From: locklin@titan.ucc.umass.edu ()
Subject: Christians to the Lions
Organization: Campus Crusade for Cthulhu
Keywords: I ain't gonna do it anymore
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1992 02:54:04 GMT
X-Posted-From: titan.ucc.umass.edu
NNTP-Posting-Host: sol.ctr.columbia.edu

OK here's some more FAQ fodder 
It has been pointed out to me that I've been polluting the cyberspace with
too much attention to EEEDIOTS. This is correct; though I have an excuse:
I've been practicing my typing speed (no-really). I've decided to say something
worthwhile (the uproar of one hand clapping) about preaching on alt.satanism...

---------------------chop with double-headed axe here------------------------

  Quite often, members of fundamentallist christian groups see fit to post 
various evangelical messages in alt.satanism. The reason for this is not
clear. It has been suggested by various members of this net, who I shall
lump under the convenient category,"Satanist"; that the reason for this
posturing is that many, perhaps most Born-Again christian types are closet
masochists. It has also been suggested that christians need to save a certain
number of souls to get a good seat in paradise, similar in spirit to selling
candy-bars or magazines to fund various extra-curricular activities in school.
Presumably Satanist souls, being sold to the devil already, are worth more 
points. While these theories have some merit, considering the teachings of 
their (allegedly) chosen religion, an attempt should be made to be open minded
enough to see their side of things.
  Many Christians, when asked why they do this, respond something to the effect
that it is chairity, something they do out of the goodness of their hearts,
out of concern for people etc. etc... Well, if the christian is really 
concerned with people, why not preach to those who have not heard the message?
Most "Satanists" are well aquainted with the messages of christianity. They
have been preached to ad-infinitum, and are fed up with it. That is part of the
reason they are Satanists instead of plain- old agnostics. Many Satanists are
deeply offended by these posts, with good reason. Christians, imagine this if
you can:

You live in a society pervaded by Satanic beliefs, morals, and customs. Most
people you know are Satanists. Your parents might have been Satanists. You are
afraid to come out of the closet and declare your chosen religion for fear of
violence, descrimination and censure by your peers. You have one place where
you can discuss christian philosophies, history, politics, and theology; on
USENET!
BUT, these Satanists will leave you no peace! They have the entire world 
dedicated to their philosophies, but must interfere with this place with silly
questions, criticisms, and even preachiness. They see it as something of a
freak-show. While christians have no problem explaining their beliefs, having
the Satanic doctrines shoved in their faces is just too much...

NOW; take all the "christians" and interchange them with all the "Satanists"
to get the true picture of what goes on here.

Now consider this: you will never convert a satanist over USENET. You either
1) are too infuriating
2) look like a fool

There is NO logical reason to convert to christianity. The only appeals are to
the emotions, and as stated before they either look foolish or infuriating.
Things like, "But Jesus LOVES you; he died for your sins!" or
"Your soul is in danger!!" are appeals to guilt and fear respectively; not
reason. As most Satanists have chosen this path out of reason, these appeals
will never work. As for those Satanists who are so for emotional reasons, their
minds are as closed as that of the Born-again christian.
Perhaps, if indeed preaching is done for humanitarian, and not egotistical
or masochistic reasons, your energies are better spent educating those who
know little of your faith; those born atheistic, communists, buddists etc.
If, as suspected, your purposes are more egotistical (look reverand; I 
converted a Satanist!) forget it. There are no "lost souls," waiting to be
found, in this community. For the masochistically inclined, we suggest
self-flagelation. It costs less disk space, is probobly more satisfying, and
is certainly less offensive to the general public...

otherwise;
GROWL! BOOGA BOOGA! 
HASTUR ASTAROTH LEVAITHAN ISHTAR!!!!!!!!!
XILKA XILKA!
BESA BESA!
  
go away already...

-------------------slice with broken bottle glass------------------------------

well, comments?
definately got to have something like this in a FAQ
(alt.pagan & alt.magick have one I believe)

yrs. under the elder sign...

-Scott
Newsgroups: alt.satanism