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Archive-name: religions/satanism/cos
Posting-Frequency: monthly and whenever I see the need
Last-modified: 2004/03/23
Version: 2.3
URL: http://www.churchofsatan.com/
Copyright: (c)2001 Church of Satan,  P.O. Box 499, Radio City Station,
           New York, NY 10101-0499 USA

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Authors who contributed to this document:
(in alphabetic order)

Blanche Barton
Peter H. Gilmore
Peggy Nadramia
Matt G. Paradise
Herbert Paulis

Special thanks for correction and improvement suggestions:

Phil Marfuta
André Schlesinger
Lestat Ventrue


CONTENTS:

1. Introduction and Terminology

1.1. What is the purpose of this document?
1.2. What is a FAQ?
1.3. Common Abbreviations and Terms

2. What is the Church of Satan?

3. Anton Szandor LaVey

3.1. The man and his life
3.2. LaVey's death
3.3. The Church of Satan after LaVey
3.4. Myths and truths
3.5. Isn't Anton LaVey merely ripping off Nietzsche?

4. Satanism as seen by the Church of Satan

4.1. The philosophies
4.2. The Nine Satanic Statements
4.3. The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth
4.4. The Nine Satanic Sins
4.5. What is the Satanic Bunco Sheet?
4.6. To apply the name of Satan to this church implies a connection
     to the Bible. What is the stance of the CoS on these popular
     tales and predictions? Who is Christ to the CoS?
4.7. As a representative for Satanism, you do interviews and lectures.
     Isn't this preaching? And, doesn't this violate your rule of not
     giving your opinions unless asked?

5. Membership in the Church of Satan

5.1. How can I become a member of the Church of Satan?
     What if I do not live in the US?
5.2. What happens if I change my mind and want to get out of all this
     again?
5.3. I am not 18 years old yet. Can I still become a member?
5.4. The Church of Satan charges application fees for membership and
     further involvement and accepts money from people. Sounds like
     your garden-variety tent-show evangelist scam.
5.5. I really want to join the Church of Satan... I mean, A LOT! I
     want to be a Priest and be one of you. I want magical powers and
     a direct phone-line to Satan.
5.6. Do you find most of the membership of the CoS to be 'Xtian
     refugees' or do they come from all sorts of backgrounds?

6. Satanic Literature

6.1. Books by and about Anton Szandor LaVey and the Church of Satan
6.1.1. Where can I get a copy of _The Satanic Bible_?
6.1.2. Where can I get an electronic copy of _The Satanic Bible_?
6.1.3. How to obtain these books from the US?
6.1.4. How to obtain these books from outside the US?

6.2. Satanic Magazines and Publications
6.2.1. The Cloven Hoof
6.2.2. The Black Flame
6.2.3. Not Like Most
6.2.4. The Raven
6.2.5. Others

6.3. A little Satanically-inspired book suggestion
6.3.1 Non-Fiction
6.3.2 Fiction

7. Satanic Music and Videos

7.1. Music by Anton Szandor LaVey
7.2. Other Music of Satanic value
7.3. Videos

8. The Church of Satan on the Internet

9. Artifacts and where to look for them
9.1. Artifacts
9.2. Societies
9.3. Shops


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1. Introduction and Terminology

1.1. What is the purpose of this document?

   Many misunderstandings, false rumors and plain lies about the
   Church of Satan have been spread online, especially in the
   alt.satanism forum on Usenet and on several web pages, as well as
   on many hours of television shows and in numerous newspaper articles.
   This document is intended to correct these pieces of misinformation
   and to give accurate information, authenticated by the Church of Satan
   and signed electronically. It is not meant as a form of proselytizing,
   a practice which is frowned upon by the Church of Satan.
   See also topic 4.7.

1.2. What is a FAQ?

   "FAQ" is an acronym for "Frequently Answered Questions" or
   "Frequently Asked Questions", for what it's worth. These are
   documents on various topics, forming a veritable library of free
   information, usually put together by voluntary enthusiasts in order
   to answer certain questions that constantly come up in some
   newsgroups (hence the name). They are periodically posted to their
   home newsgroups and (usually) to news.answers, and archived at
   various places. This FAQ isn't really a proper list of frequently
   asked questions and their answers; it's more of a fact-file or an
   introductory brochure than a traditional Usenet FAQ, although some
   Q&As are included and hopefully more will be added in future. In
   some cases an author is noted for a portion of this FAQ. In other
   cases the text is compiled from several authors' contributions.
   Intermediate forms occur.

