Atheism: The Ultimate Guide (COMPLETED)

23. LaVeyan Satanism

I have thankfully been able to acquire a copy of Anton Szandor LaVey's The Satanic Bible! I have to say, it's been a very interesting read so far! It's quite intriguing, I highly recommend it.

LaVeyan Satanism is much more alluring than Christianity, in my opinion. To begin, it has The Nine Satanic Statements, which are as follows: 

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 for 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! 

LaVeyan Satanists don't believe in Satan, just let me clarify that. They are atheists, and actually dislike the idea of religion overall. They use Satan as an archetypal figure and a role model off which to base their life and choices.

These satanic statements signify how LaVeyan Satanists believe that Satan is a fictional deity to be praised and admired, rather than condemned and feared. I agree with them on this point, see my "God vs. Satan" chapter for more information on that.

Although LaVeyan Satanism may seem dramatic and over the top sometimes, Anton Szandor LaVey was a strange and angsty man, so it makes sense.

There are only nine satanic sins, and they all are about oneself and traits within oneself. Instead of listing broad and intense no-no's LaVeyan Satanism's sins focus on oneself. I like it that way! It helps keep yourself in check and helps you live a better life as a better person.

1. Stupidity

2. Pretentiousness

3. Solipsism

4. Self-deceit

5. Herd Conformity

6. Lack of Perspective

7. Forgetfulness of Past Orthodoxies

8. Counterproductive Pride

9. Lack of Aesthetics

As you can see, LaVeyan Satanism is all about preserving oneself and not becoming selfish, greedy, and a conformist (along with many other negative traits).

These are the Eleven Satanic Rules:

1. Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked

2. Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure people 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 and 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 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

I know it seems as if I'm just droning on about rules and regulations and blah blah blah like Christianity, but LaVeyan Satanism is different. It's about individualism, and helping those who deserve it.

I admire LaVeyan Satanism a lot, as you can probably tell. I believe it's so much more fun to follow and helps people be true to themselves.

I think these "commandments" of LaVeyan Satanism are good life rules to follow by. Christianity only sticks to big no-no's like murder and theft, while LaVeyan Satanism focuses on the more in-depth side of humanity.

Justice is also important. LaVeyan Satanists only want to be kind to those who deserve kindness. Also, when they say "lair" they mean house, and by "destroy" they aren't encouraging you to kill. They're just telling you to not be nice and let the person walk all over you, to stand your ground and show them who's boss.

Other religions, such as Christianity, are more focused on broader and bigger things such as murder and slavery. LaVey's Bible talks a lot about personal issues like sex and magic (more about that later probably).

This chapter may not be as in-depth as I'd like, but I still have a lot to learn about it. I've covered the most important things and I think I've gone in-depth enough. If y'all want to learn more the Satanic Bible is always an option!