What is Theistic Satanism?
This is my interpretation of what theistic satanism is. This article was revised on 3/9/08
Although groups like the Church of Satan have developed atheistic satanic beliefs,
there are those that choose to take a more spiritual view of satanism.
There are several different kinds of Satanism, and there are many kinds of Satanists. Some follow a path of theistic Satanism, which means that they believe in the actual existence of Satan as a spiritual being. To a theist, Satan is a real, sentient, active force in the universe, who has always been part of humanity, and known by many names in many cultures around the world.
Theism vs. Atheism
Theistic Satanism is approached with a spiritual view, and is experienced through ritual, meditation and other practices of spirituality. For some Theistic Satanists, Satan is known as the judeo-christian deity from the bible. For other theistic Satanists, "satan" is a modern day figure for the many "satanic" archetypes in past religions. Theistic Satanism seeks to be more of a traditional kind of path, as compared to more,"modern" forms of Satanism, like philosophical and atheistic Satanism.
Theism differs from LaVey Satanism in many ways. The LaVey Satanist is essentially an atheist, and does not believe in the existence of magick or demons or gods. Atheistic, or branches of Modern or LaVeyan Satanism, are more of a self-glorified, earthly kind of here-and-now approach to life in general. Generally they use ritual magick for psychological reasons. They deny the existence of an afterlife and believe that man is God.
The Theistic satanist may or may not believe in the existence or purpose of an afterlife, as this is a matter of personal choice. Life is approached from a spiritual point of view; not entirely denying the physical but embracing both as a whole. Also, the theistic Satanist may or may not worship the judeo-christian Satan, or other deities. Worship, or the use of magic may or may not be a part of a theistic satanist's practices, depending on personal choice.
Choose your own Path
The main aspect of satanism, as a whole is that the participant is able to choose their own way of expression, and is not bound by religious dictate, law, or duty. This means that satanism comes in many forms and many different, unique ways of expression.
We take the choice of Left Hand Path, out of free will. It is a personal choice to be satanic, and to live a satanic lifestyle. It is up to the satanist, essentially to define what is really satanic to them. This means that the satanist is also accountable for what they do; they have to take responsibility for their actions.
Spiritual Views and Beliefs
Some Theists use a variety of beliefs within their studies and practices, such as Egyptian Sumerian or other ancient religions. Most Traditional satanists study the mythology of the Dark Gods that have existed throughout many culture's histories. There is not one right and true path, as there are many ways to express satanism.
Both paths afford the satanist the room to be free, and to be expressive in their own way. Theistic and Modern are just labels to describe the type of thinking that a satanist may embrace. The kind of tendencies that they may or may not uphold, depend on the spiritual model that one embraces.
You may ask, then, why call it Satanism? Why not just call it selfism, or hedonism "Satanism" is only a label by which one can describe those who are compelled by darkness, and those who are interested in the Left-Hand Path.
"Satanism is a religion of the flesh, the mundane, the
carnal - all of which are ruled by Satan, the personification
of the Left Hand Path"-- The Satanic Bible, Book Of Lucifer 3:paragraph 30
IRC Satanic Chat
Come and visit the IRC chatroom for Theistic Satanism and Magick. Visit the IRC chat page for more information on how you can chat with and learn from other people of the left hand path. Come meet with Venus Satanas in the chatroom!
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