Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: BONUS Episode Summary

Release Date: April 7, 2025
Episode: BONUS: Deep Dive with Mike Kosper: Q&A + Best of DDBS Live Streams
Host/Author: Christianity Today

Introduction to the Bonus Episode

In this special bonus episode of Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Rebecca Sebastian, a producer on the show, engages in an insightful conversation with Mike Kosper, the series' creator, host, and executive producer. With the team on spring break, this episode serves as a moment to delve deeper into the series' themes, explore specific stories, and discuss the significance of the show's evocative title.

The Meaning Behind "Devil and the Deep Blue Sea"

Rebecca Sebastian initiates the discussion by inquiring about the origin and meaning of the series title, "Devil and the Deep Blue Sea."

Mike Kosper explains:

"It's an old sailing expression...caught between the devil and the deep blue sea was this experience of being precariously stuck between two dangers... it's a metaphor for faithful presence and facing twin dangers simultaneously."
(02:19)

He draws parallels between this maritime metaphor and spiritual challenges, emphasizing the Christian concept of being "in the world but not of it." Kosper highlights how this title encapsulates the series' exploration of how moral panics diverted the church's focus from genuine internal issues.

Series Progress and Key Themes

As the series progresses beyond the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and 90s, Kosper discusses the impact of influential figures like Paul Pressler and Paige Patterson on the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). He notes their role in spearheading a movement to realign SBC institutions with a stricter vision of orthodoxy, often at the expense of theological moderates and liberal scholars. This shift had significant ramifications, intertwining with the conservative resurgence and amplifying the era's moral panic.

Kosper remarks:

"The energy around the resurgence benefited from the fact that this moral panic was going on in the background."
(09:22)

He underscores the multifaceted causes of the Satanic Panic, including the rise of the Moral Majority, emergent psychological theories like recovered memories, and increased awareness of child abuse—all of which collectively fueled societal hysteria.

Addressing Sensitive Topics: Sexual Abuse and Victim Narratives

A pivotal part of the conversation centers on handling sensitive content such as sexual abuse and child murder within the series. Rebecca Sebastian raises concerns about portraying victims accurately and respectfully.

Kosper responds thoughtfully:

"These children were abused, but they weren't abused by Satanists in the basement of this church. They were abused by a psychological methodology that convinced them things happened that never happened."
(14:27)

He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genuine abuse and the coercive techniques used during investigations that led to false accusations. The series aims to highlight the nuanced reality where victims' experiences were manipulated, causing lasting trauma and societal distrust.

The Evangelical Church's Reckoning with the Past

When asked about the evangelical church's acknowledgment of its role in perpetuating the moral panic, Kosper expresses concern:

"I don't think it has at all... They’re still feeding it. If you take an honest assessment of what the church is doing now in relation to all kinds of conspiracy theories, they're still buying into them, they're still feeding it."
(19:26)

He draws connections between past hysteria and present-day conspiracy theories, suggesting that lessons from the past have not been fully internalized by the church community.

Maintaining Hope Amidst Dark Narratives

Despite the grim topics, Kosper shares his perspective on maintaining hope:

"I believe in the idea of faithful presence and I believe in the idea that Christians can be salt and light in a dark world... I don't despair over this stuff because we're still creation, still groaning."
(21:41)

He conveys optimism rooted in theological beliefs, emphasizing the importance of Christians actively contributing positively to society despite prevailing challenges.

Upcoming Content and Listener Engagement

As the conversation shifts towards future episodes, Kosper outlines plans to explore the unraveling of the moral panic and the factors that led to its decline. He mentions the intention to revisit significant criminal cases like the West Memphis Three and to further examine the role of law enforcement and government officials in stoking public fear.

Rebecca invites listeners to join the show's Facebook group and participate in live streams, fostering community engagement and deeper discussions on the show's themes.

Highlights from Live Streams

The bonus episode concludes with a curated collection of memorable moments from previous live streams. These segments feature discussions on cultural phenomena, such as backmasking in music and the susceptibility of Christians to conspiracy groupthink. Notable interactions include:

• Rick Emerson, author of Unmask LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World's Most Notorious Diaries, shares his insights on the lasting impact of Beatrice Sparks' works and their relevance in contemporary society.

• Audience questions delve into topics like the normalization of therapeutic ketamine, the authenticity of Go Ask Alice, and the influence of cultural icons on moral panics.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mike Kosper on the title metaphor:

  "Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea was this experience of being precariously stuck between two dangers."
  (02:19)

• Kosper on the conservative resurgence:

  "The energy around the resurgence benefited from the fact that this moral panic was going on in the background."
  (09:22)

• Kosper on handling abuse narratives:

  "These children were abused, but they weren't abused by Satanists in the basement of this church."
  (14:27)

• Kosper on the church's current stance:

  "I don't think it has [reckoned with its role] at all... they're still feeding it."
  (19:26)

• Kosper on hope:

  "I believe in the idea that Christians can be salt and light in a dark world."
  (21:41)

This detailed overview offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the bonus episode, highlighting the thoughtful exploration of the Satanic Panic's legacy, the evangelical church's involvement, and the enduring relevance of these historical events in today's society.