Q: Do you worship evil?
A:
You can not even define evil without discussing what is good. Therefore, the two are inseparable. One can not understand darkness without experiencing light. One cannot appreciate day, without having night. Opposites compliment, define and complete one another. To destroy all evil in the world means there would be no good left to appreciate, therefore the Satanist does not worship or disrespect either quality! We value ourselves and nature instead and venerate opposition in balance!
The definition of good and evil is subject to change because it exists only as a perception. "Evil" is a label we assign according to our mood swings to those who are politically incorrect. The ascended masters of Eastern Philosophy become the fallen angels of Western Philosophy. One man's "demons" are another man's "saints." Theologians create gods and devils in man's image, then conflict between them to divide the heart and conquer the soul! They pit spirit against matter, then appoint themselves position of supreme arbiter, divine interpreter of right and wrong, good and evil.
"Good" are the things we like. "Evil" are the things we dislike. It often depends on who or what you are. As Diane Vera says, if you're a mouse, cats are evil, but to the pet owner, cats are heavenly. Therefore, evil is not an essence - it is a value judgment. From a Christian point of view, Satan is "evil." Satanists are truth seekers who desire to peek behind such labels.
Of course, there are certain ethical wrongs, but they are set by a society or culture so that all can live harmoniously. Examples of these would be thieving, disrespectful behavior and killing or abusing an innocent. A Satanist respects societal ethics, as do people of other faiths.
Q: Can you tell me the Truth about the Devil?
A:
Does the Devil really exist?
Some Satanists view the Devil as the first individual - the first being to acquire consciousness and self-awareness. This lends itself to free will and is the true meaning behind Lucifer's "fall from grace." We are all inheritors of that gift, so if you are asking me what the devil looks like, I would simply tell you to go look in a mirror. In other words as the Inxs song lyrics read "every single one of us ... the devil inside."
We have a choice as to whether we decide to utilize that aspect of ourselves.
The most common misconception about the Devil is that the Devil is somehow responsible for the free will choices we make as individuals. Is the Devil behind all the evil in the world? It would depend on what you would define as the devil. We, you and I, and all other individuals are responsible for the evil and all the good as well. Human beings are creatures of habit and whenever the force of change is introduced to a system it is upsetting, perceived as "evil."
Change itself is the universal constant. Just when you think you've got everything figured out and all your beliefs neatly categorized, the trickster Satan comes along and whacks you upside the head with an apparent contradiction. You see, we are being "fooled by the Devil" because that is how we learn - through our own mistakes! Without problem solving, existence becomes futile, meaningless! The Devil represents life's onslaughts and challenges which we must face and overcome to evolve physically and spiritually. John Milton put it this way, "Satan is the force of change that wills forever evil, but does forever good."
Those who trash the Devil are beating up on themselves. The good guy/bad guy mentality sanctioned by the Islamic and Christian faith is dehumanizing and dangerous. The same technique is used by the military establishment. When John Allee served in the army during the Vietnam war, the troops were shown propaganda films depicting Asians as slant-eyed devils who pillaged and raped women. The objective was to dehumanize the enemy so they could be killed without conscience. It is effective programming and excellent military strategy. The point is whether you choose to use it in your own personal life!
Q: Isn't Satanism a brutal religion? What about curses?
A:
It is imagined that the Satanist's favorite pastime is throwing curses upon the weak, the susceptible. In reality, we live by the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." And certainly, if you were to treat another person badly, without just cause, would you not expect to be treated poorly in return? We live in a universe of cause and effect. The rationale for a curse should be to redress the balance once a wrong against someone has been committed.
Q: Do Satanists have a moral code?
A:
The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth
1. Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.
2. Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure that they want to hear them.
3. When in another's lair, show him respect or else do not go there.
4. If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy.
5. Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal.
6. Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the person and he cries out to be relieved.
7. Acknowledge the power of magic if you have used it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained.
8. Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.
9. Do not harm little children.
10. Do not kill non-human animals unless attacked or for your food.
11. When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.
Anton Szandor LaVey, 1967 c.e.
Q: How can a Satanist NOT worship Satan?
A:
Does a Buddhist worship Buddha? Of course not. Does a Nudist worship Nude? It all depends on what you would consider "worship." Worship need not describe groveling before a deity or expressing an unhealthy attitude that diminishes ones self worth. Unfortunately, many Satanists view worship in this negative light, then move to an opposite extreme; exalting oneself as godhead while disregarding the universal life-force. As a result, we've witnessed nonproductive, egomaniacal infighting between Satanists.
Q: Does Satanism encourage sex with minors?
A:
While Satanism encourages "indulgence instead of abstinence," this does not necessarily have to refer to just sex. The individual would dictate what types of behavior he or she would like to indulge in. In other words, Satanists do follow moral codes and have ethics.
The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth state: "Do not harm little children"(9); "Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal" (5) and "Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the person and he cries out to be relieved" (6). Clearly, an adult having sex with young children is not appropriate.
State laws and opinions differ when we start talking about teenagers having sex with teenagers. It would be more convenient to somehow delay the process until physical maturity matches mental maturity, but that is not reality. It all comes down to choices once again. Stress and conflict exist when there is a divide between our carnal nature and the way we structure our society. Anton LaVey stated, "...man's carnal nature will win out no matter how much it is purged or scourged by any white-light religion." In other words, you can struggle against nature all you want, but she will have the final say and the last laugh in all situations... so what are you trying to prove?
Q: Do Satanists advocate spanking or corporal punishment for kids?
A:
The Daemon Egan strongly advises FCoS parents to administer Discipline Tempered with Love. Never strike a child over the mere fact that he or she has inconvenienced you. If a child spills a quart of milk, calmly get a mop or sponge and teach them how to clean it up. Do not chase your child around, correcting each and every mistake. Teach them responsibility - make them do it!
Next, it is foolish to protect your child from the effects of folly. Does your child whine and complain when it is time to go to bed? Simple solution. Let them stay up, then drag them to school exhausted the following day. In a few short weeks they'll be putting themselves to sleep!
Corporal punishment should be administered when a child begins to exhibit behavior that could adversely affect their own well being. Stealing bicycles, cars, money from mom's purse - this could one day land him/her in prison. In such cases, corrective actions should be taken.
So far, I've found nothing wrong with Satanism. So why the fuck society tends to have negative view on Satanism? Why some countries illegalize, and even ban Satanism?
Thoughts?
