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Let's discuss Satanism

Posted: 2003-12-17 06:56am
by Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman
Folks, I just reading the Curch of Satan FAQ, and IMO some points are quite interesting:

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?

Posted: 2003-12-17 07:00am
by Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman

Posted: 2003-12-17 07:22am
by Dorsk 81
You should've included the "9 Satanic Statments" in there:
The Satanic Bible wrote: 1.Satan represents indulgence, instead of abstinence!

2.Satan represents vital existance, 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 of all!

8.Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification!

9.Satan has been the best friend the church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years!
I love number 9, always makes me laugh.

Posted: 2003-12-17 07:41am
by HemlockGrey
I could see a problem with the 'if someone bothers you, smash his fucking head in' commandment.

Posted: 2003-12-17 07:42am
by haas mark
Psst.. this belongs in SLAM. ;)

LOL @ HemlockGrey

~ver

Posted: 2003-12-17 07:46am
by Dorsk 81
HemlockGrey wrote:I could see a problem with the 'if someone bothers you, smash his fucking head in' commandment.
Hehe *imagines everyday scenerio in town*

Homless Person: "Big Issue? Big Issue S-"
Me: *Baseball bat to the face* "No thank you."

Posted: 2003-12-17 08:40am
by Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman
HemlockGrey wrote:I could see a problem with the 'if someone bothers you, smash his fucking head in' commandment.
Okay, that one might be the problem. But in general, I don't see any with the remaining points.

Posted: 2003-12-17 08:42am
by Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman
verilon wrote:Psst.. this belongs in SLAM. ;)
Ooopss... any mods pls move this to the appropriate forum.

Posted: 2003-12-17 10:11am
by DPDarkPrimus
Ah, I needed this FAQ... people have been asking about Satanism on CH1.

Posted: 2003-12-17 10:42am
by Peregrin Toker
Dorsk 81 wrote:You should've included the "9 Satanic Statments" in there:
The Satanic Bible wrote: 1.Satan represents indulgence, instead of abstinence!

2.Satan represents vital existance, 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 of all!

8.Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification!

9.Satan has been the best friend the church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years!
I love number 9, always makes me laugh.
Aren't the 9 Statements loosely inspired by the works of Ayn Rand? I certainly recall reading a document linking Ayn Rand to Satanism.

Posted: 2003-12-17 11:24am
by Lord Poe
I've read the "Satanic Bible" by LaVey. It really suprised me how much I agreed with it. In an interview from Rolling Stone with LaVey, they asked him if he doesn't worship a devil, why did he wear devil costumes during rituals in the 60's? He said ritual and costumes and religion were indoctrinated into all of us in church in the first place, and some people need that visual!

I still haven't read past "Genesis" in the Christian bible!

About 10 years ago, someone left a beautiful hardcover version of the Koran in the laundry room where I live. I gave it away without reading it, unfortunately.

Posted: 2003-12-17 11:51am
by Rogue 9
Well, I for one have major problems with killing anyone who presents an annoyance, and also with their definition of evil. Evil does not change to suit our current perceptions. If I wanted a possession of someone else's, for example, the act of stealing it would not become any less wrong simply because I want it. If I strongly dislike someone, killing them does not become any less evil just because I don't like the person. Don't you realize how laughable it is to claim that there is no evil, and then have rules governing behavior like they do? If there is no evil, why have rules at all?

Posted: 2003-12-17 01:00pm
by Darth Wong
Satanism is attacked in most countries for the sole reason that the Judeo-Christian-Islamic majorities in so many nations hate it. It has no less intrinsic validity than any other belief system.
Rogue 9 wrote:Well, I for one have major problems with killing anyone who presents an annoyance,
Where does it say that? I only saw that it recommends not turning the other cheek. I didn't see anywhere that it recommended retribution vastly out of proportion to the crime. In fact, the only one who thinks it's OK to kill people for trivial annoyances would be the Biblical God.
and also with their definition of evil. Evil does not change to suit our current perceptions.
It does when you recognize other forms of immorality besides the extreme ones.
If I wanted a possession of someone else's, for example, the act of stealing it would not become any less wrong simply because I want it.
What if he's hoarding it and your children are starving?
If I strongly dislike someone, killing them does not become any less evil just because I don't like the person.
What if that person is Hitler, the year is 1926, and you have been sent back in time with an opportunity to prevent the Holocaust?
Don't you realize how laughable it is to claim that there is no evil, and then have rules governing behavior like they do? If there is no evil, why have rules at all?
"Evil" is simply a name we apply to that which is extremely immoral. The term itself suits black/white thinking. And I don't see how their position is any less bizarre than that of Judeo-Christian dogma, in which "evil" is "anything that pisses off the Big Man".

Posted: 2003-12-17 02:08pm
by Lord Pounder
There are many ways to destroy a person, and it doesn't always involve harming them physically.

However as an athiest i don't like any religon. Satanism is no different from christianity in my eyes.

Posted: 2003-12-17 02:27pm
by Shinova
The nine things listed above aren't representative of evil imo.

More like the author's just trying to be another rebel and feel good about it by making up stuff to go against the majority, which is what's dictated by the church.

Anyway, Satanism, as described above, is rather light.

