Satanism

[Draven]

Originally Posted by Steve_TPF

Exactly. I don't see how calling it "Satanism" helps matters at all.

Anton Levay had a sick sense of humor, when the church of satan became a religious institution he abandoned it. Possibly because he intended the church of satan to be an extreme form Atheism; by not only believing in god but actively breaking the most core sins, sexual devency, witch craft and so on.

[Paranoid Ecstasy]

"Borrowing Crowley's terminology, its adherents define Satanism as a "Left-Hand Path" religion, rejecting traditional "Right-Hand Path" religions such as Christianity for their perceived denial of life and emphasis on guilt and abstinence. Unlike Theistic Satanism, which is rejected by the Church of Satan as Christian heresy rather than Satanism, it does not literally worship Satan, but rather uses Satan as a symbol for people's natural inner desires, emphasizing atheism in contrast to the other."

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaVeyan_Satanism

[Black_Devil]

To me satanism is simulare to any other theology, a way to think(for real belivers) and a way to make money(most religous leaders). Agnostism is the only theory which dosen't contradict itself.

[Cerberus_Kelpie]

Originally Posted by Draven

Well from my understanding there are 5 types of Satanism/Satanic Cults...

1- Philosophical/Religious Institution: Basically satanic cults that either openly worship Satan, yes these exist, or philosophical institutions such as the Church of Satan which is basically a celebration of man. An example of this group would be Anton LaVey's Church of Satan which celebrated man, basically as an Atheistic-Religious philosophy.
--Atheism is of itself a religion/belief and incorporates a rather substantial following.--

2- Idyllic Cults: Which uses mysticism, witch craft and the image of Satan to control and inspire others in classic cult like fashion. Similarities exist between this group and the vampire cult from Kentucky. Often these groups are created by the "priest of Satan" within the cult. An example of this would be the Mason Family--Do you mean MANSON Family??--

3- Family Cults: Basically similar to the second group, except the religious practices are kept secret and Satanism is often used to excuse of deviant sexual practices, and mental instability. Little is known about these groups and they are relatively small and harmless to anyone outside the family, usually these groups are encountered through CPS.
--Well you know the old saying: "A family that lays together, stays together".--

4- Lone Individuals: Often these individuals are mentally unstable, suffering from delusions, multiple personalities and Schizophrenia. --Are You Licensed in the Medical Field or just making presumptions??--

5- Secret Societies: There several alleged secret societies who are satanic in origin, some of these groups have been proven to belong or be influenced by various cults and religions over time, while other are merely rumored so. An examples would be both the Illuminati (a real secret society with occult influences) and the Free Masons (a fraternity with rumored occult influences & practices). --The Free Masons have been alive and well for Centuries!!--

So which Satanism are we discussing...?

Posts ALWAYS READ BETTER when Spellings are CORRECT.
Please don't classify me as an operative within the realms of the Spelling Police for I am not of them, wherever they reside. I merely like to correct ONLY those Posts to which I respond to make them readable TO ME.

[Draven]

Originally Posted by Cerberus_Kelpie

Posts ALWAYS READ BETTER when Spellings are CORRECT.
Please don't classify me as an operative within the realms of the Spelling Police for I am not of them, wherever they reside. I merely like to correct ONLY those Posts to which I respond to make them readable TO ME.

Not an issue at all on the spelling corrections...

Yes, Atheism is a philosophical/ideological belief system. Some might call it a religion within itself, though a religion requires them to worship something. Although one could argue they worship humanity/themselves. Yes, I ment the Manson family. I have a BA in psychology, philosphy and theology from the University of Ohio from corrispondance courses from the Army. And, yes the Free Masons have been around for centuries...

[daddy's-lil-rebel]

okay guys, i grew up (still am) with having christianism shoved down my throat. i became atheist and a little later looked into satanism... from what i believe, satanism is worshipping the pentagram... or so say my friends. i link it to anarchy and it becomes superficial to me, because all of the wannabes use it and the real people abuse it... i honestly think that satanism is just another religion composed to be a rebellion... no offense to the resident satanists (i respect you guys fully) it just seems tired abused and over used by those 'thirteen year old rebels'... but what do i know... i am fifteen ha!
(don't use that to discredit me, i am and can be wittier than most)

[Bankraped]

My understanding of LaVey's Satanism is that its basically drinking deep from the glass of life, living how you please while keeping within the reasonable confines of the philosophy and the states law. LaVayistic Satanism even regards there to be a god, not as most monotheistic religions see it but as a being of immense power whose interests would reach far beyond earth. The figure of Satan being used is just to give it a more ballsy appeal, I'd imagine. The only real problem I have with LaVeyistic Satanism is the whole magic thing In the second half of the book he starts giving info on curses and shit for which he doesn't explain the source of their "Magical Power" (although I presume it comes from the god whom I mentioned earlier).
Really, membership and participation on a more organised level is for the richer man (but not on the same scale of Scientology) as membership costs like $200.