Satanic Ritual Abuse: A Response to Featured Articles by Shaffer & Cozolino,Gould & Cozolino,and Friesen

Abstract

The author responds to three articles (Shaffer & Cozolino; Gould & Cozolino; and Friesen) and one review of these articles (Ganaway) featured in the Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1992, 20(3), special issue on satanic ritual abuse (SRA). Several topics are addressed in this context, including the value and limits of an “Oppressive Supernatural States Disorder,” different models of spiritual warfare, related ethical concerns, the possibility of cult-created alters, and the veracity of patients’ SRA reports. Professional dialogue between divergent perspectives concerning SRA is encouraged, and a rationale for such dialogue is presented. The author acknowledges, however, that fundamental differences in world view may work against finding forums for this sort of interchange.

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