Why do Wiccans discriminate against Satanists?

Question

Why do so many Wiccans talk negatively about Satanism, saying it should be avoided and such, without researching it thoroughly first? Is it simply to avoid being associated with it and avoid the stigma being placed on them by Christians?

Bassdog65,
who's off base? I've been studying these things for over a decade. Do the human race a favor and either grow up or get a vasectomy. Your ignorrance disgusts me.

Kris L,
It wasn't two or three Wiccans, it was a few hundred websites designed by a few hundred Wiccans. Don't try to make me look bad with your own insecurity, because it's only really making you look childish. You didn't answer the question, you ASSUMED that I was just being melodramatic. Grow up.

Bobby The Wolf,
It wasn't my intention to offend you if I did, so sorry if that's the case. What I find, however, is that many people who identify themselves as Wiccan do speak negatively about the whole of the left hand path without any formal study in what that practice entails. My intention here wasn't to start fights or hurt feelings, but just to get some input from a Wiccan perspective. I do appreciate everyone who has put up an intelligent debate on the subject, thanks.

Wiccanbynature, if you'd read The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey, you'd know that infant and animal sacrifice is also against the Satanic religion.

Answer 1

There are a few reasons. One is that a lot of them actually believe the same kind of ridiculous stereotypes about Satanists that Christians do. For some reason, a lot of pagans believe that it's okay to make these kind of assumptions about Satanists, even if they hate the same kind of assumptions being made about them. Also, it's because they are paranoid about Christians accusing them of being Satanists. Since they know that's a "bad thing" for Christians to call them, they try to distance themselves from Satanists by speaking derrogatorily about them. Instead of learning what Satanism is really about and respecting it, they'd rather tell Christians, "Oh, we aren't like THEM, we don't (sacrifice cats, abuse children, whatever)." Of course, the automatic implication is that Satanists do actually do these things. Also, there are certain "influential" people in the pagan community who speak out against Satanism very loudly - namely Isaac Bonewits. His statements about Satanism are always wildly inaccurate, and a little research will show that he's just bent because he got kicked out of the Church of Satan before he decided to slink off and form his own pagan group. If he hadn't been kicked out he'd probably be singing its praises today.

Answer 2

Some, not ALL!! I have no problem with what anyone chooses as their religion (or even non-religion). The closest thing to discriminating against Satanists is that I do not believe in Satan, therefore cannot worship him. I am not Wicca, I am a Hedge Witch and do not think any religion is wrong, it is a matter of choice. I may have friends who are Satanists, much like witches they do not go around shouting "look at me!". Unlike SOME Christians who would like to see anyone who is not a religious zealot strung up or burned at the stake. If I had the power to change the world I would simply like to see everyone accepting others differences without condemnation. But sadly there will always be extremists who are so certain that there way is the only way.
BB
)O(

Answer 3

Wiccans don't bad-mouth Satanism, but they do try to point out that Wiccans and Satanists are not even in the same catagory. Probably because Christians lump them in with Satanism all the time. Wiccans are not Satanists in any sense of the term. There is no connection between them and Infernalists or Satanists.

Answer 4

I think a lot of it is because Wiccans are accused of being Satan-worshippers who make sacrifices and such--that stigma you're talking about. I know I fell for that when I first discovered Wicca. It took me a few years to research, to meet some actual Satanists, to learn that Satanists don't generally do what they're accused of either (except for some bored suburban kids who don't know what the hell they're doing or just plain deranged people), and to stop using Satanists to defend my own beliefs. One can explain one's own belief without running down others.

Answer 5

Yeah, I ask that question too. Wiccans speak of Satanism the same way that Christians do. And they're just as ignorant as the Christians about Satanism. I wish that everyone would just research it before they speak of it. And I'm not saying that ALL Wiccans and Christians are like this, but some are.

Answer 6

I know that some Pagans want to separate themselves from Satanists, since both practices have a bad image. They think that that makes them look better. But what everyone needs to realize that Pagans NOR Satanists are evil. And if Wiccans feel so discriminated against, how do they think Santanists feel?

Answer 7

I think they're sometimes just as guilty of spreading disinformation as the Christians due to willful ignorance. I also think some of them think they'll be accepted more by the mainstream if they vehemently disagree with Satanism and disassociate themselves. I mean - it's obvious they're not Satanists, but only someone who knows better would know that. Plus, a lot of people accuse them of being Satanists, so it would stand to reason they want to stay as far away from "defending" Satanists as possible.

Answer 8

Wiccan Here :)

I never have, I like satanism, some of my friends are Satanists (And my father is a satanist)

Please dont say Wiccans, as if we all do this, you shouldnt lump us all in there together when it's only a select few who are doing this.

EDIT: No i'm sorry that i came of so rude, i should have typed it nicer.

Answer 9

Well I think it has to do with the fact that many of the are so tired of having Christians accuse them of devil worship that they are trying to distance themselves from Satanism. (Which is commonly seen as devil worship even though I am aware it's not.)

I don't know, I've had some Wiccans (of the fluff bunny kind, not the educated ones) talk negatively about my religion Asatru. It's just because they haven't done their homework on other religions.

Answer 10

Probably for the same reason that others do - ignorance. Which isn't an excuse...

That being said, not all Wiccans are ignorant of the philosophies of Satanism.