Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Mike Cosper and Rebekah Sebastian sit down with Chris Lane, District Attorney of Floyd County, Indiana, and Matt Martens, a Washington, D.C. defense attorney and author of Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal. Together, they unpack the tensions between prosecution and defense, the challenges created by systemic limitations, and the unique factors in the West Memphis 3 case that frustrated and bewildered so many of us.  We’re grateful to Chris Lane and Matt Martens for joining us for this illuminating and generous conversation. Please consider liking the DDBS Facebook  page to keep up on all show news, livestreams and for conversations with other listeners. 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.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help more people find the show. Thanks for listening.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger shares his harrowing firsthand experience during the January 6th Capitol riots. He discusses the moral dilemmas of balancing party loyalty with personal convictions in a landscape influenced by conspiracy theories. The clash of faith and politics is explored, highlighting how Christian nationalism shaped the events. The conversation emphasizes the need to learn from January 6th to uphold democratic values and concludes with a poignant farewell address urging a return to compassion and unity.

Colleen Ramser is a dedicated trauma therapist passionate about helping others, while Mary DeMuth is a survivor and author sharing profound insights on abuse. In this heartfelt conversation, they tackle the complexities of trauma and the importance of believing survivors. They explore the challenges posed by systemic failures in faith communities and the personal burdens of silence and shame. With a focus on healing through storytelling, they advocate for compassionate support in acknowledging trauma and fostering understanding in church settings.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Amy Isham, a Catholic theological librarian, shares the chilling story of Joan Leonora Taylor's exorcism in rural Australia, highlighting how mental health often clashed with faith. Matthew D. Taylor discusses the New Apostolic Reformation’s influence on American politics, particularly following the events of January 6th. Robert Downen addresses the rise of Christian nationalism in Texas while honoring abuse survivor Duane Rollins, revealing a complex web of faith, politics, and lasting societal impacts.

The finale dives into the intriguing threads of the Satanic Panic, analyzing its echoes in today’s conspiracies like QAnon and Pizzagate. It features an interview with a former celebrity turned evangelist, shedding light on fame's dark costs and wrongful convictions. Historical scapegoating, moral panic, and the intertwining of faith and politics are examined, while the build-up to the January 6 insurrection is dissected. Hints of future explorations into trauma and justice add an enticing note to the discussion.

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.

In this episode, Laura Robinson, a New Testament scholar at Butler University and Substack writer, dives into the dark legacy of Lauren Stratford and her infamous memoir, 'Satan's Underground.' They discuss the sensationalism surrounding the Satanic Panic, revealing how cultural fears were shaped and distorted by media. The conversation highlights the psychological manipulation behind Stratford's claims, the societal anxieties fueling the panic, and the tragic consequences of misinformation on genuine cases of child abuse. A thought-provoking exploration of history and truth!

Dive into the lasting echoes of the Satanic Panic and its effects on today's faith communities. Discover the true story behind the show's title and engage in a rich discussion about the Southern Baptist Church's historical figures amidst cultural upheaval. The complexities of drug use and its societal perceptions are explored, along with reflections on influential artists from the 80s. Additionally, hear highlights from live streams that offer a candid look at the intersections of spirituality, narrative, and societal challenges.

Robert Downen, a Texas Tribune reporter known for exposing abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention, and Sarah Pulliam Bailey, a seasoned religion reporter, dive deep into the moral panic surrounding rock music. They discuss the phenomenon of backmasking, revealing how hidden messages in songs fueled fears about youth corruption. The conversation further uncovers the dark legacy of influential church leaders, allegations of abuse, and the culture of silence within religious institutions, urging reform and accountability. It's a gripping exploration of power, faith, and music's impact.

Dive into the chilling landscape of fear and false memories, examining the sensational tales of 'Jay's Journal' and 'Michelle Remembers'. Explore how Sigmund Freud's concepts laid the groundwork for a century of psychological uncertainty. Discover the notorious McMartin Preschool case and its catastrophic consequences fueled by panic and unverified tales. The podcast raises crucial questions about the real victims in these narratives and the morality of those who profit from fear. Uncover the intertwined complexities of trauma, memory, and societal horror.