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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 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]].

*'''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 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>

*'''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.