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alt.satanism message #21 from LUPO THE BUTCHER to ALL. Entered on 02-Jan-94, at 03:43:00, 237 lines. Subject: FAQ ============ From: locklinÉphyast.pitt.edu (Lupo the Butcher) Organization: Campus Crusade for Cthulhu nexus 137 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- THE ALT.SATANISM FAQ last revision; July 20, 1993 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- This file is for all new readers of alt.satanism. Many groups of a écontroversial' nature have noticed that new readers often come up with the same questions, misstatements or misconceptions and post them to the net. The purpose of this file is to prevent continual restatement of previously debated-- often several times debated--topics. This isn't to say that these things are not subject to further debate. It is to say that these things *have* been considered by the readers here. If you have something significant to add to the debate on a particular topic then please do post. Contributors to date are: Semhaza (The Antichrist) Shaitaneth Baphomet (The Adversary) Lupo the Butcher Frater (I) Nigris (666) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Frequently Asked "Questions" of Alt.Satanism: 1. What is Satanism? 2. What is _The Satanic Bible_? 3. What about the Church of Satan and the Temple of Set? 4. Satan is a Christian God! You aren't Satanists, just nasty atheists! 5. Aren't Satanists ritualistic baby murderers? 6. Do Satanists have orgies? If so, where do I sign up? 7. What is Xian? COS? TOS? TSB? OT? NT? Do you say "Xian" rather than "Christian" in order to insult Christianity? 8. Have you considered the message of _The Bible_? 9. For the Christians among us: should you feel inclined to preach. You are all going to hell. Jesus saves! ÄAs regards Christian evangelism, see also the alt.atheism FAQ.Å 10. How can I get more information about Satanism? 11. Where can I get suplies? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1. What is Satanism? At first glance this may look like a simple question to answer: "Go look it up in the dictionary." would seem to be straightforward enough. In fact, I'll do it for you: Satanism, n. 1. the worship of Satan or the powers of evil. 2. a travesty of Christian rites in which Satan is worshipped. 3. diabolical or satanic disposition, behavior, or actions. Äfrom _Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language_, (c) 1989Å Unfortunately it's not that easy. There is no one set of beliefs that comprise Satanism. Because there is no set of doctrines or scriptures agreed upon by a majority of Satanists, would-be practitioners must define their beliefs for themselves, based upon a minimum of shared information. The issue is further confused by the fact that, historically, most records of real or imagined Satanism have been made by Satanists' traditional enemies, Christians. However a few generalizations can be made: the average Satanist disagrees with much of Christianity, believes in no absolute moral code, and places emphasis on the individual and personal rights. If you think this sounds like Libertarianism, you're right; many Satanists consider themselves Libertarians or feel close to the party on social issues. There are several divisions one could make as to the belief systems of various "Satanic" groups. This (arbitrary) division is made more to outline some belief systems than to categorize groups. Most defy categorization. The Process Church, for example, is surely a gnostic group, but neither of the two listed fit the Process very well. Actually, looking these categories over yet again, I realize that most groups fall into several of the categories, so perhaps the only utility of this categorization is to show some of the main influences or "currents" in modern-day Satanism. 1. The Dabblers: adopt Satanic trappings for a brief period of time, usually for entertainment rather than serious purposes. Many modern youths fall into this category. 2. Churches of Satan: are patterned after the teachings of Anton LaVey. These groups believe in individualism, gratification of the ego, self-reliance and the ideal of the Nietzchean Superman. These groups use Magick as a tool for earthly power. They see Satan as the driving force behind achievment in mankind. The two main organizations in this category are the Church of Satan and the Temple of Set. The two groups differ philosophically and organizationally. 3. Gnostics: can be divided into two major categories 3a. Promethian Gnostics: Believe in a literal "Satan", but believe that the creator of the world (Jehovah) is the evil deity. Satan is seen as the "bringer of light"; a beneficient god. This is an old "heresy" seen in groups such as the Yezidis. 