   The language in these articles is without doubt colored by the fact
   that some contributors have other mother tongues than English - and
   so it will remain. Nevertheless proposals for more idiomatic
   wordings are always cordially welcomed.

1.3. Common Abbreviations and Terms

   To save typing during discussions and in electronic mail, several
   abbreviations have been generally adopted and are listed here for
   the convenience of the reader.

     CoS, C/S            Church of Satan
     TSB                 _The Satanic Bible_
     TSR                 _The Satanic Rituals_
     TSW                 _The Satanic Witch_
     DN                  _The Devil's Notebook_
     ASL                 Anton Szandor LaVey
     Statements          The Nine Satanic Statements
     Sins                The Nine Satanic Sins
     RotE                The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth
     LHP                 Left Hand Path

   Some Satanists find themselves discussing Christianity frequently.
   In order to cut down on keystrokes many type "Xtian" and "Xtianity"
   rather than the longer versions. A few may intend it partly as a
   slur, but most do it only for convenience. The abbreviation itself
   is far from insulting; it is accepted and used by many Christians
   including (we are told) the Pope, as the first letter of Christ in
   Greek is Chi which looks like the Roman character "X".

2. What is the Church of Satan?

   We were established in 1966 C.E. by Anton Szandor LaVey who declared
   the Year One, thus opening the floodgates to a revolution designed
   to smash the hypocrisy and unreason which has reigned for the past
   2000 years. We have, since 1966, stood as the most formidable threat
   to those who would halt progress in the name of spirituality. We are
   explorers on the untrodden paths of science, human motivation and
   mystery -- all that is most _truly_ occult.

   Those who proudly carry our cards identifying themselves as members
   have the strength and dedication to implement the tools of Satan,
   the imagination to confound and confuse, the wisdom to recognize
   the Unseen in our society, and the passions of a classical Romantic
   soul.

   In modern parlance, the Church of Satan may be called a user-driven
   organization. Members are involved and advanced exactly as their
   own desires, abilities and accomplishments dictate. There are no
   set activities, meetings or contacts. The new member comes to the
   organization, ideally, with his own goals and plans for achieving
   them; he presents them to us and is directed in the way that would
   be most mutually beneficial. The CoS is not looking for people who
   join and want us to "put on a show," taking them by the hand,
   introducing them to their new friends, telling them what time to
   show up for the weekly get-together and what to wear. Satanists are
   not put in contact automatically, or even by geographical proximity.
   True elitists are by their nature very individualistic and neighboring
   members won't necessarily have anything in common; "just being
   Satanists together" isn't enough. When we observe members making
   advances on their own in their chosen fields of endeavor, we may put
   them in contact with other members running on the same track; we've
   watched this happen many times and we're pleased and proud to say the
   results are often magical. There are also members who are satisfied
   simply to join and be counted among the adherents to a philosophy
   that best embodies their own true nature.

3. Anton Szandor LaVey

3.1. The man and his life

   (This is an excerpt from Blanche Barton's book, _The Church of
   Satan_. For an even more detailed and fascinating LaVey biography,
   read _The Secret Life of a Satanist_, also by Blanche Barton. See
   the books section of this FAQ for details.)

   Anton Szandor LaVey was born in gangland-era Chicago on April 11,
   1930; but his parents moved to California soon after his birth.
   After a restless youth, where he had his first supernatural
   experiences, he dropped out of high school at the age of 16,
   deciding to  become second oboist for the San Francisco Ballet
   Orchestra. Later, he decided the circus was a good place for an
   energetic young man with his talents, and so he signed on with the
   Clyde Beatty Circus.

   At 17, LaVey was taming eight Nubian Lions and four Bengal tigers
   alone in the big cage and developed a close relation with and an
   affection for the big cats. But his musical talents were not
   wasted, either, and he played the calliope regularly, accompanying
   circus greats from the Flying Wallendas to Hugo Zachinni.

