User:Sticky Parkin/Satanism
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Satanism can refer to a number of belief systems depending on the user and context. Common use of the word generally refers to the worship of Satan as described in the Christian Bible or the practice of ritual magic. [1] LaVeyan Satanism is a religion founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey. Its teachings are based on individualism,[2] self-indulgence, and "eye for an eye" morality, with influence from Friedrich Nietzsche and Ayn Rand, while its rituals and magic draw heavily from occultists such as Aleister Crowley. Theistic Satanism, also known as Traditional Satanism, is the belief that Satan is an actual deity or force worthy of reverence or worship.[3] Within Theistic Satanism there are a wide variety of beliefs. Theistic Satanists may consider their forebears to include figures such as La Voisin. Some Theistic Satanists claim to have been born into a generational or familial tradition of Satanism.[4].
- For other uses of the word, see Satanism (disambiguation).
Both types of Satanist may believe in magic, and use ritual, but Theistic Satanists also believe in Satan as an independent agent and pray.[5] Borrowing Crowley's terminology, adherents of LaVeyan Satanism define it as a "Left-Hand Path" religion, rejecting traditional "Right-Hand Path" religions such as Christianity for their perceived denial of life and emphasis on guilt and abstinence. Unlike Theistic Satanism, which is rejected by the Church of Satan as Christian heresy rather than Satanism, it does not literally worship Satan, but rather uses Satan as a symbol for people's natural inner desires.[6] Theistic Satanists may either still consider themselves to be Left Hand Path, or consider the dichotomy implied in Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path, between self-development and worship, to be unnecessary.[7] It is often the practice of any given Satanist not to refer to themselves with a hyphenated prefix. Each "type" of Satanist will usually refer to themselves only as Satanists.
Belief in the existence of people who worship Satan has a long history, such as in the Witch Trials and Inquisition. The extent to which this belief has been valid in various eras is unknown.