What Should Christians Know about the Satanic Panic?

The Satanic Panic was a moral panic in the 80s and 90s that not only brought great anxiety, fear, and suspicion into the hearts of people across the globe, but also unsubstantiated allegations of Satanic ritual abuse within daycares.

Contributing Writer
Published Apr 05, 2022
What Should Christians Know about the Satanic Panic?

The Satanic Panic was a horrible event that occurred during the 1980s and 1990s in America, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. This event went under the radar for some individuals; however, it was a tragic event that originated within daycares.

The Tragedy of the Satanic Panic

The Satanic Panic is also referred to as the ritual abuse scare and the daycare panic. During the Satanic Panic, many daycares were reported to have participated in satanic rituals and sexual abuse of children.

Many allegations also stated that these Satanic cults would kidnap children in daycares and exploit them for prostitution, pornography, and satanic human sacrifices. The Satanic Panic was a moral panic that not only brought great anxiety, fear, and suspicion into the hearts of people across the globe, but also 12,000 unsubstantiated cases of Satanic ritual abuse (Ibid.).

Many people try to claim the Satanic Panic was only an account of mass hysteria, but no matter if the allegations were true or not, as Christians, we know that we fight against the “spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12).

It also seems that child abuse was happening in both daycares and even within the home, but to the general public, it was simply unimaginable that human beings would commit such horrible atrocities that they needed a supernatural or religious villain to blame (Ibid.).

It is not surprising that there were allegations of Satanic cults hiding behind daycares because they are trying to masquerade as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). As Christians, there is much we can do in response to this misunderstood tragedy that occurred in the 1980s and 1990s.

As Christians, we know that evil existed when the world was created (Jude 6), that we are a fallen humanity (Genesis 3:22), and that there is a spiritual war happening against cosmic powers over darkness (Ephesians 6:12). No matter who was responsible, child abuse was happening and still happens today.

So, speaking up for the rights of children and the helpless is a major step in helping others. Most often, children cannot speak up for themselves. If a child is undergoing sexual abuse, often they do not understand what is going on.

It is important that, as adults, we help children and ensure their safety. If you are a parent, be open with your children and help them understand that it is never okay for anyone to touch them or hurt them.

Explain to them how to say no and how to seek out help if they ever feel they are in danger. If you are a parent, make sure you listen to your child if they come to you with concerns about being harassed or harmed in any way.

Do not shrug them off as seeking out attention. Instead, take their words seriously and do research into what they are saying. Having kids go to daycare is not a bad thing per se; however, it is important to do research on a daycare or a ministry prior to sending your child.

Sadly, there are many evil people out in the world who want to harm children. The world is not a safe place and Christians do not need to be blinded by dangerous cults. The Satanic cult is a real cult that worships Satan.

They are bent on doing everything and anything against God. Satanic worshippers have no regard for God and hate God. As Christians, we do not need to think Satanic worshippers are no threat because they do practice satanic rituals and practices.

In other words, they can have direct connections with demons. Satan and his demons are always trying to harm believers; therefore, we need to be careful, wise and stand firm in the Word.

Paul tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:10-12).

We cannot take our stand against the devil’s schemes unless we are active in God’s Word, meditating on His truth, and consistent in prayer. If we neglect any of these aspects, we are in danger of being tricked and deceived by the devil and his demons.

God is greater than Satan and his demons, yet we still have to take our stand by being active in God’s Word and standing strong in God’s love, mercy, and strength.

Standing Up for Others

The Satanic cult wants to cause children and adults to feel helpless. Since their allegiance is with the devil, they want to bully and hurt others. As Christians, we need to stand up for others and protect their well-being, especially children.

Before allowing a child to go to a daycare or a ministry, make sure it is a reputable daycare or ministry.

If you are a parent, only send your children to daycares and ministries that you trust. If you are a member of a church, many times, there will be a daycare located at your church.

If your church is trustworthy, which I assume it is, if you have been attending a church for quite some time, then the daycare at your church should be trustworthy.

If your church does not have a daycare, I would recommend asking your other friends at church with children if they know of a trustworthy daycare. Share your thoughts and concerns with them. Nobody is going to think you are strange for wanting to preserve the safety of your children.

As Christians, we can prepare our hearts and minds by praying for God’s help, reading the Bible, and meditating on His Word. God will give us strength and relief from the Enemy. God is more powerful than anyone, including Satan and his demons.

The Satanic Panic was a frightening tragedy that happened in the 1980s and 1990s, which stretched across the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

Satan wants us to underestimate his hand in the world. So that he may to be able to cause fear, paranoia, and injustices to happen.

Why Does This Matter?

It is important for us to be educated and to remember the past events of the Satanic Panic in order to help educate others and to prevent any further panics involving abuse and Satanic cults.

Jesus warns us to be wise in our dealings with the world. The Lord directly tells us, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

The wolves among the world are those who follow the Satanic church and other false belief systems. These individuals, or “wolves,” as Jesus calls them are trying to lead individuals astray and deceive them.

We have to do as Jesus tells us — we have to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. By being as shrewd as snakes, we can be wise in our dealings with the world. We do not need to believe anything and everything someone tells us.

Instead, we need to be wise in what we believe and be cautious. Satan tries to deceive us consistently; therefore, we need to be alert and aware.

The Satanic Panic was a horrible tragedy to befall the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. As Christians, we need to be prepared and ready to prevent all aspects of this tragedy from happening in our society again.

For further reading:

What Is the Meaning and Beliefs of the Occult?

How Do We Know That the Devil Is a Liar?

What Responsibility Do Parents Have in Raising Children?

What Does it Mean to Be ‘Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves’?

What Is Spiritual Warfare?

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Allexxandar



Vivian BrickerVivian Bricker loves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master's degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures.

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