West German Children Practise Occultism At School (Press, 12 November 1988)

The rise of occultism among West German youth has been reported, with some teenagers engaging in occult practices during school breaks. A front-page article in the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" highlighted that an estimated 10,000 teens may be involved in activities ranging from seances to animal sacrifices at cemeteries, referred to as "black sabbaths." Authorities, including parents and church leaders, have raised concerns about this trend, suggesting it reflects broader societal issues. Hans-Joachim Neuser, a spokesperson for the North-Rhine Westphalia State Culture Ministry, indicated that many teenagers are using occultism similarly to drug use, suggesting that this behaviour is not merely a passing trend but a serious issue. Reports from schools have increased, particularly among religious educators, as many students express fear after engaging in these practices. The practices vary and can involve using pendulums or glasses to contact spirits or conducting rituals that may include animal sacrifices. Factors contributing to this trend include high youth unemployment, broken homes, and general pessimism about the future. An alarming incident in 1987 saw two teenage cult members convicted of murder in a botched group suicide. In another disturbing case, teenagers killed a cat during a black sabbath in Dortmund, which underscored the severity of these occult activities. The Lutheran Church is also expressing concern, with Reverend Walter Schmidt estimating that around 10,000 teenagers are involved in some level of occult practice. This rise in interest in the occult coincides with a decline in adherence to traditional religions among youth. Reverend Hans-Juergen Ruppert urged the need for church youth groups to engage with young people and reinforce their connections to traditional faith, as there is a risk that these youths might completely detach from societal norms and responsibilities. Neuser also warned that this fascination with distant powers could hinder young individuals from developing a healthy sense of values and accountability, as they might attribute their actions to external influences rather than taking responsibility for their behaviour. The trend poses a significant cultural concern for educators, parents, and society at large as they seek to address the underlying causes and prevent further involvement in harmful practices.

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