The word "Satanism" conjures many dark and enigmatic images, often fueled by fear and misconceptions. At the heart of this intricate web of beliefs and urban legends lies Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, and the infamous Satanic Panic of the 1980s.
In this special All Hallows’ Eve edition of POP ‘N’ PIZZA, we will delve into the origins and philosophies of Satanism, the life and work of Anton LaVey, the Church of Satan, and the cultural hysteria that gripped America during the Satanic Panic.
I. The Birth of Modern Satanism
As a belief system, Satanism has roots dating back to ancient times. However, modern Satanism, as we know it, emerged in the mid-20th century. Born in Chicago in 1930, Anton LaVey (pictured above) played a pivotal role in this transformation. LaVey was a charismatic figure, a showman, and a philosopher who combined various elements of literature, psychology, and the occult to create a unique and controversial religious movement.
The Satanic Bible
In 1969, LaVey published The Satanic Bible, which would become the cornerstone of the Church of Satan. This book laid out the tenets of LaVeyan Satanism, which, contrary to popular belief, did not involve devil worship. Instead, it emphasized individualism, self-indulgence, and rational self-interest. LaVey's Satanism challenged conventional religious dogma and encouraged people to embrace their desires and instincts without guilt or shame.
Rituals and Iconography
Central to LaVey's Satanic philosophy were rituals and symbols that he claimed to provide psychological catharsis. The inverted pentagram and the Sigil of Baphomet became iconic representations of LaVeyan Satanism, provoking intrigue and fear in equal measure. These rituals were theatrical, designed to shock and provoke thought rather than to summon any actual supernatural forces.
II. The Church of Satan
Founded by Anton LaVey on April 30, 1966, in San Francisco, the Church of Satan became the epicenter of modern Satanism. LaVey declared himself the High Priest and positioned the church as a counterpoint to established religions. The church's membership grew over the years, including a mix of atheists, skeptics, and individuals disillusioned with traditional religious institutions.
Philosophy and Rites
The Church of Satan was grounded in LaVey's writings, notably The Satanic Bible. Its rituals, such as the Black Mass, were highly controversial and aimed at challenging and mocking Christian traditions. LaVeyan Satanists saw themselves as rebels against conformity, upholding the belief that humanity should embrace its instincts and desires.
Influence and Critics
The Church of Satan faced criticism and opposition from various sectors. Many religious groups denounced it as a cult threatening society's moral fabric. However, it also garnered significant media attention, attracting a broad spectrum of followers, from curious intellectuals to countercultural figures. Prominent people like Jayne Mansfield and Sammy Davis Jr. were associated with the Church of Satan.
III. The 1980s Satanic Panic
The 1980s bore witness to one of the most perplexing and controversial periods in recent American history, the Satanic Panic. This panic was characterized by widespread fear that a clandestine network of Satan-worshiping cults was infiltrating American communities, engaging in heinous crimes and abusing children in ritualistic ceremonies.
Media Sensationalism
The Satanic Panic was significantly fueled by sensationalist media coverage, including books, news reports, and films. Some notable examples include:
Michelle Remembers: Perhaps the most notorious example of the Satanic Panic era was the book Michelle Remembers, written by Michelle Smith and her psychiatrist and husband, Lawrence Pazder. Published in 1980, the book claimed to be an accurate account of Michelle Smith's alleged repressed memories of satanic ritual abuse. It was filled with graphic descriptions of cult rituals, including human sacrifice and sexual abuse.
Michelle Remembers played a central role in promoting the belief in widespread Satanic cult activity. However, it later faced criticism for its lack of verifiable evidence and its reliance on repressed and recovered memories, a controversial therapeutic technique.
Geraldo Rivera's Television Special: In 1988, Geraldo Rivera aired a controversial and sensationalistic two-hour television special titled Devil Worship: Exposing Satan's Underground. The show featured dubious and unverified claims of satanic rituals, further stoking public fears. It became a symbol of the media's role in perpetuating the panic.
Satan's Underground by Lauren Stratford: This book, published in 1988, claimed to be a memoir of a woman who had survived a childhood of abuse in a Satanic cult. The book's contents were later debunked, and it was revealed that the author had fabricated much of her story.
