Ah, good ole' Satanism. Thanks to T.V., movies, books, other religions, shit, even it's own name, Satanism is regarded as evil. As with most religions, there are different sects of Satanism. Christians have Catholic, Protestant etc. Islam has Shiite, Sunni etc. The main form of Satanism is called LaVeyan Satanism. This article will help you understand a bit about the most feared, and more importantly, most misunderstood theology in the world. Except maybe for Scientology.
6. Satanism is sex-crazy.
The misconception:
A group of Satanists convene at a private ceremony, illuminated by candles, before an ominous drum beat signals the start of hard-core fuckin'
The truth:
The Satanic views on 'free love' have drawn a lot of controversy over the years, but it doesn't mean that every Satanist is a sex-mad nympho/satyr who fucks everything with a pulse. The whole concept of 'free love' is that you are free to express yourself sexually as you see fit, regardless of sexual preference, appetite, fetish and so on. If you're a straight female who wishes to be faithful to your husband, so be it. If you're a homosexual transvestite who gets off on urolagnia(golden showers), knock yourself out. Doesn't mean we have wicked bad satanic orgies. Satanism encourages 'any form of sexual expression you may desire, so long as it hurts no one else'. By imposing your sexual desires on others who do not welcome them, you are inhibiting their sexual freedom. 'Therefore, Satanism does not advocate rape, child molestation, sexual defilement of an animal, or any other form of sexual activity which entails the participation of those who are unwilling or whose innocence of naïveté would allow them to be intimidated or misguided into doing something against their wishes.'
5. Satanism is a cult.
The misconception:
A group of elders sitting around a table or bonfire, discussing in hushed whispers secrets not meant for the ears of outsiders.
The truth:
The first thing you need to know about Satanism is that it's not simply a cult, or just some bizarre idea that weird loners and serial killers believe in.
It's actually an established religion. In 1966, Anton Szandor LaVey founded the Church of Satan, which is still around today. While they don't hold mass like Christian churches, they have a similar structure. The Catholic Church has the Pope, the Church of Satan has Magus Peter Gilmore, the High Priest. Other 'ranks' churches have, like Cardinals and Priests, are represented in the Church of Satan. Magus is highest, then Magister, Priest, Warlock then Satanist(yes, that's actually a rank). It also has rules and guidelines. The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth and The Nine Satanic Sins dictate certain protocols towards your actions. For example, stupidity, self-deceit and herd conformity are sins, and 'do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself', 'do not harm little children', and 'do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food' are in the Rules of the Earth. Interestingly enough, do you know what the only difference between a cult and a religion is? Religions don't pay tax. A government sanction is what decides whether you follow a cult or a bonafide religion. LaVeyan Satanism is the only established religion of it's kind in the would though, but there are still a lot of people who do the whole goat-sacrificing thing. What are the LaVeyan thoughts on that? Well...
4. Satanism sacrifices animals and/or babies.
The misconception:
A group of caped men standing around an altar, invoking the power of Satan by slaughtering a goat in the middle of a pentagram to try and gain unholy powers.
The truth:
The Satanic ritual, or 'Black Mass' as it's affectionately known, was a ritual that movies, evangelists and boring judgmental people like to point and shake their fingers at, thinking you need to look no further for proof that theses people are evil, wicked, and maybe just a little bit naughty. Truthfully, The Black Mass is essentially a parody, a piss-take.
It's aimed at poking fun at other religions by copying them and putting it's own spin on words. Invoking the names of various demons is just another way of shit-stirring people.
There are other rituals (lust, compassion and destruction), but in none of them is sacrifice included.
3. Satanism enjoys and encourages violence.
The misconception:
So much as glancing at a Satanist out of the corner of your eye will warrant a 1000-yard stare that would paralyse a horse, before he stabs you in the chest 27 times.
The truth:
"When in another’s lair, show him respect or else do not go there."
"Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal."
"Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the other person and he cries out to be relieved."
Those quotes are from the aforementioned 'Satanic Rules of the Earth'. While not necessarily regarding violence per se, they can be included. Don't get the wrong idea though; Satanism has no problem with violence, but only in retaliation. 'Do unto others as they do unto you', is the Satanist's motto. One other well-known quote from the Satanic Bible is 'if a man smite you on one cheek, SMASH him on the other!', but another one says: 'Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it, instead of love wasted on ingrates!' which goes against the whole Christian idea of loving everyone, including one's enemies. If I punch you in the face, are you going to love me in return? Of course not.
2. Satanists hate people with different opinions.
The misconception:
Oi! You with the stupid grin! I FUCKING HATE YOU!!! STOP BEING SO HAPPY!!!
The truth:
Another misconception about Satanists is that they hate everyone and everything, and are just angry, unpleasant people. Not so. One of, if not the, biggest beliefs in Satanism is individuality. It promotes the idea that you shouldn't have to be ashamed of yourself for your interests, and you shouldn't persecute people for theirs. There's nothing wrong with disliking someone because they don't have the same interests as you, but thinking less of them as a person is a no-no.
1. Satanists worship the devil.
The misconception:
The Satanist (as seen in movies and such) is the quintessential example of an 'evil' person. They go about their day, pissed off at everything they come across, and when their day is over, they conduct a ritual intoning the powers of the Desolate One, striking fire and brimstone into the hearts and souls of everyone in the world, so they can finally stand at the side of the Dark Prince, a loyal servant in Hell for all eternity.
Sound familiar? That's because movies, books, priests etc. etc. want you to think that.
The truth:
This belief is the biggest misconception out there. In reality, there are two types of Satanism. Theistic(believing in Satan as a deity), and Atheistic(speaks for itself). LaVeyan Satanism is an atheist movement; it acknowledges that God and Satan do not exist. At all.
If you find yourself saying, "that makes no sense, why call yourself a Satanist then?" It's because Satanists recognise Satan as the driving force behind Man's inherent nature. Your thought process. That's it. As for you ubër-religious types saying thats exactly what Satan is - a corrupting force, wrong again.
It used Satan as a symbol because the word 'Satan' means 'the accuser', or 'the opposer' which is the whole purpose of Satanism. To oppose religion. That is all. It does not worship the devil, in fact it preaches self-worship in a sense. It recognizes Satan as your instincts, and yourself as God. And I don't mean 'God' god, the one Christians and Muslims follow(yes, they are the same one - have at me, commenters), I mean a god. Everyone is their own God. I am God, you are God(suck it, religion).
See you in Hell.
