Wikipedia

Theistic Satanism

Theistic Satanism,otherwise referred to astraditional Satanism,religious Satanism,orspiritual Satanism,[2]is an umbrella term for religious groups that considerSatan,the Devil,to objectively exist as adeity,supernaturalentity,orspiritual beingworthy of worship or reverence, whom individuals may believe in, contact, and convene with, in contrast to the atheisticarchetype,metaphor,orsymbolfound inLaVeyan Satanism.[2][3][4]

The invertedpentagramis a widespread symbol of Satanism.[1]

Organizations who uphold theistic Satanist beliefs most often have few adherents, are loosely affiliated or constitute themselves as independent groups andcabals,which have largelyself-marginalized.[5]Another prominent characteristic of theistic Satanism is the use of various types ofmagic.[2]Most theistic Satanist groups exist in relatively new models and ideologies, many of which are independent of theAbrahamic religions.[2][4][6]

In addition to the worship of Satan or the Devil in theAbrahamic sense,religious traditions based on the worship of other "adversarial" gods—usually borrowed frompre-Christianpolytheistic religions—are often included within theistic Satanism.[2]Theistic Satanist organizations may incorporate beliefs and practices borrowed fromGnosticism,Hermeticism,Neo-Paganism,New Age,theleft-hand path,black magic,ceremonial magic,Crowleyanmagick,Western esotericism,occult traditions,andsorcery.[2][4][7]

Overview

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Since the first half of the 1990s, theinternethas increased the interaction, visibility, communication, and spread of different currents and beliefs amongself-identified Satanistsand has led to the propagation of more conflicting and diverse groups,[10]but Satanism has always been a heterogeneous, pluralistic, decentralizedreligious movementand "culticmilieu".[13]Religion academics,scholars of New religious movements,andsociologists of religionfocused on Satanism have sought to study it by categorizing its currents according to whether they are esoteric/theistic or rationalist/atheistic,[14][15]and they referred to the practice of working with a literalSatanas theistic or "traditional" Satanism.[3]It is generally a prerequisite to being considered a theistic Satanist that the believer accepts a theological and metaphysical canon which involves one or more gods that are either considered to be Satan in the strictest,Abrahamic sense(theJudeo-Christian-Islamicconception of theDevil), or a conception of Satan that incorporates "adversarial" gods usually borrowed frompre-Christianpolytheistic religions,[14]such asAhrimanorEnki.[16][17]Despite the number of self-professed theistic Satanists constantly increasing since the 1990s, they are considered by most scholars of religion to be a minority group within Satanism.[2][9]

Many theistic Satanists believe that their own individualized concepts are based on pieces of all of these diverse conceptions of Satan, according to their inclinations and sources of spiritual guidance, rather than only believing in one suggested interpretation.[2][4]Some may choose to live out the myths and stereotypes, but Christianity is not always the primary frame of reference for theistic Satanists.[2][4][6]Their religion may be based onGnosticism,Hermeticism,Neo-Paganism,New Age,theleft-hand path,black magic,ceremonial magic,Crowleyanmagick,Western esotericism,occult traditions,andsorcery.[2][4][7]Theistic Satanists who base their faith onChristian ideas about Satanare referred to as "Diabolists",[18]although they are also referred to as "reverse Christians" by other Satanists, often in a pejorative fashion.[2][4]However, those labelled by some as "reverse Christians" may see their concept of Satan as undiluted or unsanitized. They worship a stricter interpretation of Satan: that of the Satan featured in theChristian Bible.[19]Peter H. Gilmore,current leader of the atheisticChurch of Satan,considers "Devil-worship" to be aChristian heresy,that is, a divergent form of Christianity.[20]The diversity of individual beliefs within theistic Satanism, while being a cause for intense debates within the religion, is also often seen as a reflection of Satan, who is believed to encourageindividualism.[21]

Recent and contemporary theistic Satanism

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Currents

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The diversity of beliefs amongst Satanists, both theistic andnon-theistic,was examined in a demographic survey conducted in 2001 by the Americanreligion scholarandsociologist of religionJames R. Lewisand subsequently published on theMarburg Journal of Religion.[4]According to the survey, the statistically-average demographic and ideological profile of a Satanist is anunmarriedWhite maleraised as aChristianwho began to explore other religions during histeenage years,upholdsnon-theistichumanismand practicesmagic.[4]A 2016 survey found that most self-identified Satanists were located inDenmark,Norway,and theUnited States.[22]

