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Topic: The Church of Satan
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Let me begin this by saying: A) I am not a satanist. And B) I am not asking you to 'come out' as satanist as one of the Church's policies is that members' identities are kept confidential due to the contraversity of it.
Ok, so in Sociology we're studying Beliefs. Part of this is identifying the differences between 'cults', 'sects' and 'churches' so in lesson we studied the highly contraversial religion known as Scientology.
From this I decided to do my own research on an extremelly contraversial religion: Satanism. Satanism is based on the views that we're all primal beasts and individualism. Created in 1969 by Dr Anton Szander LaFey it's aim is 'to end the hipocrisy of organised religion'.
Here's a link to the homepage: http://www.churchofsatan.com/home.html
What are your views? Personally, like all religions, I believe that Satanists should be free to believe and the individualism side of it, I agree with. That is why it's one of the Pro-Homosexual religions. However I do find some of the laws unsettling...
Would again like to clarify, I am not saying Satanism is the way forward or anything, I just find all religions interesting.
I'm a Loiner, apparently...
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Edit: BigGayBear, Mon 16 Jul 12, 8:51PM
Post: #666606  , Mon 16 Jul 12, 8:48PM |
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I knew bits and pieces about the religion, but after seeing this post I did a bit of rooting around, and I've found myself in agreement with a lot of what is said on their website.
That, and I admire the straight-up honesty about said policies and rules.
To be honest, I think the only reason it's as controversial as it is lies in the fact that Christianity is such a major religion in the world and teach that Satan is the worst of the worst, the lowest you can get. There's a certain image projected onto the religion that follows Satan, and from what I've seen so far it's distorted. That said, I don't doubt there are extremists out there who live up to those expectations, just as there are in the majority of religions.
I don't see any reason why the religion should be stamped out or silenced or anything along those lines. It speaks to our base nature just as other religions speak to our better (as in moral over immoral, not superior) nature.
And just as most religions do, it casts doubt on what could be seen as 'rival' religions.
So... in short I see it just like any other religion, if a little more misunderstood.
I'm a ratfish trying to practice doing back flips on your mattress.
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Post: #666645 , Mon 16 Jul 12, 9:37PM |
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satanists, however bizarre and intruiging I find them, are still people. and should be treated fairly as such.
it will be alright in the end, and if it's not alright, it's not the end yet.
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Post: #666649 , Mon 16 Jul 12, 9:56PM |
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I'm not talking about Satanists. I'm talking about Satanism. The religion itself.
I'm a Loiner, apparently...
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Post: #666650 , Mon 16 Jul 12, 9:58PM |
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I've read The Satanic Bible. The biggest part of it is a philosophical manifesto about, as you said, individualism and such, and the rest of it is hokey nonsense about the Devil and Hell which I'm pretty sure is supposed to be rather tongue-in-cheek (especially considering LeVeyan Satanism doesn't necessarily imply a belief in Satan to begin with). It's a sort of interesting philosophy, though, but not exactly original or groundbreaking.
our home which defines
us is elsewhere but not
so far away we have
forgotten it:
this is just a place.
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Post: #666657 , Mon 16 Jul 12, 10:41PM |
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:: Falconfly
:: QA5 Having the neighbours round | |
What people need to understand about Satanism is that, as a religion, it does not have any sort of dogma. It is extremely individualistic, and each satanist might have an utterly different worldview from another satanist.
I myself am a Luciferianist/Shamsiel worshipper, and I agree with the basic self empowerment and freedom craving all branches of Satanism have, but I for one otherwise hate La Vey's stupid commandements.
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Post: #666660 , Mon 16 Jul 12, 10:45PM |
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:: Jaden
:: QA8 High Householder | |
LaVeyan Satanism isn't the only form of Satanism out there. It's simply one of them. Many of the LeVeyan satanists (BTWs its LaVey no LaFey) also don't consider it at religion at all.
There are a number of different version of Satanism out there so its hard to just toss out one opinion.
I considered it for a while and found something the fit my personal beliefs better then Satanism did. But it's some pretty fascinating stuff when you get into all the details of it.
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Post: #666671 , Mon 16 Jul 12, 11:23PM |
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:: Tiwaz87
:: QA4 A spot of tea please, Alfred! | |
I'm not religious, but I find Satanism (along with many other religions) incredibly fascinating and fun to read about. I find myself agreeing with a lot of what I see when I read about Satanism, although I don't really see the point in making it a religion. It's also kind of hard to take that website seriously, what with the purple-jacketed knife guy and tiled backgrounds and all.
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Post: #666673 , Mon 16 Jul 12, 11:24PM |
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:: TealSkye
:: QA7 Taking responsibility | |
Haha! I may have been a Satanist without knowing it! XD
I can totally see where I have employed a great many of these ideals; ir. Anton LaVey purgatory.
On a serious note, Satanism has laws that should subsequent by the nature of it's philosophy, but in specifics, it has no laws truly. That is to say, you will not find a Satanist say "Y'know you broke the law of..."
