What is satanic ritual abuse?

Satanic ritual abuse (SRA) is the subject of great controversy among Christians. While some believe SRA happens regularly, others are skeptical about claims of its existence. Here is an overview of different perspectives on this topic from a biblical standpoint:

What is Satanic Ritual Abuse?

Satanic ritual abuse refers to the physical, sexual, and psychological abuse of people (especially children) by Satanists as part of their religious rituals. Some key aspects of SRA claims include:

• Perpetrators are part of an underground network of Satanists.
• Rituals often involve sexual and physical abuse of victims.
• Victims are forced to participate in Satanic rituals like mock sacrifices.
• Goal is to indoctrinate victims into Satanic beliefs and practices.
• Perpetrators threaten victims to keep silent about the abuse.

However, hard evidence of organized Satanic cults engaged in ritual abuse is scarce. Critics argue SRA is a moral panic spread through suggestive psychotherapy techniques and overzealous investigators. But believers say the abuse is real and point to victim testimonies as proof.

Does the Bible Mention Satanic Ritual Abuse?

The Bible does not explicitly mention the term “Satanic ritual abuse.” However, it does speak about certain themes and practices that may relate to SRA claims:

• Demons possessing people – There are instances in the Gospels of Jesus casting out demons who possessed and tormented people (Mark 5:1-20, for example). Some connect this to SRA victim claims of being forced into violent rituals by dark spiritual forces.
• Child sacrifice – The Bible condemns child sacrifice as an appalling pagan ritual (Leviticus 18:21). Some link this biblical prohibition to modern SRA allegations involving the ritualistic murder of children.
• Witchcraft and sorcery – Passages like Deuteronomy 18:10-12 and Galatians 5:19-21 forbid witchcraft and sorcery as sinful rebellion against God. So the occult rituals of alleged Satanists could be considered evil in the biblical view.

However, the Bible does not provide enough detail to conclusively prove or disprove the specifics of most SRA claims occurring today.

How Some Christians Explain Satanic Ritual Abuse

Many Christians acknowledge that organized, sadistic Satanic cults seem far-fetched. However, they argue that Satan and demons are real and active in the world, so Satanic spiritual abuse is possible. Here are some common explanations:

• Demonic deception and possession – Demons can deceive people into joining Satanic groups and indwell both leaders and victims to promote horrendous acts masked as religion. (1 Timothy 4:1)
• God’s judgement – God may be permitting demons to carry out Satanic ritual abuse as a judgement on a wicked nation that tolerates great evil. (Romans 1:24-28)
• Spiritual warfare – Satanic groups are evidence of spiritual warfare between God’s kingdom and Satan’s forces in this fallen age prior to Christ’s return. (Ephesians 6:12-13)

So while details may be hazy, many Christians believe the spiritual forces of evil are capable of fomenting evil ritual practices in the name of Satan to oppose God’s people and work.

Why Some Christians Are Skeptical of Satanic Ritual Abuse Claims

However, many other Christians urge caution about uncritically accepting SRA allegations. Here are some reasons for skepticism:

• Dubious claims – Stories keep evolving over time into increasingly bizarre and supernatural versions with no evidence.
• Suggestive psychotherapy – “Repressed memories” of abuse are questionably “recovered” through pressure and leading questions by therapists.
• Presumed guilty – Accused abusers are assumed to be part of a Satanic conspiracy rather than innocent until proven guilty. Lives and reputations get ruined.
• Moral panic – Sensationalized media coverage feeds public hysteria, which actually incentivizes false accusations for attention, profit and legal leverage.

These Christians encourage thoroughly examining claims and giving the accused due process rather than presuming guilt. They believe moral panics over alleged Satanism can ruin innocent lives just as past witch hunts did.

How Should Christians Respond to Satanic Ritual Abuse Claims?

Given these disagreements among Christians, what is a biblical approach to this controversial issue? Here are a few suggestions:

• Take allegations seriously and investigate, but don’t presume guilt without sufficient evidence. (Proverbs 18:17)
• Treat accusers and accused with compassion, but also wisdom and discernment. (Philippians 2:4, 1 Corinthians 14:20)
• Don’t sensationalize, but correct misinformation. Focus on what is factually known. (2 Timothy 2:15)
• Keep perspective – even if real, such cases are likely extremely rare relative to society. (Matthew 6:34)
• Pray for truth and justice. Let authorities investigate and courts establish facts. (Romans 13:1-5)
• Find hope in God’s sovereignty: evil will not have the final victory. (Romans 8:28, Revelation 21:4)

With care, truth and justice can prevail over evil, even in murky, controversial situations. Christians can move forward without panic or complacency by turning to God’s wisdom, discernment and comfort amidst the spiritual forces at work in this complex world.