Our Lady of Endor Coven

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The first recognizedesoteric,non-LaVeyan Satanist organization was theOphite Cultus Satanas,[23][24]which claimed to have been founded in 1948 by Herbert Arthur Sloane and therefore to allegedly precede the foundation of Anton LaVey'sChurch of Satan.[23][24]Their doctrine relies on aGnosticconception of Satan as the liberatingserpentand bestower of knowledge to humankind opposed to themalevolentdemiurgeorcreator god,[23][24]mainly inspired by the Gnosticdualistic cosmologyof theOphites,[24]Hans Jonas' study on the history of Gnosticism,[23]and thewritings of Margaret Murrayon thewitch-cult hypothesis.[23][24]"Our Lady of Endor"seems to have been the only existingcovenof this Satanist organization,[24]which was disbanded shortly after the death of its founder during the 1980s.[23]

Temple of Set and Setianism

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Some scholars equate the veneration of theEgyptian godSetby theTemple of Setto theistic Satanism.[3]However, other scholars do not consider them as theistic Satanists, and the affiliates to the Temple of Set themselves do not identify as such.[25]The doctrine of the Temple of Set, anoccultinitiatory orderfounded in 1975 by Michael Aquino as asplinter groupfrom LaVey's Church of Satan, heavily relies on thewritings of Aleister Crowleywith elements borrowed fromceremonial magic,the left-hand path,Western esotericism,andmysticism.[25]They believe that the Egyptian deity Set is the real Prince of Darkness behind the name "Satan", of whom theJudeo-Christian-Islamicconception ofthe Devilis just a caricature.[25]Their practices primarily center on self-development.[25]Within the Temple of Set, theBlack Flame of Setis the individual's god-like core which is a kindred spirit to Set, and which they seek to develop.[25]In theistic Satanism, theBlack Flameis knowledge which was given to humanity by Satan, who is a being independent of the Satanist himself, and which he can dispense to the Satanist who seeks knowledge.[3]Religion scholarKennet Granholm regards the Temple of Set as an occult organization that should not be labelled "Satanist" anymore, since it has cut all ties with the Satanicmilieuand today entirely belongs to the left-hand path tradition.[26]

First Church of Satan

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The First Church of Satan (FCoS), another splinter group that separated from LaVey's Church of Satan during the 1970s,[27]attempts to rediscover the teachings of Aleister Crowley and believe thatAnton LaVeyactually was amagusin the early days of the Church of Satan but gradually renounced his powers, became isolated and embittered.[27]Furthermore, the First Church of Satan strongly criticizes the current Church of Satan as a pale shadow of its former self, and they strive to "maintain a Satanic organization that is not hostile or manipulative toward its own members".[27]

Order of Nine Angles

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TheOrder of Nine Angles(ONA or O9A) is aSatanicandleft-hand pathoccultistgroup which is based in theUnited Kingdom,and associated groups are based in other parts of the world.[2][28][29]David Myatt,[29]a former bodyguard and supporter of theBritish Neo-NazileaderColin Jordan,[28][29]is considered the founder of the Order.[29]In 1998, Myatt converted toradical Islamwhile continuing to lead the Order of Nine Angles; later on, herepudiated the Islamic religionin 2010 and publicly declared to have renounced all forms ofextremism.[29]

The Order of Nine Angles identify as theistic Satanists, practicing "traditional Satanism",[2]but observers have found a number of different occult and political beliefs.[29]Sociologist of religionMassimo Introvignedefined it as "a synthesis of three different currents:hermetic,pagan, and Satanist ",[29]whereas themedievalistand professor of Religious studies Connell Monette dismissed the Satanic features of the O9A as "cosmetic" and contended that "its core mythos and cosmology are genuinelyhermetic".[29]According to the scholar of Western esotericismNicholas Goodrick-Clarke,"the ONA celebrated the dark, destructive side of life throughanti-Christian,elitist,andSocial Darwinistdoctrines ", together with the organization's implicit ties toNeo-Nazismand the appraisal ofNational Socialism.[28]The Order of Nine Angles believe that theseven planetsand theirsatellitesare connected to the "Dark Gods", while Satan is considered to be one of two "actual entities", the other one beingBaphomet,with the former conceived as male and the latter as female.[29]The organization became controversial and was mentioned in the press and books because of their promotion ofhuman sacrifice.[30]Since the 2010s, the political ideology and religious worldview of the Order of Nine Angles have increasingly influencedmilitantneo-fascistandNeo-Naziinsurgentgroups associated withright-wing extremistandWhite supremacistinternational networks,[31]most notably theIron Marchforum.[31]A number of rapes, killings and acts ofterrorismhave been perpetrated by individuals influenced by the O9A.[32]

