Glossary - exWitch Australia (formerly 'Born Again Pagan')

SATANISM: Foundations of Belief

In the United States Satanism is a federally recognized religion in at least one form. Its adherents are not all isolated psychopaths drooling in their basements; on the contrary, the number of publicized Satanic organizations is easily near 100 and non-publicized organizations would probably bring it up to thrice that number.

Satanists tend to be of somewhat above average intelligence, judging from those people I myself have met, and successful in their current station in life. While some may indeed dress 'goth,' with pale makeup and dark clothing and black lipstick, and while some may indeed be heavy-metal loving teenagers, these stereotypes are just that - stereotypes.

The fact of the matter is that there are Satanists who love classical music and jazz, Satanists who like wearing florals, and Satanists who are distinguished business(wo)men with briefcases and portfolios.

Satanism is not a unified entity. As much as some people would like to believe there is some Satanic High Council working towards global domination and manipulating the world leaders, it's just not true. Satanism has several major Traditions, or denominations, some of which are more popular than others, and all of which are very different from one another yet claim the title "Satanism."

Satanic denominations are, in all likelihood, more dissimilar from each other than the majority of Christian denominations (and, in fact, they have a lot of the same in-fighting, as much as some try to prevent it). Some believe in no gods; some believe in abstract forces; some believe in an ancient, pre-Christian being; and some believe in the Biblical Satan. In other words, not all Satanists are literally devil-worshippers.

Satanism and Christianity

Satanism is NOT just Christianity in reverse. Granted, a lot of Satanists dislike Christianity: this is largely because of how unjust the Christian mindset is percieved to be to many non-Christians, and opposition to some common Christian values, which (to Satanists) just seem wrong. But not all Satanists hate all Christians, and very few Satanists which I have encountered even really care that much about Christianity.

Unfortunately, the constant hounding of the media, Hollywood, hysterical albeit well-meaning Christians (who have been taken in by falsehoods, deceptions and outright lies that they preach as fact, and which cause suspicion, confusion and fear not only among Christians, but in the wider community at large, and which only serve to harm the innocent and bring dishonour upon Christ), and others who know no better, have branded this error into the public mind. Which brings up one of the favourite questions of people who are not acquainted with Satanism...

Why Satan?

Different denominations of Satanism, as well as different people within those denominations, use the title "Satanist" for different reasons! Some denominations view " Satan" as a convenient name for an ancient deity who they have decided to worship for whatever reason. Some denominations view " Satan" as the Christian devil/fallen angel who rebelled and now resides in Hell. (those denominations which actually worship a being called Satan are generally referred to as the Traditionalists.)

Some groups (notably the LaVeyans) believe that " Satan" is a convenient name for a 'dark force' in nature - a type of impersonal, powerful energy to be respected and tapped, but not an anthropomorphic god to be worshipped and obeyed. Still others are completely atheistic; they believe in no god, good or evil, nor any spiritual realm. A few use the name because they emphasize with the character of Lucifer, who they egard as the bringer of knowledge. The list goes on, and on, and on....

The one thing all of these views have in common is that the character of Satan (whether precieved as an entity/force/mythical character) appeals to them. Perhaps it's the emphasis on "darkness." Perhaps the emphasis on knowledge, or on carnality, or on materialism, or on self-empowerment. Whatever Satan means to them, they like it.

Tenets of Faith

As mentioned before, Satanic denominations or Traditions usually vary from one another in very significant ways. It's very difficult to say "all Satanists believe (insert item here)." So keep in mind that as I'm writing this, I'm not perfect and I'm not all-knowing. Take this with a grain of salt, but I shall be as accurate as I can:

Satanists believe in autonomy of the individual

Satanists believe that individuals are unique, therefore one should attempt to know oneself, and to develop one's skills, talent, and character to the utmost. Some people are natural leaders; some are natural followers. Those who are masters should strive to be such, and those meant to tag behind should recognize this and be content in their true nature. But no one should attempt to unnecessarily restrict one's own nature (I say "unnecessarily" because living in society does impose some regulations on actions which must be obeyed if one wishes to continue to live). This includes such things as sexual restrictions, religious restrictions, political restrictions, etc. Of course, it's not a requirement that people LIKE what you believe, but that which you wish to be and believe, you should be free to do.

