Modern Satanism Satanism may be a bit of a delicate subject, but I decided to write some lines about this way of life to hopefully get rid of some prejudices. This essay is based on different interviews made via InterNet. People contributing to this article are: Semhaza (The Antichrist) Shaitaneth Baphomet (The Adversary) Graeme Wilson Balanone Peggy Nadramia Frater (I) Nigris (666) Lupo the Butcher 1. What is satanism? At first glance this may look like a simple question to answer: "Go look it up in the dictionary." would seem to be straightforward enough. In fact, I'll do it for you: Satanism, n. 1. the worship of Satan or the powers of evil. 2. a travesty of Christian rites in which Satan is worshipped. 3. diabolical or satanic disposition, behavior, or action. [from _Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language_, (c) 1994] Unfortunately it's not that easy. There is no set of beliefs that covers Satanism. Because there is no set of doctrines or scriptures agreed upon by a majority of Satanists, pioneers must define their beliefs for themselves, based upon a minimum of shared information. The issue is further confused by the fact that, historically, most records of real or imagined Satanism have been made by Satanists' traditional enemies, Christians. However a few generalizations can be made: the average Satanist disagrees with much of Christianity, believes in no absolute moral code, and places weight in the individual and personal rights. If you think this sounds like Libertarianism, you're right; many Satanists consider themselves Libertarians or feel close to them in social matters. The one unifying theme among the Satanisms is the last of the three definitions; one can say with some certainty that all Satanisms and Satanists have diabolical or satanic dispositions in that they are "like Satan." They possess the virtues of self-reliance, rebellion and evilness. 2. What different "Satanic" groups are there? There are several divisions one could make as to the belief systems of various "Satanic" groups. This division is included to point out various currents or influences in modern day satanism rather than an attempt at categorization. 1. The Dabblers: adopt Satanic ways for a brief period of time, usually for entertainment rather than serious purposes. Many modern youths fall into this category. 2. Churches of Satan: are patterned after the teachings of Anton LaVey. These groups believe in individualism, satisfaction of the ego, self-reliance and the ideal of the Nietzchean Superman. These groups use "Magick" as a tool for earthly power. They see Satan as the driving force behind achievment in mankind. 3. Gnostics: can be divided into two major categories 3a. Promethian Gnostics: Believe in a literal "Satan", but believe that the creator of the world (Jehovah) is the evil deity. Satan is seen as the "bringer of light"; a beneficient god. This is an old "heresy" seen in groups such as the Yezidis. 3b. Dark Gnostics: Worship the dark force in nature. These groups follow the whims of a god, which most westerners would see as being "evil." There are a few historical christian heresies which would fall into this category. Kali worshippers could also be categorized here. 4. Secondary Satanists: follow a faith outside the Christian mainstream. Most would not consider themselves as being "Satanic" and strictly speaking should not be defined as satanists, but the ignorant often categorize them as Satanists. Voodoun and Santiera could be grouped here, as well as medeaval wicca (if it actually existed). Certain forms of Tantric Buddism could also be placed in this category. 5. Hellfire Clubs: Were a phenomenon of the 18th century. The first of these was founded by the Duke of Wharton in the early 1700's. Most infamous was sir Francis Dashwood's Medmenham club (Often incorrectly called the hellfire club). Dashwood was a close freind of Benjamin Franklin, who may have been a member of this group. Franklin's description of the Medmeham club's secret chambers is one of the few we have, so his membership seems likely. In any case, Dashwood and Franklin co-authored the "Franklin Prayer Book" (often called the Book of Common Prayer) which is commonly used in America. Another famous member of the Medmanham club was the Earl of Sandwich, inventor of (guess what) the Sandwich! Hellfire clubs were exclusive groups dedicated to much political intrigue, partying, and some occasional occult activities. 6. Romantic/Promethean Satanists Literary/historical "Satanists" -William Blake, Charles Baudelaire, Maupertin, Lautremont and Gabriele D'Annunzio. 