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³ WHAT IS SATANISM? ³
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1. FAQ Usenet Alt.SATANISM
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1. What is Satanism?
At first glance this may look like a simple question to answer: "Go
look it up in the dictionary." would seem to be straightforward
enough. In fact, I'll do it for you:
Satanism, n. 1. the worship of Satan or the powers of
evil. 2. a travesty of Christian rites in which Satan
is worshipped. 3. diabolical or satanic disposition,
behavior, or actions.
[from _Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English
Language_, (c) 1989]
Unfortunately it's not that easy. There is no one set of beliefs that
comprise Satanism. Because there is no set of doctrines or scriptures
agreed upon by a majority of Satanists, would-be practitioners must
define their beliefs for themselves, based upon a minimum of shared
information. The issue is further confused by the fact that,
historically, most records of real or imagined Satanism have been made
by Satanists' traditional enemies, Christians. However a few
generalizations can be made: the average Satanist disagrees with much
of Christianity, believes in no absolute moral code, and places
emphasis on the individual and personal rights. If you think this
sounds like Libertarianism, you're right; many Satanists consider
themselves Libertarians or feel close to the party on social issues.
There are several divisions one could make as to the belief systems of
various "Satanic" groups. This (arbitrary) division is made more to
outline some belief systems than to categorize groups. Most defy
categorization. The Process Church, for example, is surely a gnostic
group, but neither of the two listed fit the Process very well.
1. The Dabblers: adopt Satanic trappings for a brief
period of time, usually for entertainment rather than
serious purposes. Many modern youths fall into this category.
2. Churches of Satan: are patterned after the teachings of
Anton LaVey. These groups believe in individualism, gratification
of the ego, self-reliance and the ideal of the Neitzchean Superman.
These groups use Magick as a tool for earthly power. They see
Satan as the driving force behind achievment in mankind.
The two main organizations in this category are Anton LaVey's
Church of Satan and Michael Aquino's Temple of Set. The two groups
differ philosophically and organizationally.
3. Gnostics: can be divided into two major categories
3a. Promethian Gnostics: Believe in a literal "Satan", but believe
that the creator of the world (Jehovah) is the evil deity. Satan is
seen as the "bringer of light"; a beneficient god. This is an old
"heresy" seen in groups such as the Yezidis.
3b. Dark Gnostics: Worship the dark force in nature. These groups
follow the whims of a capricious god, which most westerners would
see as being "evil." There are a few historical christian heresies
which would fall into this category. Kali worshippers could also
be categorized here.
4. Secondary Satanists: follow a faith outside the Christian
mainstream. Most would not consider themselves as being "Satanic"
and strictly speaking should not be defined as satanists (as per se
with some of the Gnostic groups), but the ignorant often categorize
them as Satanists. Voodoun and Santiera could be grouped here, as
could medeaval wicca (if it actually existed).
5. Hellfire Clubs: Were a phenomenon of the 18th century. The
first of these was founded by the Duke of Wharton in the early
1700's. Most infamous was sir Francis Dashwood's Medmenham club
(Often incorrectly called the hellfire club). Dashwood was a
close freind of Benjamin Franklin, who may have been a member of
this group. Franklin's description of the Medmeham club's
secret chambers is one of the few we have, so his membership seems
likely. In any case, Dashwood and Franklin co-authored the
"Franklin Prayer Book" (often called the Book of Common Prayer) which is
commonly used in america. Another famous member of the
Medmanham club was the Earl of Sandwich, inventor of (guess
what) the Sandwich. Hellfire clubs were exclusive groups
dedicated to much political intrigue, partying, and some
occasional occult activities.
have read _The Bible_ or part of it. They simply consider _The Bible_
to be false and disregard it much like Christians would disregard
books which represent the foundation of another religion. Attempting
to discuss Christianity will, in most cases, only get you flamed and
not inform the Satanist of "something they didn't know". If you are
still tempted to post about _The Bible_ because you feel that we may
have missed an important point, I suggest you seek out and read the
alt.atheism FAQ before proceeding. Many of its points are applicable
to alt.satanism.
9. For the Christians among us: should you feel inclined to preach.
You are all going to hell.
Jesus saves!
Quite often, members of fundamentalist Christian groups see fit to
post various evangelical messages in alt.satanism. The reason for
this is not clear. It has been suggested by various members of this
net, who I shall lump under the convenient category of "Satanist,"
that the reason for this posturing is that many (perhaps most)
Born-Again Christian types are closet masochists. It has also been
suggested that Christians need to save a certain number of souls to
get a good seat in paradise, similar in spirit to selling candy-bars
or magazines to fund various extra-curricular activities in school.