   LaVey extended his knowledge of the outdoor entertainment industry
   by joining the carnival and amusement park circuit, working some of
   the biggest traveling shows on the Pacific Coast. Playing calliope,
   Wurlitzer band organ, or Hammond along every midway, LaVey also
   worked with famed freaks in the "Ten-in-One." He was in his element
   among the loners, drifters and marginal types who have always been
   attracted to the cynical carnival atmosphere. It was here LaVey
   learned how much people will pay to be fooled -- how desperately
   they want to escape their own dull lives.

   After a short career as a photographer for the SFPD and an
   investigator in occult affairs, LaVey completely devoted himself to
   exploring the occult and magic. He founded the "Magic Circle" and
   held lectures on various magical and outré subjects. Finally, on
   Walpurgisnacht 1966, his life work came to a significiant culmination
   when he founded the Church of Satan, proclaiming the Satanic Year I.

3.2. LaVey's death

   As many (false) rumors and even more lies have been spread over
   the net (and they still are), here is a short factual account of
   Dr. LaVey's death.

   Having a long-standing valvular problem associated with rheumatic
   heart disease, Anton LaVey had some kind of massive cardiac
   arrhythmia after several internal bleedings in late summer of 1997
   C.E. had been treated in hospital. He died on October the 29th, in
   St. Mary's Hospital, a Catholic hospital associated with the
   University of San Francisco. He was brought to St. Mary's because
   it was the closest facility to him; he had never been treated
   there before. He made no "death bed" recantations of his philosophy.

   Although there has been some confusion with his funeral records,
   some listed Halloween as his death date, rumors that his death has
   been caused deliberately by a Xtian nurse are grossly false. He was
   being given a Satanic funeral, attended only by his closest
   relatives and was cremated afterwards, as per his wishes.

3.3. The Church of Satan after LaVey

   Blanche Barton, Anton LaVey's long-time companion and mother of his
   son Satan Xerxes Carnacki LaVey, acted after his death at first alone
   as High Priestess of the Church of Satan. In May 2001 she ordained
   Magister Peter H. Gilmore as new High Priest and his wife Magistra
   Peggy Nadramia as Magistra Templi Rex to assist her in the leadership
   of the organization. Read a short excerpt from the High Priestess'
   Walpurgisnacht XXXVI communiqué for this announcement:

   "... I hereby appoint Magister Peter H. Gilmore to the position of
   High Priest of the Church of Satan, and Magistra Peggy Nadramia to
   the position of Grand Mistress of the Temple - Magistra Templi Rex,
   as outlined in our articles of incorporation. I will retain the
   position of High Priestess, but the Central Administrative Offices
   will move from the West Coast to the East Coast, and most membership
   issues will be handled through the Church of Satan's New York Contact
   address (P.O. Box 499, Radio City Station, New York, NY 10101-0499),
   as will approval and coordination of present and future Grotto
   Masters. ...

   This fine-tuning is in keeping with Dr. LaVey's goals for fortifying
   and expanding the Church of Satan at the proper time, and I know these
   changes will strengthen the organization as a whole. Since Dr. LaVey's
   passing, we have grown significantly in size and scope. It is time for
   us to broaden our administrative base in order to better coordinate
   our worldwide efforts. It will ensure that the right people get the
   proper feedback and attention, and that orders and correspondence are
   handled more quickly. ..."
   (You can find the full text in the news section of the Church of Satan
   web site.)

   Finally, on Walpurgisnacht 2002, the transition was completed when
   Blanche Barton appointed Peggy Nadramia as the new High Priestess of
   the Church of Satan, taking herself the title of Magistra Templi Rex.
   In her own words: "Together, High Priest Gilmore and High Priestess
   Nadramia have generated potent magical energy between them as husband
   and wife, and will now be able to apply that same balance, cooperation
   and vitality to the Church of Satan."

   Note that the new mailing address for membership registration and
   correspondences, as of 30 April, Walpurgisnacht, XXXVI A.S., is our
   New York City office:

   Church of Satan,
   New York Contact,
   P.O. Box 499, Radio City Station,
   New York, NY 10101-0499, USA

   Memberships registrations and correspondences sent to other prior
   Church of Satan addresses (san Francisco, San Diego) will be processed
   however there may be a delay.