Michael W. Ford
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InLuciferianism,Michael W. Ford, author andblack metalmusician, abandoned theOrder of Nine Anglesin 1998,criticizing it for its Neo-Nazi ideology,[33]and founded his own autonomous Satanist organizations in the same year: the Order of Phosphorus[33]and the Black Order of the Dragon;[33]in the following years, he founded the Church of Adversarial Light in 2007,[33]and the Greater Church of Lucifer (GCOL) in 2013.[33]In 2015, Ford announced that the Order of Phosphorus would be integrated into the Greater Church of Lucifer, which welcomes both theistic andrationalistic Satanists,as well asNeo-Pagansand various followers of diverseoccultspiritualities.[33]Ford presents both a theistic and atheistic approach to Luciferianism, and his ideas are enunciated in a wide compendium of publications,[33]although they are difficult to situate into a single, cohesive belief system;[33][34]theWisdom of Eosphoros(2015) is considered the Greater Church of Lucifer's official statement and the core of its Luciferian philosophy.[33]Theistic Luciferianism is considered an individualistic, personal spirituality which is established via initiation and validation of the Adversarial philosophy. Luciferians, if theistic, do not accept the submission of 'worship' yet rather a unique and subjective type of Apotheosis via the energies of perceived deities, spirits and demons.

Joy of Satan

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Joy of Satan Ministries(JoS), a website founded in the early 2000s by Maxine Dietrich (pseudonymof Andrea Herrington),[17][35]wife of the AmericanNational Socialist Movement's co-founder and former leader Clifford Herrington,[17][36][37]combines theistic Satanism withNeo-Nazism,racial anti-Semitism,anti-Judaic,anti-Christian sentimentandGnosticPaganism,as well asNordic aliens,UFO conspiracy theoriesandanti-Semitic conspiracy theories.[17][38]Joy of Satan advocates "spiritual Satanism" and believes Satan to be a sentient and powerfulextraterrestrial being,although not a supernatural god.[17]The Satanic practices promoted by Joy of Satan involve meditation,telepathic contactswith demons, rituals, andsex magic.[17]In 2004, following the exposure of Andrea Herrington among Joy of Satan's members as the wife of Neo-Nazi leader Clifford Herrington and her ties with the National Socialist Movement, many adherents abandoned Joy of Satan and formed their own autonomous Satanist or Neo-Pagan organizations, such as the House of Enlightenment, Enki's Black Temple, the Siaion, the Knowledge of Satan Group, and the Temple of The Ancients.[17]According to Introvigne (2016), "most are by now defunct, while Joy of Satan continues its existence, although with a reduced number of members".[17]In July 2006, after the exposure of Herrington's wife's Satanic website within the National Socialist Movement, Andrea and Clifford Herrington were both kicked out of the National Socialist Movement;[36]following the Herrington scandal,Bill White,the then-National Socialist Movement's spokesman, also quit alongside many others.[36]According to Introvigne (2016), "its ideas on extraterrestrials, meditation, and telepathic contacts with demons became, however, popular in a largermilieuof non-LaVeyan "spiritual" or "theistic" Satanism ".[17]According to the scholar ofReligious studiesandresearcher of New religious movementsJesper Aagaard Petersen's survey on the Satanicmilieu's proliferation on the internet (2014), "the only sites with some popularity are theChurch of Satanand (somewhat paradoxically) Joy of Satan's page base on theangelfirenetwork, and they are still very far fromScientologyor YouTube. Most of these sites are decidedly fringe. "[39]

Turku Society for the Spiritual Sciences

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Pekka Siitoinfounded the satanist group called theTurku Society for the Spiritual Sciences(Turun Hengentieteen Seura) on September 1, 1971. The society stated its founding principles as “promot[ing] nationalist patriotic activity [and] development of Aryan spirituality". The society also stated opposition to capitalism, communism amd "the Jewish religion based on Jehovah’s tyranny.”[40]Siitoin believed inneo-GnosticismandTheosophyand combined these with antisemitism and satanism. To him, Lucifer, Satan and Jesus were subordinate to theMonad,and could be worshiped together. According to Siitoin,Mosesinvented magic, but jealousDemiurge-Jehova seeks to obscure its knowledge from the gentiles. Lucifer was aPrometheanfigure who created the original humanity and granted them wisdom so that they would evolve to be equal to Gods in time, while Jehova created the Jewish race to usurp Lucifer's power and lord over humanity. Siitoin was also influenced by Christian apocrypha, likeGospel of Judasand to him Jesus was an agent of the Monad and Lucifer against the Demiurge. These are combined with elements of Finnish folk magic.[41][42][43][44]The Society allegedly performed satanic orgies which researcher of religion Pekka Iitti opined might not be "far off from the truth".[45]Several of the perpetrators of theKursiivi printing house arsonin November 1977 were members of the society.[46]

