Satanism

Written By: SaintcWrites (saintc)

Edited By: Winter (Krayson)

Banner By: Amanda (Amandale04 )

In Christianity, Satan is a figure of evil, and the name Lucifer is often used interchangeably with Satan. This is not the view of self-described Satanists and Luciferians, however. These figures represent primal forces, freedom, and rebellion from dogma, among other things.

All three of these groups are considered left-hand paths, which is focused on self-determination and the power of the self, rather than submitting to a superior force. While many Satanists and Luciferians do believe in a supernatural power, they see their relationship with them as more of a partnership than the mastery of a god over a subject.

While there are significant similarities between different types of Satanists and Luciferians, they are distinctly different groups.

LaVeyan Satanism

The most well-known branch of Satanism is the form created by Anton LaVey in the 1960s. He created the "Satanic Bible," which remains the most available text on the Satanic religion. He also formed the Church of Satan, which is by far the most well-known and most public Satanic organization.

LaVeyan Satanism is atheistic. According to LaVey, neither God nor Satan are actual beings. Instead, Satan is a symbol representing the qualities embraced by Satanists. Invoking the name of Satan and other infernal names is a practical tool in Satanic rituals, focusing one's focus and will upon certain concepts.

The only "god" in LaVeyan Satanism is the Satanist himself. Satanism is a celebration of the self. It encourages people to seek their own truths, indulge in desires without fear of societal taboos, and creating a perfect self.

It means Satanists themselves are their own God and satan. They are free from trying to lead the perfect life to reach heaven and they take all blame for their action instead of blaming their shortcomings on a figure of all evil, in this case Satan.

Theistic Satanism

Theistic Satanism, also known as Spiritual Satanism, recognizes the existence of supernatural beings. One supernatural being Theistic Satanism recognizes is often called Satan, but it has been referred to by other names.

The Temple of Set is one of the most well-known groups of theistic Satanists. However, they no longer identify themselves as Satanic, seeing their movement as something new and distinct. They often identify as Setians, Enkians, etc.

Regardless of the being or beings in charge, none of them resemble the Christian Satan. Instead, they are beings that represent the same general qualities as the atheistic Satanists associate with their symbolic Satan: sexuality, pleasure, strength, rebellion, etc.

Luciferians

Many see Luciferianism as another branch of Satanism. It is generally considered a theistic branch, although there are some who see Lucifer as symbolic rather than an actual being. Nonetheless, Luciferians see themselves as a separate religion.

Luciferians use the term "Lucifer" in its literal sense: "lightbringer" in Latin. Rather than being a figure of challenge, rebellion, and sensuality, Lucifer is a creature of enlightenment, the one who brings light out of the darkness.

He does not, however, present his gifts to everyone. Luciferians embrace the seeking of knowledge, delving into the darkness of mystery, and coming out better for it.

Luciferians also stress the balance of light and dark and that each depends upon the other. Part of that light and dark pairing is spirituality and physicality.

While Satanism revels in physical existence and Christianity focuses more on spirituality, Luciferianism is a religion that seeks a balance of both. It recognizes that human existence is an intersection of the two.

What is Theistic Satanism?

Theistic Satanism encompasses a variety of related beliefs honoring a figure addressed as Satan or associated with Satan. In contrast to LaVeyan Satanism, which is atheistic and considers Satan merely a symbol for what their faith encourages, theistic Satanists view Satan as an actual being.

THEISTIC SATANISM GETS A PUBLIC VOICE

During the last several decades of the 20th century, most public Satanists were only symbolic Satanists. That is, they did not literally believe in or worship Satan. Instead, they regarded Satan as only a symbol of various desirable qualities such as independence, individuality, and strength. Many were atheists.

A theistic Satanist, also known as a "traditional Satanist," "spiritual Satanist," or "Devil Worshiper," is one who does believe in and worship Satan as a deity, or who at least is strongly inclined in that direction. Outsiders are best off avoiding the term to avoid offense.

Many Satanists were introduced to it through Anton LaVey's "Satanic Bible" which was written in 1969. While some small groups practiced theistic Satanism, it was not until the internet came along that the community began to take hold. This also led to new followers as the spread of information is easier than it ever was.

ASSOCIATION WITH THE CHRISTIAN SATAN

Theistic Satanists do acknowledge an actual deity to whom they are dedicated. That being, however, has significant differences from the Christian Satan.

Contrary to common misconceptions, theistic Satanism does not promote murder, rape, evil, etc. Instead, their Satan is a god of things like freedom, sexuality, strength, creativity, hedonism, and success.

BRANCHES OF THEISTIC SATANISM

Theistic Satanism has no central organization. They are many different branches working independently of each other.

Some of these groups address their deity as Satan, while others have alternative names for him.

These groups include:

● The Church of Azazel

● The Ordo Flammeus Serpens

● The First Church of Satan (not to be confused with LaVey's atheistic Church of Satan)

● Joy of Satan Ministries

Theology between groups can vary widely.

Some take a theistic approach to LaVey's atheistic writings while others are influenced by the writings of Michael Aquino, founder of the Temple of Set which previously identified itself as Satanic but no longer does.

Likewise, Luciferians hold many principles in common with theistic Satanists. They recognize a being they call Lucifer, but they do not identify themselves as Satanists.

In pantheistic Satanism, there is a belief in God as the universe itself. In this, Satan is seen as a personification of "the All." Other groups build off that and use Satan as a representation of the cosmic. The First Church of Satan is pantheistic.

Polytheistic Satanism reveres Satan as one of a number of gods, many of which come from non-Abrahamic cultures. The Church of Azazel is one example.

THE LEFT-HAND PATH

Satanists, as well as Setians and Luciferians, consider their practices to be part of the left-hand path. By this, they mean that there is a focus on the self rather than religious authority. In contrast, religions from Christianity to Wicca are considered to follow the right-hand path.

It is important to note that the right- and left-hand path terminology can be used in very derogatory ways. The bias is not limited to one side or the other, either.

Satanism is often regarded to as a philosophy because in its Atheistic form it lacks a belief in God, and the definition of religion includes 'a belief in God'. The number of Satanists world wide is unclear but their numbers grow every day.

Sources:

http://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/other-religious-beliefs-and-general-terms/miscellaneous-religion/satanism

http://theisticsatanism.com

https://thesatanictemple.com

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satanism