I've been atheist ever since I grew up and matured. I feel like I was brainwashed my entire childhood with Christianity/religion. I want to join this church simply because it makes sense to me and I agree with their philosophies, but I don't know how everyone that is close to me is going to react.
2007-12-28 10:57:42 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Who cares what they think they sure don't care what you think and besides if you join you don't have to go around town telling everyone. You would not believe how many people in power are affiliated with C.O.S. and know one knows about it.
2007-12-28 11:07:07 · answer #1 · answered by Thus Spoke the Night Spirit 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most will react like a lot of people responding here - that you're worshiping the Devil and heading to hell.
You'll have to do some educating or keep your satanism slightly under cover as you slowly explain your beliefs.
Personally, I've read the Satanic Bible (and most of LaVey's works) and have had Satanic friends. I find I agree with the majority of the beliefs and viewpoints but I'm called by the heathen deities and religion. I understand that COS members are actually atheist/humanist.
It won't be an easy path but that's a challenge, isn't it? Stand firm, decide what is calling to you.
2007-12-28 11:18:42 · answer #2 · answered by Aravah 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My boyfriend has been involved with it for several years. He is totally into it too. I did not know about it for awhile. When I did find out about it, I had no idea how seriously into the fold he was and how important it was to him. Our energies have been really close since childhood so occasionally he has done something (like a ritual and/or magick) that I have felt (and I am on the Right-Hand Path myself, so there have been conflicts) As a result, I have been a bit drawn in and made it a point to study and learn about what he is into.
Because I love him more than anyone on the planet and he has always been there for me, even during our fighting periods. It is important to him that I understand what he is all about, so having the right knowledge is important to me. As it would be if the person close to you loves you and cares about who you are and your world view.
Now, it does not mean I agree with every point. We fought so bad at points he offered to cut down on some stuff to keep the relationship. But in loving him, I told him: "Be true to yourself." I don't even know what the specific group he leads does, nor do I need to know. Tell people whatever and as much as you feel comfortable with. As long as he treats me great I don't care. There are relationship issues sometimes due to differing values, but that is something to settle between us.
Also if you show respect for the beliefs of others, they should show it to you. He has a *bad* problem with anyone that believes in any form of Divinity--so that bugs me bigtime because he is always on me and making fun of me about that. I'm sure you won't be so rude, which should make people accept you better.
Lastly, I don't know if you are in a relationship or not, but try to accept that your partner may not want to raise little baby Satanists. The topic has come up since he mentioned marriage. I told him I don't want little baby Satanists and he jokingly threatened to put a baphomet on the stroller. Which you could probably buy, since they now offer baphomet cup holders, in addition to mouse pads, bumper stickers, license plate holders, coffee mugs, etc....Black for a baby though--there I draw the line.
2007-12-28 11:30:32 · answer #3 · answered by An Independent 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Satanism is pretty much going to freak out anybody that doesn't know anything about it, and even some people who do because of the stigma surrounding Satanism.
Some people don't bother telling others about their religious persuasion for this reason. If you wish to become a member of the CoS and don't know how people close to you are going to react, then don't tell them. If you decide to anyway, tell only a select few to avoid shocking your loved ones too much.
2007-12-28 11:34:07 · answer #4 · answered by Bookworm 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Only you can answer your questions. Are you interested in the Church of Satan, because of the potential shock-value? Are you really in agreement with their views? If one is dedicated to a Way of Life, the opinions of others doesnt matter very much. Why would anyone choose a religion based on the opinions of faceless nicknames on their computer? I would suggest that you keep searching...............(btw, the Church of Satan has nothing to do with the Christian bogeyman)
2007-12-28 11:10:50 · answer #5 · answered by Paul F 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's a materialist hedonist philosophy. I have no problem with it. They know how to have fun and don't obsess over whether some finger-wagging father figure in the sky is going to get pissed at them for it.
I'm an atheist but not a strict "materialist" - but I certainly don't think there's anything wrong with enjoying sensual pleasures for what they are.
As for what your friends will think - why even mention it? If there's any value in membership, it's not in running around telling people you're "CoS."
2007-12-28 11:50:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've read the views briefly.
If I'm not mistaken, it has nothing to do with Lucifer/the arch-enemy of God.
However, if you like the philosophies, then adopt the parts you like. You don't have to join the actual church.
2007-12-28 11:17:07 · answer #7 · answered by Moo 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do what makes you feel the best. Why go through life trying to please others? You only live once, and shouldn't you be happy with the little time you have on earth? Just try to explain to those around you exactly what the Church stands for.
2007-12-28 11:04:52 · answer #8 · answered by Pazuzu 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Serious? I won't profess to know d**** about it, but the name tells me this. If you have the word Satan in the title then that would give some credence to the existence of God, yeah? Therefore, I would have to think it is just as wacky as any other. You were right about being brainwashed. Now there is another set of people trying to do it again. It's all you pal. Your decisions are what brought you here, and what will take you there. Fate is the active agent that tries to keep us "down" it is neither evil nor good, just like the poles of a magnet. We would all do well to try to make decisions that give fate as little control as possible.
2007-12-28 11:15:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
They're on the side that has already lost the battle. I don't know why anyone would choose that. Try as you may, Satan will not / cannot share his power with you. There is nothing to gain and everything to lose by joining his team. He is only out to claim as many souls away from God as he can, just to hurt God more.
God wants for all people to come to know Him. Satan wants to stop people from meeting their perfect loving Father. He's like a spoiled little kid, if he can't get back to heaven, he doesn't want anyone else to either. I say, grow up you little twit. (Satan)
2007-12-28 11:20:44 · answer #10 · answered by BaseballGrrl 6 · 0⤊ 5⤋