Ask a Satanist - A thread to explain what Laveyan Satanists actually believe

[dzheremi]

LaVeyan does not, Theistic does. They’re separate religions. Satan is a symbol for individuality and rebellion, not evil or sin. We only use Satan because Christianity the current main religion, where as in Norse pagansim we would use Loki. It’s not supposed to insult or shock anyone. It’s just a sign of individuality from the mainstream.

Do you see how others might be uneasy with or see contradiction between the the two bolded statements above? I just can’t accept that this sort of contrarian philosophy is “not supposed to insult anyone” when the symbol of veneration in your religion is chosen, by your own admission, in order to be a thumb in the eye of the world’s dominant religion.

If you want to reject Christianity, why not do so without building up all this ideology about individualism and being seperate from “the mainstream”? With all due respect to you, that strikes me as incredibly immature and superficial, if those are truly the underpinnings of your belief system. If, as you say, Christianity in and of itself does not bother you, why then would you align yourself against it in your spiritual life? If you want to be an “individual” against the “mainstream”, why do you choose to define yourself in relation to that mainstream?

It should also be noted that the vast majority of Christian-majority countries are only nominally Christian, so the “mainstream” is generally not religious one way or another. I would argue that there is true rebellion in being openly religious in western, post-Christian societies, particularly attempting to do so in an honest, respectful manner. I have, for instance, spoken to European friends who were shocked to find in me someone under 70 with a critical stance toward the world who did not share their secular humanist worldview (and before I get accused of tooting my own horn, I should emphasize this was their reaction upon hearing of my conversion to Catholicism! I don’t think I’m doing anything exceptional). A friend from England explained that most of the religious youth in his country are either Muslim or the children of high-ranking members of the Church of England. To find a “regular” religious person (read: someone who doesn’t fit their stereotype of “religious”) is apparently very difficult. Fair enough, I suppose; I prefer the narrow road anyway.

 

[Dempsey1919]

From what I’ve read, Laveyan Satanists are atheists who can do whatever they want as long as it doesn’t harm anyone. Is this correct?

If this is true, then why did LaVey need to build a philosophy around it? I am sure all atheists hold similar views but don’t feel the need to call themselves “Satanists.” LaVey didn’t found a religion; he simply stated that it was fine to indulge in all of your desires because there was no afterlife or no God; so naturally, you should enjoy your life to the full. I don’t see why he needed to place his views under the banner of “Satanism” and create a pseudo-religion based upon his personal philosophy. This is basically what all non-religious people believe.

LaVey must have been very anti-Christian; if Satan represents liberation, then Christ and the Church must represent oppression. LaVey must have felt very repressed by the teachings of Christ, and consequently associated the opposite feelings of freedom with Satan, who is the antithesis of Christ.

 

[ribozyme]

From what I’ve read, Laveyan Satanists are atheists who can do whatever they want as long as it doesn’t harm anyone. Is this correct?

If this is true, then why did LaVey need to build a philosophy around it? I am sure all atheists hold similar views but don’t feel the need to call themselves “Satanists.” LaVey didn’t found a religion; he simply stated that it was fine to indulge in all of your desires because there was no afterlife or no God; so naturally, you should enjoy your life to the full. I don’t see why he needed to place his views under the banner of “Satanism” and create a pseudo-religion based upon his personal philosophy. This is basically what all non-religious people believe.

LaVey must have been very anti-Christian; if Satan represents liberation, then Christ and the Church must represent oppression. LaVey must have felt very repressed by the teachings of Christ, and consequently associated the opposite feelings of freedom with Satan, who is the antithesis of Christ.

According to LeVey, it is just Ayn Rand’s philosophy with ritual.

 

[wina]

How do you feel about it? how do people look at you when they know you join Laveyan Satanist?So you don’t believe that Satan = evil? do they teach not to be kind to other people? do you worship Satan? well I think those are enough now.

 

[ribozyme]

How do you feel about it? how do people look at you when they know you join Laveyan Satanist?So you don’t believe that Satan = evil? do they teach not to be kind to other people? do you worship Satan? well I think those are enough now.

I do not know if they believe in Satan, but it is basically Objectivism with the ceremonial pomp of Catholicism.

 

[Selkis]

Do you see how others might be uneasy with or see contradiction between the the two bolded statements above? I just can’t accept that this sort of contrarian philosophy is “not supposed to insult anyone” when the symbol of veneration in your religion is chosen, by your own admission, in order to be a thumb in the eye of the world’s dominant religion.

