Thread: The Church of Satan

*Throws 2 pennies in well*

Not trying to complicate things, but LaVey should not be synonymous with "Satanism." Maybe with the terms "Modern Satanism" or LaVeyan Satanism" because of the other Satanic perspectives that others choose to relate themselves to. To others, the Al-Jilwah is written about their Satanism or Michael Acquino's "Diabolicon" speaks to others. In other words, Satanism is not how just one perceives it. It depends on the individual and some of those individuals choose to see Satan as something more than what they see in the mirror.

Thanks for your time.

This is true, some see him as a fallen angel, some as the devil in physical form, and other as an idea. Some view Pan as Satan. I am assuming there are different branches for different beliefs. My little group viewed him as part man part animal. Ah well to each his own as with anything.

I apologize. That thread should've been under "Basics."

You are right, but then Oh well.

Originally Posted by abecorvinus

To some people Anton LaVey was a genius, some think he was a madman. What do you think?

Its like Christians mixing up the Man with the message. Or overlooking the message for the messenger.

I personally don't care who Anton LaVey is or was. Its what he wrote, how much of my own thoughts I see in it to call myself a satanist; how practical his message was, and if it produces real world results for me.

Mercie

[quote=Mercie352

Its like Christians mixing up the Man with the message. Or overlooking the message for the messenger.

I personally don't care who Anton LaVey is or was. Its what he wrote, how much of my own thoughts I see in it to call myself a satanist; how practical his message was, and if it produces real world results for me.

Mercie
[/quote]

Yes, the internet is a great way to discuss things with others but real world actions are what truly count.

As far as LaVey goes, I thought that the Satanic Bible was an eye opener the first time I read it although he derived many of his ideas from Friedrich Nietzsche and Ayn Rand. Yet, still enlightening and a good first book for those wishing to deprogram themselves from Christian dogma.

Originally Posted by Sinistar666

As far as LaVey goes, I thought that the Satanic Bible was an eye opener the first time I read it although he derived many of his ideas from Friedrich Nietzsche and Ayn Rand. Yet, still enlightening and a good first book for those wishing to deprogram themselves from Christian dogma.

A lot of people don't know it but the original version of The Satanic Bible has recognition paid to Ayn Rand, Friedrich Nietzsche and Ragnar Redbeard. Avon chose to omit it, for what reason I can't say.

I wouldn't classify it as a religion myself. Its self gratification with fancy words. It encompasses the traits of Satan i.e. pride, lust, gluttony ext. If you don't actually worship per say, its not really a religion is it? Levey is an idealist, not devout. I can be selfish sometimes, but 'do onto others as you would have them do onto you', is my rule. I find that it yields better results than 'me first'.

Originally Posted by SWM

I wouldn't classify it as a religion myself. Its self gratification with fancy words. It encompasses the traits of Satan i.e. pride, lust, gluttony ext. If you don't actually worship per say, its not really a religion is it? Levey is an idealist, not devout. I can be selfish sometimes, but 'do onto others as you would have them do onto you', is my rule. I find that it yields better results than 'me first'.

Would you say that Buddhism is not a religion?

I see your point. Why would a religion on finding inner peace without a deity be any different from one that worships oneself? Excellent argument.

I think Buddhism is more of a religion than LaVeyen[LaVey'n?] Satanism because of the process of enlightenment (i.e. self gratification vs. enlightenment). Buddhists realize that they can or can't be enlightened more often than not, where base selfishness is a blind towards the rest of the world in Satanism. I'm biased in this retrospect, because I find good will towards my fellow man more approachable than the "**** and Burn" of Satanism.