What exactly IS satanism? Don't leave out any details please.?

Question

Some people claim I don't know what I'm talking about, so I was thinking maybe their right. What is Satanism exactly?

Wow, a lot of info. I guess I didn't understand it as well as I thought I did. Thanks everyone.

Answer 1

Satanism is a word which has been used over the years to describe a number of different belief systems in a number of contexts. People claiming to be Satanists—or outsiders claiming to describe Satanism—ascribe a wide variety of beliefs to Satanism. These range from the literal worship of a malevolent spiritual being (Theistic Satanism); to a kind of subversive ritual performance stressing the mockery of Christian symbols (most notably the Black Mass); to the claimed rediscovery of an ancient but misunderstood religion (e.g. Setianism, which conflates Satan with the Egyptian god Set); to the exaltation of hedonistic recreation, and the celebration of selfishness and pleasure.

The most prominent and widely known Satanist in recent years is, and was Anton Szandor LaVey, who founded the Church of Satan in 1966. LaVey wrote The Satanic Bible (1969) and other works which remain highly influential (though controversial) among avowed Satanists. LaVey rejects the Black Mass, cruelty to animals, or a literal belief in (or worship of) Satan, instead considering Satan as the human instinct within ourselves, which is what LaVeyan Satanism celebrates; the human instinct. Instead he supports a view of human beings as animals and rejects many social structures that he believes inhibit human instincts.

Equally celebrated within Satanic circles (though not technically a Satanist) would be ritual magician Aleister Crowley, who referred to himself as "The Great Beast 666." [1] Crowley's maxim, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law!" captures a common Satanic attitude, which the myth of Satan's rebellion is thought to exemplify.

Much "Satanic" lore does not originate from actual Satanists, but from Christians. Best-known would be the medieval folklore and theology surrounding demons and witches. A more recent example is the so-called Satanic ritual abuse scare of the 1980s— beginning with the memoir Michelle Remembers--which depicts Satanism as a vast conspiracy of elites with a predilection for child-molesting and human sacrifice. This genre regularly describes Satan as actually appearing in person in order to receive worship. It must be noted that this is not adhering to the teachings of the Church of Satan, which is strictly against child abuse, rape or any other fully harmful sadistic act, especially to children. Consensual S&M between adults is advocated on the grounds that it is a form of self-gratification.

Another prominent source of "Satanic" imagery is black metal or heavy metal music, which has given Satanism the "Hail Satan!" hand-sign. A few rock stars such as Marilyn Manson (alternative rock, industrial artist) appear to actually be bona fide Satanists; many others merely adopt a Satanic persona for the sake of romanticism.

Vandalism, cruelty to animals, or grave desecration are advanced by some as examples of Satanic crimes. While some high-profile cases of murder or serial murder have been found to have Satanic themes (e.g. the Manson Family), these appear to be primarily the work of disturbed individuals, or of several acting together, rather than of organized religious groups.

Many claims of Satanic child-molesting or murder rings have proven to be unsubstantiated. There was little evidence to support the allegations. Few people were convicted though there are now organized efforts to have the charges dropped.

Answer 2

There isn't enough room to not leave out any details but here's some information about Satanism that was written by a Satanist:

Satan is not a real, living entity, conscious or a physical thing that can be interacted with. It is a symbol, something ethereal, something that basically doesn't exist except as an emotional attachment and personal dream. Just like Buddhists do not worship Buddha, Satanists hold up Satan as an ultimate principal rather than an object of literal worship. Satan inspires and provokes people, like all (honest) religions the ultimate point is self-help. God believers have a different opinion on what Satan is, but their opinion is a result of their religion. Satanism's Satan is much more eclectic and multicultural than to be defined by Christianity or Islam.


Satanism can be considered to be:
* Atheistic. There are no Gods in Satanism.
* Not dualistic: souls and bodies are indivisible and there is no war between cosmic good and cosmic evil
* Autodeists - we worship ourselves. The only God we can ever perceive is in our own existential world. We are each a God.
* Materialistic
* A "human potential" movement. Striving for longer life and a better education. Science And Technology Are Necessary: We who walk this dark path along with the same interests will pursue the elimination of Human limitation to the maximum
* Of the left hand path
* Opposition of religions, especially those that hold a belief in an afterlife. Satanism is an un-religion. Satanism adopts the adversaries of major religions as its standard bearers

Also:
* Only the self is sacred. Nothing is holy except clarity of thought
* Satanists do not pray
* Meditation is considered a valid path of self discovery
* Stupidity is the cardinal "sin" of Satanism, the sin which is believed to cause all other Human evil

For much more information you can read the rest here:
http://www.dpjs.co.uk/modern.html
And here, the official website:
http://www.churchofsatan.com

Answer 3

satanism was created to make fun of christians because they spend so much time talking about satan.

In ancient Jewish tradition Satan is simply an angel doing the work that God assigned to Satan to do.

The word Satan means challenger. With the idea of Satan challenging us, or tempting if you will. This description sees Satan as the angel who is the embodiment of man's challenges. This idea of Satan works closely with God as an integral part of Gods plan for us. His job is to make choosing good over evil enough of a challenge so that it becomes clear to us that there can be only one meaningful or logical choice.

Contrast this to Christianity, which sees Satan as God's opponent. In Jewish thought, the idea that there exists anything capable of setting itself up as God's opponent would be considered polytheistic or setting up the devil to be an equally powerful polarity to god or a demigod.

Oddly, proof for The Christian satan/devil mythology is supposedly found in the ancient Jewish texts that were borrowed to create the bible. One can’t help but wonder how Christians came up with such a fantastically different interpretation of Gods assistant Satan in their theology.

Other hints about Satan’s role in human relations can be seen if you look at the name Lucifer. It’s meaning in the original tongue translates as Light bearer or light bringer. Essentially the bringer of enlightenment. The temptations of the Satan idea bring all of us eventually into Gods light. Hardly the Evil entity of Christian mythology.

Love and blessings
don

Answer 4

Modern Satanism is a philosophy started by Anton LaVey. Essentilaly, it is Atheistic, and very self-centered.

Theistic Satanism is usually the worship of Satan as god, as well as much self-worship.

Satanism is also used to describe any faith a Christian doesn't like.

Myself, I call a Theistic Satanist, as I see Satan as a god of my darker nature, and some demons, but not the absolute truth. To place myself as in both of them, I practice self-worship, as to awaken my deepest nature.

Answer 5

It is a religion that is based on we are self as gods,and we can worship ourselves.The truth is it is a lie.The bible says satan is a deceiver and a liar and a murderer.Alot of mass murderers were fascinated by what you seek.The end result is always death or close to it.Don`t mess with the devil it`s like playing with fire hun.

Answer 6

There are probably dozens of different religious belief systems and practices that have been called "Satanism." Christianism." Budhism."Islamism." all come from deep fantasy of ineducated human mind.

Answer 7

it is religion based around being anti Christian ( not anti Christ )
hence the name
they do NOT believe in satan ( well not in satanism )
and they actually have a good moral code

Answer 8

Awesome answer Maul!

Answer 9

Just this:

People are animals
Animals could only make up a god

Answer 10

generally satanism is the worshiping of the "bad" god or the devil.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satanism

the first paragraph there describes it quite well.