Satanic Reds

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Differing from other Satanic organizations, the Satanic Reds is an occult organization with aMarxist-Communistpolitical orientationfounded by Tani Jantsang in 1997.[47][48]Their doctrine is largely based on thewritings of H. P. Lovecraftmixed with elements ofCentral Asian folkloreand the advocacy ofsocial welfare;[48]the group became notable mainly for theironline activismand usage ofcommunist symbolsmerged with Satanist ones.[48]However, the Satanic Reds claim to belong to the left-hand path but do not identify as theistic Satanists in the manner of believing in Satan as a god with a personality, since they conceive it asSatandTan,"Being and Becoming", similarly to the fictional deity of chaosNyarlathotepfrom Lovecraft'sCthulhu Mythos.[48]The religious practices of the Satanic Reds comprise occult rituals and a form ofbaptism,and the organization advocates a "renewedNew Deal",a moderatesocial programofreformsinspired byFranklin D. Roosevelt.[48]

Misanthropic Luciferian Order

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One other group is theTemple of the Black Light,formerly known as the Misanthropic Luciferian Order prior to 2007. The group espouses a philosophy known as "Chaosophy". Chaosophy asserts that the world that mankind lives in, and the universe that it lives in, all exist within the realm known as Cosmos. Cosmos is made of three spatial dimensions and one linear time dimension. Cosmos rarely ever changes and is a materialistic realm. Another realm that exists is known as Chaos. Chaos exists outside of the Cosmos and is made of infinite dimensions and unlike the Cosmos, it is always changing. Members of the TotBL believe that the realm of Chaos is ruled over by 11 dark gods, the highest of them being Satan, and all of said gods are considered manifestations of a higher being. This higher being is known as Azerate, the Dragon Mother, and is all of the 11 gods united as one. The TotBL believes that Azerate will resurrect one day and destroy the Cosmos and let Chaos consume everything. The group has been connected to the Swedishblack/death metalbandDissection,particularly its front manJon Nödtveidt.[49]Nödtveidt was introduced to the group "at an early stage".[50]The lyrics on the band's third album,Reinkaos,are all about beliefs of the Temple of the Black Light.[51]Nödtveidt committed suicide in 2006.[52][53]

Other groups and currents

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Some groups are mistaken by scholars for theistic Satanists, such as the First Church of Satan.[3]However, the founder of the FCoS, John Allee, considers what he calls "Devil-worship" to often be asymptom of psychosis.Other groups such as the 600 Club,[54]are accepting of all types of Satanists, as are the Synagogue of Satan, which aims for theultimate destruction of all religions,paradoxically including itself, and encourages not self-indulgence but self-expression balanced bysocial responsibility.[55]

Relation to other theologies

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TheisticLuciferiangroups are particularly inspired byLucifer(from the Latin for ‘bearer of light’), who they may or may not equate with Satan. While some theologians believe the Son of the Dawn, Lucifer, and other names were actually used to refer to contemporary political figures, such as a Babylonian King, rather than a single spiritual entity[56][57](although on the surface the Bible explicitly refers to the King ofTyrus), those that believe it refers to Satan infer that by implication it also applies to the fall of Satan.[58]Satan is also identified by the Joy of Satan with theSumerian godEnkiand theYazidi angelMelek Taus;[17]however, Introvigne (2016) himself remarks that their theistic Satanist interpretation of Enki derives from thewritings of Zecharia Sitchinwhile the one about Melek Taus partially derives from thewritings of Anton LaVey.[17]

Values in theistic Satanism

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Éliphas Lévi's 19th-century drawing of theBaphomet(also known as the "Sabbatic Goat" or the Goat of Mendes),[59]adopted symbol of some left-hand-path systems, including some theistic Satanist groups.

Seeking knowledge is seen by some theistic Satanists as being important to Satan, due to Satan being equated with the serpent in Genesis, which encouraged humans to partake of the fruit of theTree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.[60]Some perceive Satan asÉliphas Lévi's conception ofBaphomet– ahalf-human and half-animalhermaphroditicbestower of knowledge (gnosis).[59]Some Satanic groups, such as Luciferians, also seek to gain greater gnosis.[49]Some of such Satanists, such as the former Ophite Cultus Satanas, equateYahwehwith thedemiurgeofGnosticism,andSatanwith the transcendent being beyond.[49]

Self-development is important to theistic Satanists. This is due to the Satanists' idea of Satan, who is seen to encourage individuality and freedom of thought, and the quest to raise one's self up despite resistance, through means such asmagicand initiative. They believe Satan wants a more equal relationship with his followers than theAbrahamic goddoes with his. From a theistic Satanist perspective, the Abrahamic religions (chiefly Christianity) do not define "good" or "evil" in terms of benefit or harm to humanity, but rather on the submission to or rebellion against God.[61]Some Satanists seek to remove any means by which they are controlled or repressed by others and forced to follow the herd, and reject non-governmental authoritarianism.[62]

As Satan in the Old Testament tests people, theistic Satanists may believe that Satan sends them tests in life to develop them as individuals. They value taking responsibility for oneself. Despite the emphasis on self-development, some theistic Satanists believe that there is a will of Satan for the world and for their own lives. They may promise to help bring about the will of Satan,[63]and seek to gain insight about it through prayer, study, ormagic.In the Bible, a being called "the god of this world" is mentioned in theSecond Epistle to the Corinthians4:4,which Christians typically equate with Satan.[64]Some Satanists therefore think that Satan can help them meet their worldly needs and desires if they pray or work magic. They would also have to do what they could in everyday life to achieve their goals, however.

