Satanism: Misunderstood

[Flying-Emu]

Which is, of course, one of the reasons that the Crusades are glossed over in their horrific details.

Since when?

I think that everyone knows the horrors that occurred during The Crusades. Specifically, though, did you mean the First, Second, or Third Crusade?

*snip

1) If you're talking about the scene with Abraham and his son, you notice that it didn't really happen and was simply a test of faith.

2) Because the world sinned continuously despite his many warnings and at times near-begging.

3) Don't you punish your dog when he shits on your carpet?

4) Metaphorical.

5) More the fact that they had prostitutes and were essentially moral-free havens for evil.

6) Everyone had slaves back then. To be fair, God was probably doing them a mercy by putting that in the text.

You forget that the idea of the Bible isn't supposed to be an epic struggle between Satan and God. Satan was a fallen angel who attempted to usurp/upset God's reign. That was his folly, his evil.

Once again, an Old Testament story taken seriously will not make sense. It's metaphorical; mythology, in a way. The story of Satan is to teach that you do not have the power to defeat God; simple as that.

Flame shield activate

Not trying to start a flame war or anything; just wanted to politely point out a few flaws in your argument

 

[AntiChrist]

How bout i manifest my fist in your face.

Would be difficult over the internet but you are, ofcourse, welcome to try. Besides, I was merely answering Graustein's question - I deserve a punch in the face for that?

 

[leecho7]

AntiChrist brings an interesting argument by bringing up Pascal's Wager. This is why I'm not a huge fan of Pascal's Wager. Nor am I one who has strong beliefs in an eschaton.
One's belief in a religion should not be some form of insurance policy.

The Satanist sect I was introduced to were full of middle-aged mature individuals. I don't see anything immature about their participation in their belief.

 

[cobra_ky]

Well that makes sense, I guess. Except for the fact that Satanism is a religion (in the least strict sense of the word; IMO, in the same way Scientology is a religion), and religions want you to follow their line of thinking.

incorrect. many religions do not proselytize. satanists don't really give a rat's ass what you do, because ultimately they only really care about themselves. if you agree with them, great. if not, whatever.

if you want a more mainstream example, i've never heard of Jews actively trying to convert anyone, and some Orthodox communities actively discourage conversion.

 

[Nmil-ek]

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!

Good in what way? Half of its stone your unruly children, gays are an abomination, god having pissing contests with himself, oh murder your son by the way "oh you were about to I was just jokin' but good man for playing along"

And wonderful advice like invest not in things as god will provide you with all you need, thats absolutley horrible advice.

 

[stabnex]

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

I think you're thinking of paganism which modern day churches (greedy and uninformed as they are) relate to Satanism much in the way a landscape artist understands rice harvesting. Any connection is an illusion filled in with presumptions and propaganda. There have been thousands of religions throughout history and if you'll believe what today's preachers say every single one of them is devil worship with a different name.

 

[PurpleRain]

Unfortunetly, only a few people in my town are like that. Some are, and I'm friends with them (most of my friends are atheist or agnostic though) but mostly its people like Fred Phelps. Canada is BEAUTIFUL this time of year! What part are you going to?

Vancouver. I was there for 6 weeks over Christmas, so it will be good to see it... you know, without snow this time. And there I plan to stay. I think we're having a Vancouver Escapist meet up soon, so you're always welcome to come if you can be bother andonce we sort out times and stuff.

 

[Blood_Lined]

Everything about satanism to me is creepy as Hell, if you'll forgive the pun.

 

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[Julianking93]

Unfortunetly, only a few people in my town are like that. Some are, and I'm friends with them (most of my friends are atheist or agnostic though) but mostly its people like Fred Phelps. Canada is BEAUTIFUL this time of year! What part are you going to?

Vancouver. I was there for 6 weeks over Christmas, so it will be good to see it... you know, without snow this time. And there I plan to stay. I think we're having a Vancouver Escapist meet up soon, so you're always welcome to come if you can be bother andonce we sort out times and stuff.

I wish, I'm not going back up there until around October or November.

 

[wolfy098]

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!

It's a great read if you don't take it seriously and analyse it

 

[Bernzz]

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

Of course you can. No qualms about it whatsoever.

That was actually...I agree with you, OP. That was...a different look.

 

[Biosophilogical]

I remember hearing about how someone said "When Jesus healed the blind man, was that metophorical?" I think that is epic as it completely ties in with everything the bible is saying (I am not religious so please don't consider me a devout catholic or anything). imho, the bible is a set of stories meant to be interpreted to create a functional society. Satanism is misunderstood, yes, but it is also misunderstood in its misunderstanding as there are, no doubt, many views on satanism, even within satanism itself. My point being (the OT point) is that satanism is both bad and good, though possibly (i can't say i am entirely unprejudiced) a tad worse than other religous beliefs. On the topic of the bible, consider this, the unification under a single deity (myth or otherwise) helps the different levels of society 'gel' better, allowing them to function better by being more synchronised with each other. While the teachings help prevent conflicts.

 

[The_Prophet]

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

He's one of those people who try to impose their values and draw more people to the sect (of however you spell that). I don't buy what he says.
Satan is EVIL and satanism is wrong.

 

[similar.squirrel]

Well..Ritual Satanism entails all the rodent-killing heavy metal cliché crap.

And rational Satanism gives you a free license to act like a dick.

It's how I see it, anyway.

The Satanic Bible would be an interesting read, though.

 

[Lord George]

Satanism in itself is completely pointless, if yo really want true freedom to do what you want then just do it anyway without drawing on a bad and frankly cobbled together philosophy, created by a man who just wanted to sleep with as many women as possible (surprisingly this is why a lot of cults seem to be formed).

 

[Glademaster_v1legacy]

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.

Actually my friend is one and the sacrificing is optional in the "magic" portion of Satanism but as far as I know it's only animals they sacrifice and my friend doesn't bother with it and I kind of find Satanism a lazy religion because it lets you do what you please basically and you can pick and choose what aspects of it to follow and in it you are your own God.