The contemporary practice of Satanism began with the founding of the Church of Satan in 1966, but there have been a multitude of Satanisms and several versions of what it means to be a Satanist.
Nevertheless, most scholars consider Satanism to be a modern religious movement. While it is true that Christians have applied the label of Satanist on their opponents throughout the history of Christianity, there is little evidence of any organized, self-declared Satanic group in ancient times. It appears that ancient traditions of demonizing heretical groups or other adversaries, including imaginary ones, as Satanists are just that.
There were examples of non-Christians discussing Satanism as an identity, but there is no reason to believe that they ever progressed to an actual practice of Satanism until the modern era.
Since the 1800s, a variety of small religious groups came into being that identified as Satanists or used Satanic symbology, but they were neither large nor long-lasting.
Realistically, it is best to view Satanism as a contemporary of the 1960s counterculture, New Age religion, the human potential movement, the sexual revolution, and the revolution in mass higher education, and all of these played a part in the development of Satanism as an organized religion.
While it may borrow from various older traditions, modern Satanism has its roots in a man named Aleister Crowley, an English occultist, poet, and novelist, who lived from 1875 to 1947. He founded the religion of Thelema and had a hand in several other esoteric religions, such as the Rosicrucians, Golden Dawn, and Freemasonry. He was also acquainted with L. Ron Hubbard, who later founded Scientology. Although Crowley never claimed to be a Satanist, his philosophies greatly influenced 20th-century Satanism.
Satanism is not a single movement with a single doctrinal voice. What they have in common has more to do with their self-identification as Satanic than in any doctrinal commonalities.
Some groups hold that Satan exists and that he is a powerful force who, if worshipped, will reward those who are aligned with him. Those who fall within this group are more likely to be secretive and to practice rites which would be considered evil, and are sometimes illegal.
Another group includes those who don't actually believe in the existence of Satan as an individual. They may view themselves as atheists, and their organization as a philosophy rather than a religion.
One thing that these groups have in common is a hatred for Christianity.
Another grouping consists of solitary Satanists, outlaw cults, and neo-Satanic churches.
Solitary Satanists are those who operate without a group, and generally practice a self-styled form of Satanism. In some cases, this has included small groups of people, generally youth, who embrace Satanism as a means of rebellion.
Outlaw cults tend to be secretive and involved in illegal activities. They usually revolve around a strong personality who heads the group.
Neo-Satanic churches are usually atheistic in nature, viewing Satan as a symbol of evil, or as a symbol of good when they consider Christianity to be evil.
The Church of Satan was founded by Anton Szandor LaVey in 1966. In his Satanic Bible, LaVey states that Satan represents indulgence rather than abstinence, vital existence rather than pipe dreams, and vengeance in lieu of turning the other cheek. Practitioners of the Church of Satan do not believe that Satan actually exists, and they do not worship him.
The Temple of Set was established by Michael Aquino in 1975. Aquino separated from the Church of Satan because he believed that LaVey was making a mockery of Satanism. The Temple of Set holds that Satan is an actual supernatural entity, named for the Egyptian deity Set, which Aquino claimed was the model for the Satan of Christianity.
Other Satanic groups include the First Satanic Church, founded by LaVey's daughter, the High Priestess Karla LaVey in 1999, and the Satanic Temple, whose members do not believe in a supernatural Satan.
The Order of Nine Angels, established in England in the late 1960s, is a more secretive organization without a central administration.
Those mentioned here and any other religion or religious movement that identifies as Satanic are appropriate for this category, even if they deny that they are a religion. Websites whose focus is on providing information relating to Satanism may also be submitted to this category, whether their purpose is to educate on the subject or to speak against the practice.
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@Satan & Satanology |
Recommended Resources
Aleister Nacht is a Satanic Magus and leader of the Magnum Opus Satanic Coven, as well as the author of books on various topics related to Satanism. An introduction to the author is featured, and a synopsis of his books is presented, and they are made available for purchase online. He also offers general information about Satanism, Satanic rituals and holidays, a blog, and contact data.
http://www.aleisternacht.com/
Atheistic Satanists consider theirs to be an actual religion, although they view Satan as a symbol or a metaphor for the things that are good for humanity. Characterized by the Church of Satan founded by Anton LaVey in 1966, the church views itself as a playful religion, but still a real religion. Atheistic Satanism is introduced here as nine circles, these being curiosity, pleasure, introspection, commerce, rebellion, philosophy, activism, truth, and finally freedom.
http://atheisticsatanism.com/
Formerly known as the Theistic Church of Satan, the church continues to practice theistic Satanism in that they hold to a belief in Satan and divine entities as physical entities that can and do interact with people, although lacking a bible or a set doctrine or rituals. However, the church rejects the LeVey form of Satan, and does not consider reverse Christianity to be Satanism. The practice and theory of theistic Satanism is discussed, as well as its organizational structure.
http://www.theisticchurchofsatan.webs.com/
Founded in 1966 why Anton Szandor LaVey, members of the Church of Satan view Satan as a metaphor for that which best suits the nature of who people are at birth. The official web site presents the history, theories and practices of the church, including the basics of Satanism and policy statements, as well as its membership policies, organizational structure, and contacts. Other resources include video, music, images, a book list and a film list.
