Satanism
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== Types of Satanism == | == Types of Satanism == | ||
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: | ||
| − | *''' | + | |
| − | *''' | + | *'''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 a symbol of rebellion rather than a literal figure. 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, which serves as a God-analogue. | ||
Satanists differ in their attitude towards the [[God]] of [[Christianity]]. Atheistic Satanists [[atheism|deny]] that the [[Christian]] [[God]] exists. Theistic Satanists vary in their opinions: | Satanists differ in their attitude towards the [[God]] of [[Christianity]]. Atheistic Satanists [[atheism|deny]] that the [[Christian]] [[God]] exists. Theistic Satanists vary in their opinions: | ||
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Another more sociological division of Satanists: | 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 and psychopathic individuals who 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) and prevent them from reporting the crimes. They are 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; however, there is no evidence for its actual existence, so it seems to most likely be a form of urban legend or mass hysteria — a [[Satanic panic]]. | 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; however, there is no evidence for its actual existence, so it seems to most likely be a form of urban legend or mass hysteria — a [[Satanic panic]]. | ||
Revision as of 03:59, 22 September 2012
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Satanism is the practice of bowing to the Dark Lord. It is widely misunderstood, and most practitioners feel that if more were known about it, there would be greater tolerance for the practice.
Contents |
Beliefs
Like most religions, there are a variety of beliefs, but a few precepts are generally observed by most Satanists. Satan in his original pre-Christian pagan forms is respected as a principle rather than a deity. Satanists do not worship Satan just as most Buddhists do not worship Buddha.
- Major emphasis is placed on the power and authority of the individual Satanist, rather than on a God or Goddess.
- They believe that "no redeemer liveth" — that each person is their own redeemer, fully responsible for their own life.
- "Satanism respects and exalts life. Children and animals are the purest expressions of that life force, and as such are held sacred and precious..." Children and animals are not abused or killed.
- They believe that one should live out their lusts and desires, and enthusiastically explore the "seven deadly sins" with other consenting adults.
- They follow many beliefs, practices and rules of behavior which are in conflict with traditional Christianity, and essentially all other religions.
- Uniqueness and creativity are encouraged.
Types of Satanism
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 a symbol of rebellion rather than a literal figure. 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, which serves as a God-analogue.
Satanists differ in their attitude towards the God of Christianity. Atheistic Satanists deny that the Christian God exists. Theistic Satanists vary in their opinions:
- Most deny God's existence altogether
- 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 they will be consigned along with Satan to an eternity in hell. They believe that it is "better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven", as Milton said.
- Some believe that both God and Satan exist but that the final outcome of all this is unknowable.
- Some believe that God exists but is unworthy of worship and choose to worship Satan rather than show even tacit approval for such a God.
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 and psychopathic individuals who 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) and prevent them from reporting the crimes. They are 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; however, there is no evidence for its actual existence, so it seems to most likely be a form of urban legend or mass hysteria — a Satanic panic.
LaVeyan Satanism
There is also an atheistic "religion" known as LaVeyan Satanism, its chief organization being the Church of Satan. This variant was founded by Anton LaVey in 1960s San Francisco and they all but admit that they chose to call their belief system "Satanism" to annoy Christians. While anti-religious, it also rejects many of the ethical tenets of secular humanism, feeling them to be too close to Christian morality (which they feel represses the individual) and instead following a combination of pseudo-Nietzschean ideas and Ayn Rand worship that it calls the "Left-Hand Path." For the record, they officially frown on child and animal sacrifices, saying that we should all strive to be like children or animals. (Adult sacrifice, on the other hand, seems to be totally cool, as long as the person pissed you off.)
The kids-sacrificing-your-pets, backward-messages-in-heavy-metal kind of Satanism
Oh, you were looking for an article on that kind of Satanism? See Satanic Panic.