Here is a pretty good general overview of Satanism:
DEFINING SATANISM
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by Jashan A'al
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_Religion or Philosophy?_
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Philosophy -- "a logical and critical study of the source and nature of human knowledge" -- is closer both in meaning and in spirit to contemporary Satanic thought. The emphasis in all forms of Satanism on inquiry and reasoning rather than blind faith is stated repeatedly in Satanic writings.
[AUTHOR'S NOTE: A few of the many examples include: "Satanism demands study - not
worship!" - [LaVey,] "The Satanic Rituals"; "He who is slow to believe in anything
and everything is of greatest understanding, for belief in one false principle
is the beginning of all unwisdom." - [LaVey,] "The Satanic Bible"; "A Satanist
should not allow himself to be programmed by others. He should fight tooth and
nail against it, for that is the greatest enemy to his freedom of spirit."
[LaVey,] "The Devil's Notebook".]
...The terms "satanic" and "diabolical" in common parlance carry connotations not only of wickedness but of cunning -- the frightening aspect of the Christian devil, for those who believe in it, is not only its malevolence but its supernaturally keen intellect.
[AUTHOR'S NOTE: [Barton,] "The Church of Satan", p. 60.]
The amount of emphasis on and indeed praise of knowledge and wisdom in Satanism could easily be described as "love," and we find that Satanism as a belief system and way of life is much closer to philosophia than to religio in its essence.
_Semantic vs. Theological Origins_
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LaVeyan Satanists, which are perhaps the largest denomination, do not ascribe to the belief that Satan is a supernatural personage, whether god, demon, or something else. The viewpoint of LaVeyan Satanists ranges widely, but may generally be described as any one, or a mixture, of the following:
* Satan is a representation of the natural forces of the Universe * Satan is a representation of the "dark" aspects of human behavior * Satan is a literary "anti-hero" which represents admirable qualities of independence, wisdom, and achievement.
[The activity of "Satanists seek[ing] to redefine Satan as a "good guy" and claim it represents good qualities"] is not a modern movement and has been well-established long before the advent of contemporary Satanism, ranging from the serpent-admiring Gnostics of early Christianity, to Milton's Paradise Lost, to Beaudelaire's[sic] Litanies of Satan. Satan today adamantly exists as an energetic symbol of joie de vivre for many people - a vivid contrast to the dour self-denial of the monotheistic religions.
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_Defining Satanism_
While it is true that the majority of Satanic denominations have more differences than commonalities, it is also true that certain core threads of belief are common to them all.
It is also true that defining Satanism is inherently problematic in that Satanism is a religion which exalts individuality and not only tolerates but encourages variation in personal beliefs. ...
In recognition of this, the following points are proposed as the essential components of Satanic belief. These are intended to be as broad as possible, to encompass the vast variety in Satanic philosophy, yet still concrete enough to allow a definite line to be drawn between Satanic and non-Satanic philosophies.
1. Man as Animal.
... A common extension of this belief is the selectivity of emotional response. LaVey phrased this as "kindness to those deserving, instead of love wasted on ingrates." Animals are naturally selective in who they bond with and share resources with, whether emotionally or materially. Satanists often share this quality and are conservative and loyal regarding the people to whom they extend their friendship.
2. Supremecy of the Here-Now
...Satanism places its emphasis on the so-called "vital existence" -- the known world and the present life. As spiritual realms and past/future lives remain items of speculation and questionable existence, Satanism chooses to deal with these items when/if they manifest. We regard the enjoyment of our current existence and happiness within our current world as of the primary importance; whatever afterlife a Satanist chooses to believe in, should be of secondary consideration. The Satanist -- like all animals -- lives for life.
3. Autonomy of the Individual
Animals see themselves rightly placed at the center of their own world, as does the Satanist. The most important individual in a Satanist's life is the Satanist themself. They are their own highest judge, their own ultimate lord, and the source of their own personal happiness....
4. Self-Betterment
... A Satanist recognizes that one can always seek to improve oneself, either physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or materially -- and not only that one can, but that one should. Stagnation leads to death in the natural world.
5. Exaltment of Knowledge
... In pursuit of wisdom and personal happiness, Satanism stresses the importance of gaining and applying knowledge of all kinds. This supercedes and is considered superior to elements of hearsay, rumor, gossip, mythology, legend, dictates of authority, and blind faith.
6. Responsibility
... With the knowledge a Satanist attains, he or she must weigh each action and judge whether or not the results it garners are worth the responsibility entailed. A Satanist rejects claims such as "the Devil made me do it!" as a blatant attempt to escape personal accountability. ...
7. Belief in Magic(k)
Satanism acknowledges the existence of magic, whether individually conceived to be a supernatural force, a psychological phenomenon, or an extension of the known laws of nature.
8. Belief in Satan
The final thing which defines Satanism is, of course, belief in Satan itself. Note the word "itself." Satan takes on many forms and concepts depending on the personal views of the Satanist asked. The sole boundaries of what Satan is within the definition of Satanism, is that a Satanist holds Satan as a positive, central figure/concept in his or her philosophical mythos, and that their conceptualization of Satan is non-Judeo-Christo-Islamic.
_Sources_
[A'al,] Jashan[.] Theistic Satanism Page,
learn punjabi news films language at jashan.net
Barton, Blanche. The Church of Satan. Hell's Kitchen Productions, New York, 1990
First Church of Satan,
Satanism for Dummies
Forsyth, Niel. The Old Enemy: Satan and the Combat Myth. Princeton University Press, 1987.
Hexham, Irving. Concise Dictionary of Religion. Regent College Press, Vancouver, 1999.
Gallop, David, trans. Plato's Defense of Socrate, Euthyphro, and Crito. Oxford University Press, New York, 1999.
LaVey, Anton Szandor. The Devil's Notebook. Feral House Press, California, 1992.
---- The Satanic Bible. Avon Books, New York. 1969
---- The Satanic Rituals. Avon Books, New York. 1969
---- Satan Speaks! Feral House Press, California, 1998.
MessadiŽ, Gerald. A History of the Devil. Kodansha America, New York, 1996.
Pagels, Elaine. The Origin of Satan. Vintage Books, New York, 1996.
Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus, American Edition, New York, 1996.
Satan's Playground,
Slickaz's Neat Stuff Page from telsel.com
Strivelli, Ginger. Personal correspondence posted on the Sword and Shield message board at
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Webster's II New Riverside Dictionary, New York 1996.
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