The word “Satanism” can conjure up images of eternal darkness, violence, exorcism, ritualistic sacrifice, and undesirable anti-social behavior. What is are the beliefs of this religion all about? You think you might know all about Satanism, but do you really? Below are facts that might just surprise you about Satanism:
1.
Most
Satanic bands aren't actually Satanists: Satanism is commonly associated with
heavy metal, but most of those bands aren't even remotely Satanic. Tom Araya,
vocalist of Slayer, whose albums include God Hates Us All,
Christ Illusion, and South of
Heaven, is actually a Christian, who uses satanic imagery in his
music to play to the band's dark, aggressive image.
2.
Satan
was a feminist: Some people see Satan
as the original feminist and liberator of women. It was Satan who encouraged
Eve to eat the fruit of knowledge in the Garden of Eden thereby freeing herself
from slavery to God. Throughout history, Satan has been associated with women
who fight patriarchy, oppression, and traditional gender roles while seeking
equality, sexual liberation, and autonomy.
3.
The
Catholic Church Invented Satanism: In the 15th century, the Catholic
Church presented a startling claim to the European public. Underground groups
throughout Christendom were worshiping Satan. This was an attempt to undermine
the Church and the fabric of society.
Such
Satanists never actually existed.
Despite this, and using a book on Satanists written by two priests as
its guide, the Church began burning people as witches and devil worshipers.
According to that book, entitled Malleus Maleficarum,
Satanists were predominantly women, could stop cows from giving milk, rode
through the air on broomsticks on their way to orgies in the forest, and ate
infants.
4.
The Church of Satan vs. The Satanic Temple: The Church of Satan
was founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey, who is a student and practitioner of Magik
and an occultist. t is important to know however that The Church of Satan is different from
the Satanic Temple. There are members of The Satanic
Temple that have no relation to the Church of Satan.
The Satanic Temple was founded in 2012 by Malcolm Jerry
and Lucien Greaves. It was founded as an American political activist group and
religious organization whose mission statement is "to encourage benevolence and
empathy among all people, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical
common sense and justice, and be directed by the human conscience to undertake
noble pursuits guided by the individual will."
5.
There
are two major types of Satanism:
Satanism
is kind of like Buddhism. Some Buddhists believe Buddha is a
god. Others see him as a mortal man with great ideas. The same is true of
Satanism. Theistic Satanists believe in Satan as a deity, and worship him.
Atheistic Satanists see Satanism as a philosophical school of thought, and try
to practice the moral and ethical teachings of that philosophy.
6.
They are fine with celebrating Christmas: Why
would Satanists be alright with celebrating the birth of Jesus? The
Church of Satan claims, "Christians stole this holiday from the pagans --
Santa Claus has come to signify indulgence, and he is a combination of Dionysos
and Silenus from Roman and Greek myths.
For the
holiday season we enjoy the richness of life and the company of people whom we
cherish, as we will often be the only ones who know where the traditions really
came from." Michael Mars, a Detroit artist and member of the Satanic
Temple, says "I personally view it as more of a time to be with my
family," he told CNN's Lisa Ling. He, like other members of the Satanic
Temple, has no problem with other religions' holidays. "I feel like
everyone should have the right to celebrate their religion," Mars said,
"but every voice has to be heard."
7.
They don’t worship Satan: There is no devil worshipping
involved. Members of The Satanic Temple believe in science. This means that
some of them are atheist and some “exercise
reasonable agnosticism in all things”. They encourage critical thinking, and
believe in the facts.
There
is widespread use of the symbol of the Baphomet and Satan. These are not used
as religious idols. They are used as icons to exemplify their activism. They
use Satanic symbols to show their “opposition
to arbitrary authority” and in defense of “personal sovereignty.” Satan was and is
seen as the Eternal Rebel.
“But who prays for Satan? Who
in eighteen centuries has had the common humanity to pray for the one sinner
that needed it most?” (Mark Twain)[i]
[i] Sources used:
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