NOTE: This is where a great many Satanists have issues with evangelism... which they view as forcing someone to listen to your beliefs when they don't wish do, or constantly going on when asked to stop, and is in effect "imposing" yourself upon the other person, and attempting to nullify their autonomy. If you are trying to "reach" a committed Satanist, "standard" witnessing techniques are next to useless.

Satanists believe in striving for perfection of self (power)

To a Satanist, if you're good at what you do, you'll be successful. We all have the ability to be good at SOMETHING; we all have our abilities and weaknesses. The truth of the world is that the weak seldom get anywhere, unless they turn that very weakness into a strength of some sort. Being as good as possible at everything, however, gives you a MUCH greater chance at being successful and pleased with yourself. Saying "I'm not good at anything, but I deserve respect anyway!" is not really a very Satanic view. It's great that you realize you're not good at anything, but why should anyone respect that? What have you done to earn that respect? In the Satanist view, DO something, BE something, ACHIEVE something... then you'll have respect.

Satanists believe in 'gifts' unto the deserving

As far as a Satanist is concerned, respect, love, friendship, monetary awards, political power must be earned! Whether this is by personal prowess or faithful worship of Satan or some other method, all things worth any important must be earned. To give something away freely to those who are undeserving or ungrateful does nothing but cheapen the gift, until it means nothing at all. What power is there behind "I love you" if you love everyone? What value is money, if everyone has all they want of it (think "inflation")? Certainly, a certain amount of recognition to another person as a living, sentient being is in order, but if you want something special, be prepared to show that YOU are something special, as well.

Satanists believe in Lex Talonis

Lex Talonis is a Latin phrase meaning "Law of the Talon," or, in other words "eye for an eye." Swift, if brutal, justice. Today's penalty system, for most Satanists, is much too lax. One can do anything from shoplift to murder, and usually either get judged innocent, get set free on probation, or get cared for (food, bed, housing) for the rest of your life in jail. If you're going to punish people, then PUNISH THEM! Don't give them a slap on the wrist!

Satanists claim to believe in personal responsibility and accountability; that is, one is fully responsible for one's own actions, and should be aware of and acknowledge that fact. If you want to break the law, then break it! But be prepared to face the consequences. If you want to have unprotected sex, do it! ...But beware of possible diseases and pregnancy. Any action you take will have some ramification in your life; this does not curtail you from doing as you wish, but you must be prepared to answer to any issues which arise due to your actions.

Satanists believe "Satan" represents the admirable qualities of mankind

Satan is generally seen as representing pride, self-sufficiency, individuality, free-will, knowledge, and power. Many non-Satanists (including followers of Wicca and Neo-Pagans generally) have trouble understanding how a traditionally "evil" figure can be regarded as positive, but this is how Satanists see it. Such things as pride, ambition, and seeking knowledge is not considered evil by Satanists; on the other hand, false humility, wallowing in ignorance, and the like are considered bad traits to possess.

see also: LEFT HAND PATH; SATANISM; SATAN

OTHER RESOURCES:
see HARD FACTS ABOUT SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE in the ARTICLES Section of this Site.

PLEASE NOTE:
One of the major problems with 'defining' Paganism and/or its beliefs and practices is that it is an 'organic' movement, in that it is undergoing constant change and re-evaluation from within, and as such any 'one-size-fits-all' approach to understanding Paganism will be found wanting.

Due to the very 'organic' nature of Paganism, and the many differing Paths and Traditions within it, in many cases no one definition may be universally accepted by all Pagans. Therefore, where such cases of possible conflicting and/or contradictory meanings of certain terms occur I have endevoured to give not only the generally accepted meaning, but also any major 'variations' in belief and/or practice.

Christians who believe this difference in meaning of certain key terms, beliefs and practices to be unique to Paganism need to remember that such conflicts also arise within the Body of Christ - the Church. Take for instance the differing practices amongst Christians concerning Baptism and the different attitudes towards women in the clergy.

- Jean-Luc