If you want to reject Christianity, why not do so without building up all this ideology about individualism and being seperate from “the mainstream”? With all due respect to you, that strikes me as incredibly immature and superficial, if those are truly the underpinnings of your belief system. If, as you say, Christianity in and of itself does not bother you, why then would you align yourself against it in your spiritual life? If you want to be an “individual” against the “mainstream”, why do you choose to define yourself in relation to that mainstream?

It should also be noted that the vast majority of Christian-majority countries are only nominally Christian, so the “mainstream” is generally not religious one way or another. I would argue that there is true rebellion in being openly religious in western, post-Christian societies, particularly attempting to do so in an honest, respectful manner. I have, for instance, spoken to European friends who were shocked to find in me someone under 70 with a critical stance toward the world who did not share their secular humanist worldview (and before I get accused of tooting my own horn, I should emphasize this was their reaction upon hearing of my conversion to Catholicism! I don’t think I’m doing anything exceptional). A friend from England explained that most of the religious youth in his country are either Muslim or the children of high-ranking members of the Church of England. To find a “regular” religious person (read: someone who doesn’t fit their stereotype of “religious”) is apparently very difficult. Fair enough, I suppose; I prefer the narrow road anyway.

If I’m immature then you certainly are more so. The Satan symbol we use in appearance identifies with the Christian devil. But, the idea behind it is not a being or creature from any particular religion or time. The reason we choose a symbol as strong to people as Satan is because we want to make it crystal clear about our differences. He represents all the “forbbidden” things and all the “evil” sins. He’s not supposed to be a happy go lucky symbol, he’s meant to be a powerful symbol. And, I’d bet it is.

 

[Valke2]

What is the benefit, if any, of adopting Laveyan Satanism as an atheist. If you reject the idea of God, do you really need a alternate mythic structure such as satanism? To what purpose?

 

[Selkis]

I do not know if they believe in Satan, but it is basically Objectivism with the ceremonial pomp of Catholicism.

Yea…there’s nothing Catholic about my religion. No clue where you’re gettin’ it from.

 

[Adam14]

Satanists come from all walks of life and can disagree or even hate each other. I don’t like Marilyn Manson, because he’s just being discriminatory. Discrimination against anyone should never be allowed in a peaceful soceity. He just exploits Satanism for the publicity. I wouldn’t consider him a real Satanist. Oh and yes, I am part of the Church of Satan founded by LaVey.

I agree with you on what you mentioned about Manson…he does it because it’s lucrative for him…I think he’s all show.

Thanks for coming on here and being so civil. I doubt you’ll find many (if any) on here that will agree with your religion, but you seem very kind and respecful.

I think it’s sort of ironic that, many visitors here are Christians, and come on here throwing insult after insult, then there’s all this fighthing amongst ourselves. Now a Satanist comes in, and presents himself/herself in a manner I wish some Christian visitors would.

 

[Selkis]

What is the benefit, if any, of adopting Laveyan Satanism as an atheist. If you reject the idea of God, do you really need a alternate mythic structure such as satanism? To what purpose?

Rituals aren’t necessary, only traditional and sometimes fun. A Satanist is born not made, they grow up and see their reflection in our books like The Satanic Bible and realize what they are. A Satanist in essence, is an evolved atheist. Seeing that there isn’t a God or purpose, they make their own. You don’t have to join any particular church to be a Satanist. Satanism as a religion is just an organization for the people who believe the philosophy. Satanism the religion has been around only since 1966, but Satanism the philosophy (regardless of its name or namelessness through history) has existed since we first became human. Because it’s a part of us. It’s not an immaterial thing, it’s carnal.

 

[morning_star777]

Hi! I’m new and a LaVeyan Satanist.

Hello,I never thought that satanism is a reality.I always thought that satanism is just a fiction.But here in a thread some fellow explained me about satanism.Now in the same place(CAF)I have found a satanist and of course for the 1st time in my life.Its a different experience for me.Btw,glad to meet you.

 

[Robert_in_SD]

Hi! I’m new and a LaVeyan Satanist. I’m sure you all have one idea of Satanists or another. I’m afraid I can’t explain the Theistic branches, but I started this thread to answer any questions or misconceptions you might have. This thread is intended to be nothing more than a simple Q&A for people who want to know the truth about what we believe. I’ll gladly answer any questions you might have. But, this is not an argumentive thread. I’m a nice person, but any preaching, proselytizing, bigotry, insulting, and etc. will be ignored. This is a friendly thread and I want to keep it that way.

Ask away!
Selkis

I understand that LeVayan Satanists reject the belief in either God or Satan, and are essentially atheistic; adopting Satanic ritual as a means of poking fun at the establishment - i.e. christianity in a general sense.