It's like anything. As long as they aren't killing anyone, it's cool. We can choose to be affronted by some of the not-so-nice teachings; but there are people on the daily who are assholes without the help of a reference. It's unavoidable. To stifle a philosophy such as this, is to be a hypocrite in ones own individuality.
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Post: #666680 , Mon 16 Jul 12, 11:48PM |
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Can I just calrify, is lucifer a different being to Satan, according to the old testament of the bible, Satan was the King and Lucifer was one of the 9 princes of hell. (could be the other way round) Or is it six princes? Was it two beings with similiar names, arghhh.
Even though I don't believe in the Omen nonsense, is it not weird that all these comments are number 6666 then a random series of numbers after that. Just pointing it out. Hmm wow, satanism is another topic that's made completely harmful by the media. I mean, everyone(well majority) these days believe it to be all weird human sacrifice and stuff with lots of blood and demon worshiping thanks to Tv etc. But it's actually quite interesting.
There is no hope without salvation, there is no life without destruction, in this desolate world we can only rely on the unknown for our minds shame the very ground.
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Edit: NoWayEdward, Tue 17 Jul 12, 12:09AM
Post: #666686 , Tue 17 Jul 12, 12:08AM |
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:: TealSkye
:: QA7 Taking responsibility | |
@ Karl
Satan translates to The opposer, in Hebrew.
Lucifer, in Latin; Morning star. In scripture, however many translations of it that exist, it basically is speaking of a fallen angel; losing his position in heaven.
Culturally, the name Lucifer is often synonymous with The devil('the bad one'), but from what I've read, it was never actually written as such. Just interpreted to be the same being.
Hope that cleared it up for you 
I agree with you on the media deal. It's very interesting indeed. Any actual stereotypical 'Satan-isms' are indeed tounge-in-cheek as Jonathan said.
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Post: #666690 , Tue 17 Jul 12, 12:47AM |
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:: Rakkaus
:: QA5 Having the neighbours round | |
The idea of 'Satan' is somewhat admirable; as Bakunin wrote, 'Satan' is the eternal rebel, the first freethinker, and the emancipator of worlds.
'Satan' represents freedom and enlightenment; he tempts humanity away from the subservience and ignorance of religion with the fruit of knowledge.
But to actually form a religious cult involving some sort of superstitious rituals and commandments surrounding an actual character of Satan is rather silly, I think.
We don't need more churches and religions, we need a rational society governed by reason and logic.
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Post: #666702 , Tue 17 Jul 12, 1:52AM |
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:: Lia47
:: QA9 Grand Elder | |
Man, my parents would not like me looking at that!
Anyway, just like a lot of religions, I agree with a lot of what it's saying, but not with it in principle. For instance, I agree that many of the traditional "sins" are silly. many are only sins because of the human notion that anything that feels good is bad and anything that feels bad is good. sure exercise feels horrible but makes you healthy, but does that mean having sex will get you sent to hell?
however i disagree with a lot of the core statements in the theory-practice section. For instance, "The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth". Some of them make sense, like "Do not harm little children", but some seem hypocritical or unrealistic, and some seem downright mean. I mean, "If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy"? I get that the idea is to cut out the unnecessary pleasantry supposedly instituted by religion, but is it ever okay to encourage people to be mean to each other? I think the two smartest things I've ever heard come out of religion are "Treat others as you would like to be treated" and "turn the other cheek".
Also, "Don't be pretentious" in the Nine Satanic Sins? Are they saying they're never pretentious? and if so, doesn't that seem a little pretentious in and of itself?
Of course I do believe people should be allowed to practice the religion they believe, unless it means bringing harm to other people, that is.
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Post: #666705 , Tue 17 Jul 12, 1:59AM |
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ok, i know a bit about Satanism (not enough to have long philosophical debates about it or anything), but i know enough to try to avert it.
i have done some reasearch on the Wiccan religion, mainly because i find some theologies interesting and because a close friend of mine has been looking into it, so i wanted to be able to tell how to tell the difference between Wicca and demonisms.
i have seen some of the tenants of Satanism seen photographs actual rituals, and it is slightly appalling.
I am completely accepting of any religion or idealology, but at the same time i hold my opinions on what is right or wrong, and if someone does something wrong i am against that.
for example, baptizing your child in blood, as i have seen a satanic practicer do, is definately a no-no.
i definately believe in dark forces on our Earth, just as i believe in the Good forces, and i dont believe in invoking such terrible things to smite your enemies, or for any reason.
I am also not only basing this belief on the fact that i am a Christian, but on the knowledge i have gained from the reasearch i have gained. someone, plese enlighten me if i am wrong in anything i have said.
Patience-Resiliance-Versatility-Spirit-Creativity-Cleverness-
Faith-Love-Perserverance-Hope
So,If you care to find me; look to the Western sky. As someone told me lately, everyone deserves the chance to fly
don't let my supposed "confidence" fool you, I'm still just a scared little kid. that doesn't mean I won't keep fighting.
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Post: #666711 , Tue 17 Jul 12, 2:26AM |
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According to this site, I'm halfway to being a Satanist anyway.  Although I'm not a big fan of organized religion and there are still a lot of things I don't agree with, so I'll stick to my current religion--Batman.
