Why don't Christians understand the difference between Satanism and LeVeyan Satanism?

Question

It seems like when most Christians see the word "satan" then they automatically think, "OMG! They're gonna rape our children and slaughter pigs for their ritual sacrifice! RUN!"

Are there any Christians that use their own advice ("You respect my religion, I'll respect yours") and educate themselves about other religions?

Answer 1

Christians don't like to educate themselves about other religions. They just believe whatever Ted Haggard, Kent Hovind or someone else currently in jail says.

Answer 2

Frankly they don't care. "Their way is the right way" and anything other than that isn't true to them.
Unfortunately, many poser "Satanists" are out there who tell all they know what religion they are, with a "Hail Satan" every now and again. (These people do not claim to be theists) They give us LaVeyans, purveyors of mindless indulgence, a bad name!

For people of any religion, by no offence, who do not understand the difference:
LaVeyan Satanism has nothing to do with "Satan". It is the worship of oneself. Basically, the "sins" of Christianity are encouraged: whatever makes you happy.
Theistic Satanists are those who acknowledge an actual higher power (Satan) and engage in worship to it. Note that these Satanists accept the Bible's teachings as true.

Hope I helped, just a little :)

Answer 3

Its not surprising that most American Christians are ignorant of the basics of satanism,as they..also ignorant of other religions-including their own!Surveys of American Christians show many cannot name all four gospels, think Joan of arc was Noahs wife,etc.
They are also ignorant of the differences between shiite and Sunni islam,Theravada and mahayana Buddhism,etc.
For the record Laveyan satanism is NOT about devil worship, human or animal sacrifice,ritual abuse, etc.
There are self proclaimed Satanists out there who do those things or claim to do them..,but they are far, far from the majority.

Answer 4

As an atheist/Satanist i might say that Satanism is a subset of atheism as severe Priest Peter Gilmore has pronounced. despite the fact that unlike common atheists we've a philosophy and code of ethics that we live via naturaly. And we've symbols and rituals that are psychodramas which common atheists omit out on BTW we are no longer referred to as LaVeyan we don't worship LaVey we are Satanists we worship the self which additionally separates us out of your common atheist

Answer 5

Don´t twist tolerance and respect. I am not a devout Christian, but I am Christian. And I do respect other peoples´ beliefs - to a certain extent.

That is, as long as they don´t clash with my perspective on justice, respectful behaviour, tolerance, peace etc. Tolerating other beliefs or views in general does not mean accepting everything that´s going on in the world. I have a set of standards and values I believe in and live according to; if somebody else thinks differently he is perfectly "allowed" to do so - unless he harms others. Which is why I am perfectly okay with Muslims, but not with Muslim terrorists. Which is why I am perfectly okay with Christians, but not with Creationists.

My "problem" (if you want to call it like that) is the Satanist perspective on individualism - and the fact that you can do whatever you want to do without having to take responsibility for others. LeVeyan Satanism doesn´t differ from "regular" Satanism on that. Any of the big world religions does not preach that sort of irresponsible behaviour... so that is why I don´t "respect" here. Sorry.

Answer 6

Hello, I am a Christian, and I can answer you this much. Christianity is not a religion. Although people have made it out to be. It is unfortunate that Christians find it necessary to be mean to others, but at the same time it is not possible for us to accept Satan as anything but the enemy of our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore it makes him our enemy as well. You, the person(s) are not the enemy, only the one you have associated yourselves with. What I meant by "Christianity not being a religion is, religion separates, relationship brings together. You see all of the divisions among "christian denominations"? That is due to "religion". Relationship deals with a true relationship with Jesus Christ. The I can talk to him kind of relationship, and Know he hears me, and will answer me.
Christian = Christ Like.....not religion. So it is easy to accept you, but not your God, who is Satan. It is impossible for a Christian to "respect" Satan. I have only disdain for him, he is a destroyer. Even if you do not see this now, eventually you will. The Bible calls him the thief, and the thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. So as for respecting you, as a person okay, but absolutely not when it comes to your "religion". DN

Answer 7

There is so-called “Theistic Satanism” in which the followers believe in a personification. Then there are the so-called “Atheist Satanists” where Satan is a symbol of defiance against hypocrisy. LaVey himself seemed cloudy on the whole issue according to former followers. Michael Aquino commented that at times LaVey seemed to speak of Satan as a “dark force of nature” and not a literal thing, and then there were other times he seemed to think Satan was a personification, even calling the devil “the man downstairs”.

Like all occultists, LaVey himself is very overrated. Despite the resume LaVey invented for himself, he was a high school dropout who didn’t have much of an interesting life. Hence, he lied about his achievements. He was never a lion tamer for any circus, nor a police photographer, nor did he ever meet Marylyn Monroe. Jane Mansfield merely used him for publicity and used to friends listen in on their phone conversations when LaVey would call her trying to make her his lover. One can picture all the ladies giggling on the other phone as Mansfield egged him on. He was also not cast as the devil in “Rosemary’s Baby”. He had no college degree, other than his “Doctor of Satanic Theology” he awarded himself. Print one out on your home computer, and you’ll have the same thing.

Satanic magic of any kind, theistic or other wise, simply does not work. Nor does it work as a "philosophy". LaVey told his followers they would have mastery over the earth… but LaVey himself failed to achieve it. He died bankrupt in a broken down old house he no longer owned, having sold it to a real estate developer. Dying in poverty hardly requires a “humanistic philosophy” (which Satanism actually isn’t) nor does it require Satanic “magic”. LaVey was however consistent with other occultists who also died in poverty, including Crowley, Mathers, Cagliostro, Kelly and Dee. http://usminc.org/famous.html

Both Theistic and Atheistic Satanists live out their lives vicariously through LaVey. When it comes right down to it, there is no difference… they both follow a fraud. It seems to attract people who are angry and often attracts criminal types http://usminc.org/crime.html . LaVey himself could be considered a criminal. His family admits he "pimped out" female followers and beat them when they didn't bring back enough money which LaVey called his 'Satanic Sex Therapy". He beat his wife, Diane, all throughout their marriage. He was the passive witness to the molestation of his grandson, according to daughter Zeena. He admitted to a Satanic "cannibal feast" on at least one occasion.

Remember, a "junkyard philosopher" deals only in junk.

Answer 8

Most people don't put a lot of care or effort into learning the truths about other religions besides their own. They just go on heresay, assumptions and sterotypes potrayed through the media. That is why everyone fights on here.

Answer 9

A lot of Christians refuse to educate themselves because they think it might compromise their beliefs, and a lot find it easier just to believe a stupid stereotype than to get a little bit of education.

Answer 10

Yup, I'm friends with an Satanist here on Answers. He says Satanism is basically atheism with a few guidelines thrown in.

So, have you taken the time to educate yourself about Christianity, or do you assume we are all gay-hating psycho-babbling word-of-faith door-to-door salespeople?