Satanism

I've studied Satanism myself and knew a few over the yrs (though not many) and your friend is telling you the truth, its NOT about devil worshipping at all..Satanism is more like a philosophy for life and a very logical one at that....here's a link to a thread I started on it a couple months back, maybe it'll give you osme insight http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/759771.aspx

Doesn't the word "Satan" mean evil? If it's a self-help religion why can't they call it by some other name? The term "Satanist" is too bothering and just doesn't sound like it has anything to do with self-help.

ok..in view of brothertucks post, which caused me to have an immediate "how is THAT possible, the term Satanism according to the dictionary means devil worship" attitude. i searched the Church of Satans website (see above post for link) and found this: "The Nine Satanic Statements from The Satanic Bible, ©1969 by Anton Szandor LaVey 1. Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence! (note the word "respresents") 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, 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! " i must admit to having thought of Satanism as just what the dictionary defines it as..worship of the devil. however after getting curious about what brothertuck posted and then reading the creed of The Church of Satan i have had a change of opinion. i now have a much higher opinion of "satanists" and can certainly identify with their views. Thank you brothertuck..i learned something valuable today!

I'm not a Satanist myself but I've met a few over the years. on the whole they're decent people who I was proud to consider my friends. there is no Devil Worship involved, Satan is used as a symbol of human nature and instinct that has been repressed by modern religions. in theory some of their philosophies can seem a little selfish, but in practice the people themselves are not.

Satanism is more along the line of taking responsibility for what you do, not being a follower, enjoying life in all ways, physicallly, mentally, and socially. Many other religions, especially Christianity is about restricting you and having you follow and give your life to another to control. Depending on the 'brand' of Satanism there may be a connection to occult or magic, but there is nothing wrong with the occult. Like Satanism, Occult is not evil. Satanism doesn't devil worship or any type of sacrifice, that type of stuff came from Christianity. The devil is part of the Christian religion not Satanism. Most of the modern definitions and views of Satan is from Christians trying to bash and convert people from their current religion. Lucifer was the light bringer, he brought the sun across the sky. Satan is a corruption of the god Shatan or Shaitan, from a middle eastern religion. The horns and cloven hooves are to bash Pan. Each of the gods who were bashed by christians were basically good guys. It would be like me saying the Moses and David were devils and demons because they are not part of my religion. That Jesus is the head devil. But Satanism doesn't do that. Satanists don't take Jesus as the Saviour, and don't believe in the Christian Devil or Hell. They say that you are responsible for your life. Most look to Anton LeVey as the originator, but there are other versions of Satanism beyond the Church of Satan.

She is right. Satanism has nothing to do with the devil, they don't even believe in Satan, they use the symbol to represent their practice. I am not a Satanist. I thought about becoming one but I don't really the concept of being selfish. There are a few things that I like, like not wasting your love with people that don't deserve it, but I don't like to take revenge. I kinda agree with being naughty and enjoying your life without feeling guilty or thinking about sins.

i have never personaly known any satanists so i wont try to give any personal opinion/thoughts or theories. i will however give you a link to the Official Church of Satan website. which is still headed an co-run by Anton LeVey's consort and mother of his child. it gives their basic info, founding philosophies, history, achievments, theories and practice, etc. http://www.churchofsatan.com/home.html i will let you draw your own conclusions..each to their own.