The last decade in Britain for some can be characterized by Brexit, the pandemic, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the recession, the rise of social networks, and others.
For others, it was the decade that marked the rise of devil worshipers, The Telegraph wrote.
In gathering data on religion, among the most surprising findings of the 2021 census was the rise of Satanism.
The number of people in England and Wales identifying as Satanists increased by 167% between 2011 and 2021.
The Office for National Statistics found that within that 10-year period, the number of Satanists rose from 1,893 to 5,054.
Satanism is a belief, or counter-cultural practice, centered on the figure of Satan, otherwise known as the devil. In Christianity and Judaism, this figure is seen as the embodiment of absolute evil. Historically, Satanism, which is also known as devil worship, rejects God and Jesus Christ.
The reason for the rise of Satanism remains unclear.
Last year the Office for National Statistics released baby name data, which revealed that the name Nigel was on the brink of extinction, with no babies born in 2020 with the once-popular name. However, this year, 15 babies were named Lucifer – which in Christianity is the name for the devil.
In 2021, 15 more babies were named Lucifer.
