Because of the controversy surrounding the subject of satanism
and ritual abuse, and in the light of the campaign by evangelical
groups to outlaw all occult activity, there is a legitimate
suspicion about the religious allegiances of all those who write
on the subject. In order that readers can be sure that the text of
this book is not inspired by any religious conviction, I have
chosen to set out below such influences and beliefs as I adhere
to.
Although I graduated in 1977 with the degree of Master of
Theology, I originally entered the Divinity Faculty of St Andrews
University because no other department was prepared to accept
me. I stayed because I found the work interesting – and because
no other department would let me transfer. In the three years I
spent reading theology I developed a lasting cynicism about
organised Christianity and a lingering distrust of almost every
orthodox Church.
As a result I do not attend any church, chapel or temple, and
although I would class myself as a Christian, I doubt if many
priests, prelates or pontiffs would share that opinion.
This book has been written from a studiously secular point of
view. The concern which underpins it is for the mental and
physical welfare of children, not for any spiritual danger they
may or may not face.