This article is an electronic version of an article originally published in Cultic Studies Journal, 1991, Volume 8, Number 2, pages 151-190. Please keep in mind that the pagination of this electronic reprint differs from that of the bound volume. This fact could affect how you enter bibliographic information in papers that you may write.

 

Interesting Times

Kevin Garvey

Linda Blood

Abstract

The report, Satanism in America, by the Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER) purports to show that the destructive effects and criminal activities allegedly associated with Satanism are actually the product of hysteria and can be explained away by exposing the "opportunism, emotional instability, and religious bigotry" of those who concern themselves with these problems. Here we show that the CSER report itself contains fundamental methodological flaws, including use of the logical fallacy known as the argumentum ad hominem, a naive approach to its subject, disregard for the empirical evidence, and omission of material damaging to the public postures of the "recognized satanic churches." Thus a work which could have been a valuable contribution to the debate over the nature and extent of problems associated with Satanism merely contributes to, and indeed serves to aggravate, the already existing polarization concerning this subject.

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