The Seventh-day Adventists, Ecclessiastes 9:5,6

"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun." -Seventh-day Adventists, Ecclessiastes 9:5,6

What Satanism Actually Is

So, I found this awesome site called hubpages today. For my first article on the site, I decided to write an informitive article on Satanism. It would be lovely if you would view the article from my hubpages site as well and rate it! You can view the page here.

By The WitchofEndor

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Paradise Lost, by Gustave Dore

Satanism: What it Actually Is.

When you hear the term "Satanism," what is the first thing that comes to mind? In my experience, the majority of people tend to think of Satanists as ruthless, evil, baby killing church burning derelicts. This is far from true. In fact, it is completely false. So why is it that Satanism is looked upon in such ways? Well, as we all should know, religion once had a much greater impact and influence over people than it does today. The church ruled the state, and the major religion (in the west), was Christian/Catholic. In the Christian religion, Satan is looked down upon, tempting humans into blasphemous behavior an unholy acts. He was the serpent in the Garden of Eden that convinced Eve to eat the apple. So coming from ancestors of Christian descent, this viewpoint is carried into today and is the most well known. However, this is only a VIEWPOINT. A Christian viewpoint. So in this article, we will be changing that viewpoint. Viewing Satanism, for what it really is.

So what is Satanism, then? There are different forms of Satanism. The first one we will be going over, is modern Satanism, also known as LaVeyan Satanism. You may have heard of Anton LaVey, but in case you haven't, he is the founder of the first Church of Satan, and published the first Satanic Bible. In this form of Satanism, Satan is not considered a real entity, but an engregore, a mere symbol. He is the symbol of knowledge, and human nature. These Satanists believe in showing kindness to your friends, and destroying your enemies. Rather than turn the other cheek, an "eye for an eye" morality is practiced. Self worship also plays a big role. Self worshiping is about accepting yourself as you are, and accepting your human nature. Rather than try to rid yourself of of your desires, you indulge them. There is no need to purge yourself of your sensuality, in seek of a higher state of being. Satanists do not look at this life as a judgement period, of whether you will go to Heaven or Hell. They see this life as the only life, and since we are given these senses, we should enjoy them and revel in them. You are meant to better yourself with knowledge and sensuality, because that is just plain human nature. So basically, instead of shunning that nature, you indulge and experience it to the fullest.

Another form of Satanism is Theistic Satanism, aka "traditional Satanism." These Satanists, unlike the first I've just described, do believe that Satan is an actual being, and worship him. In 1948, one of the first Satanic Cults were formed, by Herbert Arthur Sloane, oh Toledo Ohio. This cult was known as "Ophite Cultus Sathanas," our "Our Lady of Endor Coven. He claims that when he was a child, a horned-god revealed itself to him in the woods. He later came to recognize this being as Satan. Theistic Satanism itself carries many forms: Pantheistic Satanism, where the universe as a whole is seen as God, and that God is Satan;Polytheistic Satanism, which believes in many gods, Satan being the main focus; and Luciferianism, which is greatly influenced by Gnosticism.

Luciferiansim is sometimes seen as something different than Satanism. Lucifer is worshiped as the bringer of light, and individual freedom. Ophite Gnostics worshiped Satan as the serpent who gave knowledge to Eve. As you can see, the viewpoint of this act differs completely from A Christian viewpoint. In Ophite Gnosticism and Luciferianism, the bringer of knowledge is seen as a good thing. Knowledge is the way to enlightenment, rather than deprivation.

So these are only some of the many forms of Satanism. Let me mention that the purpose of this article is not to persuade you to convert yourself to Satanism. It is merely meant to educate. Satanism is just only starting to be recognized as a religion, but is still very unaccepted by the world. Satanists respect all religions of the world, even though they do not agree with them, and it is only fair that Satanism be respected in that same way. Unlike Christianity, we do not preach, we do not try to convert people to our beliefs, and we do not condemn those who disagree with our beliefs. The image projected on Satanism is wrong and ignorant. Again, you do not have to agree, but just remember, church burning baby killers come in the form of ALL religions and backgrounds. It is time Satanism be recognized for what it really is.



Also! Check out these sites:
theisticsatanism.com
meetup.com/satanists-NYC

Welcome

     Welcome to the Ophite Cultus Sathanas blog page. This blog will contain posts on Satan and all of the aspects of satanism. It will cover all types of satanism and the various religious practices attached to some, the history of satanism, the history of Satan himself, and the people who have had significant involvement with him. Discussion is encouraged, as is the sharing of your knowledge. Satanic artwork will come in surplus. So, if you are of a mind of satanic reverence, spread the word! Share your thoughts, and stay tuned for more. HAIL SATAN.