Theistic Satanists may try not to project an image that reflects negatively on their religion as a whole and reinforces stereotypes, such as promotingNazism,abuse, or crime.[62]However, some groups, such as theOrder of Nine Angles,criticize the emphasis on promoting a good image for Satanism; the ONA described LaVeyan Satanism as "weak, deluded and American form of 'sham-Satanic groups, the poseurs'",[65]and ONA member Stephen Brown claimed that "the Temple of Set seems intent only on creating a 'good public impression', with promoting an 'image'".[66]The order emphasises that its way "is and is meant to be dangerous"[67]and "[g]enuine Satanists are dangerous people to know; associating with them is a risk".[68]Similarly, the Temple of the Black Light has criticized theChurch of Satan,and has stated that theTemple of Setis "trying to make Setianism and the ruler of darkness, Set, into something accepted and harmless, this way attempting to become a 'big' religion, accepted and acknowledged by the rest of theJudaeo-Christiansociety ".[49]The TotBL rejects Christianity, Judaism, andIslamas "the opposite of everything that strengthens the spirit, and is only good for killing what little that is beautiful, noble, and honorable in this filthy world".[49]

There is argument among Satanists over animal sacrifice, with most groups seeing it as both unnecessary and putting Satanism in a bad light, and distancing themselves from the few groups that practice it,[which?]such as the Temple of the Black Light.[69]

Theistic Satanism often involves a religious commitment, rather than being simply anoccultpractice based on dabbling or transient enjoyment of the rituals and magic involved.[70]Practitioners may choose to perform a self-dedication rite, although there are arguments over whether it is best to do this at the beginning of their time as a theistic Satanist, or once they have been practicing for some time.[71][52]

Historical mentions of Satanism

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The age of accusations

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Illustration byMartin van Maëleof aWitches' Sabbathfrom the 1911 edition ofLa Sorciere,written byJules Michelet.

In thehistory of Christianity,the worship of Satan was a frequent accusation used since theMiddle Ages.[72]The first ones formally accused to be Devil-worshippers were theAlbigensians,aGnostic Christian movementconsidered to be hereticalandpersecutedby theRoman Catholic Church;the charge was formulated during theCatholic Inquisitionby theFourth Lateran Council(1215), convoked byPope Innocent III.[72]The charge of Devil-worship has also been made against groups or individuals regarded with suspicion, such as theKnights Templaror minority religions.[73]In the case of thetrials of the Knights Templar(1307), the Templars' writings mentioned the termBaphomet,which was an Old French corruption of the name "Mahomet"[74](the prophet of thepeople who the Templars fought against), and thatBaphometwas falsely portrayed as a demon by the people who accused the Templars. During theReformation Era,Counter-Reformation,andEuropean wars of religion,the charge of Devil-worship was used againstpeople charged in the witch trialsinearly modern Europeand otherwitch-hunts.[72]The most notorious cases were those of two GermanInquisitorsandDominicanpriestsunder the patronage ofPope Innocent VIII:Heinrich KramerandJacob Sprenger,authors of theMalleus Maleficarum(1486),[2]in theHoly Roman Empire,[72]along with theSalem witch trialsthat occurred during the 17th-centuryPuritan colonization of North America.[72][75]

It is not known to what extent accusations of groups worshiping Satan in the time of the witch trials identified people who did consider themselves Satanists, rather than being the result of religious superstition or mass hysteria, or charges made against individuals suffering frommental illness.Confessions are unreliable, particularly as they were usually obtained undertorture.[76]However, scholarJeffrey Burton Russell,Professor Emeritus of the University of California at Santa Barbara, has made extensive arguments in his bookWitchcraft in the Middle Agesthat not all witch trial records can be dismissed and that there is in fact evidence linkingwitchcrafttoGnostic Christianheretical movements,particularly theantinomiansects.[77]Russell comes to this conclusion after having studied the source documents themselves. Individuals involved in theAffair of the Poisonswere accused of Satanism and witchcraft.[78]

Historically,Satanistwas a pejorative term for those with opinions that differed from predominant religious or moral beliefs.[79]Paul Tuitean believes the idea of acts of "reverse Christianity" was created by the Inquisition,[80]but George Bataille believes that inversions of Christian rituals such as the Mass may have existed prior to the descriptions of them which were obtained through thewitchcraft trials.[81]

