Modern Satanism - Part 1: Media, Education, Entertainment, & Culture Series

Modern Satanism - Part 1: Media, Education, Entertainment, & Culture

April 6, 2025

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

1 Corinthians 4:4

Introduction: The Rise of Satanic Influence in Modern Culture

Church, I want to begin today by stating something that has become more and more evident in our time: Satan is not hiding anymore. The battle between good and evil is not just taking place in unseen realms—it is unfolding right before our eyes. And it is taking place in media, education, entertainment, and culture.

Scripture warns us in 2 Corinthians 4:4, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Satan is called the “god of this world” because he controls much of the messaging that shapes our thinking. He is using every means available to blind people to the truth of the Gospel, distract believers, and desensitize the world to sin.

And make no mistake—this isn’t just conspiracy talk. It’s happening right now.

Let’s start with some hard facts:

• In 1962, 65% of Americans believed the Bible was the literal Word of God. Today, that number has dropped to 20% (Gallup).

• In 1990, 85% of Americans identified as Christian. Today, it’s 63%, and dropping fast (Pew Research).

• Less than 20% of Gen Z believes in absolute moral truth.

• 40% of Gen Z finds astrology, witchcraft, and Eastern spirituality more appealing than Christianity.

What changed? The battle we are in has changed. The enemy has taken over the culture and is using media, education, entertainment, and societal norms to erode faith and morality.

I. Media: The Propaganda Arm of the Enemy

Isaiah 5:20 warns us: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness…”

What is the purpose of media today? It is no longer just about reporting news or providing entertainment. It is about shaping how we think.

A. The War on Truth

• The media has redefined evil as good and good as evil.

• Forced vaccinations and suppression of truth during the COVID Plandemic

• If you stand for biblical truth today, you are labeled a bigot, extremist, or outdated.

Examples:

• Abortion is called “healthcare” instead of the murder of innocent life.

• LGBTQ ideology is championed, and biblical marriage are vilified.

• Christian persecution is ignored, while secular movements are praised.

Jeremiah 6:15 – “Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush.”

B. Statistical Trend:

• 67% of young adults now support legal abortion in all cases—a dramatic increase from 55% in 2000.

• Most news networks today are owned by a handful of corporations that push an anti-Christian worldview.

Call to Action: Believers must develop media discernment and apply Philippians 4:8 to filter what we consume.

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just… think about these things.”

II. Education: Indoctrination Over Instruction

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Today, Satan has turned classrooms into battlegrounds.

A. The Erasure of God from Schools

• Prayer was removed in 1962.

• The Bible was banned in 1963.

• Evolution was promoted in 1968 as fact, replacing the truth of creation.

Now, the battle has escalated:

• Gender ideology is now taught in elementary schools.

• Children are encouraged to transition without parental consent.

• History books erase or vilify Christianity.

Example: In 2023, a teacher was fired for refusing to use a student’s “preferred pronouns.”

B. Statistical Trend:

• Over 60% of Gen Z believes gender is not binary (compared to 32% of Baby Boomers).

• Christian teens who attend secular universities are 80% more likely to abandon their faith.

Call to Action: Parents must actively disciple their children, whether through Christian education, homeschooling, or biblical counter-discipleship.

III. Entertainment: Programming the Minds of a Generation

1 John 2:15-16 – “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

A. The Rise of Satanic Imagery

• Hollywood openly glorifies witchcraft, the occult, and rebellion.

• Music artists like Lil Nas X, Sam Smith, and Doja Cat promote Satanic themes.

• Kids’ movies now subtly introduce LGBTQ themes and spiritual deception.

Ephesians 5:11 – “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

B. Statistical Trend:

• 40% of Gen Z find astrology and the occult more appealing than Christianity.

Call to Action: We must guard our eyes and ears (Psalm 101:3).