Satanism

Satanism represents various religions and philosophies that focus on the figure of Satan in Abrahamic religions as a source of personal, metaphoric, or magical inspiration.[1]
In terms of theology, Satanists today can be divided into two main groups:
- theistic Satanism believes in Satan, whom they worship and serve. Devil worshipers observe the Black Mass, which is an inversion of the Christian rite. The central part of the Black Mass is the descration of the Eucharist.[2] Some theistic Satanists believe that Satan is not the most powerful being, but comparable to a Demiurge.
- atheistic Satanism claims that it does not believe that "Satan" actually exists. They believe every person is their own master and that everyone should worship themselves. To them, "Satan" is a symbol of rebellion. The most well-known example of this group is Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan.
Satanists differ in their attitude towards the God of the Bible. Theistic Satanists vary in their opinions:
- some deny God's existence
- some believe that God exists, but is weaker than Satan
- some believe that God exists, and that Satan is weaker and God will ultimately triumph over him - and even, they will be consigned along with Satan to an eternity in hell. But, they believe, "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven", as Milton said.
- some believe that God is superior, but have abandoned Him as a result of their own moral beliefs.
Atheistic Satanists claim that they deny that the God of the Bible exists, though this may be a pretense used to lure individuals into their groups. The Bible says concerning Satan that he comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).[3] Satanists of all stripes have made efforts to erect statues of Satan in the public square to pay him honor.[4]
Another more sociological division of Satanists:
- organized Satanism - these are organized, publicly known Satanic groups. They have well-developed theologies which they often publish electronically or in printed form. Some organized Satanists have tried to expand their reach and interfere with modern day politics, particularly in advocating for the disgusting practice of abortion, which they view as one of their "sacraments".[5] There have been concerns of large scale, conspiratorial groups which practice human sacrifice, child molestation and abuse, etc. Many therapists believe they have treated patients who survived Satanic ritual abuse perpetrated by these groups, and individuals have come forward with testimonies of their time in them. But others, including sympathizers of Satanism, claim that these groups are mythical (a "Satanic panic").[6][7] Devil worshipers observe the Black Mass, which involves desecration of the Eucharist.[8]
- dabbler Satanism - teenagers who turn to Satanism as a form of rebellion against their parents, school, church, etc. Generally they lack a well-developed theology. Often are involved in petty crimes such as vandalism, although occasionally have been linked to more serious criminal activity. Most of them grow out of their Satanism, although some will develop into another form of Satanism over time.
- 'sicko' Satanism - criminals, psychopathic individuals, that use Satanism as a justification for criminal activities such as murder, rape, child molestation, etc. Generally lack a developed theology. In some cases the trappings of Satanism are used to try to scare victims (especially children) into not coming forward. Most commonly are loners, or occasionally small groups.
- 'showbiz' Satanism - musical and other groups who use the trappings of Satanism for artistic purposes. Sometimes this is meant seriously (e.g. the musician is an adherent of organized Satanism, and sees their art as a vehicle for spreading Satanic ideas.) In other cases, Satanism is not adopted as a belief system but rather chosen to be shocking or outrageous, or due to an artistic preference for 'dark' imagery.
Satanism is part of the practice of the Left-Hand Path.
Contents
Organized Satanism
Though Satanists have existed throughout history, in recent times, social awareness of Satanism became a phenomenon with the advent of The Satanic Bible [1969] and The Church of Satan. Prior to this, concepts or ideas of Satanism were used as religious propaganda by the church for witch hunts. The only evidence for the existence of organized Satanism in history is found in the 20th century.
The Satanic Bible contains the core philosophy of LaVey Satanism. the concepts were based on the philosophies of Nietzsche and "The Will to Power" and Ayn Rand "Atlas Shrugged". Rumors that these ideas are plagiarized are unfounded because the complete Bibliography for The Satanic Bible was printed in earlier versions of the book. The Satanic Bible is the core document for many Satanists. The philosophy of LaVeyan Satanism is based on objectivism, humanism, and rationalism.
The majority of LaVey Satanists claim to be atheist and see Satan as a symbolic metaphor for life and nature. The method of Magic promoted by the Church of Satan is psychological and primarily non-esoteric. Most members of the Church of Satan do not accept the existence of an afterlife. The current High Priest of the Church of Satan is Peter Gilmore.
There are other groups which came from this social phenomenon created by LaVey. The initiatory organization known as the Temple of Set was created in 1975 by Lt. Colonel of the US Army Michael Aquino and other members of the Church of Satan who left after a disagreement in policy. The Temple of Set is a legally recognized non-profit church.
