Satanism

File:Satanismsymbol.jpg Satanism can refer to a number of belief systems depending on the user and contexts. Common misuse of the word generally refers to "the worship of Satan or the powers of evil." However, by the actual adherents, the suffix -ism is often used suggesting the definition as an act or practice (e.g. the word heroism), as opposed to the oft-assumed definition as the doctrine or philosophy behind an act or practice.

Generally, the word "Satanism" is often used as a general name for several distinct spiritual practices and beliefs: the two most significant seem to be LaVeyan Satanism, and Theistic Satanism. Ideas about Satanism range from essentially these two sources.

LaVeyan Satanism, wherein the Satanist plays the role of the adversary to spiritual creeds, espousing vehement social Darwinism, hedonism, objectivism, and atheism. Among LaVeyan Satanists (called so by non-adherents to clarify that they support the ideologies in the writings of Church of Satan founder Anton Szandor LaVey), for them the term Satanism indicates "the first carnal religion in human history."[2] Careful use of the word, according to one website, refers to a "small religious group that is unrelated to any other faith, and whose members feel free to satisfy their urges responsibly, exhibit kindness to their friends, and attack their enemies."[3] Secondly, the worship of an actual spiritual being or other use for the mythology of Satan(Theistic Satanism), which is often actually the practice of freedom but is confused a lot with the Christian devil for its rebellion was the first historical allegory of refuting the status quo, (some sects do worship the Biblical Satan, and may therefore be considered unusual variants of Christianity); as well as the practice of an allegedly ancient but misunderstood religion (e.g. Setianism associated with the Egyptian god Set who is conflated by some with the Biblical Satan), although the Temple of Set refutes any notion that they are Satanists.

See also

• Hellfire Club
• LaVeyan Satanism
• Luciferianism
• Setianism
• Theistic Satanism

Books on the history of Satanism

• Michelet, Jules (1862). Satanism and Witchcraft: The Classic Study of Medieval Superstition. ISBN 978-0806500591. Considered the first modern work to discuss Satanism.

• Cavendish, Richard (1967). The Black Arts: An Absorbing Account of Witchcraft, Demonology, Astrology, and Other Mystical Practices Throughout the Ages. ISBN 978-0399500350. Summary of the history of Witchcraft, Satanism, and Devil Worship in the last part of the book.

• Zacharias, Gerhard (1980). The Satanic Cult. Translated from the German by Christine Trollope

• Medway, Gareth (2001). Lure of the Sinister: The Unnatural History of Satanism. ISBN 978-0814756454.

External links

• Official Church of Satan website
• Official First Satanic Church website
• Religious Tolerance page on Satanism