My question is, assuming you reject the belief in God, do you believe in any form of afterlife without God, or do you think human existence is purely a materialistic phenomenon that ends at the time a body dies? Just curious.

My other question is; you may have heard recently about an atheist professor who allegedly obtained and desecrated a Eucharistic host on his website. Were his actions a violation of your LeVayan rules?

Peace,
-Robert

P.S. Welcome to the forums. Feel free to ask any questions of your own.

 

[Josh316]

Rituals aren’t necessary, only traditional and sometimes fun. A Satanist is born not made, they grow up and see their reflection in our books like The Satanic Bible and realize what they are. A Satanist in essence, is an evolved atheist. Seeing that there isn’t a God or purpose, they make their own. You don’t have to join any particular church to be a Satanist. Satanism as a religion is just an organization for the people who believe the philosophy. Satanism the religion has been around only since 1966, but Satanism the philosophy (regardless of its name or namelessness through history) has existed since we first became human. Because it’s a part of us. It’s not an immaterial thing, it’s carnal.

Not to be rude (I honestly am sorry if it comes across that way) but despite the overwhelming evidence that God exists, doesn’t it make sense to not get drunk all the time (hangovers) sleep with as many people as you want (std’s) smoke pot (7x’s more cancerous than cigarettes) and so on and so forth. And isn’t it an empty feeling to think you die and that’s it. And one of my favorite quotes will suffice as a closer “some things are true whether you believe in them or not.”

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

I find it hilarious that anyone is actually asking a satanist questions and responding to this? Satanism is ridiculous in all of its forms. LaVey loved walking around in a stupid black robe and looking all menacing, appearing as a consultant in drive-in movie devil flicks, pretending he was casting spells, and writing a cheesy satanic bible. Satan as a metaphor for libertine, hedonistic selfishness is stupid. Literal satanism is equally stupid because it’s predicated on an anti-god and hell is the goal. Both are plain stupid. One is atheism with lots of black eye shadow and silly satanic bibles, the other sacrifices goats and worships someone who is already in hell and doomed for eternity.

Great religion ya got there!

 

[Lion_of_Narnia]

I do not know if they believe in Satan, but it is basically Objectivism with the ceremonial pomp of Catholicism.

Essentially, yes–and this is from my taking an anthropology course in “Magic, Religion, & Witchcraft” where we read source material from Satanists themselves–including LaVey and the researcher “Bradley Steiger” (I’m recalling the latter man’s name off the top of my head–sorry if I got it wrong)

If I recall LaVey’s rationale, the ceremonies and rituals are used to produce a total psychological focus for watever desired ends–and if these ends are to produce “majick” (cause and effect from said rituals apart from normal physical causes) is something debated by Satanists themselves–though LaVey said he inadvertedly caused actress Jane Mansfield’s death by cursing her agent–who was trying to seperate Mansfield away from the CoS (Both died in a car wreck–but unlike LaVey’s claim or popular accountng, Mansfield was NOT decapitated)

 

[Lion_of_Narnia]

btw, welcome Selkis to CAF!

 

[TOP]

What better way to serve satan then to say he doesn’t exsist and do what one wills. Father of lies.

 

[dzheremi]

If I’m immature then you certainly are more so.

Uh huh…

The reason we choose a symbol as strong to people as Satan is because we want to make it crystal clear about our differences. **He represents all the “forbbidden” things and all the “evil” sins. **

Hmmm. That’s odd, because yesterday you said:

Satan is a symbol for individuality and rebellion, not evil or sin.

Which is it?

 

[Layman]

Heh heh, LaVeyan Satanists don’t believe in Satan?

I wonder how the Adversary views such apostasy in those who take his name in vain?

Lie down with dogs, get up with fleas. LaVey was a showman, a barker, and it has occurred to me that he might, in turn, have got rooked.

---

Would it also be fair to say that America can’t do Satanism right either? Sheesh!

 

[PHX_Paul]

I am sick to my stomach and appalled that this thread even appears on a Catholic Forum.

I have been involved in open spiritual warfare with next door satanists for months. They have killed my cats and taunted me about it. One they said was sacrificed for the New Year. They desecrated and decapitated a statue of St. Joesph and threw it on on our lawn after one of their full moon rituals. I have endured threats and taunts for months. And the police are apparently impotent until I videotape it. I thought that I was coming to a " safe" forum to discuss my Catholicism and spiritual warfare and now this tripe appears in the guise of civilized discussion.