Satanism

I wanted to write up this page to help clear up some common misconceptions regarding Satanism. I've noticed over the years that most nonsatanists- whether they are Christian, Pagan, Jewish, Muslim, etc.- are completely misinformed when it comes to understanding Satanism. I certainly don't consider myself a Satanist, and I don't agree with many of the philosophies involved with most forms of Satanism, but I do have respect for Satanists and believe we all should try to understand their ideas before forming our opinions (as with any belief system). People often write me and say they condemn the ideas within Satanism, and feel it is a "religion" that deserves no respect. I noticed that most of these people don't even know what Satanism is. Satanism is usually considered a "dark" path (or the "left-hand path"), and many are lead to believe that Satanists are "evil" and live their lives in desperate attempt to oppose the beliefs taught in the Christian Bible. Yes, I do believe, after reading and speaking with several who consider themselves Satanists, that Satanism is inverse Christianity (however, not intentionally). I only say this because most of what Satanism represents is opposite to what Christianity represents- or at least does not run in conjuction with beliefs within Christianity. While Christianity promotes restraint when it comes to carnal indulgences, Satanism promotes carnal gratification.  This does not mean that a Satanist directly opposes the Ten Commandments, that he or she believes "Thou shalt kill" rather than "Thou shalt NOT kill," etc. Satanism was not "created" to oppose Christianity. Rather, Satanism is, in a way, an "unreligion" and those who follow that path do not subscribe to the notion of an all-encompassing deity who is worthy of worship. Satanists believe that Satan represents (to a degree) the whole of human kind, of human desire. Satan is an archetype and a representation of certain qualities that a Satanist believes to be important and necessary. To quote Anton LeVey's Nine Satanic Statements..."Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it, instead of love wasted on ingrates," and, "Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification." Satanists find worship of deities to be hypocritical and useless. As Satan represents rebellion and rational self-interest, it would certainly be hypocritical for a Satanist to actually worship Satan. To actually worship an embodiment of rebellion (Satan) would NOT be rebellious. And it is not in one's rational self-interest to worship anyone or thing. When a Satanist says, "Hail Satan," he or she is not suggesting that Satan is to be "hailed." Rather, he or she is saying, "Hail me," since Satanists embody the qualities of the archetype (Satan). There are no clear-cut, exact rules within Satanism, and all are encouraged (generally speaking) to interpret the rules within the path on an individualized basis. Satanism rejects emotional and religious "slavery." The rules within Satanism were created for the whole and as a basis of philosophy, not as a restricted guideline for each individual's mind and body. The name "Satan" is taken, by Satanists, in concept only. And also, Satanists define this concept themselves- they do not emulate the archetype as created by Christianity, Islam, or any other religion or path. The archetype itself is not Christian- but is a concept that was understood long before the advent of Christianity. The archetype (by whatever name) embodies rebellion against slavery, complete indulgence, and represents human nature and all the physical and emotional pleasures the world offers. To Satanists, Christianity is an example of human kind's hypocrisy and incompetence. Anton LeVey has said that Jesus Christ embodies those qualities. Many Satanists see Christianity as a weak and unrational "religion" that enslaves the minds of it's followers. There is no freedom within Christianity and no rational thought involved in any of its facets.   Satanists are not Satan worshippers and do not kill animals or humans for sacrifice. They do not agree that killing others is within the boundaries of rational self-interest, nor do they believe rape, harming children, or killing animals for any reason other than food are within these boundaries. They are not murderers, rapists, etc. The Church of Satan is maintained for those who share the basic views of Anton LeVey, but find unique ways of applying his philosophy to their individual lives. Satanists despise herd conformity, so the church is not an attempt to unite the minds and beliefs of all Satanists. Satanism is diverse in ways, much like any other path. This is a simplified version of my personal interpretation of Satanism- based on the hundreds of websites I read over the years, the Satanic Bible, several Satanists I have spoken to, and many other books I've read.  As I said earlier, I'm not a Satanist and don't agree with most of the concepts within the path. I just get very irritated with people who have not taken time to at least understand the basics of Satanic philosophy (and the philosophies of ALL paths). Pagans hate to be misunderstood, yet many buy into all the ridiculous false ideas surrounding Satanism and other paths- with no regard for whether or not they have learned truth. For more information regarding Satanism, first read the Satanic Bible. Here are a few websites I think might be useful... Inner Circle Coven of Laiad The Dark Temple of Baphomet Church of Baphomet                                                                            HOME             NEXT