What are the genuine beliefs upheld by Satanists?
It's commonly depicted as a dark world of ritual abuse, black masses, and animal sacrifices: The public image of Satanists is one of evil-doers who hurt others and dedicate their lives to a malevolent supernatural force that makes them the embodiment of "wrong" in society. But is that really the truth? To put it bluntly, this image of Satanists is widely recognized and popular, often portrayed in news reports and Hollywood films. Yet, it's also something else: entirely inaccurate.
The source of this misleading perception can be traced back to 1980, when the book "Michelle Remembers" was released. Written by a Canadian psychiatrist and his patient Michelle (who later became his wife), the book recounts Michelle's alleged childhood experiences in the clutches of a satanic cult. The graphic accounts of cruel rituals and satanic abuse significantly contributed to the creation of a very scary image of so-called "Satanists."
The book was largely disproven in the following years. There is still no evidence for the existence of satanic cults that engage in ritual abuse. Yet, "Michelle Remembers" ignited a fire that was difficult to extinguish: The so-called "Satanic Panic" swept through North America and much of the world in the 1980s and early 1990s. Suddenly, satanic conspiracies seemed to lurk behind every corner. It's easy to imagine that the media also played a role in this, as the topic was both sensational and popular due to its dark undertones. And, of course, conspiracy theories and the desire for simple explanations for complex social problems also played a significant role at the time.
Satanism as a Modern Phenomenon
But what is the true essence of the phenomenon of Satanism? What do Satanists believe - and what values do they uphold? Although the term "Satan" has been known in Jewish-Christian theology and medieval demonology for centuries, Satanism as an independent belief system is a modern phenomenon. It was primarily shaped by the works of Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) and later Anton LaVey (1930-1997). Crowley, a prominent occultist, laid the groundwork for many esoteric traditions that still exist today with his "Thelema" movement.
LaVey, on the other hand, had a significant impact on the movement now known as "Satanists." With the establishment of the Church of Satan in 1966, he launched a new era. His reflections began with his observation of bigotry among those who considered themselves Christians. LaVey had previously worked as an organist in church services. A quote often attributed to him is: "On Saturday night, I saw men lusting after half-naked women, and on Sunday morning, as I played the organ, I saw the same men sitting in church pews with their wives and children, asking God to forgive them and free them from carnal desires. The next Saturday, they were back at the fair or some other place of entertainment. That's when I knew that the Christian church thrives on hypocrisy." LaVey, thus, criticized the double standards of religious institutions - this is where modern Satanism was born.
Subsequently, LaVey developed his own set of beliefs. He placed individualism and self-realization at the heart of his Satanism, in contrast to theistic religions, which he believed only preached obedience and submission. LaVey's philosophy was a deliberate provocation against prevailing religious norms and a call for personal freedom and rationality. And these principles still form the foundation of modern Satanism today.
Satanists believe: Satan does not exist
LaVey formulated his ideas in "The Satanic Bible," published in 1969 and considered a central text of modern Satanism. This Bible includes the "Nine Satanic Statements." The first one, for example, reads: "Satan stands for indulgence instead of abstinence!" The fulfillment of one's desires instead of abstinence and self-denial is a key aspect of the Satanist worldview. Through principles like these, LaVey presented a philosophy that focuses on individual strength and self-determination, instead of promoting humility, chastity, and forgiveness. It was a radical departure from the traditional religious norms prevalent in the Christianity he knew.
Moreover, LaVey developed rituals and ceremonies, although they had no magical or occult properties, regardless of how they may appear to outsiders. These rituals were not intended for worship of a supernatural being, but rather to help live out one's inner desires and emotions. LaVey emphasized the psychological benefits of these rituals. He believed that the symbolic action and mental focus involved could help people achieve their goals and develop personal strength.
And that brings us to another fundamental aspect of the Satanist worldview: Satanists do not believe in a God or a Satan. They are atheists. Of course, there may be small splinter groups or individuals who do not fit this image and are more located in an esoteric-occult spectrum. But these are exceptions. "Satan" is, for Satanists, typically no more than a symbol. A symbol of resistance against authoritarian and, in particular, church norms, a conscious provocation that proclaims one's own self-realization and rationality as the highest good. At its core, modern Satanism is about liberating the individual from (religious) dogmas and societal constraints, and promoting an enlightened and rational worldview.
Absolutely, you've got it right: Satanists deliberately embracing their dark image is no secret. They continuously clarify that they have nothing to do with the malicious acts allegedly done in Satan's name or with any supernatural practices linked to them. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that criminal minds or individuals with mental health issues have sometimes misused satanic symbols and jargon, as in the infamous "Satanic murder" case of Witten.
This misconception often leads to a skewed understanding. There's no concrete proof backing organized "satanic crimes" or the supposed ritual abuses, as was raved about during the "Satanic Panic" and persists to a certain extent now.
Even though Satanism isn't something to be fearful of, it still raises significant concerns. For instance, the extreme focus on individualism. Values like self-discovery and personal freedom are undoubtedly vital. But if empathy and compassion towards others are entirely disregarded - as hinted at in some of Aleister Crowley's or Anton LaVey's satanic beliefs - it can easily turn into ruthless self-centeredness, disregarding others and the greater good.
Undercurrents of Social Darwinism can also be perceived in satanic ideology. If one's own desires become supreme, it's akin to idolizing one's own ego: only what I desire matters. In its extreme form, this can make individuals with such mindsets off-putting company and even serve as a basis for devaluing others, viewing oneself as part of an elite with the authority to treat others as they see fit.
The misconceptions about Satanists being responsible for ritual abuse and black masses largely stem from the book "Michelle Remembers," published in 1980. Despite being largely disproven, this book contributed to the creation of a negative image of Satanists.
Satanism as a modern phenomenon was primarily shaped by the works of Aleister Crowley and Anton LaVey. Crowley laid the groundwork for many esoteric traditions with his "Thelema" movement, while LaVey criticized religious hypocrisy and launched the Church of Satan in 1966, promoting individualism and self-realization as central tenets.
