Events

Satanism is intricately intertwined with broader issues central to the study of religion and culture. The idea of dangerous devil-worshipping cults has remained a stable element of conspiracy theories throughout history, as well as in the present.

This talk by Per Faxneld - a religious studies expert at S?dert?rn University in Sweden and award-winning author of the monograph Satanic Feminism: Lucifer as the Liberator of Woman in Nineteenth-Century Culture (Oxford University Press, 2017) - will explore modern self-designated Satanism.

The history of modern Satanism can be traced back to late eighteenth-century literary-political reinterpretations of Satan. It then extends to Satanism in esoteric and anti-clerical contexts, before exploding in the counterculture of the 1960s. Satanism as an openly declared identity became possible when Christianity's influence on legal systems and social norms waned, making it a direct product of secularization. As a religious practice or coherent system of thought, modern Satanism didn't emerge before the 20th century. However, Satanic thought can be traced to earlier instances, some of which continue to influence contemporary groups.

This talk will survey both this and modern-day Satanist groups, demonstrating how these groups draw from a long tradition of Satanism as a form of cultural protest while adapting to evolving social conditions.

Date: November 17, 2023
Time: 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Venue: Tohoku University Kawauchi Campus, Graduate School of International Cultural Studies, Rm 101

This English language event is organized by the International Graduate Program in Japanese Studies, the Japanese Studies International 365体育|365体育投注@ Cluster, and the Graduate School of International Cultural Studies.

It is free and open to all. Registration is not required. For more information: https://gpjs.tohoku.ac.jp/event/overseas/detail---id-1104.html

About the Speaker:

Per Faxneld is an associate professor in the Study of Religions at S?dert?rn University in Sweden, and a visiting associate professor at Tohoku University's Graduate School of International Cultural Studies. He is currently working on a three-year project, funded by the Swedish 365体育|365体育投注@ Council, on spiritual dimensions of Japanese martial arts as practiced in Sweden.

Faxneld is the author of numerous books and articles. Specializing in esotericism and alternative spirituality, he is especially interested in issues pertaining to secularity, gender, aesthetics and cultural transfers. Other research interests include folk religion and the intersection of religion and cinema.