h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

so what *exactly* is a proper satanist?

Firstly, I'm legally obliged to tell you that I can't speak officially on the Church of Satan's behalf.
Secondly, thanks for your interest! I hope you have an open mind

Anyway, a proper Satanist is one who accepts and lives by the guidance of Anton Lavey (RIP), founder of the Church of Satan. These 'guidelines', if you will, are outlined in the Satanic Bible, by Lavey.

Basically - and this is by no means the entirety of the Satanic 'manifesto' (for want of a better word) - the Satanist worships the only true god - himself. The Satanist chooses not to worship false gods who have been created in Man's own image as he recognises this as hypocrisy. The Satanist realises that he and he alone is responsible for his actions (or lack of action). No entites, supernatural or otherwise, are used as scapegoats. For example, the Satanist scorns the person who prays to his god to make something happen, like getting a job, as he realises that the only way to make this happen is to get out there and do it for himself.

I would love to tell you more if you're still interested, but I'm logging off for a while, so please tell me if you'd like to know more and I'd be delighted to tell you

By the way, if the above info seems a bit stilted, there are still lots of nice things about Satanists I have yet to mention. In fact, some of the nicest people I know are Satanists!

Again, thanks for your interest - one day we will eradicate the image of Satanists dancing naked in the woods and sacrificing children and animals etc...

it is very hard for me to buy into popular stereotypes, as i have yet to see one that holds true. i did inquire out of a genuine curiosity, and i do have an open mind. obviously i've heard the term 'satanist', but i have never given it much thought. being christian, anything 'satanist' or 'satanic' is generally regarded as evil. i never have really ascribed either term to anyone or anything specific.

i am curious to know more. please don't take any of my questions as offense. any comment seemingly offensive would only be a product of my own ignorance. i'm glad you speak for yourself and not on behalf of your church, as i would not want to speak for my faith, only myself (as many of my beliefs do not completely coincide with those of my faith).

i do have a few specific questions, but please feel free to tell me anything you would like to share.

are satanist and satanic related terms?
why is it called satanism, not laveyism or selfism?
are any of the commonly held stereotypes based in reality, or are they all misconceptions born of fear?

Hi, thanks for getting back to me, and I'm delighted you want to know more - especially since you're a Christian (a mortal enemy ).

I would also like to point out that I don't mean any offence by anything I say either - it's simply what I believe in and besides, you won't take offence if you believe I'm wrong, will you?

Anyway, to answer your questions...

Satanic is a word used (correctly) by Satanists to describe anything to do with Satanism, e.g. a Satanic way of life, a Satanic response to a question etc. I really can't think of a better way of putting it, but hopefully you get it.

I don't have my bible on me right now so it's more difficult to answer your question about Satanism's name, but it's kind of along the lines of Satanists accepting the fact that Satan is synonymous with 'evil'. A lot of Satanic beliefs (hey, there's an example of Satanic ) are viewed by many people as 'evil', especially Christians (no offence, but it's true), and so - ironic as Satanists can be - we call ourselves Satanists. The world in general associates Satan with 'evil', and see Satanists as 'evil', so the connection becomes clear. Did I explain that OK?

The misconceptions...well...they actually aren't based in fear, but they're still misconceptions. To explain...I'm assuming that the misconceptions you're referring to are those such as Satanists being involved in Black Mass, sacrifices etc.
Well, for a start Black Mass isn't what people think it is. Also, other things like sacrifices and murders and so forth are carried out by devil-worshippers. These idiots are people who call themselves Satanists but have no idea what Satanism is. They're the kind of people who kill people in school then tell everyone that the devil or some record played backwards made them do it.

Well, that'll do for now cos I'm having lunch in a minute. I must say, I'm enjoying this conversation immensely. It's great to be able to have an intelligent conversation about Satanism for once!

Looking forward to your reply

Hello there

I have read this conversation with interest, as I have always wondered what "proper" satanism is; I know that the child-killing animal-killing satanist isnt a true satanist, but I have never met a real satanist to ask.

Perhaps you should write a guide entry about true satanism?

If they try to censor it, cliam religious descrimination.

There already is an entry about Satanism somewhere, I think, otherwise I would have loved to.

By the way - welcome to the conversation, feel free to ask me anything! I promise I won't take offence (and yes, I am aware of how broad that promise is)

Is it an accuate entry?

If it isnt, have them take it down...

Okay, what does the satanist bible contain?

