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Satanism

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Peter H. Gilmore, High Priest of the Church of Satan. Gilmore took over the church from Blanche Barton, Anton LaVey's partner and the former High Priestess.
For other uses of the word, see Satanism (disambiguation).

Satanism can refer to a number of belief systems depending on the user and context. Common misuse of the word generally refers to the worship of Satan as described in the Christian Bible or the practice of ritual magic. However, by the actual adherents, the suffix -ism is often used suggesting the definition as an act or practice, as opposed to the oft-assumed definition as the doctrine or philosophy behind an act or practice.

Generally, the word "Satanism" is used by scholars to describe several distinct spiritual practices and beliefs; the two most significant seem to be LaVeyan Satanism and Theistic Satanism. Ideas about Satanism range from essentially these two sources. It is often the practice of any given Satanist not to refer to themselves with a hyphenated prefix. Each "type" of Satanist will usually only refer to themselves as Satanists.

LaVeyan Satanism

In LaVeyan Satanism the Satanist plays the role of the adversary to spiritual creeds, espousing social Darwinism, hedonism, Randian Objectivism, Nietzschean philosophy and atheism. The term LaVeyan Satanist is used by others to refer to supporters of the writings of Church of Satan founder Anton Szandor LaVey and successors such as Peter H. Gilmore. Careful use of the word Satanism, according to one website, refers to a "small religious group that is unrelated to any other faith, and whose members feel free to satisfy their urges responsibly, exhibit kindness to their friends, and attack their enemies.


GOD RULES

See also

References

  1. satanism - Definitions from Dictionary.com
  2. ^ Flowers, Stephen (1997). Lords of the Left-hand Path. Runa-Raven Press. ISBN 1-885972-08-3.
  3. Satanism 101
  4. Satanism

Books on the history of Satanism

  • Michelet, Jules (1862). Satanism and Witchcraft: The Classic Study of Medieval Superstition. ISBN 978-0806500591. Considered the first modern work to discuss Satanism.
  • Cavendish, Richard (1967). The Black Arts: An Absorbing Account of Witchcraft, Demonology, Astrology, and Other Mystical Practices Throughout the Ages. ISBN 978-0399500350. Summary of the history of Witchcraft, Satanism, and Devil Worship in the last part of the book.
  • Zacharias, Gerhard (1980). The Satanic Cult. Translated from the 1964 German edition by Christine Trollope
  • Medway, Gareth (2001). Lure of the Sinister: The Unnatural History of Satanism. ISBN 978-0814756454.

External links

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