Legal Ramifications
The Satanic Panic had severe legal consequences, with innocent people falsely accused and imprisoned based on flimsy or fabricated evidence. Some notable legal cases and their aftermath include:
The McMartin Preschool Trial: One of the most infamous cases was the McMartin Preschool trial, which took place in California from 1983 to 1990. It involved allegations of satanic ritual abuse at a preschool, leading to the arrests of several staff members. However, after a seven-year trial, no convictions were obtained, and the allegations were largely discredited. ‘The McMartin case highlighted the dangers of relying on the memories of young children, a group highly susceptible to suggestive interview tactics.
The West Memphis Three: The case of the West Memphis Three, a group of teenagers convicted of murdering three young boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, in 1993, gained national attention during the Satanic Panic. While the prosecution argued that the murders were part of a Satanic ritual, subsequent investigations, and documentaries cast doubt on the convictions. In 2011, the three were released from prison, raising questions about the trial's fairness and Satanic Panic's role in their conviction.
Debunking the Myths
In the aftermath of the Satanic Panic, many of the claims and allegations made during that time have been debunked or discredited. Investigations by law enforcement agencies and researchers found little to no substantial evidence of widespread Satanic cult activity.
While the Satanic Panic of the 1980s has since been recognized as a period of irrational hysteria, its impact on individuals, communities, and the criminal justice system remains a stark reminder of how fear and sensationalism can lead to real-world consequences.
The examples mentioned, such as Michelle Remembers, the McMartin Preschool trial, and the West Memphis Three case, serve as lasting cautionary tales about the dangers of moral panics and the importance of skepticism and critical thinking when evaluating extraordinary claims.
IV. Anton LaVey's Legacy
Anton LaVey passed away in 1997, leaving behind a complex legacy. His Church of Satan continues to exist, albeit with a smaller following. LaVey's philosophy, while provocative, has had a lasting influence on the counterculture and various artistic movements.
Cultural Impact
LaVeyan Satanism challenged societal norms and encouraged personal autonomy. The philosophy resonated with some who sought a break from traditional religious constraints and moral standards. It also inspired various artistic and musical movements, with bands like Black Sabbath, Marilyn Manson, and Slayer incorporating Satanic imagery into their music.
Evolution of Satanism
In the aftermath of LaVey's death, other Satanic movements have emerged. The Satanic Temple, founded in 2013, has gained prominence for its political activism and advocacy for the separation of church and state. They emphasize rationalism, humanism, and social justice, making a stark departure from LaVeyan Satanism's self-indulgent ethos.
No Need to Panic
The story of Anton LaVey, the Church of Satan, and the Satanic Panic of the 1980s is one filled with intrigue, controversy, and fear. What began as a provocative challenge to religious norms evolved into a cultural phenomenon that still shapes the perception of Satanism today.
While the media-fueled hysteria of the 1980s has been debunked, the impact of Anton LaVey's philosophy and the various Satanic movements that followed continues to provoke thought, inspire art, and challenge societal norms.
Ultimately, the legacy of LaVeyan Satanism reminds us of the enduring human fascination with the mysterious and the taboo, the power of individualism, and the quest for self-discovery.
For more on Satanism, Anton Levay, and the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, check out:
HAIL SATAN? (2019): This documentary looks at a group of misunderstood outsiders whose commitment to social and political justice has empowered thousands of people.
SATAN WANTS YOU (2023): When the 1980 memoir 'Michelle Remembers' uncovered how baby-stealing Satanists abducted Michelle Smith, satanic rumors pervaded communities across the world, creating a Satanic Panic that left destruction and wrongful convictions in its wake.
THE SONS OF SAM: A DESCENT INTO DARKNESS (2021): The Son of Sam case grew into a lifelong obsession for journalist Maury Terry, who became convinced that the murders were linked to a satanic cult.
MANSFIELD 66/67 (2017): Based on rumors and hearsay, the documentary explores the last two years of the life of actress Jayne Mansfield and her alleged romantic relationship with Anton LaVey, head of the Church of Satan.
WEST OF MEMPHIS (2012): A true story centering on the new investigation surrounding the 1993 murders of three 8-year-old boys in the town of West Memphis, Ark. For more, check out PARADISE LOST, HBO's Emmy(R)-winning true crime documentary series.
If you’re still here, check out this unintentionally hilarious video tape from 1994, KIDS AND THE OCCULT — it makes fantastic Halloween viewing.