For other uses of the word, see Satanism (disambiguation).

Satanism can refer to a number of belief systems depending on the user and context. The word, in basic context, can refer to the worship of the devil. ^[1] or the left hand path belief system founded by Anton LaVey.^[2] It is often the practice of any given Satanist not to refer to themselves with a hyphenated prefix. Each "type" of Satanist will usually refer to themselves only as Satanists.

Theistic Satanism

Part of the seal of Lucifer from the Grimorium Verum, used as a symbol of Satan by some Theistic Satanists

Luciferianism

Luciferianism is a recently developed 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 the sense of him by some of them 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.^[3]

Atheistic Satanism

LaVeyan Satanism

Peter H. Gilmore, High Priest of the Church of Satan. Gilmore took over the church from Blanche Barton, Anton LaVey's partner and the former High Priestess.

Temple of Set

The largest or most visible organized group of Religious Satanists appears to be the Temple of Set, organized by Michael Aquino from members of the Church of Satan who left that Church in 1975.

Modern Satanism

Modern Satanism is the observance and practice of Satanic religious beliefs, philosophies and customs. ^[6] In this interpretation of Satanism, the Satanist does not worship Satan in the theistic sense, but is an adversary to all spiritual creeds, espousing hedonism, materialism, Randian Objectivism, antinomianism, rational egoism, individualism, suitheism, Nietzschean and some Crowleyan philosophy and anti-theism. Modern Satanists are also sometimes referred to as symbolic Satanists.^{[7] [8]}

Groups alleged to have practiced Satanism

Many groups have been believed to have worshiped Satan, from pagans celebrating Pan to Yezidis worshiping Melek Taus.^[10]

However, while some debate their authenticity, other artists have professed Satanic beliefs. Glen Benton, vocalist and bassist of the band Deicide, once openly claimed to be a practitioner of Theistic Satanism, and has spoken publicly on numerous occasions^[11] to profess staunch anti-Christian sentiment. Norwegian black metal artists, such as those from bands Gorgoroth and Mayhem, have also defended modern Satanic ideology.^[12] Numerous burnings of churches that covered parts of Norway in the early 1990s were also attributed to youths involved in the black metal movement, who claimed to have theistic Satanic beliefs and strong "anti-LeVeyan" attitudes.^[13] However, the legitimacy of such actions as Satanic endeavors, rather than simply rebellious actions done for publicity, is something that has been doubted by even those who contribute to the genre.^[14]

See also

• Arthur Desmond
• Boyd Rice
• Hellfire Club
• Might is Right
• Satanic holidays

References

Further reading

• Considered the first modern work to discuss Satanism.
• Summary of the history of Witchcraft, Satanism, and Devil Worship in the last part of the book.
• Translated from the 1964 German edition by Christine Trollope.

External links

• Sinagogue of Satan Manifesto
• Theistic Satanism resource site
• Religious Tolerance page on Satanism
• Modern Church of Satan
• Modern Satanism
• Description, Philosophies and Justification of Satanism

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