Satanism

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Satanism represents various religions and philosophies that focus on the figure of Satan in Abrahamaic religions as a source of personal, metaphoric, or magical inspiration. Satanism is part of the practice of the Left-Hand Path. The ideals of Satanism are a focus on autonomy, knowledge, self expression, and fulfillment of desire.


Organized Satanism

Satanism became a socially recognized phenomenon with the advent of The Satanic Bible [1969] and The Church of Satan. Prior to this, concepts or ideas of Satanism were used as religious propaganda by the church for witch hunts. The only evidence for the existence of organized Satanism in history is found in the 20th century.

The Satanic Bible contains the core philosophy of LaVey Satanism. the concepts were based on the philosophies of Nietzsche and "The Will to Power" and Ayn Rand "Atlas Shrugged". Rumors that these ideas are plagiarized are unfounded because the complete Bibliography for The Satanic Bible was printed in earlier versions of the book. The Satanic Bible is the core document for many Satanists. The philosophy of LaVeyan Satanism is based on objectivism, humanism, and rationalism.

The majority of LaVey Satanists are atheist and they see Satan as a symbolic metaphor for life and nature. The method of Magic promoted by the Church of Satan is psychological and primarily non-esoteric. Most members of the Church of Satan do not accept the existence of an afterlife. The current High Priest of the Church of Satan is Peter Gilmore.

There are other groups which came from this social phenomenon created by LaVey. The initiatory organization known as the Temple of Set was created in 1975 by Lt. Colonel of the US Army Michael Aquino and other members of the Church of Satan who left after a disagreement in policy. The Temple of Set is a legally recognized non-profit church.

Satanic Philosophy

The religious documents that form the foundation for the beliefs dogma and practices of the temple of set are the Crystal Tablet of Set. They are primarily theistic and their view is that Set is a manifestation of Satan. The teachings of the Temple of Set focus on enlightened individualism which is the development of self in positive and beneficial ways. This is known to the Temple members as Xeper(compare, Thelema) The office of High Priest is currently held by Magistra Patricia Hardy, who succeeded Aquino in 2004.

Independent Satanism

Independent Satanism is an eclectic form of Satanism that focuses on individualism and self enlightenment without the aide of group or organized Satanism. many are self-initiated into the practice of Satanism and are known as solitary practitioners of magic. The method of independent Satanism include the signing of a pact or agreement with their chosen Satanic deity. Independent Satanism can take on a variety of beliefs from different sources, and they tend to develop their own personal life philosophy independent of popular Satanic thought.

Theistic Satanism is often classified as Satanic worship, the worship of the Christian Satan. While some practice this form of Satanic Christianity, other Theistic Satanists choose to see Satan as one of many gods, and may not choose to include worship as a part of their personal spirituality. Theistic Satanists may practice a form of Satanic Henotheism, which is the dedication to Satan while including other gods into their personal pantheon.

Christian Satanism, sometimes labeled as Traditional Satanism, combines elements of Christianity with Satanic myth and religion. The Traditional Satanist philosophy may include the belief in Satan as a creator god, or Satan as the enemy of the Christian God. Traditional Satanists also tend to believe in the existence of the afterlife. Some Traditional Satanists use the Al-Jilwah as a religious document based on the belief that the Al-Jilwah is the revealed word of Satan.


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