The Satanic Bible?

Question

Has anyone read the satanic bible by Anton Lavey? I heard that he was a very brilliant man and I wanted to hear reviews from people who have read it, and their opinions on his work.

Answer 1

Very interesting read.

Keep in mind that Satanism has nothing (really) to do with what Christianity refers to as "Satan." Also, as Kiki-la has already stated, Satanism has existed before the LaVey's founding of the Church of Satan. Satanism is mainly about fulfilling/indulging the self.

Aside from describing what Satanism is, the "Satanic Bible" also has sections with "Satanic magic"--though this seems to have been more of an afterthought of LaVey's concept of Satanism than part of the "religion" proper.

Even so, there is one (dare I say) commendable aspect of LaVey's work: he makes it clear that Satanists should not try to "convert" non-believers.

The "Satanic Bible" can be caustic at times, though LaVey actually did a decent job at describing the specifics of "Satanism." As far as compared to other books I've read from *many* different religions and systems of belief, I would give the "Satanic Bible" a grade of "B". Not an excellent work, but commendable.

Answer 2

I've read parts of it, but I honestly don't really remember much.

I will say this - I think that the philosophy of Satanism is fine. There are certain things I don't really agree with, such as, "If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy," but all in all, it's not a problem to me.

I do think it's a little over the top to take the name Satanism, knowing that it would result in being very misunderstood. Seems to me that it was a rather melodramatic move, but that's just my take.

Answer 3

The Satanic Bible is just a joke. It's not about literally worshipping the devil. It's just Lavey's hedonistic philosophy. which is contrary to Christianity. He called it Satanism because satan symbolizes the opposite of Christian asceticism. The whole thing reads like a sick gimmick. Imagine Hugh Hefner in a halloween devil costume calling it a religion.

Answer 4

I've read it. He's pretty sharp but very bitter. Basically the whole thing is not religious exactly but more of a full-scale rebellion against the Christian culture. Personally I don't need to rebel THAT hard, but I understood what he was saying.

Parts of it seem like the kind of rant you might hear in a bar late at night, or the kind of party with the lights low and a strange smell in the air... but it certainly is an interesting perspective. If you read it, read it with a grain of salt.

Answer 5

The booklet in query used to be written by means of a person named Anton LaVey, who additionally headquartered the Church of Satan. LaVey used to be a strict atheist, and so is his faith, and so are all their fans. LaVeyan Satanism is not more "evil" or "dangerous" than consistent atheism. Some of them can also be form, a few are imply.

Answer 6

satanism is just as extreme as christianity except that they rebel against every christian belief more or less and there are different types of satanism you have anton lavey with his theories then you have aleister crowley with his and so on and so on anyway the one aspect i like about satanism although i'm agnostic is the fact that they believe in using common sense logic and reason and are anti stupidity

Answer 7

I have not read it. My boyfriend has, and he has noted and done his research on the subject. I know that LaVey did not create Satanism, that it existed long before he existed.

The rationale for the entire "religion" is fine in my opinion. To most people they automatically consider it evil becuase of it's ironic name though.

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If you are interested in that, why not check out Aliester Crowley? Lot's of resources on him on the net. much more interesting individual.

Answer 8

I've never read it. But I would like to. Sorry.

Answer 9

He's a nutcase.

Answer 10

He was a tard. Basically said if its good for you then do it.