Anyone want to answer a question about Satanism?

Question

I have a friend who's shown me that *gasp!* Satanism isn't about worshiping Satan! If you didn't know that, please don't answer me.

I was raised to explore other religious concepts to make my own choices. The more I learn about Satanism the more it seems to me that appart from a stigmatic name, there's no real evil in it.

Is there anyone else out there who sees it this way? Care to share your viewpoints about this? (Mature answers greatly apreciated)

Answer 1

Yes, the real form of Satanism has nothing to do with "Satan." I would that it were called by a different name, though, for calling it Satanism seems to only fuel the Christians' fires...

What I find hilarious, is that there are people who call themselves "Satanists," and actually DO "worship the 'devil.'" LMAO!
I mean, wouldn't you have to be a Christian in the first place, to believe in Satan? Because I know that most pagans (basically those of a religion that isn't Christianity, Hinduism or Judaism (sp?)) do not believe there is a Satan to be worshipped, lol...

Answer 2

The form of Satanism that I looked into was Leveyan Satanism. And I found that just because they did not worship Satan didn't mean there wasn't evil within it. Between the Nin Satanic Staments, and the other foundational guidelines there was a focus of putting 'self' above everything else.

Within the ideology of Christianity, there is a inherent flaw to that idea. As a Christian who has adopted the Bible as the source for truth, I can readily spot that kind of behavior as being erroneous IF the idea is correct that God has the right idea about things. Since Satanists tend to go against anything to do with a God other than themselves, they have no basis for valuing the same thing as I do.

We can disagree upon many things, but I will be content with what I value, as I figure that raised me up to love that which I love.

Answer 3

Satan is a created being. He was very beautiful and full of pride. When he rebelled, he was kicked out of Heaven and 1/3 of the angels went with him. He must have been a very persuasive salesman to get such a following then and I'm sure he has perfected his skills now. I read the back of the book and he gets his in the end so I think I will stay with the eternal God. I like being on the winning side better than the temporary perks of satanic ways.

Answer 4

I'm a big fan of the first half of the Satanic Bible (the books of Satan and Lucifer), however, the second half is just plain hypocritical (the books of Leviathan and Belial).

I think that Satanism does a good job pointing out the problems with religion, and Christianity in particular, but that its solution is somewhat convoluted. The whole ritualistic concept doesn't appeal to me, but many of Satanism's doctrines do.

I prefer not to call myself a Satanist, though. Partially because most people don't know what it means.

Edit: Druid, you didn't read all of the Satanic Bible, did you?
It says that it does not advocate complete selfishness, but that one's self comes before everything else. I could dig up the quote for you, if you want.

Answer 5

I've read the Satanic Bible and you're right. There isn't. It has very little at all to do with Satan. It's called Satanism as a way of thumbing its nose at the buttoned-up morality of Christianity.

Still the name makes it hard for me to identify with it... and anyway I'm more inclined to be a pagan Taoist ;-) But that's my only criticism, is that it pays a bit too much attention to Christianity and works too hard to rebel against it. I would rather Christianity mean nothing to me.

Answer 6

a million) its LaVeyan. Get responsive to LaVey. Funky guy. 2)they worship devil, yet no longer a christian devil. Its extra approximately their very own individuality. 3) satanism is a faith, consequently you're no longer an atheist could desire to you worship devil. 4) an atheist does now no longer experience in any god and does now no longer adjust to a faith, does no longer experience there is something up there. LaVeyan satanism is largely a extra sort of satanism. There additionally are religious satanists, and the *evil christian ones* who do worship christian devil. they are all theistic even however they do no longer opt to aknowledge that. Oh btw LaVey wrote the satanic bible, you will discover it at borders for sort of $10. Its the single certainly one in all its sort and its outstanding for his satanists. different varieties additionally use ingredients of it, yet LaVeyans adjust to it particularly actual.

Answer 7

It really depends of the form of "Satanism" you choose to adopt.

You are being naive if you believe there is no evil in it - as in Christianity, Islam and other religions, there are whackos and radical factions in Satanism also.

One of the tenets that is unfortunately the biggest attraction for some people is the "look after number one" philosophy. It is a self serving path, but not inherently evil.

Some of the belief system, just to clarify -:
(I took this from http://www.religioustolerance.org/satanis1.htm/ - they describe it fairly well)
"....They do not worship a living deity.
Major emphasis is placed on the power and authority of the individual Satanist, rather than on a god or goddess.
They believe that "no redeemer liveth" - that each person is their own redeemer, fully responsible for the direction of their own life.
"Satanism respects and exalts life. Children and animals are the purest expressions of that life force, and as such are held sacred and precious..."

To me, it's just another organised religion. Not for me - but I wish you well on your journey :-)

Answer 8

"Satan" is a concept, an integral part of the terror that christrianity used to control the serfs (slaves) of the European aristocracy until 1789. It was also used as a part of their mind control scams used against the slaves to keep them from believing in themselves and their ability to run their own lives. All "bad" thoughts were supposed to be put in one's head by Satan, and all "good" thoughts were supposed to be put in one's head by god. No one were supposed to believe that they could have original creative thoughts that might lead to means to escape their slavery. "Evil" is a slave control concept, where "evil" is anything that leads to freedom. Learn more at: http://www.angeloftruth.com

Today, serfs are called "wqge earners" and the aristocracy is called "capitalism" and christianity still serves the same function, keeping the slaves in line and protecting the profits of the aristocracy.

Answer 9

Satanism (I think) was so named because it was intended not to worship Satan, but to be the polar opposite of Christianity. Christians believe (at least they claim) that you should be nice to everyone. Satanists believe that Christianity is riddled with hypocrisy and that you should respect only those who deserve it. I agree with this in part, because respect is reciprocal. No, I don't expect everyone to call me sir, or even to respect me before I respect them. I expect for the people that I meet to respect me at the same time that I respect them. That part really makes sense.

Satanism also embraces the idea of "sin" to the point that to deny sin is to deny human nature...which I also happen to agree with. Satanism has a lot of good ideas in it, but IMO, they are implemented rather poorly.

Answer 10

<>Your friend is right...it isn't about devil-worship. However, Satanism is a very narcissistic and self-centered philosophy that preaches that it is all right to satisfy yourself and the rest of the world be d*mned (no pun intended). It is certainly not about helping your fellow man.