Although the term "ritual abuse" is used in the title of this paper, the author refuses to propose a definition of it, since each potential definition presents problems when measured against an objective, rational, and constitutional perspective. A historical overview of society's attitudes toward child sexual abuse focuses on society's changing perceptions of the primary sexual threat to children the 1970's saw an increased awareness of intrafamilial child sexual abuse, but the 1980's saw a return to an earlier focus on stranger abduction of children. Claims that members of satanic cults are engaged in the mass abduction of children for ritualistic sex practices and sacrifices have built upon this fear of strangers as the primary sexual threats to children. Child sex rings (one or more offenders simultaneously involved sexually with several child victims) are discussed in terms of their dynamics, characteristics, motives, and methods. The author concludes, however, that there is insufficient objective evidence, apart from the claims of supposed victims and witnesses, that massive child sexual abuse is being perpetrated by groups motivated in their abuse by satanic beliefs. The paper examines possible reasons why people might make false claims. 14 references