Satanism: Misunderstood

[Rorschach II]

I only just found this out and I think its logic you simply can't argue with. But Satan isn't that bad. All he is is an IDEA. He's what you make of him. According to The first High Priest of the Church of Satan, Anton Szandor LaVey, there is no heaven or hell after death. But it's always with you in life. Your actions reflect the consequences in life and that this one life that we are given was meant to be lived. Its the almsot exact opposite of Christianity (Obviously).

'Satan has been the best friend the Church has ever had, as He has kept it in business all these years.' (The Ninth Satanic Statement)

The guy who wrote this was a true philosopher and completely turns religion on its head.

NOTE: I would like to say before this turns into a big chain of hate that I am NOT a devil worshipper. I do not rape women or murder Children. Im actually Buddhist. Satanism goes against Buddhism completely as I believe in multiple lives after death whereas Satanism believes in one life that needs to be lived fully.

Im considering buying The Satanic Bible jsut for a good philosophical read. I would like to see what LaVey has to say in more depth.

 

[hazabaza1]

I thought Satanism was treating yourself like you own God.

 

[Diablini]

Religion is an idea itself, I'm glad somebody understands it. The Bible isn't a historical book, it's a story book disigned to change people to be good. Buy it man!

 

[pantsoffdanceoff]

Satanism has always been more of the worship of power, or at least that's what the discovery channel tells me.

Religion is an idea itself, I'm glad somebody understands it. The Bible isn't a historical book, it's a story book disigned to change people to be good. Buy it man!

Well said sir.

 

[WrongSprite]

From what you've put there, it sounds good. But I doubt thats the whole story.

 

[wewontdie11]

But I can still sacrifice the occasional virgin to the great horned one right?

 

[SYSTEM-J]

Actually, it's almost exactly the same as Christianity. It's all just a metaphor.

And by the way, if you see your mom this weekend, you can be sure to tell her: SATAN SATAN SATAN SATAN SATAN SATAN SATAN SATAN.

 

[Rorschach II]

From what you've put there, it sounds good. But I doubt thats the whole story.

Of coures there is more. But I really am struggling to see what is bad about The Church of Satan other than the entry fee. I would never pay for my religion and I don't plan to change it now.

But Satan really is the greatest character ever created...

 

[The Infamous Scamola]

So, where does the virgin sacrificing and ram's blood drinking come into play?

 

[Jedoro]

What I never understood about Satanism is how they use his name out of context for the name of their church. Satan is the ultimate bad guy in the Christian bible, and rules his little domain in hell, but the church of Satanism doesn't believe in that?

I dunno, Satanism has just always been confusing to me.

 

[DiamondJim]

See... I think it is interesting, what LaVey had to say. You are right. It's a fascinating insight into philosophy.

But because of the label of 'Satanism', it will forever be looked poorly upon, and widely ignored/hated just on the basis that the Devil is involved. No one will ever take it as a chance to see both sides of the discussion on Religion; they will always see it as an outlet for evil and hatred, which has little basis.

I myself am pretty much agnostic (and, OP, I really enjoy Buddhism's look on life above most beliefs). It just goes to show how ignorant the majority can be.

 

[Rorschach II]

So, where does the virgin sacrificing and ram's blood drinking come into play?

It doesn't. Other religions have made this image which is what man is supposed to avoid.

But what they have created out of this is everything man desires. Sex, temptation, FUN.

He is what you as a person make yourself out to be.

 

[The_Echo]

Religion is an idea itself, I'm glad somebody understands it. The Bible isn't a historical book, it's a story book disigned to change people to be good. Buy it man!

Actually, the New Testament, as I understand, is rooted in history more so than the Old Testament. But you're right, it is more about the morals it entails.

 

[quiet_samurai]

I own the Satanic Bible, there is nothing evil about it. It's all about the strength of the one; being ambitious, living to the fullest, getting what you want, and not taking shit from anybody. Instead of finding happiness through a median like God or Jesus it teaches you that all the answers lie within yourself, some of the philosophies are similar to Buddhism, they are just not as harmonous and are a little more selfish. Following that logic most people I know are Satanist without even reralizing it.... then again maybe that was his intent all along though.

 

[johnman]

What I never understood about Satanism is how they use his name out of context for the name of their church. Satan is the ultimate bad guy in the Christian bible, and rules his little domain in hell, but the church of Satanism doesn't believe in that?

I dunno, Satanism has just always been confusing to me.

If Dan Browns description is anything to go by (And to give him some credit what he says is very well reasearched) the current image of Satanism is merely the result of a smear campaign waged mnay years ago by the church. Aka, true satanists dont run around murdering virgins, drinking blood and what not, but are more like the ones described in the OP.

 

[Rorschach II]

See... I think it is interesting, what LaVey had to say. You are right. It's a fascinating insight into philosophy.

But because of the label of 'Satanism', it will forever be looked poorly upon, and widely ignored/hated just on the basis that the Devil is (supposedly) involved. No one will ever take it as a chance to see both sides of the discussion on Religion; they will always see it as an outlet for evil and hatred, which has little basis.

I myself am pretty much agnostic (and, OP, I really enjoy Buddhism's look on life above most beliefs). It just goes to show how ignorant the majority can be.

I couldnt agree more.

The funny thing with this religion though is that it did actually tempt me for a second. Which is what its supposed to do. I thought to myself 'Do I really wanna commit myself to this?' But then I realised that that was the idea. Temptation!

Satan really does work in mysterious ways...

Oh and do any of you guys watch Reaper? Pretty good show...

 

[Wadders]

"Church of Satan" Hmmm

But yeah, an interesting post. This is why I find all those black metal bands who claim to worship Satan funny. They totally have the wrong end of the stick, with their church burnings and things.

This mini series is interesting, and is vaguely OT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNN-ZnYg1Vo&feature=fvsr

 

[The Maddest March Hare]

The trouble is, we live in a predominantly Catholic/Christian society. Because of this, Satanism was given a bad name hundreds of years ago. The original Satanists were nothing more than what you have described in the OP. But, over time, the image became believed, and when misguided youths a few generations down the line decided they wanted to do something really rebellious against society they heard of this thing called "Satanism" and saw that it involved all these horrible acts. And so the 'modern' Satanism came to be, and the old became almost forgotten.

Now that people practice the 'bad' Satanism, it's the image it has for a reason, and the name of the religion has been sullied.

Once again proving the adage; History is written by the victors. Which is, of course, one of the reasons that the Crusades are glossed over in their horrific details.

Edit:

This mini series is interesting, and is vaguely OT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNN-ZnYg1Vo&feature=fvsr

I saw this a while back. It practically sums up everything I said about the misguided modern take on Satanism. Good call