364 lines
17 KiB
Plaintext
364 lines
17 KiB
Plaintext
ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿
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³ WHAT IS SATANISM? ³
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ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ
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ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ
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1. FAQ Usenet Alt.SATANISM
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ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ
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1. What is Satanism?
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At first glance this may look like a simple question to answer: "Go
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look it up in the dictionary." would seem to be straightforward
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enough. In fact, I'll do it for you:
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Satanism, n. 1. the worship of Satan or the powers of
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evil. 2. a travesty of Christian rites in which Satan
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is worshipped. 3. diabolical or satanic disposition,
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behavior, or actions.
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[from _Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English
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Language_, (c) 1989]
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Unfortunately it's not that easy. There is no one set of beliefs that
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comprise Satanism. Because there is no set of doctrines or scriptures
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agreed upon by a majority of Satanists, would-be practitioners must
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define their beliefs for themselves, based upon a minimum of shared
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information. The issue is further confused by the fact that,
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historically, most records of real or imagined Satanism have been made
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by Satanists' traditional enemies, Christians. However a few
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generalizations can be made: the average Satanist disagrees with much
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of Christianity, believes in no absolute moral code, and places
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emphasis on the individual and personal rights. If you think this
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sounds like Libertarianism, you're right; many Satanists consider
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themselves Libertarians or feel close to the party on social issues.
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There are several divisions one could make as to the belief systems of
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various "Satanic" groups. This (arbitrary) division is made more to
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outline some belief systems than to categorize groups. Most defy
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categorization. The Process Church, for example, is surely a gnostic
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group, but neither of the two listed fit the Process very well.
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1. The Dabblers: adopt Satanic trappings for a brief
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period of time, usually for entertainment rather than
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serious purposes. Many modern youths fall into this category.
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2. Churches of Satan: are patterned after the teachings of
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Anton LaVey. These groups believe in individualism, gratification
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of the ego, self-reliance and the ideal of the Neitzchean Superman.
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These groups use Magick as a tool for earthly power. They see
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Satan as the driving force behind achievment in mankind.
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The two main organizations in this category are Anton LaVey's
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Church of Satan and Michael Aquino's Temple of Set. The two groups
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differ philosophically and organizationally.
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3. Gnostics: can be divided into two major categories
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3a. Promethian Gnostics: Believe in a literal "Satan", but believe
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that the creator of the world (Jehovah) is the evil deity. Satan is
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seen as the "bringer of light"; a beneficient god. This is an old
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"heresy" seen in groups such as the Yezidis.
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3b. Dark Gnostics: Worship the dark force in nature. These groups
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follow the whims of a capricious god, which most westerners would
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see as being "evil." There are a few historical christian heresies
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which would fall into this category. Kali worshippers could also
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be categorized here.
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4. Secondary Satanists: follow a faith outside the Christian
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mainstream. Most would not consider themselves as being "Satanic"
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and strictly speaking should not be defined as satanists (as per se
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with some of the Gnostic groups), but the ignorant often categorize
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them as Satanists. Voodoun and Santiera could be grouped here, as
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could medeaval wicca (if it actually existed).
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5. Hellfire Clubs: Were a phenomenon of the 18th century. The
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first of these was founded by the Duke of Wharton in the early
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1700's. Most infamous was sir Francis Dashwood's Medmenham club
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(Often incorrectly called the hellfire club). Dashwood was a
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close freind of Benjamin Franklin, who may have been a member of
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this group. Franklin's description of the Medmeham club's
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secret chambers is one of the few we have, so his membership seems
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likely. In any case, Dashwood and Franklin co-authored the
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"Franklin Prayer Book" (often called the Book of Common Prayer) which is
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commonly used in america. Another famous member of the
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Medmanham club was the Earl of Sandwich, inventor of (guess
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what) the Sandwich. Hellfire clubs were exclusive groups
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dedicated to much political intrigue, partying, and some
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occasional occult activities.
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have read _The Bible_ or part of it. They simply consider _The Bible_
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to be false and disregard it much like Christians would disregard
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books which represent the foundation of another religion. Attempting
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to discuss Christianity will, in most cases, only get you flamed and
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not inform the Satanist of "something they didn't know". If you are
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still tempted to post about _The Bible_ because you feel that we may
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have missed an important point, I suggest you seek out and read the
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alt.atheism FAQ before proceeding. Many of its points are applicable
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to alt.satanism.
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9. For the Christians among us: should you feel inclined to preach.
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You are all going to hell.
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Jesus saves!
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Quite often, members of fundamentalist Christian groups see fit to
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post various evangelical messages in alt.satanism. The reason for
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this is not clear. It has been suggested by various members of this
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net, who I shall lump under the convenient category of "Satanist,"
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that the reason for this posturing is that many (perhaps most)
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Born-Again Christian types are closet masochists. It has also been
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suggested that Christians need to save a certain number of souls to
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get a good seat in paradise, similar in spirit to selling candy-bars
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or magazines to fund various extra-curricular activities in school.
