Satanism
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. 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.
Types
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. This is highly uncommon and not in accordance with the teachings of Mr. LaVey. Some theistic Satanists believe that Satan is not the most powerful being, but comparable to a Demiurge.
Satanists differ in their attitude towards the God of the Bible. Atheistic Satanists 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.
- some believe that God is superior, but have abandoned him as a result of their own immoral beliefs.
Another more sociological division of Satanists:
- judaism - it is not commonly known, but many sects of judaism are open Satanists.Many, including jews themselves, say it is a form of Satanism. The word is also used to designate the cultural, genetic, and ethnic collective of jews worldwide. Mainstream ("Rabbinic") judaism is a monotheistic religion with the Torah as its foundational text (part of the larger text known as the Tanakh or the Hebrew/jewish Bible) and with a supplemental tradition represented by later texts such as the Midrash and the Talmud.
- organized Satanism - these are organized, publicly known Satanic groups. They publicly oppose criminal activity, and have well-developed theologies which they often publish electronically or in printed form. However, said groups have recently tried to expand their reach and interfere with modern day politics, mostly trying to reinvent Satan as a nice guy.
- 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. It should be noted that 'sicko' Satanism is largely a completely core belief system that was used during the 1980s and beyond. This essentially entailed a series of ritual abuses by Satanists that abused children, running consistant to the mainstream beliefs of LaVeyan Satanists as well as Satanists in general.
- '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
- conspiratorial Satanism - 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. It is controversial whether any of these groups actually exist - many therapists believe they have treated patients who survived these groups, and individuals have come forward with testimonies of their time in them. But others view these groups as mythical (a "Satanic panic"), and believe that claims to have survived them have actually been induced by the therapists
Organized Satanism
Satanism became a socially noticable phenomenon with the advent of invented The Satanic Bible 1969 and The Church of Satan. Prior to this, concepts or ideas of Satanism were used as religious material by the church. There is a great deal of evidence for the existence of organized Satanism that can be found prior to the 20th century, according to Satsnists.
The Satanic Bible contains the core philosophy of LaVey Satanism. the concepts were plagiaruzed from the philosophies of Nietzsche and "The Will to Power" and Ayn Rand "Atlas Shrugged". . The Satanic Bible is the core document for many Satanists. The philosophy of LaVeyan Satanism is based on objectivism, humanism, and rationalism.
The majority of LaVey Satanists are atheist and they see Satan as a symbolic metaphor for life and nature. The method of Magic promoted by the Church of Satan is psychological and primarily non-esoteric. Most members of the Church of Satan do not accept the existence of an afterlife. The current High Priest of the Church of Satan is Peter Gilmore.
There are other groups which came from this social phenomenon created by LaVey. The initiatory organization known as the Temple of Set was created in 1975 by Lt. Colonel of the US Army Michael Aquino and other members of the Church of Satan who left after a disagreement in policy. The Temple of Set is a legally recognized non-profit church.
Satanic Philosophy
The religious documents that form the foundation for the beliefs dogma and practices of the temple of set are the Crystal Tablet of Set. They are primarily theistic and their view is that Set is a manifestation of Satan. The teachings of the Temple of Set focus on enlightened individualism which is the development of self in positive and beneficial ways. This is known to the Temple members as Xeper (compare, Thelema) The office of High Priest is currently held by Magistra Patricia Hardy, who succeeded Aquino in 2004.
Independent Satanism
Independent Satanism is an especially evil form of Satanism that focuses on individualism and self enlightenment without the aide of group or organized Satanism. many are self-initiated into the practice of Satanism and are known as solitary practitioners of magic. The method of independent Satanism include the signing of a pact or agreement with their chosen Satanic deity. Independent Satanism can take on a variety of beliefs from different sources, and they tend to develop their own personal life philosophy independent of popular Satanic thought.
Theistic
Theistic Satanism is evil Satanic worship, the worship of Satan vs. God. While some practice this form of Satanism, other Theistic Satanists choose to see Satan as one of many gods, and may not choose to include worship as a part of their personal spirituality. Theistic Satanists may practice a form of Satanic Henotheism, which is the dedication to Satan while including other gods into their personal pantheon.
Traditiinal Satanism
Traditional Satanism, combines elements of Christianity with Satanic myth and religion. The evil Traditional Satanist philosophy may include the belief in Satan as a creator god, or Satan as the enemy of the Christian God. Traditional Satanists also tend to believe in the existence of the afterlife. Some Traditional Satanists use the Al-Jilwah as a religious document based on the belief that the Al-Jilwah is the revealed word of Satan.
Luciferianism
Luciferianism is an evil belief system that reveres the characteristics of Lucifer, commonly described as 'the morning star'. Especially due to the names 'Satan' and 'Lucifer' being interchangeable, Luciferianism is treated as being associated with Satanism. Luciferianism sources it's beliefs from a variety of sources, such as the judaic description of Lucifer, as well as ancient Egyptian myths. Some Satanists are Luciferians also and believe that Lucifer is an aspect of Satan (comparable to the Holy Trinity, and, as 'the morning star', he 'leads the way' for Satanists.
Satanism and free love
The Satanic Temple, an American Satanist organisation, has often displayed support for LGBT rights and free love via disgusting actions they call 'pranks'. On July 18, 2013, they attacked Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist Church, who is famous for promoting action against faggots (among many other groups of people, including corrupt members of the US military). This sleasy act entailed them performing a Satanic ritual over his dead mother's grave, and then claimed they converted his dead mother into a lesbian to mock the fact that homosexuality is a choice.