Grimoire Satanism

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The fullsigilofLucifer,as it originally appeared in theGrimorium Verum

In the 1700s, various kinds of popular "Satanic" literature began to be produced in France, including some well-knowngrimoireswith instructions for making apact with the Devil.Most notable are theGrimorium VerumandThe Grand Grimoire.TheMarquis de Sadedescribes defiling crucifixes and other holy objects, and in his novelJustinehe gives a fictional account of theBlack Mass,[82]althoughRonald Haymanhas said Sade's need for blasphemy was an emotional reaction and rebellion from which Sade moved on, seeking to develop a more reasoned atheistic philosophy.[83] Nineteenth century occultistÉliphas Lévipublished his well-known drawing of theBaphometin 1855, which notably continues to influence Satanists today.

Finally, in 1891,Joris-Karl Huysmanspublished his Satanic novel,Là-bas,which included a detailed description of aBlack Masswhich he may have known firsthand was being performed in Paris at the time,[84]or the account may have been based on the masses carried out byÉtienne Guibourg,rather than by Huysmans attending himself.[85]Quotations from Huysmans' Black Mass are also used in some Satanic rituals to this day, since it is one of the few sources that purports to describe the words used in a Black Mass. The type of Satanism described inLà-bassuggests that prayers are said to theDevil,hosts are stolen from the Catholic Church, and sexual acts are combined withRoman Catholicaltar objects and rituals, to produce a variety of Satanism which exalts Satan and degrades the god of Christianity by inverting Roman Catholic rites.George Batailleclaims that Huysman's description of the Black Mass is "indisputably authentic".[81]Not all theistic Satanists today routinely perform the Black Mass, possibly because the Mass is not a part ofmodern evangelical ChristianityinProtestant-majority countries,[72]and so not such an unintentional influence on Satanist practices in those countries.

Organized Satanism

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The earliest verifiable theistic Satanist group was a small group called theOphite Cultus Satanas,which was created in Ohio in 1948. The Ophite Cultus Satanas was inspired by the ancientOphitesect ofGnosticism,and theHorned GodofWicca.The group was dependent upon its founder and leader, and therefore dissolved after his death in 1975.

Michael Aquino published a rare 1970 text of a Church of Satan Black Mass, theMissa Solemnis,in his bookThe Church of Satan,[86]andAnton LaVeyincluded a different Church of Satan Black Mass, theMesse Noire,in his 1972 bookThe Satanic Rituals.LaVey's books on Satanism, which began in the 1960s, were for a long time the few available which advertised themselves as being Satanic, although others detailed the history of witchcraft and Satanism, such asThe Black ArtsbyRichard Cavendishpublished in 1967 and the classic French workSatanism and Witchcraft,byJules Michelet.Anton LaVey specifically denounced "devil-worshippers" and the idea of praying to Satan.

Although non-theistic LaVeyan Satanism had been popular since the publication ofThe Satanic Biblein 1969, theistic Satanism did not start to gain any popularity until the emergence of theOrder of Nine Anglesin western England, and its publication ofThe Black Book of Satanin 1984.[87]The next theistic Satanist group to be created was theMisanthropic Luciferian Order,which was created in Sweden in 1995. The MLO incorporated elements from the Order of Nine Angles, theIlluminates of Thanateros,andqlippothicQabalah.

The Dakhma of Angra Mainyu (Church of Ahriman), founded in 2012, is a theistic Satanist organization led by Adam Daniels.[88]Its worship includes celebrations of a Black Mass that involvedesecration of consecrated hoststhat are used in Christian celebrations ofHoly Communion.[89][90][91]The Church of Ahriman performs rituals that involve the desecration of Christian statuary of the Virgin Mary usingmenstrual blood(which they refer to as "The Consumption of Mary" ), as well as desecration of religious texts such as the Qur'an.[92][93]The Dakhma of Angra Mainyu performs Satanic exorcisms, an inversion of Christian exorcisms.[89]

Satan

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Main article:Satan

Satan is a sinfulentitydepicted as the embodiment ofevilin the Abrahamic religions. InJudaism,Satan is seen as an agent subservient toGod,typically regarded as a metaphor for theyetzer hara,or "evil inclination." InChristianityandIslam,he is usually seen as afallen angelorjinnwho hasrebelledagainstGod,who nevertheless allows him temporary power over the fallen world and a host ofdemons.

