From locklin@phyast.pitt.edu Wed Jul 13 03:49:17 EDT 1994 Article: 4179 of alt.satanism Path: montego!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!not-for-mail From: locklin@phyast.pitt.edu (Locklin) Newsgroups: alt.satanism Subject: Larval FAQ Date: 13 Jul 1994 01:36:00 -0500 Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway Lines: 932 Sender: nobody@cs.utexas.edu Message-ID: <9407130636.AA07830@minerva.phyast.pitt.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: news.cs.utexas.edu I need comments on this (rather than complaints); especially useful would be a short few-paragraph description of the Temple of Set and the Church of Satan from members of each of these groups. Otherwise you're stuck with the lousy @descriptions already in it (I'm not doing the work, as I have no vested interest in either group per se). It will contain a description of teh activities of the "Fraternity of Baelder" before completed, as they seem at least tangentally of interest to Satanists. "Romantic/Promethian" sub-category; not something I know much about, other than having read some of the authors. yrs etc... -Lupo -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- THE ALT.SATANISM FAQ last major revision; July 20, 1993 (next version due completed July 20,1994) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- This file is for all new readers of alt.satanism. Many groups of a `controversial' 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 Graeme Wilson Frater (I) Nigris (666) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Frequently Asked "Questions" of Alt.Satanism: 1. What is Satanism? 2. What is _The Satanic Bible_? 3. Satanic Organizations? 3.1 The Church of Satan and the Temple of Set 3.2 The Order of the Left Hand Path 3.3 The Order of Nine Angles 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! [As regards Christian evangelism, see also the alt.atheism FAQ.] 10. Satanic Music? 11. How can I get more information about Satanism? 12. 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 action. [from _Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language_, (c) 1989] 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. The one unifying theme among the Satanisms is the last of the three definitions; one can say with some certainty that all Satanisms and Satanists have diabolical or satanic dispositions in that they are "like Satan." They possess the virtues of antinomianism, self-reliance, rebellion and adversarialism. There are several divisions one could make as to the belief systems of various "Satanic" groups. This (arbitrary) division was included to point out various currents or influences in modern day satanism rather than an attempt at categorization. 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. 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). Certain forms of Tantric Buddism could also be placed in this category. 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. Romantic/Promethean Satanists Literary/historical "Satanists" -William Blake, Charles Baudelaire, Maupertin, Lautremont and Gabriele D'Annunzio. 7. 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! (getting it) _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 (about it) Members of the Temple of Set have noticed that much of the Satanic Bible is plagiarized from various sources; the above-quoted "Nine Satanic Statements" are condensed from a passage in Ayn Rands _Atlas Shrugged_; the "Book of Satan" is plagiarized from Ragnar Redbeards _Might is Right_, and the "Enochian Keys" are taken from Crowleys work. Considering these 'borrowed' passages, one might wonder about the other prose, which is often similar (in tone if not execution) to the writings of Ambrose Bierce or Mark Twain. 3. Satanic Organizations? Some may be interested in joining some kind of organization of like minded individuals. Most Satanists will agree that organizations are best when least intrusive on the individual, and would recommend caution in joining or associating with any group, including (and perhaps especially) those mentioned in the FAQ. Some useful "common sense" cautions for the potential neophyte Satanist; Don't let anyone tell you what to believe, or what to do. Advice or recommendations are one thing; orders or commands quite another. Remember that you are a free being, not a pawn in someones power fantasy. Trust your feelings; if you feel you may be the victim of a working of Lesser Black Magick, you probably are (in some sense). It is important to realize that all organizations, Satanic and otherwise, are _dangerous_; by their very nature they have more available physical, economic and psychological resources than the individual who would interact with them, hence one should exercise caution in ones dealings with any organization or one could find oneself with less freedom, a destroyed reputation, legal troubles, or worse. With this in mind; several of the more important Satanic organizations: 3.1 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. 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. Apparently there was a difference of opinion between Anton LaVey and some of the priesthood of the Church of Satan in 1975; this schism eventually led to the formation of the Temple of Set as a seperate entity. This group claims the heritage of the original Church of Satan; predictably those retaining a loyalty to the Anton LaVey group roundly deny the Temple of Set claims & the entire situation results in plenty of name-calling and bad blood on both sides of the issue, though the Temple of Set continues to honor Anton LaVey with the title of 'Magus.' It seems to me that this issue will only be objectively resolved with the test of time; deeds will resolve the question rather than mud-slinging. Most observers consider the Temple of Set to be the more active of the two groups (see the _Encyclopedia of American Religion_ for example). The Temple of Set encourages members to apply Setian philosophy to their soul or psyche in the process of Xeper, which could be defined as "coming into being". The goal is for the individual to achieve self-actualization and divinity. There is material on the Temple of Set archived in (as well as other files of interest to the occultist) nic.funet.fi and ftp.lysator.liu.se pub/religion/satanism as well as netcom.com ftp/pub/jyouril/tos jyouril@netcom.com also runs a Setian-oriented (though not exclusive) mailing list; you may subscribe by mailing a message with the text "subscribe xepera-l" to listserv@astaroth.sacbbx.com The Temple of Set can be contacted at: Temple of Set