3.4. Myths and truths

   Zeena LaVey, his younger daughter, chose to disown her father in
   1989 and had no more contact with him nor the Church of Satan since.
   After his death, she has gone on TV shows, claiming that she has proven
   herself to be the more competent Satanic magician as her father died
   due to a curse she placed upon him. Of course, no such curse was
   mentioned prior to his death. She has contacted reporters to claim
   among other things, that her father was a wife-beater (no evidence
   has been provided to back up this assertion), and that he never had a
   relationship with Jayne Mansfield (despite the fact that several photos
   prove the contrary, see _The Secret Life of a Satanist_) or any
   involvement with the film _Rosemary's Baby_ (LaVey was known to have
   helped promote the San Francisco premiere and the publicity concerning
   the Church of Satan clearly influenced Ira Levin, author of the novel).
   She has cursed herself to a miserable fate.

   Karla LaVey, his older daughter, chose not to be affiliated with the
   Church of Satan.

   People often wondered about the "Doctor" title seen once in awhile
   in connection with LaVey's name. Formally speaking, Anton
   LaVey did not hold a Ph.D. or anything similar. But he never said
   that he did earn such a degree. It was and still is the practice that
   his friends and people who hold him up in great respect called and
   continue to call him "Doc" or "Dr. LaVey" as a kind of honorary title
   (_The Secret Life of a Satanist_, p.223). It is only natural that
   there were and will always be people who run him down because of
   this. So what? If they are not good enough to get an academic
   degree for themselves at some university and not famous enough to
   get an honorary title, chalk it up to envy and jealousy.

3.5. Isn't Anton LaVey merely ripping off Nietzsche?

   Extremely limited (and limiting) thinking, indeed. When LaVey
   refers to an idea, concept, or quote derived or taken from someone
   else, he often cites the author, either in the paragraph or in the
   indices of his books. If anything LaVey writes seems or is similar
   to past concepts, oftentimes, this material is augmented with modern
   circumstances, his own thoughts, and may be synthesized from past
   thinkers. Seeing that Satanism is a work in progress, a working blend
   of science and philosophy, we are fully justified in choosing the
   valid concepts of old, working with them in our new context and
   taking them into the future. (If we didn't, who else would?) It is
   the same process used by scientists, doctors, psychologists, and many
   other professionals. Nothing would get done if individuals merely went
   along with established thought and never added to it. It's evolution,
   pure and simple.

4. Satanism as seen by the Church of Satan

4.1. Our philosophies

   If you have not already done so, we strongly suggest you purchase
   _The Satanic Bible_, and study it. It is a diabolical book, the
   basis for our philosophy. Satanism is not for everyone, but if it
   is for you, we welcome you. We are not a fan club, a pen-pal
   society, or a lonely hearts group. We are a group of dynamic
   individuals who stand forth as the ultimate underground alternative
   -- the Alien Elite. We realize what we have, what we are, and what
   we shall become. Our scope is unlimited, and the extent of your
   involvement is based upon your own potential.

   In recent years, we've wasted far too much time explaining that
   Satanism has nothing to do with kidnapping, drug abuse, child
   molestation, animal or child sacrifice, or any number of other acts
   which idiots, hysterics or opportunists would like to blame on us.
   Satanism is a life-loving, rational philosophy that millions
   of people adhere to. Now we're ready for something that goes quite
   a few steps beyond just explaining our principles. Every
   revisionist movement needs a set of goals/guidelines that are
   clear, concrete, and that will effect significant changes.

   The following Five-Point Program reflects attitudes which allow
   others to decide whether they wish to align themselves with
   Satanism or not. Each is necessary for Satanic change to take
   place. When asked what we're "doing", here's the answer:

   1) STRATIFICATION -- The point on which all the others ultimately
   rest. There can be no more myth of "equality" for all--it only
   translates to "mediocrity" and supports the weak at the expense of
   the strong. Water must be allowed to seek its own level without
   interference from apologists for incompetence. No one should be
   protected from the effects of his own stupidity.

   2) STRICT TAXATION OF ALL CHURCHES -- If churches were taxed for
   all their income and property, they'd crumble overnight of their
   own obsolescence, and the National Debt would be wiped out as
   quickly. The productive, the creative, the resourceful should be
   subsidized. So long as the useless and incompetent are getting
   paid, they should be heavily taxed.