Devil in Christianity

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Main article:Devil in Christianity
The Fallen Angel(1847) byAlexandre Cabanel

A large percentage of theistic Satanists worshipSatan conceived as the Devil in the Christian religion.[2][3][4]In Christianity, the Devil, also known as Satan or Lucifer, is thepersonificationof evil and author ofsin,who rebelled againstGodin an attempt to become equal to God himself.[a]He is depicted as afallen angel,who was expelled fromHeavenat the beginning of time, before God created the material world, and is in constant opposition to God.[95][96]

The Devil is described and depicted as being perfect in beauty. He was so enamored with his own beauty and self, that he became vain, and so prideful[97]that he corrupted himself[98]and began to desire the same honor and glory that belonged to God. Eventually he rebelled and tried to overthrow God, and as a result was cast out of heaven.[99]Satanis also portrayed as a father to his daughter,Sin,by the 17th-century English poetJohn MiltoninParadise Lost.[100]

Symbolism

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Witches' Sabbath(1798) byFrancisco Goya,depicting Satan in the form of agarlandedgoat.

Since the 19th century, various small religious groups have emerged that identify as Satanists or use Satanic iconography. The Satanist groups that appeared after the 1960s are widely diverse, but two major trends are theistic Satanism andatheistic Satanism.[101]Theistic Satanists venerate Satan as worthy of worship, viewing him not as omnipotent but rather as apatriarch.In contrast, atheistic Satanists regard Satan as a symbol of certain human traits.[102]

A goat head and inverted pentagram form theSigil of Baphomet.

Baphomet,adeityallegedly worshipped by theKnights Templar,[103]frequently appears in Satanic symbolism, with usage based on claims thatFreemasonryworshipped both Satan and Baphomet, as well as Lucifer, in their rituals. Both Satan and Baphomet are often depicted or symbolized as a goat, therefore the goat and goat's head are significant symbols throughout Satanism. The inverted pentagram is also a significant symbol used for Satanism, sometimes depicted with the goat's head of Baphomet within it, popularized by the Church of Satan. In most recent and modern times the "inverted cross"is used and seen as ananti-Christianand satanic symbol, used similarly in the way of the inverted pentagram.[104]

Personal theistic Satanism

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The American serial killerRichard Ramirezself-identified as a Satanist.

TheAmericanserial killerRichard Ramirezclaimed that he was a (theistic) Satanist; during his 1980s killing spree he left an inverted pentagram at the scene of each murder and at his trial called out "Hail Satan!"[105]Ramirez made various references to Satan during his legal proceedings; he notably drew a pentagram on his palm at his trial.[106]Ramirez stated during hisdeath rowinterview he believed in a "malevolent being" and that Satan's "description eludes" him.[107]Ramirez also enjoyed frequently degrading and humiliating his victims, especially those who survived his attacks or whom he explicitly decided not to kill, by forcing them to profess that they loved Satan, or telling them to "swear on Satan" if there were no more valuables left in their homes he had broken into and burglarized.

Modern-day public image of Satanism and moral panics

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Main article:Satanic ritual abuse

As amoral panicbetween the 1980s and the 1990s in the United States and Canada, there were multiple allegations ofsexual abuseand/or ritual sacrifice of children or non-consenting adults in the context of Satanic rituals in what has come to be known as theSatanic Panic.[2][72][108][109]

Allegations included the existence of aworldwide Satanic conspiracyformed by large networks of organized Satanists involved in criminal activities such as murder,child pornography,sexual exploitation of children,andhuman trafficking for prostitution.[2][72][108]In the United States, theKern County child abuse cases,McMartin preschool trial,and theWest Memphis caseswere widely reported.[108]One case took place inJordan, Minnesota,in which children made allegations of the manufacture ofchild pornography,ritualisticanimal sacrifice,coprophagia,urophagia,andinfanticide,at which point theFederal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) was alerted. Twenty-four adults were arrested and charged with acts of sexual abuse, child pornography, and other crimes claimed to be related to Satanic ritual abuse; three went to trial, two were acquitted, and one was convicted.Supreme Court Justice Scalianoted in a discussion of the case that "[t]here is no doubt that some sexual abuse took place in Jordan; but there is no reason to believe it was as widespread as charged", and cited the repeated, coercive techniques used by the investigators as damaging to the investigation.[110]

These notorious cases were launched after children were repeatedly and coercively interrogated by social workers, resulting infalse allegations of child sexual abuse.[2][108]No evidence was ever found to support any of the allegations of an organized Satanist conspiracy or Satanic ritual abuses,[2][108]but in some cases the Satanic Panic resulted in wrongful prosecutions.[108]

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Notes

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  1. ^"By desiring to be equal to God in his arrogance, Lucifer abolishes the difference between God and the angels created by him and thus calls the entire system of order into question (if he were instead to replace God, the system itself would only be preserved with reversed positions)".[94]

