judges in the middle age witchcraft trials who were fooled in all that time. Demonologists like Remy, Bouget, and others who were judges or transcribed the witchcraft trials and wrote books on it were hoaxers too. That must include the modern researcher Montague Summers. If one is truly looking at both sides, I wonder who is fooling who? As the satanist Adolf Hitler said,"What a wonderful thing for leaders that most people don't think."

I live in Victoria BC...
The book itself is somewhat disturbing but i am more reviewing the truth behind it's origins...

I was born and raised in Victoria, BC and have lived here for all of my 23 years. This book and the story behind it are legend to the many high school students of the city. Growing up you could hear rumors of this story.

"The driveway to the house curls around to a BIG 6 with the house at the center."
"No, I'm serious...it really did happen. There's this book, Michelle Remembers, haven't you heard of it?"

Like usual teenagers we would go thrill seeking and many a boring weekend night we would visit the place where the house used to stand. That's right, there was no house at all, only the remnants of a foundation. The property stood vacant for a looong time, adding to the mystery i suppose. Rumors swirled that no one would purchase the waterfront property in the desirable Mount Doug neighbourhood Not even the most successful realtors in the city could sell it, infact most refused to even try.

The girls that would come with us seemed to make the trip a little more frightening, and we would always decide to go looking...oh, say sometime after midnight.

The sad reality of it all is...
The house doesn't even exist anymore. The driveway was straight.

The property has since been developed and many families reside there in peace. There is no hauntings or strange occurences reported. And the scariest thing the people who live around that area have probably ever heard were the blood-curdling screams of the girls we took there one night after we called some buddies ahead of time and told them to hide in the bushes.

What is wrong with you, people?
What is wrong with you, people?
Do you even consider to take this BS seriously? It is all about money.
Knowing that so many stupid folks around they're cashing in on SRA.
I know Michelle and Larry personally. They are a couple shysters....reach ones...thanks to you, readers.
When you read this garbage, think about children who have been taken away from their parents by social workers in UK, wrongfully accused people sitting in jail, millions of tax payer money wasted on police investigations, medical research and so on. This book created panic and paranoia. Very poor written book, by the way.
There are so many material you can find about this book, search the web.
But if you are really into this stuff ( Satan, magic etc) read something which worth it...Goethe, Dostoevsky, Dante, Bulgakov, Poe
Take care, John ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality   2. Horror   3. Satanism   4. Spirituality - General   5. Body, Mind & Spirit / General   6. NEW AGE/PARAPSYCHOLOGY   7. Witchcraft   

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit   2. Demonology   3. Demonology & Satanism   4. Devil   5. History   6. History of doctrines   7. New Age   8. Reference   9. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   10. Sociology of Religion   

Subjects:  1. Europe - General   2. General   3. History   4. History: World   5. Sociology   6. Witchcraft & Wicca   7. History of specific subjects   8. Northern Europe, Scandinavia   9. Satanism & demonology   10. Witchcraft   

Customer Reviews (9)

Wild Imagination...Sad But True
I have seen such overwhelming evidence to support the fact that almost all "ritual abuse" cases WERE indeed caused by mass hysteria and community pressure. So many individuals in these communities were forced not to appear "weak," and jumped on the neighborhood bandwagon to accuse, accuse, accuse.
Nothing is more horrifying than the thought of our children being in peril...but that fear sadly caused a lot of irreversible damage to many innocent people's lives in these cases.

From the Salem Witch trials to the Senator McCarthy insanity to this mess, it seems that every so often the civilized world goes mad. We can learn from it...but not by reading this wrongheaded book.

Helpful and Harmful
I think this book can be both helpful and harmful. For me, in the long run, I can say it was helpful. It gave me information that helped me to make sense of unusual childhood trauma. However, the book's claims that there is a widespread conspiracy involving doctors and government officials who worship satan is both harmful and unfounded.
While it is possible that a few people may try to create the perception of a widespread conspiracy to disempower their victims, having therapists "validate" that as truth is wrong. It can set people astray from understanding the true nature of their trauma.
In general, satanic ritual abuse therapy leads people to become more dependant upon their therapists and less trusting of others. Any therapy that does that should be seen as not effective.