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Presumably Satanist souls, being sold to the devil already, are worth
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more points.
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While these theories have some merit, considering the teachings
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of their (allegedly) chosen religion, an attempt should be made to be
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open-minded enough to see their side of things.
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Many Christians, when asked why they do this, respond something
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to the effect that it is charity, something they do out of the
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goodness of their hearts, out of concern for people etc. etc. Well,
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if the Christian is really concerned with people, why not preach to
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those who have not heard the message? Most "Satanists" are well
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acquainted with the messages of Christianity. They have been preached
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to ad infinitum, and are fed up with it. That is part of the reason
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they are Satanists instead of plain old agnostics. Many Satanists are
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angered by such posts, and justifiably so.
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Now consider this:
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You will never convert a Satanist over USENET. You either
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1) are too infuriating;
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2) look like a fool.
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There is NO logical reason to convert to Christianity. The only
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appeals are to the emotions, and as stated before they either look
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foolish or infuriating. Things like, "But Jesus LOVES you; he died
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for your sins!" or "Your soul is in danger!" are appeals to guilt and
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---
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* Origin: Two Wheelers gateway <jpunix!urchin.fidonet.org> (1:106/88.0)
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Message number 4984 in "Satanism"
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Date: 02-26-93 12:28
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From: Lupo
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To: All
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Subj: Pt 4/5: FAQ posting
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SPLIT: 27 Feb 93 09:18:56 @106/88 506 04/05 +++++++++++
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PID: Fred 1.9n6
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fear respectively; not reason. As most Satanists have chosen this
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path out of reason, these appeals will never work. As for those
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Satanists who are so for emotional reasons, their minds are as closed
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as that of the Born-again Christian. Perhaps, if indeed preaching is
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done for humanitarian, and not egotistical or masochistic reasons,
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your energies are better spent educating those who know little of your
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faith: those born atheistic, communists, buddhists etc. If, as
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suspected, your purposes are more egotistical (look reverend; I
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converted a Satanist!) forget it. There are no "lost souls," waiting
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to be found, in this community.
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For the masochistically inclined, we suggest self-flagellation.
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It costs less disk space, is probably more satisfying, and is
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certainly less offensive to the general public.
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Otherwise; GROWL! BOOGA BOOGA! HASTUR, ASTAROTH, LEVIATHAN
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ISHTAR!!!!!!!!! XILKA XILKA! BESA BESA! go away already...
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10. How can I get more information about Satanism?
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Recommended Reading:
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_The Satanic Bible_, by Anton Szander LaVey, Avon Books, 1969.
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Presents the Satanic views and doctrines of the Church of Satan,
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along with an introduction to its rituals.
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_The Compleat Witch_ (the new edition is called _The Satanic Witch_),
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by Anton LaVey, Lancer Books, 1971.
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_The Satanic Rituals_, by Anton LaVey, University Books, 1972.
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More books discussing LaVey's brand of Satanism.
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_The Secret Life of a Satanist_ by Barton Blanche, Mondo Press.
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The authorized biography of Anton LaVey, and a basic guide to
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Satanic philosophy.
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_The Second Coming_, by Arthur Lyons, 1970 [out of print]
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A history of Satanism through the Middle Ages and the modern era.
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_Satan Wants You_, by Arthur Lyons, Mysterious Press (Warner), 1988.
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Presents an overview of Satanism and the history of Satan, plus
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an in-depth look at popular misconceptions.
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_ABRASAX #4_ A magazine published by the American Gnostic Church.
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Issue #4 is dedicated to Satan & satanic matters generally. They
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can be reached at:
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American Gnostic Church
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PO BOX 1219
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Corpus Christi, TX, 78403-1219
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(This is an old address--I have not checked yet.)
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_The Black Arts_, by Richard Cavendish, Perigee Books (Putnam), 1967.
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An objective introduction to magic, demonology, and classical
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views of Satanism.
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_Black Magic in Theory and Practice_, by Michael Aquino.
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_The Necronomicon_ [by the Mad Arab], Avon Books, 1977.
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Purported ritual book of great efficacy. Generally regarded as
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fiction interspersed with translations of Mesopotamian texts.
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Mileage may vary, depending on how seriously you take babble.
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_The Satan Seller_, Mike Warnke's imagination, Logos International,
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1972.
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A Christian presents his alleged experiences in a Satanic cult
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before his conversion to Christianity.
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_Cornerstone_, Volume 21, number 98, "Selling Satan," Jon Trott & Mike
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Hertenstein, 1992.
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This gets *highest* recommendation. From a Christian magazine
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which does a great job of discrediting Mike Warnke's accounts
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mentioned in _The Satan Seller_ and elsewhere
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_Do What You Will_ by Geoffry Ashe
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A history of philosophers & groups who use this thelemic motto.
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Especially nice history of the "Hellfire Clubs"
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_Satanism: The Seduction of America's Youth_, Bob Larson, Thomas
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Nelson Publishers, 1989.
