This article introduces the special issue of the Journal of Psychology and Theology on SRA (satanic ritualistic abuse). SRA is defined, a Christian perspective to the topic introduced, and the need expressed to look hard at the clinical data, research findings, and presuppositions which influence “pro” and “con” views of SRA phenomena in both the secular and Christian therapeutic communities. Issues discussed include (a) the sources of understanding and values, (b) whether evil is understandable, (c) whether it is possible to tolerate not knowing or being able to explain everything, (d) the effects of Christian influence and evangelical hype, (e) whether religious perspective has an impact on an individual's beliefs or judgments about abuse, and (f) whether Christians are dealing effectively with the reality of abuse in their own communities. The special issue of JPT is a call for closer examination of evidence and a coming together of people who do not agree on the issues to share what they know about SRA/MPD and religious abuse and to attempt to resolve the scientific as well as spiritual problems generated by the rift.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BottomsB., ShaverP., & GoodmanG. (1991, August). Profile of ritualistic and religion-related abuse allegations reported to clinical psychologists in the United States. Presented at the 99th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco. (Dept. of Psychology, Park Hall, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, (716) 636–3474).
2.
BrodieL., & RogersM. L. (1991). How we make judgments about child sexual abuse: What do we know?Prosecutor's Brief, 13(4), 15–17.
3.
BurchardD. L., & WaldM. (1988). Investigating child abuse in religious cult families: Problems and proposed solutions. Unpublished manuscript. University of Vermont. Cited in V. L. Malcarne & J. D. Burchard, (1992). Investigations of child abuse/neglect allegations in religious cults: A case study in Vermont. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 10, 75–88.
4.
ClaytonP. (1989). Explanation from physics to theology: An essay in rationality and religion.New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
5.
ChristliebT. (1992). Which theisms face an evidential problem of evil?Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers, 9, 45–64.
6.
CoeJ. (1991). Why biblical counseling is unbiblical; Or, speaking psychology gently into the church. Unpublished paper, Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA.
7.
DorisJ. (Ed.). (1991). The suggestibility of children's recollections: Implications for eyewitness testimony.Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
8.
GrevenP. (1991). Spare the child: The religious roots of punishment and the psychological impact of physical abuse.New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
9.
GuelichR. (1991). Spiritual warfare: Jesus, Paul and Peretti. Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies, 13, 33–64.
10.
HaskerW. (1992). The necessity of gratuitous evil. Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers, 9, 23–44.
11.
HolmesR. M. (1989). Profiling violent crimes: An investigative tool.Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
12.
HolmesR. M., & De BurgerJ. (1988). Serial murder.Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
13.
LanningK. (1991). Commentary: Ritual abuse: A law enforcement view or perspective. Child Abuse and Neglect, 15, 171–173.
14.
LanningK. (1992). Investigator's guide to allegations of “ritual” child abuse.Quantico, VA: FBI Academy, National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. (FBI, Academy, Quantico, VA 22135. Telephone: [800] 634–4097.)
15.
LarsonB. (1991). Dead air.Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
16.
LeporeS. J. (1991). Child witness: Cognitive and social factors related to memory and testimony. Issues in Child Abuse Accusations, 3(2), 65–89.
17.
LindseyH. (1991, September 18). Interview. Transcribed from a tape of a telecast interview conducted by Hal Lindsey with Bob Larson, and Johanna Michaelson.Santa Ana, CA: Trinity Broadcasting Network.
18.
LloydD. W. (1991). Ritual child abuse: Understanding the controversies. Cultic Studies Journal, 8, 122–133.
19.
MalcarneV. L., & BurchardJ. D. (1992). Investigations of child abuse/neglect allegations in religious cults: A case study in Vermont. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 10, 75–88.
20.
MulhernS. (1991). Satanism and psychotherapy: A rumor in search of an inquisition. In RichardsonJ. T., BestJ., & BromleyD. G. (Eds.) The satanism scare (pp. 145–172). New York: Aldine de Gruyter.
21.
MurphyN. (1990). Theology in the age of scientific reasoning.Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.
22.
MurphyN. (1992). [Review of Philip Clayton's Explanation from Physics to Theology: An Essay in Rationality and Religion]. Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers, 9, 124–126.
23.
OgloffJ.R. P., & PfeiferJ. E. (1992). Cults and the law: A discussion of the legality of alleged cult activities. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 10, 117–140.
24.
PerettiF. (1986). This present darkness.Ventura, CA: Regal.
25.
RaskinD., & StellerM. (1988). Assessing credibility of allegations of child sexual abuse: polygraph examinations and statement analysis. In LoeselF., HaischJ., & WegenerH. (Eds), Advances in legal psychology: Psychological research in the criminal justice system (pp. 290–302). New York: Springer-Verlag.
26.
RobertsR. C. (1992). Emotions as access to religious truths. Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers, 9, 83–94.
27.
RogersM. L. (1992, June). Evaluating adult litigants who allege injuries from child sexual abuse. Paper presented at the fourth annual convention of the American Psychological Society, San Diego, CA, June 20–22, 1992.
WakefieldH., & UnderwagerR. (1988). Accusations of child sexual abuse.Springfield, IL: Charles C Thomas.
30.
WakefieldH., & UnderwagerR. (1992, June). Recovered memories of alleged sexual abuse: Lawsuits against parents. Paper presented at the fourth annual convention of the American Psychological Society, San Diego, CA, June 20–22, 1992.
31.
Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language (1989). New York: Portland House.
32.
WieselE. (1979/1989). The trial of God.New York: Schocken Books.
33.
YuilleJ., & CutshallJ. (1989). Analysis of the statements of victims, witnesses and suspects. In YuilleJ. C. (Ed.) Credibility assessment (pp. 175–191). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic.
