Aug 31 2017

How Satanism Works

52 min 5 movies discussed
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Satanism may be the most misunderstood "religion" in the world. Part of that is because there are, and have been, many offshoots of Satanism, from The Church of Satan to The Satanic Temple. One thing is sure though, none of them are filled with evil humans who perform ritual blood sacrifice and worship a cloven-hoofed devil. Learn all about Satanism in today's episode.

AI Summary

# Stuff You Should Know - Satanism Episode Summary

Josh and Chuck dive deep into the surprising history and philosophy of Satanism, exploring how this misunderstood belief system evolved from ancient religious texts through Hollywood in the 1960s to modern activist movements. They trace Satan's transformation from a vague biblical concept to the horned devil we know today, revealing how early Christianity borrowed imagery from competing religions and how the Enlightenment reimagined Satan as a symbol of free thinking rather than pure evil. The guys explore both the Church of Satan founded by Anton LaVey and the more activist-oriented Satanic Temple, discovering that modern Satanists are actually atheistic humanists who reject supernaturalism entirely and champion individual liberty, personal responsibility, and challenging religious authority.


Movies Discussed

Divine Comedy
Divine Comedy
2026 1h 38m
★ 6.9
"One was John Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost, then of course, Dante's Divine Comedy. — Referenced as a key literary work shaping modern conception of Satan."
Eyes Wide Shut
Eyes Wide Shut
1999 2h 40m
★ 7.5
"there would be drugs and drink and nakedness. Like eyes wide shut up in there. — Used as a comparison to describe the atmosphere at Satanist parties in the 1960s." — Josh
Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills
Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills
1996 2h 30m
★ 7.6
"One was John Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost, then of course, Dante's Divine Comedy. — Referenced as a key literary work shaping modern conception of Satan."
The Devil's Advocate
The Devil's Advocate
1997 R 2h 24m
★ 7.5
"What, didn't he play the devil? Or did he? As a lawyer. — Discussed Al Pacino playing the devil as a lawyer in the film." — Josh
The Kids in the Hall
The Kids in the Hall
1989
★ 7.4
"Remember the kids in the hall? Oh yeah. Kevin McDonald, I think, with Satan? — Referenced a sketch from the comedy troupe featuring Satan." — Josh

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