Surge in Satanism sparks rise in demand for

[Still Waters]

A surge in Satanism fuelled by the internet has led to a sharp rise in the demand for exorcists, the Roman Catholic Church has warned.

The web has made it easier than ever before to access information on Devil-worshipping and the occult, experts said.

Exorcism is the subject of a six-day conference being held this week at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University in Rome, which is under the Vatican's authority.

"The internet makes it much easier than in the past to find information about Satanism," said Carlo Climati, a member of the university who specialises in the dangers posed to young people by Satanism.

"In just a few minutes you can contact Satanist groups and research occultism. The conference is not about how to become an exorcist. It's to share information about exorcism, Satanism and sects. It's to give help to families and priests. There is a particular risk for young people who are in difficulties or who are emotionally fragile," said Mr Climati.

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[JamieSymptom]

I read the article and it doesn't point out HOW they know that there has been a surge in Satanism.

It seems more like they are guessing that there is because some 15 yr old goths made a few 'occult' web sites.

This is all very silly. Even those who self-profess to be satanists have nothing to do with demons or vomiting shards of glass? This is all very silly.

[Quiet Insanity]

The title of the article is misleading. The situation seems to be that they are preparing for the eventuality that more excorcisms may be needed as satanism spreads. The article title makes it sound like they're performing them left and right. Excorcisms are actually pretty rare in the main Catholic Church and they go through a pretty thorough series of tests to see if one is really required, in the rare instance that they even find a case worthy of their time. Whether excorcisms are required or not, I do respect that they at least attempt to look at things scientifically before going through with anything.

The comments at the end of the article by that excorcist have me worried though. It kind of reeks of paranoia and and fanaticism.

Also, I can understand their worry about Satanism since Satan is a part of their faith and considered a direct enemy to God. It can therefore be considered that a person who practices it choses to be an enemy to Christianity.

Honestly though, even with all the information on Satanism available, how many people actually seriously worship the devil? Also, given the nature of the internet, how much of the information out there is actual viable satanist practices and how much is just junk people made up? I don't think the problem is really as serious as they seem to think it is.

I hope they think before doing anything. The last thing we need is a major world religion spreading paranoia.

[Heru]

I read the article and it doesn't point out HOW they know that there has been a surge in Satanism.

It seems more like they are guessing that there is because some 15 yr old goths made a few 'occult' web sites.

This is all very silly. Even those who self-profess to be satanists have nothing to do with demons or vomiting shards of glass? This is all very silly.

Satanist and no demons? What satanist have you been talking to?

The occult is making a surge. I think its due to all the glitter bomb graffeti. Plus Witchcraft is going strong in europe.

Not for the weak minded though.

[purplepsyche]

Thank God for Satan. He's kept the church in business, all these years.

If God hadn't created Satan first, there's be nothing to fear from God or the Devil.

Nor would it be necessary for humans created imperfect, to choose sides while alive, so as to be rewarded or punished for exercising a free will that can not truly exist within the domain of omniscience, after their death.

[Arpee]

Um since they are talking about exorcisms I'm guessing they're speaking about theistic Satanists that actually believe in a real Satan. Even if so, what can they do about? Most theistic Satanists happily work with demons and it's against freewill and against the law (freedom of religion) to exercise them.

[3rd rock resident alien]

Real life ghost busters. I want proof. Put the ghost in a container with a microphone inside, I want to talk to it.

[Torgo]

People DO realize that 'satanism' is really "atheism for punks who like symbolism that shocks others and like making the religious uncomfortable with the word 'satanism'"?

[Cybele]

Satanist and no demons? What satanist have you been talking to?

People DO realize that 'satanism' is really "atheism for punks who like symbolism that shocks others and like making the religious uncomfortable with the word 'satanism'"?

Actually, there are atheistic, symbolic Satanists as well as theistic ones who do believe in demons.

Really though, the rise in satanism should more properly lead to an increased demand for psychiatrists, not exorcists. IME, no small percentage of people on occult (and some paranormal) forums seem to exhibit signs of or have even admitted to suffering from mental illnesses.

The same might be said of extremely hardcore Christians as well, though. There's no shortage of paranoia just oozing out of some funadmentalists.

Edited March 31, 2011 by Cybele

[Arpee]

People DO realize that 'satanism' is really "atheism for punks who like symbolism that shocks others and like making the religious uncomfortable with the word 'satanism'"?

