Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
The Spell Breaks
May 5, 2025
In this intriguing conversation, Kenneth Lanning, a retired FBI agent and skeptic of the Satanic Panic, shares his insights on the unfounded allegations that circulated during that era. Joining him is Elizabeth Loftus, a leading cognitive psychologist renowned for her groundbreaking work on memory distortion. Together, they discuss how false memories can be easily implanted and the profound implications for justice. Rebekah Sebastian helps guide the discussion, emphasizing the shift away from fearful narratives as the panic faded, revealing the complexities of memory and belief in society.
58:26
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Quick takeaways
- The slow decline of the Satanic Panic illustrates how the Religious Right solidified its influence without relying on fear-based narratives.
- Kenneth Lanning's skepticism and investigations reveal how many satanic ritual abuse allegations were founded on societal anxieties rather than evidence.
Deep dives
Shifts in Political Landscape
The transition from the Reagan era to the administration of George H.W. Bush marked significant changes in the political landscape, particularly regarding the relationship between evangelicals and the Republican Party. Despite not sharing the same level of charisma or conservatism as Reagan, Bush's election victory in 1988 convinced many evangelicals that their political support was crucial for Republican success. Jerry Falwell's closure of the Moral Majority highlighted a shift in evangelical political activism during this period, yet he continued to engage in political discussions. Key historical events, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, reflected broader cultural changes and challenged traditional political ideologies.
