Lesson - What is Laveyan Satanism About?

[Galamount]

What is LaVeyan Satanism about?

The core philosophy of the Church of Satan is that of indulgence; of living one's life to the utmost of intellectual and material/carnal fulfillment. This includes fulfilling all of one's desires, so long as it does not involve the unwilling (children and animals are considered unable to consent, and thus are classed as unwilling). If fulfillment of these desires comes from illegal actions, so be it,but the Satanist must be prepared to pay for any actions which he or she performs (personal accountability for actions).

LaVeyan Satanists do not believe in worshipping Satan, but use the name as a symbol for either the 'force of nature' (naturalistic) or the rolemodel of self (atheistic or Symbolic). In the form of rolemodel, Satan represents individuality, material success, strength of will, and pride in self. These are seen as very desireable traits.

Much like sins in Christianity's Bible, Satanists beliefs also has it's own sins, which must be obeyed, for the well being of the Satanist. Such sins include
Stupidity, self deceit, and lack of perspective.

LaVeyan Satanism was founded in the 1960s by Anton Szandor LaVey. It is without a doubt the most well-known of the Satanic denominations, and is the only one (as far as I am aware)with federally recognized religious status.

Feel free to ask, or discuss anything on this.

Does that mean that if they have someone's permission, they could like sacrifice them if they wanted to according to their religion??

[Galamount]

Most forms of Satanism encourage people to take care of themselves, not turn against themselves. For one to offer themselves as sacrifice, this is not
a great basis of beliefs. They wish to improve themselves, not to end themselves

However Satanists see man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all-fours, so it can be expected that Satanism has an untraditional attitude towards animal sacrifice.

[Lightkeeper]

Is human an other animal sacrifice practiced and if so why?

[Eddie]

How is that different to Hedonism? Is it becuase satan is worshipped as opposed to pleasure? And if so then what does that mean in terms of differences between the two philosphophies?

[Lightkeeper]

I think he said Satan is not worshipped, they just use the name. I was wondering the same thing about hedonism.

[Eddie]

If they are worshipping the role model of satan even symbolically, they are worshiping satan symbolically. If the symbol meant nothing the symbol could just as well be Bill Gates which encompassed those same traits.

Yeah i know a slew of Bill Gates is the devil jokes will probably follow

Just trying to understand whats involved here and why the particular use of the symbol as opposed to anything else. And in what ways this differers to Hedonism.

[Galamount]

Originally Posted by Eddie

How is that different to Hedonism? Is it becuase satan is worshipped as opposed to pleasure? And if so then what does that mean in terms of differences between the two philosphophies?

Firstl, LK is correct as to mention that LaVeyans only use the name
"satan".

Hedonism can be generally summed up as "Pleasure is the highest good", or in an ethical formulation, "whatever causes pleasure is right."
The difference is that Hedonism is only about "pleasure", or as LK stated
in another thread "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law."

This is a common misconception. LaVeyan Satanism is not simply about
"pleasure, and doing whatever." This is why the 9 Satanic sins and 11 Rules of th Earth are applied. Like other religions, LaVeyan has it's own morals and ethics.

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

Would not someone who does what ever they wish give their opinion anyway?

Rule 5. Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal.

Would not a person who wishes to do as they choose make these advances anyway?

Rule6. 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.

Same again.

That is why such rules are applied.

[Eddie]

thanks for the clarification

[Galamount]

I wasn't sure if you were being sarcastic or honest, but you're welcome
either way.