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Post: #666713 , Tue 17 Jul 12, 2:30AM |
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Honestly, I love Satanism... the fad's of the 40's and 50's and 80's involving mutilations by self-proclaimed, but not truly satanists give the religion a bad rap... but much like witch craft, it's merely understood. Truly it is a religion for the here and now, why deny yourself based on speculation when you can enjoy yourself now.
Personally, I also believe these are beliefs everyone should follow for the most part. http://www.churchofsatan.com/Pages/Eleven.html
@Lucas,
Wicca is very different from demonology. I'm not even sure Wicca has demons in it.... Wicca is a modern twist on many other pagan religions, only a couple decades old. However, it's a nature-based religion worshiping a god and goddess, but usually focuses much more on the goddess.
Also, 90% of things you hear about satanists are false. They are actually pretty much anti harm to the innocent, this includes all children and non-hostile animals.
The true tenants of satanism is that we live here, there is no where else, enjoy it with indulgence, but not compulsion.
@Erik
Satanism isn't a spiritual religion, in several sections they state that their rituals are more guided self therapy than religious expression.
They also state they believe in satan as an ideal, not a physical being. Most represents to satan or the devil are metaphorical. Aesthetics and rhetoric are very important pillars in the church of satan.
The church of satan actually seeks separation of church and state and wants churches to be taxed.
Where my shame gland should be, there is a second awesome gland.
Don't make me practice my interior decorating on your internal organs o.O
The sky isn't the limit, it's a suggestion.
I wish I was eccentric *sigh* unfortunately I'm too crazy for euphemisms.
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Edit: Viziroth, Tue 17 Jul 12, 3:24AM
Post: #666725 , Tue 17 Jul 12, 2:52AM |
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Sorry, i read that site and i am appaled by it.
the more i learn about the Satanic, the more appalled i get it seems.
it goes against most everything i have come to believe.
it says that man's true nature is "that of a carnal beast" and that we sould seek self gratification by following the sins.
and the statements and rules that are used to follow it are equally as horrible.
i am sorry if i offend anyone, but i can just see this as horrible thing.
i will always believe in showing kindness to anyone, and never seek vengeance out in such a horrible way.
and of course, messing with the occult to for personal gain is never a good thing, it only invites demons for possession.
i can't see this church going very far in the future, and i surely hope that is doesnt
Patience-Resiliance-Versatility-Spirit-Creativity-Cleverness-
Faith-Love-Perserverance-Hope
So,If you care to find me; look to the Western sky. As someone told me lately, everyone deserves the chance to fly
don't let my supposed "confidence" fool you, I'm still just a scared little kid. that doesn't mean I won't keep fighting.
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Post: #666735 , Tue 17 Jul 12, 3:15AM |
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Lucas I don't think we're reading the same site...
In the 11 rules of the earth it basically states,
don't rape, don't steal, don't kill things, don't bother people where they live, and don't bother anyone unless they bother you first...
That's the golden rule right there... satanism embraces the golden rule...
Also, @Karl, Skye explained it well. Lucifer and Satan are separate entities, there are over 100 different devils and demons(and yes, devils and demons are different) in judeo-christian demonology. Beelzebub, Mephistopheles, Satan, Lucifer, Leviathan, Behemoth, all separate entities. However, since actual study has taken a back seat to brainless worship and faith, all the "evil ones" have been condensed into one devil and many nameless demons.
Where my shame gland should be, there is a second awesome gland.
Don't make me practice my interior decorating on your internal organs o.O
The sky isn't the limit, it's a suggestion.
I wish I was eccentric *sigh* unfortunately I'm too crazy for euphemisms.
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Edit: Viziroth, Tue 17 Jul 12, 3:31AM
Post: #666738 , Tue 17 Jul 12, 3:22AM |
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Am I the only one who found that last rule kinda funny? I can totally see some one in Degrassi say that. I know it's serious and stuff but the way I imagined someone saying it was funny.
"Are you ok?" "Yeah... I'm just tired." T orn apart, I nsecure, R eally faking a smile, E xtremely sad, D rowning in my tears "...yeah just tired."
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Post: #666740 , Tue 17 Jul 12, 3:28AM |
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This discussion reminded me of something I saw on 9gag awhile ago. It was a facebook post:
"That guy is a dickhead"
"Who? The devil?"
"Yea."
"Well, yes,____..."
Commenter: Actually, the devil gave humans critical thinking, which God didn't want. He wanted us to not eat from the tree of knowledge of whateverthehell, so we could basically be thought-slaves for eternity, but the devil did us a favor and turned the tables there with a single conversation.
Also, the devil killed a grand total of 10 people in the bible, where God killed somewhere around 2.3 million.
He understands human nature, but doesn't judge you for being human.
He accepts God's unwanted children unconditionally.
And still, he's the dickhead. Why? Because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian. A watchful protector.
A dark knight.
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Post: #666742 , Tue 17 Jul 12, 3:36AM |
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