   3) NO TOLERANCE FOR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS SECULARIZED AND INCORPORATED
   INTO LAW AND ORDER ISSUES -- to re-establish "Lex Talionis" would
   require a complete overturning of the present in-justice system
   based on Judeo-Christian ideals, where the victim/defender has been
   made the criminal. Amnesty should be considered for anyone in
   prison because of his alleged "influence" upon the actual
   perpetrator of the crime. Everyone is influenced in what he or she
   does. Scapegoating has become a way of life, a means of survival
   for the unfit. As an extension of the Judeo-Christian cop-out of
   blaming the Devil for everything, criminals can gain leniency, even
   praise, by placing the blame on a convenient villain. Following the
   Satanic creed of "Responsibility to the responsible," in a Satanic
   society, everyone must experience the consequences of his own
   actions -- for good or ill.

   4) DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF ARTIFICIAL HUMAN COMPANIONS -- The
   forbidden industry. An economic "godsend" which will allow everyone
   "power" over someone else. Polite, sophisticated, technologically
   feasible slavery. And the most profitable industry since TV and the
   computer.

   5) THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ANYONE TO LIVE WITHIN A TOTAL ENVIRONMENT OF
   HIS OR HER CHOICE, WITH MANDATORY ADHERENCE TO THE AESTHETIC AND
   BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS OF SAME -- Privately owned, operated and
   controlled environments as an alternative to homogenized and
   polyglot ones. The freedom to insularize oneself within a social
   milieu of personal well-being. An opportunity to feel, see, and
   hear that which is most aesthetically pleasing, without
   interference from those who would pollute or detract from that
   option.

4.2. 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,
      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.

4.3. The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth

    1. Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.
    2. Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they
       want to hear them.
    3. When in another's lair, show him respect or else do not go
       there.
    4. If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and
       without mercy.
    5. Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating
       signal.
    6. Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a
       burden to the other person and he cries out to be relieved.
    7. Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it
       successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of
       magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose
       all you have obtained.
    8. Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject
       yourself.
    9. Do not harm little children.
   10. Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for
       your food.
   11. When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone
       bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.

4.4. The Nine Satanic Sins

   1. Stupidity -- The top of the list for Satanic Sins. The Cardinal
      Sin of Satanism. It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful.
      Ignorance is one thing, but our society thrives increasingly on
      stupidity. It depends on people going along with whatever they
      are told. The media promotes a cultivated stupidity as a posture
      that is not only acceptable but laudable. Satanists must learn
      to see through the tricks and cannot afford to be stupid.
   2. Pretentiousness -- Empty posturing can be most irritating and
      isn't applying the cardinal rules of Lesser Magic. On equal
      footing with stupidity for what keeps the money in circulation
      these days. Everyone's made to feel like a big shot, whether
      they can come up with the goods or not.
   3. Solipsism -- Can be very dangerous for Satanists. Projecting
      your reactions, responses and sensibilities onto someone who is
      probably far less attuned than you are. It is the mistake of
      expecting people to give you the same consideration, courtesy
      and respect that you naturally give them. They won't. Instead,
      Satanists must strive to apply the dictum of "Do unto others as
      they do unto you." It's work for most of us and requires
      constant vigilance lest you slip into a comfortable illusion of
      everyone being like you. As has been said, certain utopias would
      be ideal in a nation of philosophers, but unfortunately (or
      perhaps fortunately, from a Machiavellian standpoint) we are far
      from that point.
   4. Self-deceit -- It's in the Nine Satanic Statements but deserves
      to be repeated here. Another cardinal sin. We must not pay
      homage to any of the sacred cows presented to us, including the
      roles we are expected to play ourselves. The only time
      self-deceit should be entered into is when it's fun, and with
      awareness. But then, it's not self-deceit!
   5. Herd Conformity -- That's obvious from a Satanic stance. It's
      all right to conform to a person's wishes, if it ultimately
      benefits you. But only fools follow along with the herd, letting
      an impersonal entity dictate to you. The key is to choose a
      master wisely instead of being enslaved by the whims of the
      many.
   6. Lack of Perspective -- Again, this one can lead to a lot of pain
      for a Satanist. You must never lose sight of who and what you
      are, and what a threat you can be, by your very existence. We
      are making history right now, every day. Always keep the wider
      historical and social picture in mind. That is an important key
      to both Lesser and Greater Magic. See the patterns and fit
      things together as you want the pieces to fall into place. Do
      not be swayed by herd constraints -- know that you are working
      on another level entirely from the rest of the world.
   7. Forgetfulness of Past Orthodoxies -- Be aware that this is one
      of the keys to brainwashing people into accepting something
      "new" and "different," when in reality it's something that was
      once widely accepted but is now presented in a new package. We
      are expected to rave about the genius of the "creator" and
      forget the original. This makes for a disposable society.
   8. Counterproductive Pride -- That first word is important. Pride
      is great up to the point you begin to throw out the baby with
      the bath-water. The rule of Satanism is: if it works for you,
      great. When it stops working for you, when you've painted
      yourself into a corner and the only way out is to say, "I'm
      sorry, I made a mistake, I wish we could compromise somehow,"
      then do it.
   9. Lack of Aesthetics -- This is the physical application of the
      Balance Factor. Aesthetics is important in Lesser Magic and
      should be cultivated. It is obvious that no one can collect any
      money off classical standards of beauty and form most of the
      time so they are discouraged in a consumer society, but "an eye"
      for beauty, for balance, is an essential Satanic tool and must
      be applied for greatest magical effectiveness. It's not what's
      supposed to be pleasing -- it's what is. Aesthetics is a
      personal thing, reflective of one's own nature, but there are
      universally pleasing and harmonious configurations that should
      not be denied.

