Theistic Satanism Totally Explained

Everything about Devil Worship totally explained

Theistic Satanism, also known as Traditional Satanism, is a general term for the belief that Satan is an actual deity or force, and worthy of reverence or worship. Theistic Satanists are not atheists, unlike LaVeyan Satanists. Within Theistic Satanism there's a wide diversity of beliefs. Theistic Satanists believe their faith is older than the modern movement of LaVeyan Satanism, due to their concept of Satan being based on earlier texts, such as interpretations of the Bible or the Al-Jilwa rather than the works of Anton Lavey. Seeing their forbears in earlier figures such as La Voisin and her possible practices, Theistic Satanists sometimes refer to themselves as practicing Traditional Satanism and Philosophical Satanists as Contemporary Satanists. They may say that they've been born into a generational or familial tradition of Satanism.

Historical inspiration for Theistic Satanism

Although little is known about theistic Satanists in history, some Satanists such as Tani Jantsang of "Satanic Reds" says she's a generational Satanist, and some members of OFS demonolatry too say that they were trained by a traditional sect, or are generational demonolators whose religion has been passed down in the family. Claims such as these are unproven. Theistic Satanists are inspired by incidences they see as evidence of previous followers of their faith. The concept of "Satan" may incorporate elements from older religions than Judaism. Satan ‏(שטן)‏ in Hebrew, means "adversary" or "accuser", and Ha-satan is a being who works with God whose duties include testing the faith of humanity; the word used is the same used in legal speech to refer to a prosecuting attorney. The change from Satan being seen as an aide to god to being purely evil, some believe may have occurred due to Hebrew contact with dualistic religions such as Zoroastrianism, with its concept of the destructve spirit, Ahriman. Anne Rice, while not a Satanist herself, equates Satan with Ahriman. as does Nikolas Schreck. The Joy of Satan, an ant-Semitic group, consider Satan to be Enki, though most other Satanists, such as Diane Vera, don't believe this to be the case, and don't agree with the Joy of Satan's neo-Nazi views. Some Theistic Satanists, such as The Joy of Satan, believe the Al-Jilwah of the Yezidi to be the words of Satan, considering Melek Taus to be Satan, however this may be based on Muslim prejudices about the Yezidi which Anton LaVey assumed were true, and may not be a reflection of what the Yezidi believe.
   In an early use of the term "Satanism" still used in the rhetoric of some Christian groups today, Satanism refers to unorthodox practices within Abrahamic religions deemed by an orthodoxy to be in opposition to the Abrahamic God. One early instance of the word is in "A confutation of a booke (by Bp. Jewel) entitled An apology of the Church of England", by Thomas Harding (1565): ll, ii, 42 b, "Meaning the time when Luther first bringed to Germanie the poisoned cuppe of his heresies, blasphemies, and Satanismes." As Martin Luther himself would have denied any link between his teachings and Satan, this use of the term "Satanism" was primarily pejorative. Satanists may not identify with all of those seen as heretics by other Christians, and may find the pejorative use of the word Satanism offensive.
   Although he's unlikely to have been a theistic Satanist, Milton's Paradise Lost is an inspiration for Satanism, to the extent of William Blake saying that Milton was "a true Poet, and of the Devil's party without knowing it." As well as being the inspiration for the Satanic School of literature, Milton, along with Dante, Marlowe, and Goethe are said by Nikolas Schreck to be the foundation of the modern concept of Satan. He says that these authors had "access to the Luciferian vision" and a "diabolical consciousness" that flourished due to their separation from the common man, "a radical disruption from the norm that allowed the effulgence of the black light to illuminate their work."
   In the 18th century various kinds of popular "Satanic" literature began to be produced in France. The Marquis de Sade also defiled crucifixies and other holy objects, and in Justine gives a fictional account of the Black Mass although Ronald Hayman has said Sade's need for blasphemy was an emotional reaction and rebellion from which Sade moved on, seeking to develop a more reasoned atheistc philosophy. In the 19th century, Eliphas Levi published his French books of the occult, and in 1855 produced his well-known drawing of the Baphomet, which continues to be used by some Satanists today, such as in the sigil of Baphomet. Finally, in 1891, Joris-Karl Huysmans published his Satanic novel Là-Bas, which included a detailed description of a Black Mass, which he may have known first-hand was being performed in Paris at the time., or the account may have been based on the masses carried out by the Abbe Guibourg, rather than by Huysmans attending himself. Quotations from Huysmans' Black Mass are also used in some Satanic rituals to this day, as it's one of the few sources that purports to describe the words used in a Black Mass. In the type of Satanism described in Huysman's fictional work Là-Bas, prayers are said to the Devil, hosts are stolen from the Catholic Church, and sexual acts are combined with Roman Catholic altar objects and rituals, to produce a variety of Satanism which exalts the Devil and degrades the god of Christianity by inverting Roman Catholic rites. George Battaille believes the mass may have existed prior to the descriptions of it obtained through the witchcraft trials, and says that Huyman's description of it is "indisputably authentic." Not all Theistic Satanists today routinely perform the Black Mass or rites of blasphemy however. If used at all they are often solely for beginners in Satanism to help them break away from any past Christian indoctrination or restrictive internalization of society's expectations for behaviour.