Taken seriously in the '80s, but not anymore
This book is a comically repellent/fascinating read (in a Weekly World News sort of way), but I have to rate it as poor because it is really trying to cash in on a hoax which damaged some peoples lives during the child abuse witch hunts of twenty years ago. Law enforcement of today doesn't take any of this seriously. The main consumers of these kind of scare stories are typically people who've led very sheltered lives and are attracted to stories of those who violate society's rules in a horrific way. Many of these types fantasize about "recovered memories" and books like this provided them with inspiration/corroboration for their tales of victimhood. A morbidly interesting record of a weird social phenomenon of a bygone era. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse   2. Counseling of   3. Occult Sciences   4. Recovery   5. Ritual abuse   6. Ritual abuse victims   7. Satanism   8. Services For Abused Children   9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General   10. United States   

Customer Reviews (34)

Good Book of Fiction
I read this book when it first came out and like many others I was duped into believing it was non-fiction. I'm giving it three stars only because it was an enjoyable piece of fiction. Mike Warnke "led" many people to Christ based on a lie -- talk about irony. I'm also amazed at some of the responses about the reviews stating that they know who the "real" Christians are based on the reviews. It is people like Warnke and these respondents that do nothing but give Christianity a bad name.

Christianity is suppose to change lives -- not just in the short run but in the long run also. I see very little evidence that Christianity actually does this -- at least when it comes to the modern day Christians. Warnke, Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggart, Sam Kineson (sp?)- deceased comedian, and Robert Tilton are but a few examples of Christian hypocrisy run amuck. This is one of many reasons why I myself got burned out on Christianity. But as some good Christians like Billy Graham have said, keep your focus on Jesus and his teachings -- not fallible men.

Warnke may have "led" people to Christ because of this book but he also gave many people yet another reason to stay away from Christianity.

A Satanic Mechanic
I remember reading this book 30 years ago, right on the heels of the nationwide release of the movie, "The Exorcist." I was in a charismatic bible group in Stillwater, Oklahoma. We all got caught up in the "possession" craze that swept charismatic circles that year. Mr. Mike Warnke visited the campus of Oklahoma State University that Spring, sponsored by our little group. He was such a big hero to us all. I confess, I was taken in by his lies. It was heartbreaking to learn it was all a charade, when I read the truth about Mike Warnke in the book, "Selling Satan," which was published 20 years after "The Satan Seller."

Mike behaved a great deal more devilishly AFTER his alleged conversion to Christianity in 1966. He was never a Satanist or drug dealer in Southern California in the 1960's. However, he WAS a womanizer, cheating on his first 3 wives. I am not so much disappointed that Mike was never a devil worshipper as I am that he was, and is, an inveterate liar and opportunist. His hysteria contributed to the atmosphere that led to the false accusations about alleged Satanic ritual abuse in the 1980's and 1990's. Ever hear of the McMartin Preschool Trial?

This book, "The Satan Seller," is one lie after another. I would urge all who are interested in such things to read the expose', "Selling Satan," and also read the book, "Satanic Panic." They will lay to rest Mr. Warnke's exaggerations and falsehoods.

John Paul, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Fiction Presented As Fact
I recently read this book, which had a tradition of being passed around from person to person as a joke. Warnke tries to mix neo-pagan witchcraft and Satanism in ways that don't make any sense to someone (like me) familiar with both. He attacks the use of ritual in Christian worship as being empty, yet at the end of the book he's engaging in his own brand of Christian voodoo - 'calling on the Blood' and such.

A 1992 expose in Cornerstone magazine blew the doors off this author's fictional past. Which is no surprise, having read his obviously fabricated autobiography.

I'm rating the book two stars, because it's not badly written. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity   2. Conversion   3. Inspirational   4. Satanism   5. Warnke, Mike   

Customer Reviews (2)

The Condescension of Anthropology
This is the only book I've read in the past five years that I haven't finished. I stopped reading in disgust. Luhrmann is extremely patronizing to the population she's writing about, neopagans, and it drove me crazy.

