Published in 1836, 'Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk' became a sensational bestseller in the anti-Catholic climate of early 19th-century America. The book alleged that nuns at the Hôtel-Dieu convent in Montreal were forced into sexual relations with priests, and any resulting children were baptized, strangled, and buried. However, the book's authenticity has been questioned, with some scholars labeling it a hoax.
This Present Darkness is set in the small town of Ashton, where a skeptical reporter and a prayerful pastor uncover a sinister New Age plot by the Universal Consciousness Society to control the town and eventually the world. The story intertwines the physical world with the spiritual realm, depicting a war between angels and demons. The novel emphasizes the importance of prayer and spiritual warfare, drawing inspiration from biblical themes such as Ephesians 6:12. It follows the investigations of Marshall Hogan, the new editor of the local newspaper, and Hank Busche, the new pastor, as they confront demonic forces and their human agents, ultimately leading to a climactic battle that decides the fate of Ashton.
The Malleus Maleficarum, or "Hammer of Witches," is a treatise on witchcraft written by Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger. Published in 1486, it became a foundational text for witch hunts in early modern Europe. The book details the authors' beliefs about a global conspiracy of witches led by Satan, outlining methods for identifying and prosecuting them. It promoted the use of torture to extract confessions and advocated for the death penalty for those found guilty. The Malleus Maleficarum's influence contributed significantly to the widespread persecution of individuals accused of witchcraft. Its misogynistic views and promotion of violence continue to be studied and criticized.
In 'Dominion,' Matthew Scully presents a comprehensive and eloquent case against the mistreatment of animals. The book delves into various aspects of animal suffering, including factory farming, hunting, whaling, and laboratory experiments. Scully challenges the notion that humans have unlimited dominion over animals, as suggested by biblical interpretations, and argues for a moral and compassionate approach to animal treatment. He draws on both religious and scientific perspectives to make his case, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the recognition of animal consciousness and suffering. The book is a call to action for reform and a plea for human benevolence and mercy towards animals.
The Storm Is Upon Us delves into the origins and growth of QAnon, tracing its roots in conspiracy theories and its impact on American politics. The book examines how QAnon's cryptic messaging resonated with a wide audience and its role in shaping contemporary political discourse.
Stay tuned to the end for news from Mike Cosper and Rebekah Sebastian on upcoming Bonus episodes!
In the finale of Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, we try to do the impossible: tie the threads together. From criminal cases to political crusades, we retrace the lines between fear, faith, and power that shaped the Satanic Panic—and continue influencing our world today.
Mike Cosper and Rebekah Sebastian open with a game that highlights just how absurd things got, then dive into the deeper questions: Why did the Satanic Panic take hold? And how does it compare to modern conspiracies like Pizzagate, QAnon, and the January 6 insurrection?
Spoiler: The panic didn’t entirely vanish—it morphed into a tool for grievance, repurposed by conspiracy theorists to target their perceived enemies.
Bonus episodes are still to come, so stay subscribed. And if this series made you think, feel, or question, share it with a friend.
Resources:
Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a production of Christianity Today
Hosted and written by Mike Cosper
Produced by Rebekah Sebastian, with production assistance by Dawn Adams
Sound Design and Mix Engineer: TJ Hester
Sound Design, Animation, and Video: Steve Scheidler
Graphic Design: Nim Ben Reuven
Music by Dirt Poor Robins
Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper are the executive producers of CT Media Podcasts, and Matt Stevens is our senior producer.
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