Changes

[[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.]]  

[[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.]]  

'''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. 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]].<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]].

*'''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]].<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''' 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.

*'''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.

 

==Organized Satanism==

==Organized Satanism==