Presumably Satanist souls, being sold to the devil already, are worth
more points.
While these theories have some merit, considering the teachings
of their (allegedly) chosen religion, an attempt should be made to be
open-minded enough to see their side of things.
Many Christians, when asked why they do this, respond something
to the effect that it is charity, something they do out of the
goodness of their hearts, out of concern for people etc. etc. Well,
if the Christian is really concerned with people, why not preach to
those who have not heard the message? Most "Satanists" are well
acquainted with the messages of Christianity. They have been preached
to ad infinitum, and are fed up with it. That is part of the reason
they are Satanists instead of plain old agnostics. Many Satanists are
angered by such posts, and justifiably so.
Now consider this:
You will never convert a Satanist over USENET. You either
1) are too infuriating;
2) look like a fool.
There is NO logical reason to convert to Christianity. The only
appeals are to the emotions, and as stated before they either look
foolish or infuriating. Things like, "But Jesus LOVES you; he died
for your sins!" or "Your soul is in danger!" are appeals to guilt and
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* Origin: Two Wheelers gateway <jpunix!urchin.fidonet.org> (1:106/88.0)
Message number 4984 in "Satanism"
Date: 02-26-93 12:28
From: Lupo
To: All
Subj: Pt 4/5: FAQ posting
SPLIT: 27 Feb 93 09:18:56 @106/88 506 04/05 +++++++++++
PID: Fred 1.9n6
fear respectively; not reason. As most Satanists have chosen this
path out of reason, these appeals will never work. As for those
Satanists who are so for emotional reasons, their minds are as closed
as that of the Born-again Christian. Perhaps, if indeed preaching is
done for humanitarian, and not egotistical or masochistic reasons,
your energies are better spent educating those who know little of your
faith: those born atheistic, communists, buddhists etc. If, as
suspected, your purposes are more egotistical (look reverend; I
converted a Satanist!) forget it. There are no "lost souls," waiting
to be found, in this community.
For the masochistically inclined, we suggest self-flagellation.
It costs less disk space, is probably more satisfying, and is
certainly less offensive to the general public.
10. How can I get more information about Satanism?
Recommended Reading:
_The Satanic Bible_, by Anton Szander LaVey, Avon Books, 1969.
Presents the Satanic views and doctrines of the Church of Satan,
along with an introduction to its rituals.
_The Compleat Witch_ (the new edition is called _The Satanic Witch_),
by Anton LaVey, Lancer Books, 1971.
_The Satanic Rituals_, by Anton LaVey, University Books, 1972.
More books discussing LaVey's brand of Satanism.
_The Secret Life of a Satanist_ by Barton Blanche, Mondo Press.
The authorized biography of Anton LaVey, and a basic guide to
Satanic philosophy.
_The Second Coming_, by Arthur Lyons, 1970 [out of print]
A history of Satanism through the Middle Ages and the modern era.
_Satan Wants You_, by Arthur Lyons, Mysterious Press (Warner), 1988.
Presents an overview of Satanism and the history of Satan, plus
an in-depth look at popular misconceptions.
_ABRASAX #4_ A magazine published by the American Gnostic Church.
Issue #4 is dedicated to Satan & satanic matters generally. They
can be reached at:
American Gnostic Church
PO BOX 1219
Corpus Christi, TX, 78403-1219
(This is an old address--I have not checked yet.)
_The Black Arts_, by Richard Cavendish, Perigee Books (Putnam), 1967.
An objective introduction to magic, demonology, and classical
views of Satanism.
_Black Magic in Theory and Practice_, by Michael Aquino.
_The Necronomicon_ [by the Mad Arab], Avon Books, 1977.
Purported ritual book of great efficacy. Generally regarded as
fiction interspersed with translations of Mesopotamian texts.
Mileage may vary, depending on how seriously you take babble.
_The Satan Seller_, Mike Warnke's imagination, Logos International,
1972.
A Christian presents his alleged experiences in a Satanic cult
before his conversion to Christianity.
_Cornerstone_, Volume 21, number 98, "Selling Satan," Jon Trott & Mike
Hertenstein, 1992.
This gets *highest* recommendation. From a Christian magazine
which does a great job of discrediting Mike Warnke's accounts
mentioned in _The Satan Seller_ and elsewhere
_Do What You Will_ by Geoffry Ashe
A history of philosophers & groups who use this thelemic motto.
Especially nice history of the "Hellfire Clubs"
_Satanism: The Seduction of America's Youth_, Bob Larson, Thomas
Nelson Publishers, 1989.
