Is theistic satanism modern?

[Xena]

i don't belive theistic satanism is a modern belief. i belive that Lavey satanism is modern but Satan is waaay older than that. I as a theistic satanist beleve Satan is older than planet earth and older than many God's. What does everyone else think?

 

[shadow_fire]

I personally don't believe in gods or devils. However I suppose it depends what approach you take. The Christian approach would say satan is a fallen angel thus making him younger then God. But if I approach this in a more LaVeyan way and count Satan as the symbolism of vengeance passion wisdom etc we can date Satan back to the earliest of moderately intelligent animals.

But since there needs to be a yang to a yin in a certain sense I will say god and the devil came at the same time.

 

[Delilah Roo]

Well, I see satan as being a part of human nature, it is in us. I beleive that it is as old as anyother concept, fundamental. --D Roo

 

[raymkoak]

Theistic Satanism is only modern insofar as LaVey having reinvented or re-exposed Satanism to the modern public. 1966 is, essentially, modern times. From this reintroduction, along with the arrival of the internet, many people have been able to research and branch out, in essence, find their specific paths. Many have become Theistic Satanists, many others have branched off into different sects of Satanism. As far as the belief in a deity called Satan, therefore, theistically acknowledging the existence of a being called Satan, has been around for thousands of years before Xianity.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

Sure, seeing as the Jewish view of God is pretty well near enough Satan.

 

[Apion]

raymkoak,

Please share any references to this theistic satanic tradition before the 1966 Church of Satan. I'd love to investigate further, but I always seem to find nothing substantial under the usual pomp. Be very specific with your references. I'm hoping you finally hold the key to this elusive, ever retreating mystery.

 

[raymkoak]

Apion, here's the wealth of information you may be searching for.
Theistic Satanism: Diane Vera on today's new kinds of Satanists

 

[Apion]

Right, but again I don't see any specific references to an organized Satanic religious movement before '66 outside vague generalities.

 

[Drax]

i don't belive theistic satanism is a modern belief. i belive that Lavey satanism is modern but Satan is waaay older than that. I as a theistic satanist beleve Satan is older than planet earth and older than many God's. What does everyone else think?

I have found no evidence that Theistic Satanism has existed even as long as Christianity has. However, that is not to say the deity Satan has not existed by other titles/names in cultures older than Christianity. Whether He was followed/revered in those cultures is up for question mind you.

The problem for me is I have not found reliable documentation (mythological or otherwise) which addresses these titles/names and to be honest I really do not care if I do.

If someone is going to follow Satan, then follow Satan. Do not hunt about for titles/names which make Him less sinister or more fitting of personal desires/moral limitations. Simply accept and move on.