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copying from what I wrote on "a storehouse of knowledge"
'''Satanism''' represents various religions and philosophies that focus on the figure of [[Satan]] in Abrahamaic religions 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 Abrahamaic religions 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.
In terms of theology, Satanists today can be divided into two main groups:
*'''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.
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:
*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.
Another more sociological division of Satanists:
*'''organized Satanism''' - these are organized, publicly known Satanic groups. They oppose criminal activity, and have well-developed theologies which they often publish electronically or in printed form
*'''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
A controversial issue is the alleged existence of 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.) Some believe in the existence of this form of Satanism; others view it as mythical (a "Satanic panic").
==Organized Satanism==
==Organized Satanism==