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Satanic Tourism: Theodicy, Suffering, and Evil
Citation
Ezzy, D, Satanic Tourism: Theodicy, Suffering, and Evil, Australian Religion Studies Review, 24, (2) pp. 194-210. ISSN 1031-2943 (2011) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
Copyright 2011 Equinox Publishing
Official URL: http://www.equinoxpub.com/ARSR
Abstract
This article argues that some Satanic theodicies used by Christians to explain experiences of suffering can also encourage young people to engage in Satanic tourism. Popular and religious explanations often blame Satan, and Satanic cults, for the rebellious behaviour of teenage Satanists. A number of sociological studies have suggested that Satanic symbols and imagery are secondary overlays and that poverty and social exclusion are the primary sources of adolescent Satanism. I argue that Satanic theodicies are a significant influence on the choice of some rebellious youth to engage in Satanic practices. The argument is illustrated with a long extract from an interview with a teenage Satanic tourist who experienced significant childhood trauma. This paper places a young woman's Satanic tourism in the context of a more general analysis of theodicies of good and evil. It focuses on the use of Satanic symbols by the young woman and her family, and their role in her interpretation of, and response to, an experience of significant childhood suffering.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | Satanism, cultural repertoires, theodicy, youth rebellion, teenage religion |
Research Division: | Human Society |
Research Group: | Sociology |
Research Field: | Social change |
Objective Division: | Culture and Society |
Objective Group: | Religion |
Objective Field: | Religion and society |
UTAS Author: | Ezzy, D (Professor Douglas Ezzy) |
ID Code: | 76093 |
Year Published: | 2011 |
Deposited By: | Sociology and Social Work |
Deposited On: | 2012-02-27 |
Last Modified: | 2012-08-28 |
Downloads: | 4 View Download Statistics |
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