I also felt like she missed the point of what it is that we do. Most neopagans don't consider themselves as magicians primarily, and much of the ritual we do is not to create material results. Her point is that magic does not create material results but we act as though it does. I don't think either of those are necessarily true, and even if they were true, they're beside the point of a spiritual path.

In Luhrmann's defense, the anthropology tradition has a long and venerated history of holding itself loftily above the people it studies. So perhaps it's not entirely her fault. But I don't think that redeems the book.

I wouldn't recommend it.

How can people believe this stuff? -- an inquiry
The ethnographic detail (and it is quite rich) of English covens is just the beginning -- the book is fundamentally about belief and the justification of belief. Is there any real difference between marginal practices like drawing pentagrams and casting spells and mainstream practices like taking communion and praying? Are there perhaps commonalities among "altered states" of meditation, prayer, and the like? No definitive answers, but a fascinating exploration. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century   2. England   3. History   4. Magic   5. Magick Studies   6. New Age   7. New Age / Parapsychology   8. Sociology - General   9. Witchcraft   10. Witchcraft & Wicca   11. Satanism & demonology   

Customer Reviews (10)

Thoughtful, scholarly, and well written antidote for evil
Dr. Jim Wilder writes as both a licensed psychologist and ordained minister. He is a keen thinker whose compassionate commitment to Truth leads him to examine the world-view of the occult and Satanism in the context of what a caring community of Christians should be. While exposing reality, he is not one to stir up hate; rather he seeks to provide a healthy antidote rooted in love--based on a redemptive approach. In a day of instant everything he has obviously spent many years giving substance to an approach that needs to be widely read and widely practiced. A must read for thoughtful Christians who sense the dangers of American individualism and the need for a Christian community that incorporates healthy family connection for all who seek redemptive relationships--which rightly include those survivors deeply wounded by the Red Dragon and his allies. The author is to be commended and his book highly recommended. Tom R. Hawkins, Ph.D. Restoration in Christ Ministries

A timely word for the Church today dealing with evil
Thank you Jim Wilder for providing us with the truth about Satanism in the world today. You have provided an easy to follow guide for redemption and restoration for those who have been victimized by the evil practices of the Occult. It is time we (the Church) take our heads out of the sand and see this world for what it is. Red dragon Cast Down has taken the mystery out of the dark evil of the occult and revealed it for what it is. I have found this work very helpful for me as a minister to Santanic Abuse Victims. This is especially true for the ministery to the total person as opposed to just healing of the memories. I encourage everyone who is working with victims at any level to read this book and open your eyes to what God is seeking to do in setting the captive free.

castles made of sand,,christianity is dead.
i actually think christ had some good ideas when he was alive,,too bad that over the centuries everything got warped into a system to control large populations in social systems. however what aggrivates me the most is people like the author of this book taking advantage of societies neurotic programming to make a buck. Most unfortunatly, in cases of alleged satanic abuse, it is usually the patients own fantasies that the shrink who works in this particular field enforce with religious zeal. Another reviewer mentioned "religious warfare" now isn't that a contradiction to the teachings of christ? I think enough blood has been shed by the church over centuries, assurredly more than any suppossed satanic ritual murder. most of the publicised satanic abuse/murder stories are about people trying to get a lessend sentence by saying: "The Devil made me do it!" Balderdash! The devil was created by the church! now there are evil and good forces/entities in this reality,,this metaphor of life, duality. But, is there a difference in the end? could we stop looking at things as black or white, good or bad,, and just say that everything apears to BE. this book takes advantage of disturbed people,,it was created to disturb people and make them devoted to a struggeling ideology. ever met a satanist? you could probably trust them better as babysitters for your kids as the local Pastor! any crimes supposedly connected to satanists are vauge in the media, however Reverend child molesters are a fact! so get off the warhorses and let people be,,don't try to scare them into submission to an ideology that is humanly impossible to uphold! Or sell them the line "you can sin your whole life and ask JESUS for forgiveness and go to heaven!" do you really think it would be fun to strum a harp for eternity? and wouldn't you get bored of burning in hell? I think other possibilities exist after death, the great architec of the universe is ever evolving and learning, wish the human race would learn to as well. thumbs down on the book,,,,the ideology,,the abuse of peoples psyche, organized religion, wars, and any second party salesman. you want god,,look for god in yourself, you want satan look inside yourself,,they are both there and both nessessary parts of your mind. positive and negative. you can't destroy one or the other,,you need to accept them and balance yourself. this book just unbalances already troubled minds. shame on you for writing it and taking advantage of people! and you are supposed to be a doctor? I pity your patients and the money they spend on you for this type of treatment. Do you use hypnosis to plant these memories of satanic abuse? That is what most of your kind do. live in a glass house? if yu are experiencing mental problems (and don't worry society breeds them) go to a non religious psychiatrist for help, don't make yourself sicker by buying into the junk written in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity   2. Christianity - Spiritual Warfare   3. Comparative Religion   4. Cults   5. Family   6. Occult Sciences   7. Occultism   8. Religion   9. Religion - Spiritual Warfare   10. Religious aspects   11. Religious life   12. Satanism   

