What is Satanism?

Response

Satanism is a complex concept with various branches. Unlike Christians, Satanists have differing fundamental beliefs. While Christians may have varying interpretations of certain Bible passages, they share the core belief that Jesus is God’s Son who sacrificed himself for our sins by dying on the cross and being resurrected. In contrast, Satanists debate the existence of Satan and whether they worship him or themselves. Essentially, they are a conflicted group entangled in deception. Perhaps John 8:44 applies to Satanists: “You belong to your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

The diversity within Satanism stems from these falsehoods. While some practices are consistent, Satanists’ cohesion lies more in rituals than in a shared belief system. Satanists engage in certain actions without being bound by specific beliefs.

Many Satanists, devil worshipers, diabolists, Luciferians, and Church of Satan members claim allegiance to LaVeyan Satanism, named after Anton LaVey, the author of the Satanic Bible and the founder of the initial Church of Satan. LaVey purportedly established the First Church of Satan in 1966. Portraying himself as an expert on all things evil, he commenced weekly lectures at a fee of $2.00 per person, thus giving rise to the Church of Satan.

The central theme across all Satanism branches is self-promotion. All forms of Satanism advocate for self-indulgence and consider selfishness a virtue. Some Satanists believe that their only existence is on Earth. Consequently, devil worshipers prioritize the present moment, and their actions revolve around gratifying their desires.

Creed is gluttony and debauchery.

Satanism pledges its allegiance to Satan, even though some in the Church of Satan believe that neither God nor devil exists. Most members of the Church of Satan also believe that there is no redeemer for them or anyone else. Each individual is entirely responsible for the course of their own life. Nevertheless, they pray to Satan in rituals, seeking his sovereign hand to be evident in their lives. This mindset exposes the influence of falsehoods and deceit in their philosophy. Whether Satanists acknowledge him or not is inconsequential to Satan. The ultimate outcome remains the same—their souls are enslaved to him, and, unless God’s grace intervenes, they will face eternity in hell.

In essence, Satanism may or may not entail worshipping Satan, but it is a deliberate choice to refrain from worshipping the one true God. Romans 1 provides insight into the heart and intentions of a Satanist. They possess “depraved minds to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness” (vv. 28-29). Individuals who have been led astray by Satan into this way of life struggle to grasp God’s concept of grace and freedom. Instead, they exist for themselves, by themselves.

Second Peter 2 issues a caution to those who would embrace Satanism or anything else over God: “These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity” (vv. 17-19).