Satanism Yesterday and Today
Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Langston, Douglas
Keywords
Satanism, The Devil, West-Memphis Three-Case
Area of Concentration
Religion
Abstract
The term 'cult' is virtually meaningless. It tells us far more about those who use it than about those to whom it is applied. It has become little more than a label slapped on religious groups regarded as too exotic, marginal or dangerous.' -- Michael Barkun The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate that Satan and the concepts that he embodies have changed from antiquity to the present. By looking at the formation of the early Christian Church, the centralization of the medieval Church, and the modem movements of Satanism, one can observe how the figure of Satan has been molded over time. The degree to which ancient, medieval and modem societies have relied on satanic symbols depends on the amount of anxiety and tension that each society has had to face. The figure of the devil evolved in order to resolve certain aspects of the early Christian faith, and explain the difficulty in establishing itself as a religion. During the Middle Ages, the Church enhanced this personified devil to justify the suppression of any Christian opposition during this time. The European witch-craze associated the devil with witchcraft, and, consequently, the occult was forever linked to the satanic. Based on the historical model established by the medieval church, which linked occultism to diabolism, many of the allegations made against modern Satanists are refashioned accusations of those once made against witches. The devil, however, has less power in modem society and has reverted to being a concept rather than a person. By examining these factors, this thesis will show how the image of Satan has been used throughout history to deal with social and political issues.
Recommended Citation
Judd, Franchescha, "Satanism Yesterday and Today" (2004). Theses & ETDs. 3404.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3404
Rights
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