Customer Reviews (4)

This Is The best hell Fire Club Book !
Ave Everyone,

I have to say if your going to research all the Hell fire clubs this is the book for you. It sticks to facts about the clubs and it's members not like other books on the clubs that used mostly fiction. Geoffrey Ashe is a great writer and I am glad this book is still around. I recommend it to the people within the church I am in. So if you want to know what people do and some still do to have the most sexual delightful time then by all means buy this book.

Always In The Dark,
High Priest/Advisor Gino of the Temples Of Satan

Witty and informative
Much to my surprise, this is a wonderful and witty history of not only Western anti-morality philosophies but also of British politics in the mid-nineteenth century. Ashe is a master at understatement, dry humor, and clear writing, making this a great and important read if you want to understand the underpinnings of British upper class society and politics in the nineteenth century (as well as some of the nasty pasttimes of some of that era's peers). I was pleasantly surprised that the book did not dwell on salacious details of the libertine "clubs" discussed, but gave just enough description for the reader to get the gist of what was going on and why. Ashe also deserves praise for making quite plain which supposed "facts" are (or were) rumors, disinformation, lies, or, unfortunately, truth. Clearly, Ashe spent much time and effort researching this subject matter; it plainly shows.
In the end, this book is a well-balanced and scholarly dip into the pool of both Rabelaisian philosophy and its influences, as well as British history and politics. What makes this book a gem is that it is never dry or too erudite -- it is compulsively readable. I found myself enjoying it more and more as I read further.

An Excellent History
This was an excellent history of the Hell-Fire Club Phenomenon in 18th Century England, as it tries very successfully, I think, to Contextualize the Clubs and their Members, within the various Political and Cultural developments of that Age.. It has some marvelous imagery and details, which bring smiles on about every other page. Take for instance an iced Cake that resembles a building which is then knocked down with miniature cannonballs by young ladies.. this was just some ancillary detail in the book about a symbolic event at a Hanoverian Prince's party.. A Lot of this book made me think of Peter Greenaway's very hard to find _Baby of Macon_.. As for a lack of "Moral Guidance".. Happily, Its really a "history", not some half-baked diatribe, or confected subjective "grotesque", like the author of the above reveiw wouldve wanted.. EEch!.. Very interesting and fun book.. and not at all some metaphysical curiosisty.. This is a small tightly researched little gem, at an affordable price.. And a good introduction to the more interesting underbelly of UK history.. I am now looking for a copy of _Strange Wycombe_ next! Enjoy!!! Oh, But one detraction.. It couldve used some nice color plates, like of the portraits of the Club-members, and pictures of like Edmund Curll, and the various places and people of the book.. Other than that... Great Stuff.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - General   2. Europe - Great Britain - General   3. Great Britain - History - 18th Century   4. History   5. History - General History   6. Satanism   7. Social Deviance   8. Sociology   

Subjects:  1. Cults   2. Demonology   3. Encyclopedias   4. General   5. History   6. History: World   7. Reference   8. Religion - Spiritual Warfare   9. Satanism   10. Sociology   11. Sociology of Religion   

Customer Reviews (1)

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
This book is very informative and current. It is an eye-opening read, a must for every christian. Don't wait until it's too late to make a the right decision about eternity. Be informed. This book will help you to understand the events that are being orchestrated to usher in the one world government that the bible predicts. It is happening while America "is mesmerized by silly TV sitcoms, unending sports programs, materialism, and the Internet."

