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Satanism is a word which has been used over the years to describe a number of different belief systems in a number of contexts. People claiming to be Satanists—or outsiders claiming to describe Satanism—ascribe a wide variety of beliefs to this movement. These range from the literal worship of a malevolent spiritual being (Theistic Satanism); to a kind of subversive ritual performance stressing the mockery of Christian symbols (most notably the Black Mass); to the claimed rediscovery of an ancient but misunderstood religion (e.g. Setianism, which conflates Satan with the Egytian god Set); to the exaltation of hedonistic recreation, and the celebration of selfishness and pleasure.

Perhaps the most prominent spokesman for Satanism in recent years has been Anton Szandor LaVey, who founded the Church of Satan in 1966. LaVey wrote The Satanic Bible (1969) and other works which remain highly influential (though controversial) among avowed Satanists. LaVey rejects the Black Mass, cruelty to animals, or a literal belief in (or worship of) Satan. Instead he supports a view of human beings as animals and rejects many social structures that inhibit our instincts.

Equally celebrated within Satanic circles (though not technically a Satanist) would be ritual magician Aleister Crowley, who referred to himself as "The Great Beast 666." Crowley's maxim, "Do as thou wilt shall be the whole of the law!" captures a common Satanic attitude, which the myth of Satan's rebellion is thought to exemplify.

Much "Satanic" lore does not originate from actual Satanists, but from Christians. Best-known would be the medieval folklore and theology surrounding demons and witches. A more recent example is the so-called Satanic ritual abuse scare of the 1980's— beginning with the memoir Michelle Remembers--which depicts Satanism as a vast conspiracy of elites with a predilection for child-molesting and human sacrifice. This genre regularly describes Satan as actually appearing in person in order to receive worship.

Another prominent source of "Satanic" imagery is black metal or heavy metal music, which has given Satanism the "Hail Satan!" hand-sign. A few rock stars such as Marilyn Manson (alternative rock, industrial artist) appear to actually be bona fide Satanists; many others merely adopt a Satanic persona for the sake of romanticism.

Vandalism, cruelty to animals, or grave desecration are advanced by some as examples of Satanic crimes. While some high-profile cases of murder or serial murder have been found to have Satanic themes (e.g. the Manson Family), these appear to be primarily the work of disturbed individuals, or of several acting together, rather than of organized religious groups.

Claims of Satanic child-molesting or murder rings have proven to be unsubstantiated. There was little evidence to support the allegations. Few people were convicted though there are now organized efforts to have the charges dropped.

See also

• LaVeyan Satanism
• Cultural Satanism
• Demonolatry
• Luciferianism
• Setianism
• Theistic Satanism, the worship of Satan as a deity.
• witchcraft

External links

• Official Church of Satan website
• Religious Tolerance Official Page on The Church of Satan
• First Satanic Church
• The League of Independent Satanists
• Sinagogue of Satan
• Oscuridad (in Spanish)
• Satanism 101
• Satanic Community Forum
• Description, Philosophies and Justification of Satanism
• The Satanic Chapel
• Satanisme.metawiki (in French)
• The Occult Experience Documentary

• Satanism
• Left Hand Path
• Disambiguation pages