What is Satanism about?

[Dan4reason]

For any Satanists. What do you believe?

 

[The Sum of Awe]

I think you'll get better answers in the Satanism DIR

It is, in my opinion, a Hedonistic philosophy mixed with Anti-theism, Objecivism, and psychological magic.

To sum it up even shorter: Getting what you want without being an ***

 

[Erebus]

LaVeyan Satanism is perhaps the most common form and takes a symbolic rather than literal view of Satan. The Satanic Bible is the best resource for learning about LaVeyan Satanism.

Theistic Satanism is much more broad, but here are a couple of websites with plenty of info:

Theistic Satanism: Diane Vera on today's new kinds of Satanists

DEVIL WORSHIP

Essentially there's too much to cover in a post, but just be aware it's not about baby eating and goat's blood

 

[Cesar]

Some time ago, I watched a series of YouTube videos regarding 'rebel' people, among whom some claimed to be satanists. Basically, Satanism is not a dreadful organized religion that aims to sacrifice in the name of the devil (although some extremists perform such rituals). It is, however, connected to Thelema, Aleister Crowley's philosophy.

Its core teaching is "Do what you want". it's about trusting your heart/your desires to the point of doing whatever you feel is good, since you're your own god. It denies absolute morality (probably any morality at all, most likely viewing it as limiting and something to be disposed of) and it doesn't necessarily acknowledge the existence or worship of a malevolent being.

As a matter of fact, we are all satanists throughout our lives, as we do what we want, even if we know who Aleister Crowley was or not.

 

[1137]

I posted on a thread like this in the LHP section. To put it simply I would just say that Satanism is the LHP path that values adversarial thought over other LHP ideas. For Setians it would be focus on Self, for Luciferians it would be enlightenment, more of the spiritual but still LHP. When it comes down to it, all these ideas really make up the LHP and can work together without conflict (obviously depending on specific branches and organizations one adheres to). On the other hand, believing one specific organization or philosophy actually seems un-LHP.

 

[Dan4reason]

I posted on a thread like this in the LHP section. To put it simply I would just say that Satanism is the LHP path that values adversarial thought over other LHP ideas. For Setians it would be focus on Self, for Luciferians it would be enlightenment, more of the spiritual but still LHP. When it comes down to it, all these ideas really make up the LHP and can work together without conflict (obviously depending on specific branches and organizations one adheres to). On the other hand, believing one specific organization or philosophy actually seems un-LHP.

There are different forums of satanism. I will only try to learn about your version of satanism.

Adversarial thought hmm? You mean like scepticism or debate? Or do you mean egoism, and survival of the fittest?

Is Satanism more of a religion or a philosophy?

 

[Dan4reason]

LaVeyan Satanism is perhaps the most common form and takes a symbolic rather than literal view of Satan. The Satanic Bible is the best resource for learning about LaVeyan Satanism.

Theistic Satanism is much more broad, but here are a couple of websites with plenty of info:

Theistic Satanism: Diane Vera on today's new kinds of Satanists

DEVIL WORSHIP

Essentially there's too much to cover in a post, but just be aware it's not about baby eating and goat's blood

I prefer to learn from discussion.

What supernatural claims do Satanists make?

 

[1137]

There are different forums of satanism. I will only try to learn about your version of satanism.

Adversarial thought hmm? You mean like scepticism or debate? Or do you mean egoism, and survival of the fittest?

Is Satanism more of a religion or a philosophy?

What I said I meant for all forms of Satanism, LaVeyan - Theistic and everything in between. By Adversarial thought, I mean they are against the status quo. Whether it is LaVeyan Rebellion or honoring Satan as the true god, they are the adversaries to our Judeo-Christian society and culture. What I mean is that the rules and taboos of these cultures are no matter. The Satanist will do whatever they want besides harming someone. The use of taboo practices such as sexual magick and use of Satanic imagery are applied. Etc.

Satanism is more of a philosophy, as all Left Hand Path beliefs.

 

[Father Heathen]

"LaVeyian" or "Modern" Satanism is largely a blend of Nietzsche, Rand, Crowley, and Ragnar Redbeard.

 

[terryboy]

Christianity is about obedience, Satanism is about questioning, just like Satan questioned God's authority.

 

[Erebus]

I prefer to learn from discussion.

What supernatural claims do Satanists make?

Fair enough

That depends entirely on the Satanist in question. The LHP encourages people to seek out their own answers and explore life. As everybody's life is different everybody finds slightly different answers.
LaVeyan Satanists are generally atheistic (or autotheistic to be precise) but some may also be vaguely deistic or pantheistic. Some Satanists believe in magic as a supernatural force, others consider it to simply be applied psychology employing placebo, suggestion and body language to achieve results.
Theistic Satanists range from those who consider Satan to be a distinct being to those who consider him to be a force of nature. Some are anti-Christian, some aren't. Some believe in Satan very literally, some take a more Chaote view (we construct our own reality through our perception and belief to give you the basic jist).
As a general rule Satanists don't care to convert or convince others of their beliefs. Most feel that if a person is Satanist material, they'll come to it themselves.

Those are some of the very general trends I've seen, but like I say, each Satanist will give slightly different answers.

Adversarial thought hmm? You mean like scepticism or debate? Or do you mean egoism, and survival of the fittest?

Is Satanism more of a religion or a philosophy?

Just wanted to give you my own thoughts on these questions if you don't mind

Adversarial thought is pretty much as the name implies, questioning, criticizing and challenging what's been presented to you. How this translates into adversarial action varies depending on the conclusions arrived at. Satanists can be liberal, conservative, anarchist, apathetic or pretty much anything else politically, it depends what suits that particular Satanist's needs and desires (I'll admit I don't understand why a Satanist would be conservative, but hey, the census shows at least a few are: http://www.uni-marburg.de/fb03/ivk/mjr/pdfs/2001/articles/lewis2001.pdf ).
Essentially adversarial thought ranges from "don't accept what's presented to you without question" to "actively go against the general consensus". The Doors of Perception gave a fine example of adversarial thought in relation to Judeo-Christian culture.