America is in a position, through President Clinton's Executive Orders to be given away to the United Nations. This will end life as we know it and put an end to the freedom that we have enjoyed.

Buy this book, read it, share it and be ready! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - General   2. Christianity - Theology - Systematic   3. Demonology & Satanism   4. Religion   5. Religion - Biblical Studies - Predictive Prophecy   

In 1973, the film version of The Exorcist seared Linda Blair's head-spinning, vomit-spewing rendition of demonic possession into the popular consciousness. The movie's popularity, according to sociologist and anthropologist Michael W. Cuneo, tapped into Americans' deepest spiritual anxieties and helped spawn a "booming business" for Catholic, Protestant, and freelance exorcists that shows no signs of slowing. American Exorcism: Expelling Demons in the Land of Plenty begins with a cultural history of exorcism from the 1960s to the present day. Then the book offers a wealth of case studies, based on the author's firsthand observation of dozens of contemporary exorcisms performed by New Age entrepreneurs and clerics of Christian traditions. But Cuneo's explanation of exorcism's popularity--that the rite allows believers to absolve themselves of responsibility for problems, including "depression, anxiety, substance addiction, or even a runaway sexual appetite," by offering assurance that "Indwelling demons are to blame"--seems merely a pretext for his scathing judgment of the whole phenomenon. "Personal engineering through demon expulsion: a bit messy perhaps, but relatively fast and cheap, and morally exculpatory. A thoroughly American arrangement." Cuneo's judgment may or may not be correct, but his research appears sloppy ("widely quoted" sources go unidentified, and sweeping cultural observations are unsubstantiated by footnotes). And his prose is littered with smug double-entendres such as "The pop culture industry cast its spell, so to speak, and an obliging nation fell into line." In both its argument and style, American Exorcism is every bit as lazy and sensationalistic as the phenomenon it purports to criticize. --Michael Joseph Gross ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

The title is somewhat misleading...
I purchased this book expecting to find case studies of exorcisms (specifically Catholic) that have been performed in recent years in the United States. Instead, this book primarily focuses on the many groups who perform exorcisms(or deliverances) within this country. Also, although Catholicism is generally associated with exorcism, the majority of this book centers on Protestant groups performing what they call Deliverance. And, a far too large portion of this book is devoted to the anti-Catholic bias of these groups.

If you want a general overview of exorcism in this country, as well as a history of the practice in modern America, this is your book. If, however, you are looking for case studies of exorcism, look elsewhere.

Informative and engaging
AMERICAN EXORCISM is a fascinating book, tracing the resurgence and spread of the practice of exorcism in America since the first screening of the movie THE EXORCIST. The book contains enough historical information to be truly informative, yet also enough case- and character-study to keep the reader entertained. Cuneo's attitude towards exorcism is a skeptical one (in all of the exorcisms he has attended in the process of researching the book, he has seen nothing that indicates supernatural activity), but whether or not one agrees with this attitude, one will benefit from his discussion of the principal works and figures responsible for the renewal of exorcism in modern America.

Valuable insights and investigation, but more theory needed
The period since the early 1970s has seen a huge rise in Americans seeking relief from demons. The possessed have sought exorcism, while those merely "oppressed" by diabolic forces have received "the deliverance ministry". Cuneo's study is an in-depth exploration of the different Christian groups in America offering these services.