References

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  2. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstAbrams, Joe (Spring 2006). Wyman, Kelly (ed.)."The Religious Movements Homepage Project – Satanism: An Introduction".virginia.edu.University of Virginia.Archived fromthe originalon 29 August 2006.Retrieved30 December2020.
  3. ^abcdefPartridge 2004,p. 82.
  4. ^abcdefghijklLewis, James R.(August 2001b)."Who Serves Satan? A Demographic and Ideological Profile".Marburg Journal of Religion.6(2).University of Marburg:1–25.doi:10.17192/mjr.2001.6.3748.ISSN1612-2941.Retrieved30 December2020.
  5. ^Holt & Petersen 2016,pp. 447–448.
  6. ^abPetersen 2004,pp. 424–427, 442–443.
  7. ^abPetersen 2004,pp. 424–427.
  8. ^abPetersen 2004,pp. 429, 437.
  9. ^abIntrovigne 2016,pp. 525–527.
  10. ^[2][4][8][9]
  11. ^Holt & Petersen 2016,pp. 441–452.
  12. ^Petersen 2014,pp. 136–141.
  13. ^[4][8][11][12]
  14. ^abHolt & Petersen 2016,pp. 450–452.
  15. ^Gallagher 2004,p. 190.
  16. ^Petersen 2004,p. 438.
  17. ^abcdefghijkIntrovigne 2016,pp. 370–371.
  18. ^"Is Theistic and Spiritual Satanism Just Reverse Christianity?".10 November 2017.
  19. ^Archived Cathedral of the Black Goat 'Views' Page
  20. ^High Priest, Magus Peter H. Gilmore."Satanism: The Feared Religion".churchofsatan.com.
  21. ^Susej, Tsirk (2007).The Demonic Bible.Lulu.com. p. 11.ISBN9781411690738.Retrieved12 May2008.
  22. ^Dyrendal, Lewis & Petersen 2016,pp. 164–165.
  23. ^abcdefLewis 2001a,p. 96.
  24. ^abcdefDyrendal, Lewis & Petersen 2016,pp. 49–50.
  25. ^abcdePetersen 2004,p. 436.
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  28. ^abcGoodrick-Clarke, Nicholas(2001)."Nazi Satanism and The New Aeon".Black Sun: Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism, and the Politics of Identity.New York City:New York University Press.pp. 215–223.ISBN978-0-8147-3124-6.LCCN2001004429.
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  31. ^abUpchurch, H. E. (22 December 2021). Cruickshank, Paul; Hummel, Kristina (eds.)."The Iron March Forum and the Evolution of the" Skull Mask "Neo-Fascist Network"(PDF).CTC Sentinel.14(10).West Point, New York:Combating Terrorism Center:27–37.Archived(PDF)from the original on 27 December 2021.Retrieved19 January2022.The Order of Nine Angles and Terrorist Radicalization:The skull mask network's transformation into a clandestine terrorist network coincided temporally with the introduction of theOrder of Nine Angles(O9A) worldview into the groups' ideological influences. The O9A is a occultist currentn founded byDavid Myattin the late 1960s in the United Kingdom. The O9A shares with otherpaganneo-fascistsa belief in a primordial spirituality that has been supplanted by theAbrahamic faiths.Its doctrines are apocalyptic, predicting a final confrontation between monotheistic "Magian" civilization and primordial "Faustian" European spirituality. The skull mask network groups are not religiously monolithic, and most accept members who are not O9A adherents, but O9A philosophy has had a strong influence on the culture of the network. The O9A texts emphasize solitary rituals and the sense of membership in a superhuman spiritual elite. The O9A texts do not make social or financial demands on new adherents. Psychological commitment is instead generated through secrecy and the challenging, sometimes criminal, nature of the initiatory and devotional rituals. Because the rituals are solitary and self-administered, they create a set of shared 'transcendent' experiences that enhance group cohesion without the need for members to be geographically close to each other. Its leaderless structure and self-administered initiations make the O9A worldview uniquely well-suited to spread through online social networks, while the ritual violence used in O9A religious ceremonies contributed to the habituation of individual skull mask network members to violence.
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    •"National Socialist Movement".SPLCenter.org.Montgomery, Alabama:Southern Poverty Law Center.2020.Archivedfrom the original on 8 September 2015.Retrieved28 December2020.The NSM has had its share of movement scandal. In July 2006, it was rocked by revelations that co-founder and chairman emeritus Cliff Herrington's wife was the "High Priestess" of the Joy of Satan Ministry, and that her satanic church shared an address with theTulsa, Okla.,NSM chapter. The exposure of Herrington's wife's Satanist connections caused quite a stir, particularly among those NSM members who adhered to a racist (and heretical) variant of Christianity,Christian Identity.Before the dust settled, both Herringtons were forced out of NSM.Bill White,the neo-Nazi group's energetic spokesman, also quit, taking several NSM officials with him to create a new group, the American National Socialist Workers Party.
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Bibliography

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Further reading

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