Posted: 2003-12-17 02:34pm
by Gunshy
Simon H.Johansen wrote:
Aren't the 9 Statements loosely inspired by the works of Ayn Rand? I certainly recall reading a document linking Ayn Rand to Satanism.
They do sound somewhat similar, although I doubt she would agree with number 7. The main theme the two philosophies seem to share is the importance of the individual as opposed to the collective.

Posted: 2003-12-17 02:49pm
by Saurencaerthai
LEGEND: ASL wrote the Satanic Bible, his principal work, to fulfill his congregation's need for a scriptural guide.

REALITY: The Satanic Bible was conceived as a commercial vehicle by paperback publisher Avon Books. Avon approached ASL for some kind of Satanic work to cash in on the Satanism & witchcraft fad of the late 1960s. Pressed for material to meet Avon's deadline, ASL resorted to plagiarism, assembling extracts from an obscure 1896 tract - Might is Right by Ragnar Redbeard into a "Book of Satan" for the SB, and claiming its authorship by himself. [Ironically these MiR passages are the ones most frequently quoted by ASL disciples.] Another third of the SB consists of John Dee's "Enochian Keys", taken directly but again without attribution from Aleister Crowley's Equinox. The SB's "Nine Satanic Statements", one of the Church of Satan's central doctrines, is a paraphrase, again unacknowledged, of passages from Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. The last words in the SB - "Yankee Rose" - have been puzzled over for years by readers. "YR" is actually the name of an old popular tune in ASL's nightclub repertoire.

SOURCES: ASL, The Satanic Bible; Ragnar Redbeard, Might is Right, Port Townsend: Loompanics (reprint), 1896; Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged (Galt's speech, ca. pages #936-993); "Yankee Rose" by Sidney Holden & Abe Frankl (Irving Berlin Music, 1926).
Source: http://www.churchofsatan.org/aslv.html

That might explain the similarity to Ayn Rand.... :roll:

Posted: 2003-12-17 03:46pm
by HemlockGrey
Two of the eleven rules advocate 'destroying' people and 'treating them cruelly and without mercy' if they annoy you, which, I think, could possibly lead to a few problems.

Incidentally, I've known a few people who adhere to this code and, for some odd reason, they all tend to be die-hard anarchists, but I don't see anything recommending such a preference.

Posted: 2003-12-17 04:16pm
by ArmorPierce
4. If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy.
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.
11. When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.

Seems fine with me.

Posted: 2003-12-17 04:20pm
by Alyrium Denryle
I would put them inperspective of how you would handle them in every day life.

Treating someone cuely and withut mercy, if they annoy you in your house... Well, if they are poor guests, be a poor host.

If you ask someone to stop intentionally tripping you, and they dont, punch them in the face.

Posted: 2003-12-17 04:48pm
by InnerBrat
I would be a Satanist except I think revenge is meaningless, but most importantly, I don't believe in magic.
Philosophically, I approve of it as a religion, and if i was going to joining one, then one in which orgasms are a part of the ritual would be cool, but I don't believe in magic, so can't subscribe to a major part of Satanism.

PS, there's a thread in SLAM started by myself somewhere...

Posted: 2003-12-17 04:50pm
by Darth Wong
HemlockGrey wrote:Two of the eleven rules advocate 'destroying' people and 'treating them cruelly and without mercy' if they annoy you, which, I think, could possibly lead to a few problems.
Do they actually refer to physically assaulting and murdering them, or is it just florid language?
Incidentally, I've known a few people who adhere to this code and, for some odd reason, they all tend to be die-hard anarchists, but I don't see anything recommending such a preference.
One of the problems with Anton Lavey's Satanism is that you must distinguish it from the Biblical Satan. It really has nothing to do with the Biblical Satan, and is grossly misnamed.

Posted: 2003-12-17 10:32pm
by Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman
4. If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy.
11. When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.
I see that most people has problem with these two rules; however, they might just be hyperboles. Of course if those two rules imply actual murder/physical assault, Satanism will cause problem the law, but what if they merely mean retribution in general? You don't have to break the law to fight back against someone who bothers you.

Actually, I have no problem with people that promotes this kind of attitude; as long as I don't annoy them, I'll be okay. It should be noted that if I annoy people in their own "lair", or bothering someone on the street, then I am the asshole, not those people.

So far, I agree with general principles of Satanism. In fact, they're just reflecting basic human traits, ain't they? IMHO, with sufficient amount of followers, I think Satanism should be acknowledged and treated equally as any other religion/belief.

Posted: 2003-12-17 10:39pm
by Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman
Lord Pounder wrote:However as an athiest i don't like any religon. Satanism is no different from christianity in my eyes.
How so? In what way?

Posted: 2003-12-17 11:00pm
by Rye
Satanism is essentially hedonism with a more controversial name, for the glorification of anton lavey.

It's nothing really that new, as far as i can tell. People get pissy about it because:

a)They think it's luciferianism.

b)It's name is based from their boogieman.

c)Sensationalism in the media from not differentiating between luciferianism and satanism, saying satanists eat people or whatever.

d)Satanists are annoying when they claim persecution when they have a deliberately controversial name without it really being necessary.