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| | In terms of theology, Satanists today can be divided into two main groups: | | In terms of theology, Satanists today can be divided into two main groups: |
| | + | *'''theistic Satanism''' believes that "Satan" is an actual independently existing being, whom they worship and serve as their god. This is highly uncommon and not in accordance with the teachings of Mr. LaVey. Some theistic Satanists believe that Satan is not the most powerful being, but comparable to a [[Demiurge]]. |
| | *'''atheistic Satanism''' does not believe that "Satan" actually exists, as such, they do not worship Satan. They believe every person is their own god and that everyone should worship themselves. To them, "Satan" is just a symbol of rebellion. The most well-known example of this group is Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan. | | *'''atheistic Satanism''' does not believe that "Satan" actually exists, as such, they do not worship Satan. They believe every person is their own god and that everyone should worship themselves. To them, "Satan" is just a symbol of rebellion. The most well-known example of this group is Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan. |
| − | *'''theistic Satanism''' believes that "Satan" is an actual independently existing being, whom they worship and serve as their god. This is highly uncommon and not in accordance with the teachings of Mr. LaVey. Some theistic Satanists believe that Satan is not the most powerful being, but comparable to a [[Demiurge]].
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| − | Satanists differ in their attitude towards the [[God]] of the [[Bible]]. Atheistic Satanists [[atheism|deny]] that the God of the Bible exists. Theistic Satanists vary in their opinions: | + | Satanists differ in their attitude towards the [[God]] of the [[Bible]]. Theistic Satanists vary in their opinions: |
| | *some deny God's existence | | *some deny God's existence |
| | *some believe that God exists, but is weaker than Satan | | *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 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. | | *some believe that God is superior, but have abandoned him as a result of their own moral beliefs. |
| | + | Atheistic Satanists claim that they [[atheism|deny]] that the God of the Bible exists, though this may be a pretense used to lure individuals into their groups. Satanists of all stripes have made efforts to erect statues of Satan in the public square.<ref>[https://wng.org/opinions/satanic-displays-have-no-place-in-government-buildings-1702297793 Satanic displays have no place in government buildings], WORLD Magazine</ref> |
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| | Another more sociological division of Satanists: | | Another more sociological division of Satanists: |
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| | ==Organized Satanism== | | ==Organized Satanism== |
| − | Satanism became a socially recognized 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 [[Inquisition|witch hunts]]. The only evidence for the existence of organized Satanism in history is found in the 20th century. | + | Though Satanists have existed throughout history, in recent times, social awareness of Satanism became recognized 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 [[Inquisition|witch hunts]]. The only evidence for the existence of organized Satanism in history is found in the 20th century. |
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| | 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 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. |
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| − | The majority of LaVey Satanists are atheist and they 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. | + | 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. |
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| | 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. | | 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. |
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| | 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. | | 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. |
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| − | [[Theistic Satanism]] is often classified as Satanic worship, the worship of the Christian Satan. 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. | + | [[Theistic Satanism]] is often classified as Satanic worship, the worship of the Christian Satan. 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. |
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| − | Christian Satanism, sometimes labeled as Traditional Satanism, combines elements 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.
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| | == Luciferianism == | | == Luciferianism == |