Satanic Philosophy
The religious documents that form the foundation for the beliefs dogma and practices of the temple of set are the Crystal Tablet of Set. They are primarily theistic and their view is that Set is a manifestation of Satan. The teachings of the Temple of Set focus on enlightened individualism which is the development of self in positive and beneficial ways. This is known to the Temple members as Xeper (compare, Thelema) The office of High Priest is currently held by Magistra Patricia Hardy, who succeeded Aquino in 2004.
Independent Satanism
Independent Satanism is an eclectic form of Satanism that focuses on individualism and self enlightenment without the aide of group or organized Satanism. many are self-initiated into the practice of Satanism and are known as solitary practitioners of magic. The method of independent Satanism include the signing of a pact or agreement with their chosen Satanic deity. Independent Satanism can take on a variety of beliefs from different sources, and they tend to develop their own personal life philosophy independent of popular Satanic thought.
Theistic Satanism is often classified as Satanic worship, the worship of Satan, as described in the Bible. While some practice this form of Satanic Christianity, other Theistic Satanists choose to see Satan as one of many gods, and may not choose to include worship as a part of their personal spirituality. Theistic Satanists may practice a form of Satanic Henotheism, which is the dedication to Satan while including other gods into their personal pantheon. Traditional Satanism combines elements of a rejection of Christianity with Satanic myth and religion. The Traditional Satanist philosophy may include the belief in Satan as a creator god, or Satan as the enemy of the Christian God. Traditional Satanists also tend to believe in the existence of the afterlife. Some Traditional Satanists use the Al-Jilwah as a religious document based on the belief that the Al-Jilwah is the revealed word of Satan.
Luciferianism
Luciferianism is a belief system that reveres the characteristics of Lucifer, commonly described as 'the morning star'. Especially due to the names 'Satan' and 'Lucifer' being interchangeable, Luciferianism is treated as being associated with Satanism. Luciferianism sources its beliefs from a variety of sources, such as the Judaic description of Lucifer, as well as ancient Egyptian myths. Some Satanists are Luciferians also and believe that Lucifer is an aspect of Satan (comparable to the Holy Trinity, and, as 'the morning star', he 'leads the way' for Satanists.
Satanic ritual abuse
For a more detailed treatment, see Satanic ritual abuse.
Satanic ritual abuse is perpetrated by worshipers of the Devil. The theologian Carl A. Raschke found that "Satanism provides a fertile field for such underworld activities as child pornography, drug dealing, and sexual abuse."[9] At least 100,000 survivors of Satanic ritual abuse have undergone therapy and have recalled incidents that occurred during childhood.[10]
Satanism and free love
The Satanic Temple, an American Satanist organisation, has often displayed support for LGBT rights and free love via political actions they call 'pranks'. On July 18, 2013, they 'pranked' Fred Phelps of Westboro Church, who is infamous for literally promoting hate against homosexuals (among many other groups of people, including the US military). This prank entailed them performing a Satanic ritual over his dead mother's grave, and then claimed they converted his dead mother into a lesbian to mock the claim of many Christian fundamentalists that homosexuality is a choice.
See also
Resources
- What is Satanism?, by GotQuestions
- Alt.Satanism FAQ - Usenet Satanism FAQ
- Primary
- The Church of Satan Official Site
- The Temple of Set Official Site
- Theistic Satanism Site Diane Vera
- Spiritual Satanism Essays Venus Satanas
References
- ↑ Iblis is the name given for Satan in the Koran.
- ↑ Devil Worshiper Hell-Bent on Controversy with Satanic Black Mass Ceremony, ABC
- ↑ The Devil Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy—and What This Says about False Teaching, RENEW.org Network
- ↑ Satanic displays have no place in government buildings, WORLD Magazine
- ↑ Salem-based Satanic Temple says abortion is part of a religious ceremony, challenging Texas law, Mass Live]
- ↑ Dissecting Disbelief: Possible Reasons for the Denial of the Existence of Ritual Abuse in the United Kingdom, International Journal for Crime, Justice, and Social Democracy
- ↑ The psychology of occultism & ritual abuse, UNI Scholar Works
- ↑ Devil Worshiper Hell-Bent on Controversy with Satanic Black Mass Ceremony, ABC
- ↑ Satanic Ritual Abuse of Children Is Widespread, United States Department of Justice
- ↑ The Hard Facts about Satanic Ritual Abuse, Christian Research Institute