Whats the truth about the black mass?

okay, i'm a little uncertain of the name thing. if i'm following your explanation correctly, satanists call them selves satanists just to get a rise out of all the non-satanists, kind of like a big cosmic joke. did i follow that correctly?

how long has satanism been an organized religion? is religion the correct term? is satanism liberal or conservative in a political sense, in other words, does it accept people of all walks of life or does it discriminate, or is discrimination even a satanic issue? i use the word political here for lack of a better term. if i haven't made my inquiry clear i will try to do better.

i think that i guide entry would be a wonderful idea, and it definitely would have made the pre bbc guide. i would hope that the idea would still be considered but the best you could do is try it and hope. if it's an idea that appeals to you, our conversation could give you an idea of what aspects to include in it.

i'm enjoying our conversation as well, i've been needing to find a serious subject, i've spent the last several months in silly threads (which are great, and fun) but i needed something to challenge my noggin, something to think about. i'm looking forward to an enlightening exchange.

Same here...

An entry does exist - http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A230211

It is pretty accurate, but there's so much more I could write! Maybe I will do an entry then, and link to it.

Anyway, thanks for your questions; let's see what I can do to answer them...

If you don't mind RedFish, I'll talk about Black Mass sometime later when I have more time - it's a sore subject for me (I'll explain why later) and I think this post will probably be long enough as it is!

The Satanic Bible contains the thoughts of Lavey on religion in general and his ideologies for Satanism. Satanism is his religion, so the book contains the rules that Satanists live by (which is fair enough, but will appear contradictory to you later on, most probably).

Satanism has been around since about 1966 if memory serves. It is as liberal as you can get - anybody can join. It brings to mind a quote from Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, talking about his new recruits' differences in skin colour etc - "Here you are all equally worthless!" There is a certain arrogance to Satanism which is inherent in the dogma; the Satanist recognises that he is 'the highest embodiment of Human flesh'

Ah, I'm sorry I wasn't clear enough on the name. I'm afraid that I can't remember who has my book at the moment (you know how it is) and I haven't read it in a while, so my memory is vague in places. Erm...I suppose it is a kind of p**s-take. People model their gods on themselves (which the Satanist recognises as hypocrisy and is the UTTER antithesis of Satanism), so - as Satanists are regarded as 'evil', and Satan is regarded as 'evil', Lavey chose to call his religion Satanism. Is that any clearer?

Next time I post I'll say something about the 'seven deadly sins', and what Lavey had to say about them. It forms the basis for much of the Satanic dogma.

One last thing - I was thinking of posting a link to this thread somewhere a lot more public so that any researchers who are interested can take a look and ask questions. Do you think that would be appropriate?

Hmm, I can see the headlines now:

"BBC WEBSITE HAS SATANIST DISCUSSIONS"

Hmm...

Do it.

OK, I think I probably will then.

Satanism is a fully ratified religion, so if the BBC were to ban any entries on it they'd be breaking the law. Anyway, I don't think the mods will mind - if anyone actually listens to what I have to say they will realise that no action is necessary anyway

You know what these mods r like lol

Satanism should be regarded as you would regard any religion: load of rubbish (hope I'm still allowed to blaspheme) purpetrated by individuals or groups seeking to control the masses. All religions seek to claim their god as the one true god - as was stated in the opening. They also claim to understand a deeper truth which is hidden from the profane.
My experience of satanists (and it's limited I'll grant you) consisted of a few goths attempting to shock their parents with the unorthodox views.
Question: Does a satanist believe in god (and if so, is it a christian, nuslim, buddhist, whatever one). The reason I ask is this: Satanism appears to define itself as a binary opposite to christian belief, so a satanist would *have* to be a christian to start off with. Also if you believe the words of the bible – and you must – then Satan is a product of god.

I dont know if thats the type of Satanism Huw is on about.. maybe it is... who (Huw) knows....

If it is a different type of satanism and they're really all jolly decent chaps with little fluffy puppies gamboling over their biege carpets, why name your religion after an entity (and a fictional one at that) synonymous with evil deeds. Why not call yourself something less controversial.

_shrugs_ aint my religion

Just read the guide entry for satanism and it all seems rather benign. So I'm still confused why they would align themselves to a symbol of corruption rather than calling themselves, say, humanists. They appear to believe that each of us has a capacity for good or ill and that self-preservation is the pinacle of achievement.
I still say there are ulterior motives...

I think humanists already exist, but i know what u mean...

Well, Huw, you have a lot of questions to answer now