From: locklin@titan.ucc.umass.edu (SCOTT C LOCKLIN)
Subject: Re: Some notes from the Satanic Bible
Organization: University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 00:35:22 GMT
X-Posted-From: titan.ucc.umass.edu
X-Posted-Through: sol.ctr.columbia.edu

In article <UeW22Y200Uh7I4LX4r@andrew.cmu.edu> Raymond Craig Feeck <rf1o+@andrew.cmu.edu> writes:
>Howdy!
>
>never had the opportunity to read the Satanic Bible (I still have to get
>throught the Koran and the Book of Mormon) but I had heard similar
>things about the book, i.e. that Satanism taught that man should be put
>as supreme.  Quite frankly I am quite delighted by the frankness with
>which Satanism states this axiom.  I find it refreshing as most people
>seem to live that way, but all the while try to deny it and put on some
>sort of front which resembles Christian morality.  

This is essentially correct

>
>>     The biggest thing that struck me about the Satanic Bible is that Anton
>>LaVey states that the Satanic Church espouses the view that MAN is the ruler
>>of his fate. The use of Satan is a tool to use in the betterment of personal 
>>power. In the book, I was more aware of the Satanic Church's use of Satan to
>>balance out the propaganda thrown out by all of the christian churches in 
>>general. Why? Because these churches are the greatest stumbling block to the
>>quest of personal power over others. The Satanic does not believe in "Turn the
>>other cheek." Instead: "if someone hits you on your left cheek, smash him on
>>his right."
>
>
>If I am right, than Lavey and all Satanists believe that one shoudl live
>for oneself, and not care about the well being of others.  That personal
>sataisfaction and power are what are important.  Not only do Satanists
>live for themselves, but they reject all Christian morality.  

You have read something into his statements nowhere does it say that Satanism
is the total Antithesis of christianity; If he does say this he is quite 
mistaken. Also its not all about power; this is only a part of the philosophy.
If ya want the whole bannana go to the source; read the S.B. I would say many
of his statements (and I think he would agree) are personal recollections; 
things that struck him; notthe whole ball 'o wax.

>>     A person may engage in any type of sexual behavior he/she decides
>to do so
>>long as it involves consenting, human adults. This stipulation excludes rape,
>>sexual abuse of children, and bestiality. (And it totally conforms with state
>>laws.)
>
>
>  If Satanism is the antithesis of Christianity, why should only sex
>between consenting adults be okay.  

An old magickal premise "Love is the law, love under WILL" note the emphasis
on will.. Admittedly its a touchy issue

The abuse of kids, bestiality, and
>rape are all condemned by the Bible. 

so what; satanism doesn't reject certain codes of behavior merely to be the
opposite of xtianity! Only the outdated ones. Again Satanism is not some shadow
Anti-Cristianity that exists solely as a contrast to it; it is an independant 
philosophy in every meaning of the word.

>these acts has its roots in Christian morality.  In fact, almost all of
>traditional  morality in the West has its roots from the Bible.
This is highly debatable; I would be curious as to where you get this assumptio
from. I would assert that many of the social mores in place today have been 
there since pagan times (romans/ greeks/ goths germanics...) In fact much of
what is considered "Christian" borrows from pagan tradition. Satanism represent
a more systematic borrowing of traditions appropriate for the post-industrial 
age. Most of the Xtain mores that satanists reject made sense in a pastoral
agricultural society, bu have no relavance for today.

>Any physchologist will tell you that the prime motivation for rape is a
>power motive, not a sexual longing.  If the purpose of Satanism if for
>people to seek personal power, shouldn't rape be not only accepted, but
>lauded?

 Its a different type of power; again power isn't the most important aspect
of satanism (imho)The rapist seeks rape out of some form of frustration;
He needs to feel his power and exert it directly over another human being.
This dynamic has no place in the psyche of the satanist who is made to
feel powerful All The Time! True power seekers are rarely rapists; otherwise
rape would be legalized by those in power. Note the difference...

-Scott