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The facts on the *conspiracy* now coming to a lonely town near
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you!!! (You're reading the FAQ, so it's already here!)
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_Paradise Lost_ by John Milton.
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An epic poem telling the tale of Lucifer from when he is thrown
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out of heaven, to the Fall of Adam and Eve. It makes Lucifer
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into a heroic figure, whilst God is made out to be a little vague
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and weak.
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_The Divine Comedy_ by Dante.
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Another epic poem in three parts (Inferno, Purgatorio and
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Paradisio) covering the author's pilgrimage through them.
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_The Prince of Darkness_ by Jeffrey Burton Russell, Cornell University
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Press, 1988.
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Historian's work on the history of Satan from earliest history
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through the twentieth century. A summary of a four-book series
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(The Devil, Satan, Lucifer, and Mephistopheles, by the same
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author) which may be too much reading for casual interest.
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_The Old Enemy_ by Neil Forsyth, Princeton University Press, 1987.
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Another history of Satan focusing on the Middle East and early
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Christianity.
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_La-Bas (Down There)_ by J. K. Huysmans (1891?) translated by
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Keene Wallace.
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Fiction novel of the occult and the black mass in late
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nineteenth century Paris.
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H. P. Lovecraft, collected works.
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Classic horror fiction that has served as inspiration for many
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Satanists.
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Frederick Neitzsche, various works
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Neitzschean philosophies form the core of Satanism. Much of the _Satanic
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Bible_ owes its philosophical and literary roots to works such as
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_Thus Spoke Zarastrutha_ and _The Anti-Christ_ by Neitzche.
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Michel Foucault, works
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Though not a direct influence on Satanic thought, Foucault's work
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extended and modernized that of Neitzsche, making it more applicable
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to the present day. He is also largely responsible for the "post-modern"
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philosophical movement.
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_The Occult_ by Colin Wilson
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An excellent objective introduction to the subject.
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_Cosmic Trigger_ by Robert A. Wilson
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This book describes various initiations and occult phenomena
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experienced by Mr. Wilson.
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_Apocalypse Culture_ collected by Adam Parfey.
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---
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* Origin: Two Wheelers gateway <jpunix!urchin.fidonet.org> (1:106/88.0)
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Message number 4985 in "Satanism"
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Date: 02-26-93 12:28
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From: Lupo
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To: All
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Subj: Pt 5/5: FAQ posting
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SPLIT: 27 Feb 93 09:18:56 @106/88 506 05/05 +++++++++++
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PID: Fred 1.9n6
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A shocking work, depicting the worldviews of various "fringe"
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sects and individuals, ranging from necrophiliacs to ultra-right
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wing Christians.
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_Snapping; America's Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change_ by Flo
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Conway & Jim Siegelman.
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An interesting work utilizing information theory in the study of
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sudden personality change as occurs in religious cults, and the
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"Born-Again" phenomenon.
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_Who Wrote the Bible?_, by Richard Elliott Friedman, Harper & Row,
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1987.
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A biblical scholar attempts to answer the question of the title,
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and in the process comes up with some interesting reasons for
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events in _The Bible_ (why does Moses have horns? Why the scene
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with the golden calf?). An interesting read, and possibly
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amusing for the cynic.
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_The Dead Sea Scrolls_
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There are many good books on this subject for those who need to
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debunk Christianity historically as well as philosophically.
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Among them:
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_Dead Sea Scrolls & the Bible_ by Roland E. Murphy (a Roman
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Catholic at that) 1968
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_A Crack in the Jar; What ancient Jewish Documents tell
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us about the New Testament_ by Niel Fujita (also a
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Christian scholar) 1986
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_The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Christian Myth_ by John
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Allegro (one of the original Dead Sea Scholars) 1984
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Note than all of the above scholars are of the old school of
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scroll study. While all do a good job of debunking Christianity,
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the latest generation of scholarly works is even more damning.
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Following are a number of works recommended dealing with Satanism's
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links with crime, multiple personality disorder, etc.
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_The Satanism Scare_, ed. James T. Richardson, Joel Best, and David G.
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Bromley (NY: Aldine, 1991): 145-172.
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_Satan's Power: A Deviant Psychotherapy Cult_, by William Simms
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Bainbridge, U of CA Press, 1978.
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_Battle for the Mind_, by William Sargent, Harper & Row, 1957.
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_In Pursuit Of Satan_, by Robert D. Hicks (Prometheus Books),
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_Satanism In America_, issued by the Committee for the Scientific
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Examination of Religion.
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"Occult Crime: A Law Enforcement Primer"
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[To obtain a copy of this report, write to
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California Office of Criminal Justice Planning
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1130 K Street, Suite 300
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Sacramento, CA 95814
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(Phone: (916) 324-9100). Request the "Research Update, Special
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Edition, Winter 1989-1990, Volume 1, Number 6" issue. No mention
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is made of a donation, but it may be useful to inquire
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beforehand.]
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---
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* Origin: Two Wheelers gateway <jpunix!urchin.fidonet.org> (1:106/88.0)
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