The Devil We Know: An Objective Look at the Prince of Darkness

Satan and satanism remain staples of popular culture even as the devil himself has steadily faded from serious discussion in theological circles. A fast-paced documentary, The Devil We Know looks at various aspects of demonology, beginning with a historical sketch of the devil's evolution over the centuries. Early Scriptural allusions in such Jewish texts as the Book of Job to a figure who served as God's assistant are contrasted with the more contemporary notion of the tempter found in the Christian Gospels. The film explores the emergence of associated imagery during the Middle Ages, discusses the introduction of the concept of witchcraft and human “deals” with Satan (ranging from the Faust story to a myth associated with blues musician Robert Johnson), and examines how the devil and his adherents have been portrayed in popular entertainment, particularly in movies such as the 1973 blockbuster The Exorcist. The final segment turns to the issues of possession and exorcism, looking at the sporadic panics regarding satanic practice (particularly involving ritual abuse of children) that have sprung up since the 1980s, the prevalence of satanic references in rock music, and the attitudes of Christians (especially the Catholic Church) toward such matters. Although the documentary sometimes suffers from a sensationalist bent—jazzing up the subject with flashy graphics, film clips, and artwork, as well as whiplash editing—it also offers smart commentary from a variety of interviewees (including a priest). Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)