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[[File:Upside down cross.PNG|right|250px|thumb|Upside-down cross tattoo on the neck of a U.S. taxpayer-supported [[Azov Nazi]] after surrendering at the [[Battle of Mariupol]], May 2022.]]  

[[Image:GustaveDoreParadiseLostSatanProfile.jpg|right|thumb|Gustave Doré's depiction of [[Satan]] from [[John Milton]]'s ''[[Paradise Lost]]''. Traditional Satanism involves individuals who worship the [[Devil]].]]

'''Satanism''' represents various religions and philosophies that focus on the figure of [[Satan]] in [[Abrahamic religions]]<ref>Iblis is the name given for Satan in the [[Koran]].</ref> as a source of personal, metaphoric, or magical inspiration.  Satanism is part of the practice of the [[Left-Hand Path]]. The ideals of Satanism are a focus on autonomy, knowledge, self-expression, and fulfillment of desire.

'''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.<ref>Iblis is the name given for Satan in the [[Koran]].</ref>  

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. Some theistic Satanists believe that Satan is not the most powerful being, but comparable to a [[Demiurge]].

*'''theistic Satanism''' believes in Satan, whom they worship and serve. [[Devil]] worshipers observe the [[Black Mass]], which is an inversion of the [[Christianity|Christian]] rite. The central part of the Black Mass is the descration of the [[Eucharist]].<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/US/devil-worshiper-hell-bent-controversy-satanic-black-mass/story?id=26047473 Devil Worshiper Hell-Bent on Controversy with Satanic Black Mass Ceremony], [[ABC]]</ref> 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''' 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:

Satanists differ in their attitude towards the [[God]] of the [[Bible]]. Theistic Satanists vary in their opinions:

*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>  

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. The Bible says concerning Satan that he comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).<ref>[https://renew.org/the-devil-comes-to-steal-kill-and-destroy/ The Devil Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy—and What This Says about False Teaching], RENEW.org Network</ref> Satanists of all stripes have made efforts to erect statues of Satan in the public square to pay him honor.<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>  

Another more sociological division of Satanists:

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 a "sacrament".<ref>[https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/09/salem-based-satanic-temple-says-abortion-is-part-of-a-religious-ceremony-challenging-texas-law.html Salem-based Satanic Temple says abortion is part of a religious ceremony, challenging Texas law], Mass Live]</ref>

*'''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".<ref>[https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/09/salem-based-satanic-temple-says-abortion-is-part-of-a-religious-ceremony-challenging-texas-law.html Salem-based Satanic Temple says abortion is part of a religious ceremony, challenging Texas law], Mass Live]</ref> 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").<ref>[https://www.crimejusticejournal.com/article/download/759/514/1641 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</ref><ref>[https://scholarworks.uni.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4525&context=grp The psychology of occultism & ritual abuse], UNI Scholar Works</ref> Devil worshipers observe the [[Black Mass]], which involves desecration of the [[Eucharist]].<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/US/devil-worshiper-hell-bent-controversy-satanic-black-mass/story?id=26047473 Devil Worshiper Hell-Bent on Controversy with Satanic Black Mass Ceremony], [[ABC]]</ref>

*'''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.  

*'''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.  

*''' '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

*''' '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.

*'''conspiratorial Satanism''' - large scale, conspiratorial groups which practice human sacrifice, child molestation, etc., many of whose members allegedly occupy positions of power, authority or respect in their communities, such as doctors, lawyers, politicians, police officers, schoolteachers, etc. It is controversial whether any of these groups actually exist - many therapists believe they have treated patients who survived these groups, and individuals have come forward with testimonies of their time in them. But others view these groups as mythical (a "Satanic panic"), and believe that claims to have survived them have actually been induced by the therapists

 

Satanism is part of the practice of the [[Left-Hand Path]].  

==Organized Satanism==

==Organized Satanism==

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.

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 [[Inquisition|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 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.  

== Luciferianism ==

== 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.

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.

== Satanism and free love ==

== Satanism and free love ==