Preconceptions and myths

The Satanic Ritual Abuse scare was often centred on fears or beliefs about traditional Satanism The existence of large networks of organized Satanists involved in illegal activities, murder, and child abuse is occasionally claimed. Those claims have not been substantiated, and it has been labeled by Satanists and by sociologists as an example of a moral panic.
Some studies of crimes have also looked at the theological perspective of those who commit religious or ritualised crime. However, criminals who explain their crimes by claim to be Satanists have been said by sociologists to be "pseudo-Satanists." and attempts to link Satanism to crime have been seen as scaremongering by Theistic Satanists themselves. Even seemingly non-Christian writers can include disproven themes popular with the Satanic Ritual Abuse movement, such as sexual crime being required for Satanism. Some Christians fear that references to Satan in popular culture and music inspire some people to Theistic Satanism. Although music can't make someone become a Satanist, Christopher Partridge has said that regardless of whether the black metal musicians concerned are genuinely Theistic Satanists, through hearing the lyrics for instance of Black Sabbath and Coven (band) people may hear for the first time that there are people who are Theistic Satanists, and may be inspired to then go on to learn more about Theistic Satanism and eventually practice it long-term.While they may first come upon the more obtainable works of Anton LaVey, who denied belief in Satan, those who discover his writings may then go on to reach a traditional viewpoint. Christians may fear that Satanists spend their time blaspheming Christianity,, but while some chose to begin their time as a Satanist by performing a renunciation ritual or rite of blasphemy, so that they can break from any negative conditioning they may have from previous religions they've followed, and begin their life anew, those who do so may not necessarily make that a regular practice. Christians may fear that traditional Satanists may attempt to hex Christian meetings,, and indeed some Theistic Satanists do practice spiritual warfare to accomplish Satan's will and to seek to limit restriction of their freedom of religion. Some may choose to live out the myths and stereotypes, but Christianity isn't always the primary frame of reference for Theistic Satanists. Their religion may be based on dark pagan, left hand path and occult traditions. Theistic Satanists who base their faith on Christian ideas about Satan may be referred to as "Reverse Christians" by other Satanists, often in a pejorative fashion. However those labeled by some as "reverse Christians" may see their concept of Satan as not diluted or sanitized. They worship a stricter interpretation of Satan: that of the Satan featured in the Christian Bible.

Values in Theistic Satanism

Seeking knowledge is seen by some Theistic Satanists as important to Satan, due to his being equated with the Serpent in Genesis encouraging mankind to partake of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and giving mankind their intellect.
   Self-development is important to Theistic Satanists. This is due to the Satanists' view 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 as magic and initiative. They believe Satan wants a more equal relationship with his followers than the Christian God does with his. The main sin as the Christian god and his followers see it's that someone doesn't bow down to God. They seek to remove any means by which they're controlled or repressed by others and follow the herd, and reject authoritarianism.
   They may also believe Satan sends them tests in life in order to develop them as an individual. They value taking responsibility for oneself. A dark self-spirituality may raise self esteem and reduce anxiety, guilt and doubt. Despite the emphasis on self-development, Theistic Satanists often feel that there's a will of Satan for the world and for their own lives. They may promise to help bring about the will of Satan, and seek to gain insight about it through prayer, study or magic.
   Theistic Satanists may try not to project an image that reflects negatively on their religion as a whole and reinforces stereotypes, such as promoting Nazism, abuse or crime. However, some groups believe the emphasis on promoting a good image for Theistic Satanism has led to attempts to dilute and sanitize it. In particular, there's argument 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.

Diversity of viewpoints within Theistic Satanism

The internet has increased awareness of different views among Satanists, and led to more diverse groups, which has led the Church of Satan to assert their authority and legitimacy. But Satanism has always been a pluralistic and decentralised religion. Scholars outside Satanism have sought to study it by categorizing forms of it according to whether they're theistic or atheistic. Theistic Satanism is often similar in outlook and attitude to Philosophical Satanism, though it's generally a prerequisite that the Satanist accept a theological and metaphysical canon involving one or more God(s) who are either Satan in the strictest, Abrahamic sense, or a concept of Satan that incorporates gods from other religions (usually pre-Christian), such as Ahriman. Some people who identify as Satanists also revere other entities, for instance other demons. Satan is worshipped as a God, and several groups have been noted as having these beliefs, such as the First Church of Satan, and the Children of the Black Rose. Some writers also equate the veneration of Set by the Temple of Set with theistic Satanism, but the Temple of Set themselves deny this. The diversity of views amongst Satanists, and the theistic nature of some Satanists, was seen in a survey in 1995. Some spoke of seeing Satan not as someone dangerous to those who seek or worship him, but as someone that could be approached as a friend. Some refer to him as Father,though some other Theistic Satanists consider that to be confused or excessively subservient. However, referring to Satan as his follower's father occurs in the Bible (John 8:44.) Satan is also portrayed as a father to his daughter, Sin, by Milton in Paradise Lost.
   Theistic Satanists may believe in Satan as the All, a force filling the universe. Others may perceive Satan as male and female, Baphomet, a Muse and the Bestower of knowledge (Gnosis.)
   Theistic Satanism often involves a religious commitment rather than being simply an occult practice based on dabbling or transient enjoyment of the rituals and magic involved. Practitioners may choose to perform a pact or self-dedication rite, although there are arguments over whether it's best to do this at the beginning of their time as a Theistic Satanist, or once they've been practicing for some time.
   The diversity of individual viewpoints within Theistic Satanism, while being a cause for intense debates within the religion, is also often seen as a reflection of Satan, who encourages individualism. Many Theistic Satanists believe their own individualized concept based on pieces of all these diverse views of Satan, according to their inclination and spiritual guidance, rather than only believe in one suggested interpretation.

