Everything about Satanism totally explained
» 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 use 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 used by some groups to suggest 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 Satan come from essentially these two sources. Careful use of the word Satanism, according to one website, refers to a "small religious group that's unrelated to any other faith, and whose members feel free to satisfy their urges responsibly, exhibit kindness to their friends, and attack their enemies.
LeVayan Satanism is largely based around the teachings and writings (such as
The Satanic Bible and
The Satanic Rituals) of
Anton Svandor LeVay, who founded the
Church of Satan. An offshoot that claims to remain true to LeVay's legacy was founded by his daughter and is called the
First Satanic Church.
Theistic Satanism
Theistic Satanism, also called Spiritual Satanism, contains several groups. Some groups consider themselves to be the true Satanists while other groups see reality as subjective and view issues such as "true & false" as the folly of zealots.
Reverse Christians
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 don't accept the bible as depicting the true Satan to the same degree, basing their concept of him on personal
spiritual experience and
prayer.
Luciferianism
Recently developed is an 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.
Groups alleged to have practiced Satanism
Many groups have been believed to have worshiped Satan, from pagans celebrating
Pan to
Yezidis worshiping
Melek Taus. Most of Crowley's work shows he didn't consider himself a
black brother, and modern Thelemites such as the
Ordo Templi Orientis don't consider themselves to be Satanists, but a
fraternal Gnostic order with a structure that seeks to resembles
freemasonry, with individuals themselves choosing whether to practice
ceremonial magic.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Satanism'.
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