What was the Satanic Panic?

Answer

The so-called Satanic Panic was a widespread concern among certain American groups, typically conservative, in the 1980s and 1990s regarding allegations of satanic ritual abuse (SRA) in various settings. Essentially, some evangelical Christians and similar demographics became alarmed that satanic ritual abuse was a significant issue and that an underground network of Satanists had taken control of secular society and pop culture. The “panic” over satanic ritual abuse was fueled in part by media sensationalism, popular Christian speakers, and the willingness of some to believe any claim of demonic activity. The Satanic Panic thus bore at least surface similarities to the Salem witch trials, which were also largely fueled by religious anxiety about the occult and its practitioners.

The general consensus regarding the Satanic Panic is that it was primarily based on unfounded fears and media sensationalism. Reflecting on the Satanic Panic from a biblical standpoint, we can draw some valuable lessons. One key lesson is that we should not be too quick to make accusations (or believe accusations) of satanic or demonic activity. Instead, we should “examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22;NASB). Therefore, only after verifying any testimony or claim as true should we then assess the nature of that claim to determine whether it reflects a good or evil reality.

On the other hand, we should not be too hesitant to acknowledge the activity of Satan and his demons in the world. We must understand that the “adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” «Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: », (1 Peter 5:8, NASB) and that “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” «And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. », (2 Corinthians 11:14, NASB). Thus, there may well be genuine instances of SRA buried among a large number of false or distorted reports. Again, only a critical and thorough examination of the evidence can justify a conclusion one way or the other.

The gospel message is one of hope: Satan and his allies are powerful but defeated foes (2 Thessalonians 2:9;Colossians 2:15), in light of Christ’s victorious work on the cross. Christians need to be cognizant of the danger Satan poses as a deceiver «For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. », (2 John 1:7) and a tempter «And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. », (Matthew 4:3), but they do not need to fear that Satan will ultimately be victorious. Rather, we are assured by Scripture that he will be soundly defeated «And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. », (Revelation 20:10). An attitude of panic or fear regarding Satan’s activity is therefore inappropriate for the believer. We can instead rest in the knowledge that God’s sovereignty extends even over the devil’s actions and choices.

(Job 1:6-12;2:1-6) and that God will ultimately triumph over all evil.