http://www.churchofsatan.com/
The purpose of this Christian ministry is the promote Biblical truths and to expose false doctrine in the Christian Church and false religions. On his site, Jon Watkins seeks, not only to expose organized Satanism but the work of Satan wherever it might be. Articles decry the normalization of institutional Satanism in the United States, as well. News articles from around the world are the focus of many of its articles.
http://www.exposingsatanism.org/
The site represents one individual's view of Satan. Identifying herself only as Laura, she discusses her beliefs and understandings of Satan, and the acceptance she found for her lesbianism among the Satanic community. She tells her journey to Satanism, offers prayers to Satan, sermons, and prayer requests. As she is an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church, she includes a profile of the ULC as well.
http://inpraiseofsatan.webs.com/
Joy of Satan Ministries is a spiritual Satanic faith, its members believing Satan to be real and heralding him as the trut father and creator of humanity. Topics include an overview of spiritual Satanism, the Al-Jilwah, and the origins of Satan, as well as the ministry's goals in exposing Christianity, its views on death, the afterlife and hell, and other topics. Satanic symbols are portrayed, as well as a section for teens and children.
http://www.joyofsatan.org/
Inspired by the philosophy and spirit of the Satanic Bible, written by Anton Szandor LaVey, the Modern Church of Satan builds on the framework laid by LaVey's Church of Satan. The philosophy and evolution of the church is outlined, with information about the lifestyle and development of the church, its organizational structure and contacts. An online discussion forum is also available, although registration is required for participation.
http://www.modernchurchofsatan.com/
Intended for those who are interested in black magic, the site describes and offers the text and rituals of the black mass, witchcraft initiation rituals, rituals for the evocation of evil spirits, conjuration, restraint and welcome for spirits, conjuration of Lucifer, Beelzebuth, or Astaroth, a discharge of the spirit and a pacet with the devil, as well as information about the angelic court, the hierarchy of devils, and names of power.
http://www.satansheaven.com/
Established in 2010, the Satanic social networking site is designed for Satanists, with no differentiation or preference given on the basis of titles or type of Satanism. Membership information is offered, along with policy data, contacts, and links to other related sites. Other resources include blogs, discussion groups, photos, video, and an online shopping area. Donations may be made through the site.
https://www.satanicinternationalnetwork.com/
The author, who identifies herself as Venus Satanas, discovered Satanism in 1992 through a book written by Blanche Barton of the Church of Satan. She discusses her career as an artist, a Satanist, and as a woman, as well as her book, "The Al-Jilwah for Satanists," which she wrote for Satanists who wanted to explore the historical origins of Al-Jilwah, a book that has been labeled as evil by Christians and Satanists. Several essays are also featured.
http://www.spiritualsatanist.com/
The Temple of Set is a process for creating an individual, powerful essence that exists above all animal life and is the true vehicle for personal immortality. Known as Satanism in the West, it is otherwise known as the Left-Hand Path. Its tenets are antinomianism, individuality, control, black magic, and Set, which is the oldest form of the Prince of Darkness. Its structural policies, history, and several informational sections are set forth.
https://xeper.org/
The Description, Philosophies and Justification of Satanism
Featured here is a description, philosophies, and justification of Satanism, taken largely from the Church of Satan publications. Its pages include a discussion of the number and size of the Satanic community, an introduction to Satanic ritual and magic, and articles that make the argument that human good is dependent on evil, and not the other way around. Satanic social ethics and teachings on morality in Satanism is included.
http://www.dpjs.co.uk/
TST is a political advocacy ministry that advocates against corporal punishment in the public schools, and applies to hold clubs alongside other religious after-school clubs in schools, opposes the Westboro Baptist Church, applies for equal representation where religious monuments are placed on public property, and for protection against laws that restrict abortion. Contributions may be made online, and membership cards, tee shirts, candles and other items may be purchased.
https://thesatanictemple.com/
The Witch x The Satanic Temple
The official movie site introduces and promotes a film, which it portrays as "an impressive presentation of Satanic insight," and as a transformative Satanic experience, but it also appears to promote The Satanic Temple, a non-theistic religious organization dedicated to Satanic practice to the promotion of Satanic rights. The tenets and philosophy of Satanism are introduced, and a trailer to the movie is included.
http://www.satanic-revolution.com/
Theistic Satanism: The New Satanisms of the Era of the Internet
The author, Diane Vera, who describes herself as a theistic Satanist, also known as a traditional Satanist or a devil worshipper, defines the term as being one who believes in and worships Satan as a deity, and offers articles on a variety of topics related to theistic Satanism. She argues that the Internet has exposed people to theistic Satanism, reducing the influence of the atheistic Satanists of 1969. Suggestions for additional research are offered.
http://www.theisticsatanism.com/
The author of this site places the origins of Satanism with the Church of Satan created by Anton Szandor LaVey in 1966, arguing that there were no prior churches openly using that name, so his discussion of Satanism is of the LaVey's Church of Satan. He discusses the Satanic Bible, written by LaVey, as well as other Satanic groups which is does not consider legitimate. Other topics include social Darwinism in Satanism and the use of imagery in Satanism.
https://whatissatanism.com/
