2007-03-16 04:31:01 · 12 answers · asked by smithese 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
i heard that the occult is kinda like mysticism, the occult is basically the mystical and magical side of any religion. i guess today's idea of occult automatically defers to satanism. any ideas?
2007-03-16 04:32:21 · update #1
No
Occult refers to hidden or secret knowledge. There are many occult traditions, some are even Christian. For instance cabalistic practices are Jewish in origin.
Most Satanist are atheists. Some may have occult practices but many do not.
2007-03-16 04:34:46 · answer #1 · answered by Pablito 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Fundamentalists will tell you that anything that isn't Christianity is Satanism, and that this is especially true of the Occult.
Satanism is a particular form of religion (actually there are multiple forms of Satanism). Wicca and Tarot and other Pagan religions and practices are not Satanism, though Satanism may use some occult practices, just as do some forms of Christianity and Judaism and other religions.
The Occult refers to hidden or secret practices and knowledge. Some Occult practices may seem darker than others. None of this means that those working with the occult are Satanic ritual slayers of virgins and such.
Examples of occult objects and practices might include:
Tarot, Palmistry, Astrology, Ouija, Qaballah, Wicca, Witchcraft, Runes, Reiki, Water gazing, Candle gazing, crystals and on and on. A thing isn't good or bad, it's what you use it for that is good or bad.
2007-03-16 04:43:11 · answer #2 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not at all.
All the occult means is 'hidden'. It refers to hidden knowledge that can only be attained through seeking and working for it.
Satanism is either believing in what Satan represents but not Satan himself (Anton LaVey) or actually believing that Satan is real and worshipping him (theistic Satanism). Thos that follow this latter belief do not believe normally in the Christian view of Satan. Instead they believe that Satan got a bad rap from Christians and is the true God.
Christians tend to see anything that doesn't belong to their God as being of Satan. They don't belive the occult is from their God - so they refer to it as Satanism. Saying that those they follow it are really following Satan.
This view doesn't make them both the same though.
2007-03-16 04:40:18 · answer #3 · answered by noncrazed 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course not. The occult is everything that is waiting for being discovered. Satanism is... well is something you'd want to keep away from.
Beware, if you are trying to move on to the occult. You must be prepared and open minded. Not everything you see is just like you think it is. Protect yourself. And if you feel bad with it, change path.
2007-03-16 04:38:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. All spirituality is occult (see M-W, below, 1st Phrase). Re 1 above, few atheists are Satanists - there's no more reason to believe in gods than devils; devils than gods.
M-W Online - Occult : matters regarded as involving the action or influence of supernatural or supernormal powers *or* some secret knowledge of them.
2007-03-16 04:35:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No they are not the same thing. Satanists worship Satan as their god. The occult is the belief of hidden knowledge. Both have existed for a long time.
2007-03-16 04:40:05 · answer #6 · answered by Lakoma 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Misconception. Occult is only hidden knowledge. If you were the first scientist that knew the world was round and the sun was stationary...that would be occult knowledge.
~ Eric Putkonen
2007-03-16 04:35:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
IMHO, Satanism can be occultic, but not all of the occult is Satanic, or Satanism.
2007-03-16 07:31:47 · answer #8 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No , for the hopefully last time... That's like saying Christianity is the same as Islam, because they both worship a God... Sheeeezzzzzzz.... Love and Light .. )O(
2007-03-16 04:54:45 · answer #9 · answered by Bunge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For about the five millionth time, NO!
2007-03-16 04:38:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