- For other uses of the word, see Satanism (disambiguation).
Satanism can refer to a number of belief systems depending on the user and context. The word, in basic context, can refer to the worship of Satan [1] or the left hand path belief system founded by Anton LaVey.[2] It is often the practice of any given Satanist not to refer to themselves with a hyphenated prefix. Each "type" of Satanist will usually refer to themselves only as Satanists. But to identify which type of Satanism is being referred to, they are known as LaVeyan Satanists and Theistic Satanists. The word can also be used as a derogatory term towards any belief system of which the speaker disapproves.
Theistic Satanism
Part of the seal of Lucifer from the Grimorium Verum, used as a symbol of Satan by some Theistic Satanists
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Theistic Satanism, also called Spiritual or Traditional Satanism, is the worship of Satan, and consists of several viewpoints and groups. One group that falls under the definition of Theistic Satanism are called "reverse Christians"; this is sometimes used as a disparaging term by other theistic Satanists, and embraced to a lesser or greater extent by the groups given this label. Groups called "Reverse Christian" are said to practice what Christians claim Satanists do, and worship what Christians consider to be the enemy of Christ and God, basing their concept of Satan somewhat on descriptions of him in the Bible. Some other groups of Theistic Satanists do not accept the Bible as depicting the true Satan to the same degree, basing their concept of him on personal spiritual experience and prayer. The Spiritual Satanists however see Satan as a god that looks just like any other human, in their view Satan has blond hair, is Caucasian, and so forth. Spiritual Satanists tend to focus their time on meditation and self expansion. Their beliefs have nothing to do with Christianity or the Bible, and their view on Satanism.
Modern Satanism
Modern Satanism is the observance and practice of Satanic religious beliefs, philosophies and customs. [3] In this interpretation of Satanism, the Satanist does not worship Satan in the theistic sense, but is an adversary to all spiritual creeds, espousing hedonism, materialism, Randian Objectivism, antinomianism, suitheism, Nietzschean and some Crowleyan philosophy and anti-theism. Modern Satanists are also sometimes referred to as symbolic Satanists and are often ignored by members of other Satanic sects due to lacking research endeavors of some Satanists. [4]
Luciferianism
Luciferianism is a recently developed offshoot of Satanism that keeps most of the tenets of Satanism, yet has more leniency to what is commonly referred to as a 'good' morality. Their view of Satan may incorporate some concepts from contemporary western religion, such as their sense of him as a father. One of these groups considers themselves to be 'Christian Satanists,' rejects the ideas of magic and rituals, and define themselves as being in the middle of LaVeyan Satanism and Christian teachings. This stance has led to their rejection from the Church of Satan.[5]
LaVeyan Satanism
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LaVeyan satanists believe that Satan is a metaphor that represents the natural urges of mankind. The term LaVeyan Satanist or symbolic Satanist, is used by other Satanists to refer to supporters of the writings of Church of Satan founder Anton Szandor LaVey and successors such as Peter H. Gilmore.[6] Use of the word Satanism in this context, according to religioustolerance.org, 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.[7]
Groups alleged to have practiced Satanism
Many groups have been believed to have worshiped Satan, from pagans celebrating Pan to Yezidis worshiping Melek Taus.[8] In reality, the Yezidi do not view themselves as Satanist, as the being they worship is referred to by them as an angel, and considered a servant of the God of Adam. Anton LaVey himself believed the Yezidi to be devil-worshippers, but he believed it due to stereotypes and rumors about them propagated by both Westerners and Muslim communities, as some viewed the Yezidi's customs to have been corrupted by Satan.citations needed "Satanist" is often a pejorative word applied to a minority group, or a group whose beliefs are misunderstood.citations needed
See also
References
Further reading
- 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. ISBN 978-0041330083. 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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