Um... NO. There are different types of Satanists, and even the Atheistic Satanist have some beliefs to follow like magic and energy.

[Viral]

Um... NO. There are different types of Satanists, and even the Atheistic Satanist have some beliefs to follow like magic and energy.

Not LaVey Satanists and I think they're who he was referencing.

[Wickian]

Even if this were true, so what? If someone wants to worship Satan, let them. Just so long as they follow the law in the process.

[Ritcherd]

I agree with Wickian

[arglebargle]

Um... NO. There are different types of Satanists, and even the Atheistic Satanist have some beliefs to follow like magic and energy.

Atheistic Satanism? That's not possible. Satanism requires you to believe there is a God, because Satan (Lucifer) was an Angel, created by God. It's an antithesis to God, but requiring the belief in the existence of a God, and not just any God, the Christian one. This is incompatible with the idea of it being "atheistic".

[Coffey]

Wait a minute, if they can easily access information on Satanism on the internet.... Then why the hell haven't they educated themselves on it and realised it's not about the rubbish that they spout. LOL You would have though they would have read up on Satanism and any other cult/religion/faith etc that they regard as "evil" and realised that the only only thing evil about these things is what they make up to convert people to their religion. lol

[Rlyeh]

Atheistic Satanism? That's not possible. Satanism requires you to believe there is a God, because Satan (Lucifer) was an Angel, created by God. It's an antithesis to God, but requiring the belief in the existence of a God, and not just any God, the Christian one. This is incompatible with the idea of it being "atheistic".

LaVeyan Satanism is atheistic.

http://www.churchofsatan.com/home.html

[paul the walrus]

I bet this is just an effort by the Catholic's Church to find a person in their organization that would be willing to take the lead in these areas, and put a face with church's exorcism efforts. Not totally sure why I think that way, but it was the first thing I thought of when I read this article, that they were trying to find a lead in these areas that the public could identify with.

[scepticalbeliever]

check out www.joyofsatan.org they are theistic Satanists.

[Rangkor]

Just like other people have said, Atheistic Satanism is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Satanism is about worshiping satan, plain and simple. You can't be an atheist if you worship satan, because to worship satan you would have to acknowledge there is a God.

[scepticalbeliever]

I don't believe there is a "surge" in Satanism per se.

[scepticalbeliever]

Just like other people have said, Atheistic Satanism is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Satanism is about worshiping satan, plain and simple. You can't be an atheist if you worship satan, because to worship satan you would have to acknowledge there is a God.

Think again. Its not really atheistic its more hedonistic.

[philbo]

The Devil never made an appearance until the new testament...I think satanism is just a convenient title that people use to cover the fact they enjoy debauchery.

Although I am Atheist....I do think a human mind is fragile and anyone that leans towards satanism should be terminated.Anybody that has a real interest and lauds evil is not fit to remain amongst society.The same for religious fundementalists...all crazy people that are better off being euthanised

[Rlyeh]

Think again. Its not really atheistic its more hedonistic.

Not really atheistic? It rejects the idea of supernatural deities.

[nohands]

hmmm... why does they concerned so much about counter striking satanism??... satanism is becoming a fashion not just for the sake of worshiping satan but as a trend...haha cool religion is more likely than boring ones.

[jaguarsky]

The title of the article is misleading. The situation seems to be that they are preparing for the eventuality that more excorcisms may be needed as satanism spreads. The article title makes it sound like they're performing them left and right. Excorcisms are actually pretty rare in the main Catholic Church and they go through a pretty thorough series of tests to see if one is really required, in the rare instance that they even find a case worthy of their time. Whether excorcisms are required or not, I do respect that they at least attempt to look at things scientifically before going through with anything.

The comments at the end of the article by that excorcist have me worried though. It kind of reeks of paranoia and and fanaticism.

Also, I can understand their worry about Satanism since Satan is a part of their faith and considered a direct enemy to God. It can therefore be considered that a person who practices it choses to be an enemy to Christianity.

Honestly though, even with all the information on Satanism available, how many people actually seriously worship the devil? Also, given the nature of the internet, how much of the information out there is actual viable satanist practices and how much is just junk people made up? I don't think the problem is really as serious as they seem to think it is.

I hope they think before doing anything. The last thing we need is a major world religion spreading paranoia.

Well, uhm, you see the problem is that its all junk they made up.