This work reveals how the Christian Pentecostal movement, right-wing conspiracy theorists, and an opportunistic media turned grassroots folk traditions into the Satanism scare of the 1980s. During the mid-20th century, devil worship was seen as merely an isolated survivor of medieval times. But by the early 1980s, many influential experts in clinical medicine and in law enforcement were proclaiming that satanic cults were widespread and dangerous. By examining the broader context for alledged "cult" activity, The author demonstrates how the image of contemporary Satanism emerged during the 1970s. In some of the cases considered, common folk beliefs and rituals were misunderstood as evidence of devil worship. In others, narratives and rituals theselves were used to combat Satanic forces. As the media found such stories more and more attractive, any activity with even remotely occult overtones was demonized in order to fit a model of good confronting absolute evil. The author's wide-ranging investigation covers ouija boards, cattle mutilation, graveyard desecration, and "diabolical medicine" - the psychiatric community's response to the Satanism scares.
He aims to offer a balanced view of contentious issues such as demonic possession, satanic ritual abuse, and the testimonies of confessing "ex-Satanists".