Satanism

For other uses of the word, see Satanism (disambiguation).

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 practice of ritual magic." 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 used to describe 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 is a form wherein the Satanist plays the role of the adversary to spiritual creeds, espousing vehement social Darwinism, hedonism, objectivism, and atheism. The term LaVeyan Satanist, is used by adherents to clarify that they support the ideologies in the writings of Church of Satan founder Anton Szandor LaVey. 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."

Theistic Satanism contains a very broad scope of religious groups from Pagans celebrating Pan to Yezidis worshipping Melek Taus, Shaytan. There are many modern groups of Theistic Satanists but most consider themselves to be Satanists and see no need for the use of the word Theistic. One more group that falls under the definition of Theistic Satanism would be, "Reverse Christians", being that they practice what Christians claim Satanists do and worship what they consider to be the enemy of Christ and God.

See also

• Aleister Crowley
• Anton LaVey
• Arthur Desmond
• Hellfire Club
• Humanism
• Luciferianism
• Might is Right
• Satanic Holidays
• Thelema
• The Satanic Bible

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
• O.T.O. Grand Lodge
• Religious Tolerance page on Satanism