The facts on the *conspiracy* now coming to a lonely town near
you!!! (You're reading the FAQ, so it's already here!)
_Paradise Lost_ by John Milton.
An epic poem telling the tale of Lucifer from when he is thrown
out of heaven, to the Fall of Adam and Eve. It makes Lucifer
into a heroic figure, whilst God is made out to be a little vague
and weak.
_The Divine Comedy_ by Dante.
Another epic poem in three parts (Inferno, Purgatorio and
Paradisio) covering the author's pilgrimage through them.
_The Prince of Darkness_ by Jeffrey Burton Russell, Cornell University
Press, 1988.
Historian's work on the history of Satan from earliest history
through the twentieth century. A summary of a four-book series
(The Devil, Satan, Lucifer, and Mephistopheles, by the same
author) which may be too much reading for casual interest.
_The Old Enemy_ by Neil Forsyth, Princeton University Press, 1987.
Another history of Satan focusing on the Middle East and early
Christianity.
_La-Bas (Down There)_ by J. K. Huysmans (1891?) translated by
Keene Wallace.
Fiction novel of the occult and the black mass in late
nineteenth century Paris.
H. P. Lovecraft, collected works.
Classic horror fiction that has served as inspiration for many
Satanists.
Frederick Neitzsche, various works
Neitzschean philosophies form the core of Satanism. Much of the _Satanic
Bible_ owes its philosophical and literary roots to works such as
_Thus Spoke Zarastrutha_ and _The Anti-Christ_ by Neitzche.
Michel Foucault, works
Though not a direct influence on Satanic thought, Foucault's work
extended and modernized that of Neitzsche, making it more applicable
to the present day. He is also largely responsible for the "post-modern"
philosophical movement.
_The Occult_ by Colin Wilson
An excellent objective introduction to the subject.
_Cosmic Trigger_ by Robert A. Wilson
This book describes various initiations and occult phenomena
experienced by Mr. Wilson.
_Apocalypse Culture_ collected by Adam Parfey.
---
* Origin: Two Wheelers gateway <jpunix!urchin.fidonet.org> (1:106/88.0)
Message number 4985 in "Satanism"
Date: 02-26-93 12:28
From: Lupo
To: All
Subj: Pt 5/5: FAQ posting
SPLIT: 27 Feb 93 09:18:56 @106/88 506 05/05 +++++++++++
PID: Fred 1.9n6
A shocking work, depicting the worldviews of various "fringe"
sects and individuals, ranging from necrophiliacs to ultra-right
wing Christians.
_Snapping; America's Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change_ by Flo
Conway & Jim Siegelman.
An interesting work utilizing information theory in the study of
sudden personality change as occurs in religious cults, and the
"Born-Again" phenomenon.
_Who Wrote the Bible?_, by Richard Elliott Friedman, Harper & Row,
1987.
A biblical scholar attempts to answer the question of the title,
and in the process comes up with some interesting reasons for
events in _The Bible_ (why does Moses have horns? Why the scene
with the golden calf?). An interesting read, and possibly
amusing for the cynic.
_The Dead Sea Scrolls_
There are many good books on this subject for those who need to
debunk Christianity historically as well as philosophically.
Among them:
_Dead Sea Scrolls & the Bible_ by Roland E. Murphy (a Roman
Catholic at that) 1968
_A Crack in the Jar; What ancient Jewish Documents tell
us about the New Testament_ by Niel Fujita (also a
Christian scholar) 1986
_The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Christian Myth_ by John
Allegro (one of the original Dead Sea Scholars) 1984
Note than all of the above scholars are of the old school of
scroll study. While all do a good job of debunking Christianity,
the latest generation of scholarly works is even more damning.
Following are a number of works recommended dealing with Satanism's
links with crime, multiple personality disorder, etc.
_The Satanism Scare_, ed. James T. Richardson, Joel Best, and David G.
Bromley (NY: Aldine, 1991): 145-172.
_Satan's Power: A Deviant Psychotherapy Cult_, by William Simms
Bainbridge, U of CA Press, 1978.
_Battle for the Mind_, by William Sargent, Harper & Row, 1957.
_In Pursuit Of Satan_, by Robert D. Hicks (Prometheus Books),
_Satanism In America_, issued by the Committee for the Scientific
Examination of Religion.
"Occult Crime: A Law Enforcement Primer"
[To obtain a copy of this report, write to
California Office of Criminal Justice Planning
1130 K Street, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
(Phone: (916) 324-9100). Request the "Research Update, Special
Edition, Winter 1989-1990, Volume 1, Number 6" issue. No mention
is made of a donation, but it may be useful to inquire
beforehand.]
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