Contemporary Religious Satanism

’... further contributes to understanding modern Satanism in contemporary social life.’ Religion Watch ’... bearing this misinformation about religious Satanism in mind and thinking of its social and cultural significance, this volume is to be welcomed. Indeed, it is surprising that there have been so few studies of contemporary religious Satanism and, until the publication of this volume, no book-length scholarly analyses of the variety of Satanist communities, beliefs, attitudes and practices.... we are indebted to Jesper Petersen for gathering together an international group of scholars and insiders who have, overall, produced an excellent series of essays... this volume and Medway’s Lure of the Sinister provide a clear, wise and comprehensive guide to Satanism that will be difficult to rival for many years to come.... an indispensable resource for university courses on new religions.’ Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review 'This book looks objectively at what self-proclaiming Satanists believe and practise and is therefore a welcome addition to the literature. ... one hopes [...] that its carefully researched findings encourage more scholars to buck official resistance and give this tiny, but influential sect its fair due in the marketplace of new religions.’ Journal of contemporary religion 'Contemporary Religious Satanism is a welcome addition to the scholarly literature on Satanism. As most of the books on the topic are geared toward a popular nonfiction audience and/or are outdated, there is a very real need for this kind of collection. Furthermore, as the literature on Satanism has so far focused on the Anglo-American world, this book is the first to bring together a diverse collection of scholars of different nationalities and different disciplinary and theoretical backgrounds. As such it can only be recommended as a sourcebook for students, scholars, and the broader audience often struggling with the question of Satanism.' Religion an