Whether Satanism is a religion, a philosophy or both depends on the form of Satanism and the individual. The Church of Satan and the Temple of Set are examples of organised religious groups with their own philosophies. Independent Satanists will have their own beliefs that vary tremendously and would have to be assessed individually to determine what philosophies and theologies are present.

As a guideline, don't think of Satanism as a single, easily defined entity. The core philosophy of individualism inevitably leads to a mass of different branches and philosophies. It's an often self contradictory thing that can't be easily boxed and categorized. If you're looking to understand it I promise you it won't happen from an outside perspective.

*edit* that last line may have come across as a little harsh. Don't get me wrong, it's good that you're asking questions and I wish more people would do that rather than simply make assumptions. However some of the concepts in Satanism will either make sense to you or they won't, other elements have to be experienced in person to be appreciated and by that I'm not solely talking about the spiritual/supernatural elements.

 

[More In Common]

I know this sounds generic but it's probably going to be the same as with most (if not all) other religions, you'll find the entire spectrum of belief where each person has a different view of what their faith mean to them and how it should be manifested in their actions.

 

[Erebus]

I know this sounds generic but it's probably going to be the same as with most (if not all) other religions, you'll find the entire spectrum of belief where each person has a different view of what their faith mean to them and how it should be manifested in their actions.

Precisely right

 

[nnmartin]

what is the point of Satanism?

is there some kind of objective, such as finding contentment, peace , eternal life etc..?

from Wikipedia:

The most important holiday in Satanism is one's own birthday, as it is the birthdate of one's own god. This is a reminder that the Satanist, committed to true "vital existence", should consider himself (or herself) the most important person in his own life

Isn't this a bit egotistical?:sarcastic

 

[nnmartin]

from wikipedia:

The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth

1. Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.
2. Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them.
3. When in another’s home, show them respect or else do not go there.
4. If a guest in your home annoys you, treat them cruelly and without mercy.
5. Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal.
6. Do not take that which does not belong to you, unless it is a burden to the other person and they cry out to be relieved.
7. Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained.
8. Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.
9. Do not harm young children.
10. Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food.
11. When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask them to stop. If they do not stop, destroy them.

which of these rules do you ascribe to? (question intended for the Satanists on board)

 

[nnmartin]

FAO Satanists on board:

Which one of these losers are you?

In general, those claiming to be Satanists are:

* Living in denial of their own meagre contributions to the world around them.
* Hiding behind counter-culture styling and imagery to make themselves appear more interesting.
* Insecure and bitter individuals who try to cultivate shady mysterious and distant personalities while at the same time longing for someone to psychoanalyse them to see how truly 'deep' they are.
* A large proportion seems to be either suffering from, or former sufferers of some type of depression.
* They claim to despise society, the herd etc. and then whine and cling on to those who have rejected them as if they can't bear being separate people in their own right.
* Merlot drinkers ... why only Merlot? Try a nice glass of Rioja for a change!
* Kids caught up in the 'Goth' culture thing whilst vehemently claiming not to be Goths. Satanism is now a fashion statement!
* Inverse Christians and disillusioned ex-Catholics looking to get their own back on god, parents, society…..whatever.
* People too eager to admit to fantasy antics and wild exploits but scared of admitting that they would ever do something as mundane as hoovering the living room floor once in a while.
* Idiots who will remain idiots because they are too busy trying to show everyone how much they know to actually find out things for themselves.
* Confused Wiccans/ex-Wiccans/Wiccan wannabees who don't know the distinct and fundamental differences between Satanism and new-age foolishness.

source:

Why I'm Not a Satanist: By Rev. R. Deinsen, 2001 Jul

 

[nnmartin]

Re: Satanism

Peter 2:17-19: “These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity”


what is the point in worshiping the base nature of humanity, fuelling the ego with indulgence - what happens when the party ends?

This really is the culture of me extraordinaire!

Satanism - what a load of BS!

Look what happened when the apes in Germany got interested in this garbage - Nazi party etc... ever heard of that?

 

[HiddenDjinn]

Re: Satanism

Peter 2:17-19: “These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity”


what is the point in worshiping the base nature of humanity, fuelling the ego with indulgence - what happens when the party ends?

This really is the culture of me extraordinaire!

Satanism - what a load of BS!

Look what happened when the apes in Germany got interested in this garbage - Nazi party etc... ever heard of that?

Damn, 0-Godwin in less than 2 hours.

EDIT: Correction, <1 hour.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

Well that was fun. Tune in next time for another episode of "nnmartin rants about things he doesn't understand or believe in".

 

[Dan4reason]

What I said I meant for all forms of Satanism, LaVeyan - Theistic and everything in between. By Adversarial thought, I mean they are against the status quo. Whether it is LaVeyan Rebellion or honoring Satan as the true god, they are the adversaries to our Judeo-Christian society and culture. What I mean is that the rules and taboos of these cultures are no matter. The Satanist will do whatever they want besides harming someone. The use of taboo practices such as sexual magick and use of Satanic imagery are applied. Etc.

Satanism is more of a philosophy, as all Left Hand Path beliefs.

Interesting. I do have to wonder why the status quo is always wrong.

I also have to wonder why Satanists are against harming others, if they are in rebellion of so many social norms? Why make an exception of it? And what reasons do they have that the rules and taboos of our society doesn't matter? And why even perform weird rituals anyway?

Thanks for the info anyway. It has clarified a lot.