LaVeyan Satanism Vs. Theistic Satanism
Many categorize religions that involve Satan in its worship as one entity. This is simply not accurate. Just as there are various types of Christianity, there are differing forms of Satanism as well. In comparing LaVeyan Satanism to Theistic Satanism, one can conclude that the beliefs of these groups are diverse. Theistic Satanism consists of holding Satan in high regard as a being to be exalted and worshipped as a diety or god. This belief may have existed throughout man’s existence on earth, but its actual history as an organized religion is unknown.
Followers emphasize that the authority of God is to be rejected since Biblically Satan rejected God and desired to be as God, living his life here as he chose without restraints. Theistic Satanists worship the traditional person of Satan as portrayed by the Christian Bible. They pray to Satan to have desires fulfilled. Some practice what is called the Black Mass, which is purposely opposite of the Catholic mass, turning the performance around in such a way that Satan is glorified rather than God. However, because modern-day evangelical Christianity does not necessarily follow the Catholic mass, the Black Mass lost its strong message. Theistic Satanists exalt the person of Satan that is presented in the Bible, and they worship him as a deity much like traditional Christians would worship the God of the Bible. On the other hand, LaVeyan Satanism was founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey.
LaVeyan Satanists do similarly believe in magic, the occult, and rejecting the Bible’s God, but rather than submitting to any deity, they emphasize atheism and do not believe in any god at all. Satan is not worshipped but seen only as a symbol for the basic inner desires present in all humans. Each man and woman can be his or her own god, and Satan is merely a powerful reservoir that exists naturally in each person. Self-identity and ideas of “I am my own god” is propogated as well as self-indulgence, self-love and inward gratification. LaVey published his religious concepts in the Satanic Bible and other books.