3b. Dark Gnostics: Worship the dark force in nature. These groups follow the whims of a capricious god, which most westerners would see as being "evil." There are a few historical christian heresies which would fall into this category. Kali worshippers could also be categorized here. 4. Secondary Satanists: follow a faith outside the Christian mainstream. Most would not consider themselves as being "Satanic" and strictly speaking should not be defined as satanists (as per se with some of the Gnostic groups), but the ignorant often categorize them as Satanists. Voodoun and Santiera could be grouped here, as could medeaval wicca (if it actually existed). 5. Hellfire Clubs: Were a phenomenon of the 18th century. The first of these was founded by the Duke of Wharton in the early 1700's. Most infamous was sir Francis Dashwood's Medmenham club (Often incorrectly called the hellfire club). Dashwood was a close freind of Benjamin Franklin, who may have been a member of this group. Franklin's description of the Medmeham club's secret chambers is one of the few we have, so his membership seems likely. In any case, Dashwood and Franklin co-authored the "Franklin Prayer Book" (often called the Book of Common Prayer) which is commonly used in america. Another famous member of the Medmanham club was the Earl of Sandwich, inventor of (guess what) the Sandwich. Hellfire clubs were exclusive groups dedicated to much political intrigue, partying, and some occasional occult activities. 6. Left-Hand Path Pagans There are several European groups, most of them consisting of small "covens" of several people, that are or could be considered Satanists. Two of the larger of these groups are Balder and the Order of Nine Angles (ONA). These groups allegedly have longer traditions, and "more authentic" origins (whatever that might mean). ONA is especially fond of calling itself the "traditional Satanists." These groups tend to have more "extreme" views than the others mentioned, and have little, if any authoritarian structure. Some allege these groups do not exist, but they answer my mail. 2. What is _The Satanic Bible_? _The Satanic Bible_ is a book describing the philosophy of Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan. This organization holds the view that there is no higher god than oneself, and that one should worship accordingly. Life is the Great Indulgence and Death is the Great Abstinence, as there is no afterlife. The basic ideas of _The Satanic Bible_ are laid out in the Nine Satanic Statements: 1. Satan represents indulgence, instead of abstinence! 2. Satan represents vital existence, instead of spiritual pipe dreams! 3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom, instead of hypocritical self-deceit! 4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it, instead of love wasted on ingrates! 5. Satan represents vengeance, instead of turning the other cheek! 6. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible, instead of concern for psychic vampires! 7. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better than, more often worse than those that walk on all fours, who, because of his "divine spiritual and intellectual development," has become the most vicious animal of all! 8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification! 9. Satan has been the best friend the church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years! _The Satanic Bible_ can be found (in America) in most chain bookstores in the New Age, Philosophy, or Religion sections. Many non-U.S. readers have written that _The Satanic Bible_ is not available in their country for various reasons. I suggest dealing with The Abyss bookstore (Address & phone# listed at the end of the FAQ) or writing/phoning the publisher directly. (Special thanx to the Italian fellow who came up with these addresses & phonenumbers) Avon Books 1350 Ave. of the Americas, 2nd Fl. New York, NY10019 TEL.: 212-261-6800 TOLL FREE: 800-238-0658 Ordering info: Dist by: Hearst Corp., International Circulation Div New York, NY 10019 TEL.: 212-649-4474 TOLL FREE: 800-223-0288 Orders to: P.O. Box 767 Dresden, TN 38225 TOLL FREE: 800-223-0690 3. What about the Church of Satan and the Temple of Set? The Church of Satan can be contacted at: Church of Satan P.O. Box 210082 San Francisco, CA 94121 $100 will get you a lifetime membership. Contrary to popular opinion, the Church is not tax-exempt. It turned down tax-exemption (despite being eligible) on the grounds that a church is a business and should not receive preferential treatment. Some people question whether the term "Satanism" is appropriate for the Church's beliefs, due to its atheistic stance. Since the Church has been in existence for over 20 years its definition is probably here to stay, although it isn't the only definition. Are there other USA-based Satanic organizations? Yes. The best-known and longest-lasting is the Temple of Set, founded by former Church of Satan members, especially Michael Aquino. The Temple encourages members to apply Setian philosophy to their soul or psyche in the process of Xeper, which could be defined as "coming into being". --- UUGate/2 v0.23(OS/2) * Origin: Internet/Fidonet Gateway (romeo) (2:211/5.0)