Tuesday 6 June 2006 @ 11:37 am

Since it is supposed to be the day of the antichrist, I thought I’d delve into the topic of Satanism, it is something probably rarely discussed or even taken seriously. It is interesting from a philosophical perspective,

Baphomet.gifSatanism conjures up images of strange rituals where demons and humans make pacts for power over others, or material wealth. The majority of those who call themselves Satanists do not actually believe or worship any being called Satan. Instead, the most organised Satanists revel in indulgence, human instinct and passions. It is more a philosophy of life than a religion as such.

The Nine Satanic Statements from LaVey’s “The Satanic Bible”

1. Satan represents indulgence, instead of abstinence!
2. Satan represents vital existence, instead of spiritual pipe 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, 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 is the best friend the church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years!

How many of us are Satanists without knowing it? Anyone who has a corrupt moral code and is only out for themselves could be considered a Satanist.

Satanism is a term often used by religious fanatics against heavy metal performers and anyone else who doesn’t conform to their religious ideas, especially Wiccans and other Pagans and occultists. Marilyn Manson has been accused of being a Satanist, but the statement of this Christian sounds a little like satanic statement five (Satan represents vengeance, instead of turning the other cheek):

According to Róbert Szikora, a prominent Christian musician with rock group R-GO, was quoted by the tabloid Színes Bulvár as saying: “If I see him in the street I might put aside my Christianity and smack him in the mouth with a stick.”

Of the most interest is how the followers of various religions, such as Christianity but not limited to it, have defined moral codes that they rarely stick too unless it suits them. Could we call it Satanism in disguise? At least those who practice Satanism stay true to their beliefs and morals and won’t put it aside when it suits them.

There are Satanists who do not simply follow the philosophy, and take a more literal approach. Theistic Satanists actually do worship and believe in Satan. This form of religion may be associated with magical rituals in which the worshipper may choose to practice. Basically, the theistic Satanist will have a very individual religion based on the many ideas, philosophy and imagery of Satanism.

Whether the Statist practices are simply philosophical or of the theistic and more ritualistic kind, both are a unique form of religion. It provides a contrast from which to learn from especially for those people who adopt a religion but never walk the talk.