Cuneo's thesis is that two factors have led to this upsurge of demand: firstly, the popular media, particularly the book and film of "The Exorcist" and the work of a renegade Catholic priest, the late Malachi Martin, in the early 1970s; and secondly, the development of a "therapeutic culture" of self-fulfilment and self-help. As a result, the deliverance practices of Pentecostalism have come to feature across the board in conservative Protestantism and the previously rarely-used rite of Roman Catholic exorcism has become increasingly accessible.

The author travels across America, meeting exorcists and their patients and attending dozens of sessions. There are Catholic traditionalists, anxious to reassert the mystical authority of the priesthood after Vatican II; members of the Charismatic wings of several of the major American denominations; and independent Pentecostals and Fundamentalists. In many places (once prompted by Cuneo, it has to be noted), "The Exorcist" and Malachi Martin's book "Hostage to the Devil" are cited by informants as inspirations for their "countersecular worldview" in which human motivations can very easily be ascribed to demonic influence.

Cuneo's book is an excellent resource for tracing the way different parts of the movement have influenced each other. Through Francis MacNutt, the ideas of Derek Prince and Don Basham entered the Catholic Charismatic movement; fears of "Satanic conspiracy" brought deliverance ideas into Evangelicalism. However, there are some curious omissions. While the origins of Pentecostalism are covered, there is no mention of the "Later Rain" Movement, for example. Also, apart from a couple of nods to the UK and Rome, there is not much sense of an international movement. Part of the problem here is Cuneo's emphasis on how the movement has taken hold of "white, middle-class" American Christians. He almost completely ignores African-American Christianity and the possible influence of non-Western Pentecostalism in the USA (although he does mention a Nigerian Catholic exorcist in passing). Further, although he nods to the New Age movement with references to Scott Peck and Ed and Lorraine Warren (Two Roman Catholic "psychic investigators" who inspired "The Amityville Horror"), more could be said about exorcism among non-Christian or para-Christian minority groups in the USA.

Cuneo's linking of exorcism to popular culture is a useful development, although his bold claim that the media "manipulate" religious belief blithely ignores several decades of media studies theory. He claims, in a footnote, that several psychologists have done work which confirms his idea, but the only reference he gives is to an article in the "Seattle Times". Also, more could be made about the glaring gender issue in his study; only in passing does he mention the predominance of women seeking deliverance in certain sectors of the movement.

The style of book is engaging, although the author veers between scholarship and journalism. This betrays his background as a lecturer at Fordham, a Roman Catholic institution. When discussing Roman Catholic exorcism, he is appropriately sombre and sympathetic; but when he explores exorcism in the "Word of Faith" movement of the "Prosperity Gospel" his mockery verges on the Menckenesque.

"American Exorcism" is certainly more nuanced than Roland Howard's "Charismania", a British polemic on the subject, although the paradigm within which the contemporary Charismatic movement works has been discussed in more theoretical depth in another semi-journalistic work, Ian Cotton's "The Hallelujah Revolution". Cuneo's insights and investigative work are, however, very valuable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies   2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice   3. Church history   4. Demoniac possession   5. Demonology & Satanism   6. Exorcism   7. Psychology of Religion   8. Religion   9. Religion - Contemporary Issues   10. Sociology of Religion   11. United States   12. Current Events / American   

Customer Reviews (10)

Panic usually is about nothing substantial....
In the late 1970's and early 1980's there arose in the USA the widespread belief that a Satanic underground cult was systematically kidnapping people, abusing children, and sacrificing human beings and animals. Rumours of dead people hung from streetlights, fields littered with the dead bodies of sacrificed babies, and Satanists cooking children in microwaves were accepted without any criticism and, more importantly, any scrap of corroborating evidence. How could this happen?