4.5. What is the Satanic Bunco Sheet?

   Because Anton LaVey has made Satanism so popular, it appears that
   everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon. If you're new to the Realm
   of Darkness suddenly feeling the fires of Satan burning within you,
   be warned: there are unethical individuals out there who will attempt
   to prey upon you, claiming they can teach you how to become a Great
   Black Magician overnight, offering "instant priesthoods" in bogus
   "Satanic Churches," who will promise instructional fellowship and
   activities with "True Masters", who may claim unverifiable links
   with the Church of Satan or other such lineage. Save your money.
   The Satanic Bunco Sheet is a tip sheet to recognize pseudo- and
   anti-Satanic groups that have sprouted up since LaVey started the
   original Church of Satan.

   Some places where you can find and read the complete Satanic Bunco
   Sheet:
   http://www.churchofsatan.com/
   http://www.purgingtalon.com/nlm/bunco.htm
   http://www.HerbertsDarkCorner.com/

4.6. To apply the name of Satan to this church implies a connection
     to the Bible. What is the stance of the CoS on these popular
     tales and predictions? Who is Christ to the CoS?

   We take the name Satan in concept only. Any other connection is
   thrust upon us by anxious, ignorant, and/or misinformed people. The
   archetype itself, by whatever name is appropriate, is far older
   than Xtianity or Judaism, and it was these religions that, in order
   to gain a foothold in the world, decided to destroy and bastardize
   the "pagan gods." Satan has generally been the character who has
   challenged sterile thought, encouraged indulgence, rebelled against
   slavery, and truly represented human nature and all that the
   mundane world offers. By extension, instead of worshipping Satan,
   we emulate him. The Xtian bible was probably one of the greatest
   pieces of propaganda (with Mein Kampf running a close second) in
   world history but, quite frankly, we think that the intelligent
   members of a scientifically, philosophically, and technologically
   advanced civilization should logically cease to have a need for
   such outmoded parables and slave ethics. But, seeing as insecurity
   never goes out of style, those in need seek their baby-sitters in
   whatever avenue is acceptable; in LaVey's words, a "privileged lie."
   Many Satanists also view the Xtian bible as an example of mankind's
   hypocrisy, incompetence, and spinelessness. Jesus Christ is the
   paradigm for these qualities, and is thus reviled by Satanists.
   How can anyone with human insight and reasonable logic skills
   accept the phrase "the meek shall inherit the Earth" without
   laughing? History certainly doesn't support this assertion. From my
   experience, many people who call themselves Xtians are so merely by
   convenience and not so much by a rational decision, if rationality is
   possible. It's a truly insecure philosophy that demands its tenets
   to be installed in humans from early childhood, because if it was
   introduced for the first time to adults, many would raise their
   eyebrows in suspicion and disgust. Many Xtians I've met haven't even

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