7. Left-Hand Path Pagans There are several European groups, most of them consisting of small "covens" of several people, that are or could be considered Satanists. Two of the larger of these groups are Balder and the Order of Nine Angles (ONA). These groups allready have longer traditions, and "more authentic" origins (whatever that might mean). ONA is especially fond of calling itself the "traditional Satanists." These groups tend to have more "extreme" views than the others mentioned, and have little, if any authoritarian structure. Some mean that these groups do not exist, but they answer my mail. 3. What is The Satanic Bible? The Satanic Bible is a book describing the philosophy of Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan. This organization holds the view that there is no higher god than oneself, and that one should worship accordingly. Life is the Great Indulgence and Death is the Great Abstinence, as there is no afterlife. The basic ideas of The Satanic Bible are laid out in the Nine Satanic Statements: 1. Satan represents indulgence, instead of abstinence. 2. Satan represents vital existence, instead of spiritual dreams. 3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom, instead of hypocritical self-deceit. 4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it, instead of love wasted on ingrates. 5. Satan represents vengeance, instead of turning the other cheek. 6. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible, instead of concern for psychic vampires. 7. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better than, more often worse than those that walk on all fours, who, because of his "divine spiritual and intellectual development," has become the most vicious animal of all. 8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification. 9. Satan has been the best friend the church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years. 4. Satan is a Christian God! You aren't Satanists, just nasty atheists! Most (probably all) religions have gods or demons that represent the principle of adversity: that which is forbidden by society. Satan is one among these, originally made up by Hebrews long before the birth of Jesus. The name first appears (in The Bible, at any rate) in the book of Job. Satan was a fallen angel, not a god, in the monotheistic religions of Christianity and Islam. "Satan" is understood by most Satanists in a context different than that of Christian theology. Satan is a powerful archetype, to the Euro-American InterNet majority at least, bringing to mind such things as sexuality, power, individualism and control over one's destiny. The Satanist can choose what s/he likes from the varied portrayals of Satan, and may add principles of adversity from other cultures as well. 5. Aren't Satanists ritualistic baby murderers? Some misleading reports exist about Satanists: they are organized into nationwide cults; they commit ritual murders on a grand scale; they raise their children in psychological terror; they kidnap people for blood sacrifice; they organize day-care centers and abuse the children placed in their care. A whole class of books exists detailing the exploits of these Satanic groups. The problem with all these works is that they are fictional rather than truthful accounts. Much is claimed based on poor evidence that would be better explained by another scenario. Claims of involvement with Satanism are made by patients under hypnosis (hypnotized subjects are known for their imagination and tendency to produce fictions). Other "former Satanists" distort the truth in search of attention and money. These sensationalists never go to the police regarding the criminal activities they allready took part in, which calls the truth and the honesty of their remorse into question. Evidence does not exist to support what is said to occur. If the number of murders said to be committed by Satanists was accurate, some bodies should have been found by now. While means have been suggested by which bodies could be concealed, it stretches the imagination to believe that every body has been successfully hidden. Evidence in other areas is similarly lacking. Individuals investigating suspected Satanic crimes misinterpret what they find to fit their expectations. The Necronomicon , published by Avon Books, is used as a guide to Satanic practices. Yet few Satanists take the book seriously in any way, and none follow it to the letter. This and other things lead some non-Satanists to see what simply is not there. The observant reader may note that there have been a few crimes linked to Satanism. In all cases the criminal(s) worked alone with no connections to other groups. Some cases have been publicized by the media as being related to Satanism when in fact they involve another religion, as in the Matamoros case, which involved some elements of Palo Mayombe (an African religion), and some rituals taken from popular motion pictures. The lesson to be learned is that although a book may appear in the "Non-fiction" section of a bookstore, that doesn't make it so. It should be said that I'm no satanist. I just found it fun to interview some guys via InterNet, and so I met some Satanic Cybersurfers who where willing to give me some fresh information. /Simon Lessing Nv1a PAGE 1 / 5