Satanism: Psychiatric and Legal Views. - Review - book review

Adolescence, Spring, 2000

PALERMO, George B., & DEL RE, Michele C. Satanism: Psychiatric and Legal Views. Springfield, IL: Charles C Thomas, 1999. 2O5pp. $42.95 (h), $29.95 (p).

Palermo and Del Re present the twists and turns in the history of satanism. As they point out, satanism as a phenomenon has appeared and disappeared on the social scene throughout history, almost in a cyclical fashion. In the past, it has generally involved adults who worshipped Satan as a source of power and divination and as a conveyer of sexuality. However, in recent decades, a juvenile type of satanism has appeared on the scene. The authors discuss the causes and the consequences of this kind of behavior and they discuss satanism and the criminal law. Chapters include: myths, cults, and culture; the birth of the Devil; God versus Satan; children in satanic rituals; juvenile satanism; satanism and criminal law; the satanist as criminal--does the satanist pose a threat?; and psychiatric views of satanism.