From: locklin@titan.ucc.umass.edu ()
Subject: Re: What is Satanism?
Organization: Campus Crusade for Cthulhu
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1992 01:35:50 GMT
X-Posted-From: titan.ucc.umass.edu
X-Posted-Through: sol.ctr.columbia.edu


This is the closest thing to a FAQ I have seen. Bear in mind that;
1)I didn't write it & I don't have anyone's permission to repost it (sorry
whoever you were)
2)Its not an "official" Church of Satan document, so it may or may not give the
info you require
3) there are supposedly several other FAQ's under construction. I had one, but
this came out first, so I lost interest. Besides; my Karma ran over my Dogma

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1. What is Satanism?
 
Satanism is difficult to define. As there is no authoritative, "divinely
revealed" text of Satanism as there are for most major religions, nor a body of
oral traditions, the individual Satanist must define a philosophy for
him/herself. Thus, you will find some widely diverging opinions in this
newsgroup. However, there are a few generalizations I can make:  the average
Satanist disagrees with much of xianity, believes in no absolute moral code,
and places emphasis on the individual and personal rights.
 
I would divide Satanists into three main groups:
 
1. Atheistic Satanists--don't believe in spiritual entities. Satan is only a
symbol for humankind's freedom from moral obligations.
 
2. Miltonia Satanists--believe Satan is a good being who has been
misrepresented in history.
 
3. Dark Satanists--believe Satan is an essentially non-good entity. This does
not necessarily mean that the Satanist is not law-abiding.
 
 
2. Satan is a xian god!
 
Most (possibly all) religions have gods or demons that represent the principle
of evil. Satan is one among these, originally conceived by the Jews long before
the birth of Jesus. I believe the name first appeared (in _The Bible_, at
least) in the book of Job.
 
3. Why use the name Satan? Why not use another name?
 
The word 'satan' literally means 'adversary,' thus it describes the Satanist's
opposition to what is held 'good' by society. Furthermore, Satan is a more
familiar name for evil than Angra Mainyu (to give just one example), since it
is the name used by xianity. A Satanist may not think of their god as 'Satan'
(as I noted above, they may not even believe in Satan) but uses the word for
convenience of identification.
 
Another reason to use the name 'Satan' is that the identity has been used and
developed by multiple cultures for over 2000 years; Satan represents a more
complex set of ideas than other priciples of evil.
 
4. What is _The Satanic Bible_?
 
_The Satanic Bible_ describes the philosophy of the Church of Satan, founded by
Anton LaVey. This organization holds the view that there is no higher god than
oneself, and that one whould worship accordingly--a form of egotheism. Although
many Satanists don't agree with much of the book, most probably would agree
with some of its philosophy as summed up in the Nine Satanic Statements. _The
Satanis Bible_ can be found (in America, at any rate) in most bookstores in the
new age, philosophy, or similar sections. The Church of Satan can be contacted
at:
 
    Church of Satan
    P.O. Box 210082
    San Fransisco, CA 94121
 
$100 will get you a lifetime membership. Contrary to popular belief, the church
is not tax-exempt.
 
There is a perennial debate in alt.satanism as to whether or not the term
'Satanism' is appropriate for the church's beliefs, due to its atheistic
stance. While I personally consider the label somewhat misleading, the Church
of Satan appears to be well-established and its use of the word is probably
here to stay, although it is not the *only* definition.
 
5. You people aren't real Satanists.
 
A popular image of Satanism is that of a group of individuals meeting secretly
to perform blood rites involving human sacrifice, cannibalism, and molestation
of children. This idea is encouraged by the proliferation of 'true crime' books
detailing alleged Satanic sacrifices. To date, there is no evidence I know of
to support such a belief. The few 'Satanic crimes' known to have been commited
were motivated by more prosaic desires--any Satanic element was peripheral.
 
6. _The Bible_ says...
 
Many Satanists--myself for example--are Satanists because they have read _The
Bible_, carefully considered all of its contents, and come to the conclusion
that it, and the claims of xianity, are unbelievable, repulsive, and
hypocritical. I have dedicated my life to ridding the world of this menace.
Repeated posts on alt.satanism to the effect that following _The Bible_ and its
childish God is my only hope of salvation only serve to reinforce my decision.
 
7. Recommended reading.
 
_The Satanic Bible_ by Anton Szander Lavey.
This is the only book written by a Satanist with a coherent presentation of any
form of Satanic philosophy.
 
_Satan Wants You_ by Arthur Lyons.
An excellent book giving a brief history of Satanism and an overview of
Satanism today. Well written and researched. He was written another book, _The
Second Coming_, which I have not had the pleasure of reading.
 
What *not* to read.
There are a number of books oout today purporting to cover the topic of
Satanism, focusing on the alleged criminal aspect. These book suffer seriously
from credulity. They are usually located in the non-fiction or true-crime
sections of bookstores, and are easily identified by their lurid covers and
sensationalist claims. Particularly guilty authors include Bob Larson and Mike
Warnke. While these books may be read for entertainment value, I strongly urge
you seek another source for serious information.

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I dunno- it could use work, but it'll serve for now....

-Scott