Journal for the Academic Study of Religion, Vol 24, No 2 (2011)

Satanic Tourism: Theodicy, Suffering, and Evil

Douglas Ezzy
Issued Date: 18 Oct 2011

Abstract


This article argues that some Satanic theodicies used by Christians to explain experiences of suffering can also encourage young people to engage in Satanic tourism. Popular and religious explanations often blame Satan, and Satanic cults, for the rebellious behaviour of teenage Satanists. A number of sociological studies have suggested that Satanic symbols and imagery are secondary overlays and that poverty and social exclusion are the primary sources of adolescent Satanism. I argue that Satanic theodicies are a signicant inuence on the choice of some rebellious youth to engage in Satanic practices. The argument is illustrated with a long extract from an interview with a teenage Satanic tourist who experienced signicant childhood trauma. This paper places a young woman’s Satanic tourism in the context of a more general analysis of theodicies of good and evil. It focuses on the use of Satanic symbols by the young woman and her family, and their role in her interpretation of, and response to, an experience of signicant childhood suffering.

Download Media

PDF (Price: £17.50 )

DOI: 10.1558/arsr.v24i2.194

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.





Equinox Publishing Ltd - 415 The Workstation 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)114 221-0285 - Email: [email protected]

Privacy Policy