Setianism

According to this sect, the Egyptian deity Set, is the real Dark Lord behind the name Satan. They have their own concept of the Black Flame.
   This type of Satanism maintains that the Hebrews ran into an adversary in Egypt who was the Pharaoh of the Seti Dynasty, when Set was the principal pharaonic Deity. After the Pharaoh expelled the Hebrews from Egypt, the Hebrew Bible scribes wrote "Exodus", demonstrating the enormity of this event to the Hebrew people. However, there are apparently no Egyptian records to back up any of the Hebrew claims except a passing mention of the Pharaoh kicking many foreigners out at that time — not just Hebrews. Setian Satanists theorize that "Satan" is a wrong or slanderous label for a legitimate Egyptian God, the God Set.
   The practices and theology of the Set sect are very oriented towards cultivating self-hood. They reject the dissolving of the individual into oneness with existence, and celebrate the separation of the individual self from the rest of the universe. Some followers believe in Set as a real theistic conscious being that appears in revelations and delivers messages, while others revere Set as a principle. How historically correct their picture of Set is might be considered debatable.
   The religious group that founded modern Setianism is the Temple of Set. While the Temple of Set publicly deny being Theistic Satanists, some individuals who base their beliefs on their work consider themselves to be Theistic Satanists.
   One can find the following defining concepts:

is dedicated to the Egyptian god Set
is an organization which follows the Left Hand Path
promotes a philosophy of individualism and self-exploration/mastery
use Initiation as a primary tool
have a priesthood or clergy
keep private 'members only' information out of the public sphere
employ admission policies that attempt to ensure only dedicated applicants are admitted to the organisation.
Luciferianism and Theistic Satanism inspired by the Bible
In most branches of Christianity, Satan is interpreted as being a fallen angel who was once in God's service. He is equated with Lucifer (from the Latin for "bearer of light") both before he fell away from Grace and once Lucifer has been brought down. Satan is said to have fallen from God when he, in his pride, desired to be and believed he could be higher than God (in some Christian interpretations, the fallen "son of the dawn" of Isaiah 14:12 is identified with Satan, the "adversary" of the Book of Job.) However other 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. While it on the surface explicitly refers to the King of Babylon, those that believe it refers to Satan infer that by implication it also applies to the fall of Satan. Some Theistic Satanists are particularly inspired by Lucifer, and follow Luciferianism.

It is said in Christianity to be Satan who was the serpent in the garden of Eden, who whispered to Eve and by doing so to Adam, that they could become as God, negating their creaturely position, which led to man's original sin and his being cast out of Eden. Satan is prince of this world, the sinful world. Satan in the Old Testament also tests people, and some Theistic Satanists also believe that Satan sends them tests in life, in order to foster their self-improvement and spiritual development. Those who are not followers of God, are of this world and Satan is their father (John 8:44). In the temptation of Christ in the desert, Satan says that if Jesus worships him, he can give him all the kingdoms of the earth. He tests people, and walks to and fro upon the earth. Some Theistic satanists are particularly inspired by what they can learn of Satan in the Bible, although this is used as an initial inspiration which they then interpret based on spiritual insights they feel they've been given about Satan by intuition or personal experience of him.

Sinagogue of Satan

The Sinagogue of Satan is an organization of "Occult Satanism", an all one religion founded by Rev. Michael S. Margolin on January 29, 1999. It was inspired by Margolin's interpretation of a passage discussing Satan in Albert Pike's work Morals and Dogma. The religion is based on freedom of religion, for freedom of religion undermines all religions and beliefs, including the one he created. Margolin refers to his religion as his "philosophical checkmate" for that reason. The religion contains no dogma in or of itself (other than the holy book they offer), and encourages its followers to believe in whatever they choose, as long as they don't attempt to push their beliefs on others. The aim of this religion is the ultimate destruction of religions through the advancement of individual freedom and social responsibility. The Sinagogue of Satan doesn't promote self-indulgence, but rather self-expression balanced with social responsibility.

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