Sects and Satanic Cults

SECTS AND SATANIC CULTS

1. Phenomenon of Satanism in Contemporary Society - Giuseppe Ferarri
This essay, written by the National Secretary of the Organization for Research and Information
on Sects, and Editorial Director of the journal Religioni e sette nel mondo, defines the concept, before illustrating the "composite phenomenon of contemporary satanism."

2. An Anthropological View of Satanism - Andrea Porcarelli
This essay, written by the editor of the journal Religioni e sette nel mondo, and Professor of
philosophy and religious studies at the Dominican Philosophical Studium of Bologna, approaches the subject from an anthropological point of view, examining the image of man as found in satanic teaching, and and also some of the motives of those who approach the world of satanism.

3. Satanism From a Psychological Viewpoint - Eugenio Fizzoti
A Professor of the Psychology of Religion, School of Education, at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, takes two perspectives on the phenomenon, one seeking to understand behavior attributed to demonic forces, the other, the motivational world of a person who accepts a doctrine in which the demonic becomes central.

4. Legal and Juridical Aspects of Satanism - Lucia Musti
A deputy district attorney of the Tribunal of Bologna, Italy, explains that, although the court
system is not interested in sects as such, intervention of the Court becomes necessary when a sect incites actions punishable by law, e.g., fraud, crimes against sexual freedom and against respect for the dead.

5. Satanic Rites in the Church's Judgement - Bishop Angelo Scola
Bishop emeritus of Grosseto, Italy, and Rector of the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome,
Bishop Scola cites Holy Scripture and the Tradition of the Church to show that satanic rites
"separate one radically from communion with God," with effects that can reach from physical
disturbances to diabolical possession.

6. Pastoral Attitudes Towards the Phenomenon of Satanism - Bishop Mario Moronta Rodriguez
The Bishop of Los Teaqes, Venezuela, outlines pastoral strategy in dealing with Satanism,
including knowledge of the phenomenon, attention to vulnerable groups, extensive catechesis,
and proclamation of Christ and His victory over the devil. This was the last of six articles in a
series from 1997, entitled "Sects and Satanic Cults."