"Satanic Panic" is an important work that explores this. Sociologists, journalists, psychologists, law enforcers, and religious leaders should read it. Victor shows that Satanic panic practically is a sociological phenomenon; his investigations lead to several important discoveries, for example:

- Rumours of organised Satanism are most explicit in suburban and country areas, and virtually absent in cities. The 'victims' of Satanists also tend to be white, blond, blue-eyed virgins.
- The belief in organised Satanism is typical of white middle class Christians and blue-collars; there's a clear link between low education and belief in Satanism.
- Rumours of organised Satanism are lead back to and are firmly rooted in historical uprisings of anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and ethnic hatred.
- Rumours of organised Satanism are fuelled by Born Again Christian organisations that push forward 'experts' on Satanic, who earn big money by organising seminars.
- The rise of Satanic panic (around the 1970's) occurred through evangelical Christian publications ("Michelle Remembers") and Christian psychologists who believe that mental disorders are manifestations of demonic forces.
- The 'victims' who 'remembered' are by and large suffering from posttraumatic stress or multiple personality disorder, and treated by Evangelical psychologists or 'believers' using suggestive regression methods.
- Satanic panic has been taken up and spread by paparazzi and sensational journalism.
- The majority of secular persons (journalists, psychiatrists, and law enforcers) that vouched for the truth of Satanic sects have admitted the error of their ways.

"Satanic Panic" is not only an informative work, but also a constructive guide to people and organisations that can be contacted when Satanic panic arises, and how to deal with a wildfire rumour. Many innocents in the USA and Great Britain have been accused and sometimes even convicted without any scrap of evidence, resulting in Evangelical communities 'rescuing victims' from 'satanist families'; to this day, these issues remain largely unresolved due to some people too embarrassed to admit they were wrong.

"Satanic Panic" deals mainly with the USA, but for the UK there's the interesting pamphlet 'Burn, Witch, Burn', by Lesley Wilkinson from Wyrd Press.

A lucid, rational view of an emotionally charged issue
The author does a wonderful job of dissecting the nature of the "panic" that had many Americans believing in the existence of a Satanic "underground" movement in the eighties and early nineties. Extremely readable and not couched in overly academic language, the book is useful for anyone who needs solid, reasonable information on the subject--the lay public, academics, the clergy, or police officers will all benefit from reading this work and keeping an open mind.

Victor follows the panic from a number of angles; religious, sociologic, folkloric, and so on. For each he presents a balanced case that seeks not to ridicule anyone who "bought into" the stories of widespread Satanism, but simply to understand why they did so. He also shows how some people (psychologists, police, and so on) actually thrived on the notoriety they achieved in their capacity as "witch hunter" and sought to keep the panic alive in order to further their own agendas.

Excellent reading, and a book that shows the danger of blindly believing rumors and unverified conspiracy tales.

Sorry I didn't take your class
I was at SUNY JCC in 1996 and regret not taking Victor's sociology class. I refused to take this because I thought "Satanic Panic" was an attack on Christians. "Satanic Panic" should be required reading for Christians, and should serve as a wake up call. Christians need to refuse feeding the crazy rumors that often infect our circles. (M.M O'Hare and the FCC) I grew up believing in SRA and it was not until I read things from Christian Research Institute and Bob & Gretchen Pasatino and continued to see Dr. Victor being cited. Please accept my apology for refusing to think and refusing to take your class. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crime   2. Cults   3. Folklore & Mythology   4. Politics/International Relations   5. Popular Culture - General   6. Psychology   7. Public opinion   8. Satanism   9. Social Science   10. Sociology   11. United States   

Customer Reviews (4)

I LOVE IT!!!!!
This book is the best book I've read in a long time(besides Sedona Storm)! I love it and hope everyone else who reads it feels the same.

EXCELLENT!
This book was filled with action and kept the images right before my eyes. I found myself praising God with the angels, praying with the saints and rebuking the enemy at every hand. This (and Sedona Storm) should be a movie!

I was also surprised but glad to see in the author notes that someone else had "experienced" Eckankar. That acknowledgement by Barbara Scott helped me know that what I'd gone through in those years really happened. Thank you for your truthfulness and thanks to Thomas Nelson for publishing both books.

God bless and I hope the sequel is out very, very soon.

readable and believable
Thoroughly enjoyable! Leaves you anxious for the promised sequel....A great writing team that moves the story at a fast understandable pace. (When is the next book due?) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction   2. Christian fiction   3. Detective and mystery stories   4. Fiction   5. Fiction - Religious   6. Religious   7. Satanism   8. Women journalists