Theistic Satanism

 Theistic Satanism, also known as religious Satanism, spiritual Satanism, or traditional Satanism, refers to a diverse set of religious groups and ideologies that consider Satan to be an actual deity or spiritual being worthy of worship or reverence. Unlike LaVeyan Satanism, which views Satan as a symbol of human nature, theistic Satanists believe in the existence of Satan as a supernatural entity.

 

Characteristics and Beliefs

 

1. **Diversity and Individualism**: Theistic Satanism encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices, often characterized by individualistic and eclectic approaches. Many theistic Satanists develop personalized spiritual systems based on their interpretations of Satan and other adversarial deities from pre-Christian polytheistic religions.

 

2. **Magic and Rituals**: A significant aspect of theistic Satanism is the use of various forms of magic, including ceremonial magic, black magic, and Crowleyan magick. These practices are often aimed at self-development, gaining knowledge, and achieving personal goals.

 

3. **Relation to Abrahamic and Pre-Christian Deities**: Theistic Satanists may worship Satan in the context of Abrahamic religions or as a representation of adversarial gods from pre-Christian polytheistic traditions, such as Ahriman or Enki. This diversity reflects the broad spectrum of influences and interpretations within theistic Satanism.

 

4. **Influences from Various Spiritual Traditions**: Theistic Satanist organizations often incorporate elements from Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Neo-Paganism, New Age, and Western esotericism. This blending of traditions creates a rich and varied spiritual landscape within theistic Satanism.

 

Values and Practices

 

Theistic Satanists often emphasize self-development, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge. They view Satan as a figure who encourages personal growth, freedom of thought, and resistance against authoritarianism. Rituals and magic are integral to their practices, serving as means to achieve personal and spiritual goals. Despite their diverse beliefs, theistic Satanists generally seek to distance themselves from negative stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of their faith.

 

Historical Context and Modern Evolution

 

Historically, accusations of Satan worship have been used to persecute various groups and individuals, often based on misunderstandings or superstitions. In the modern era, the internet has played a significant role in increasing the visibility and diversity of theistic Satanist groups, allowing them to communicate, share ideas, and grow despite their marginal status.

 

Overall, theistic Satanism represents a complex and multifaceted religious movement with a wide range of beliefs, practices, and organizational structures. Its emphasis on individualism and eclecticism reflects the broader trends within contemporary spirituality and alternative religious movements.

 

Satanism encompasses a variety of religious, ideological, and philosophical beliefs centered on Satan, a figure traditionally associated with the Devil in Christianity. This belief system connects historically and ideologically with other figures from the Left Hand Path, such as Chaos, Hecate, Lilith, Lucifer, and Set. For many centuries, the term "Satanism" was used pejoratively by Christian groups to denounce their adversaries, including heretics, freethinkers, and pagans. Self-identified Satanism is a more recent development, notably marked by the founding of the Church of Satan by Anton LaVey in 1966. This organization promotes an atheistic form of Satanism, which does not involve belief in a supernatural Satan.

 

Historical Context and Accusations

 

Throughout Christian history, accusations of "devil worship" were prevalent. During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Inquisition accused groups like the Knights Templar and the Cathars of engaging in secret Satanic rituals. The Early Modern period saw a peak in such accusations with the witch trials between 1560 and 1630, resulting in the execution of many alleged witches. During the Reformation and Counter-Reformation (1517–1700), the terms "Satanist" and "Satanism" were commonly used by Catholics and Protestants to accuse each other of colluding with Satan. These accusations continued into the 18th to 20th centuries, with claims that Satanism was behind the French Revolution, Freemasonry, and a moral panic in the 1980s and '90s in the United States and the United Kingdom.

 

Modern Satanism

 

Since the 19th century, various small religious groups have identified as Satanist or have used Satanic symbols. These groups, especially those emerging after the 1960s, fall into two broad categories: theistic Satanism and atheistic Satanism. Theistic Satanists view Satan as a deity, albeit not an omnipotent one, often regarding him as a patriarchal figure. In contrast, atheistic Satanists see Satan as a metaphor for certain human traits and do not believe in his actual existence. Contemporary religious Satanism is mainly an American phenomenon, but globalization and the Internet have facilitated its spread to other regions.

 

The Devil in Society

 

Historical and anthropological studies suggest that nearly all societies have conceived of an anti-human force, often associated with the concept of witches—individuals who invert societal norms and engage in harmful practices like incest, murder, and cannibalism. These allegations serve various societal functions, such as reinforcing social norms, exacerbating existing conflicts, or scapegoating individuals for broader social issues.

 

The idea of a cosmic agent of evil, seen in ethical dualism, is another contributing factor to Satanism. This concept, found in Zoroastrianism's Angra Mainyu, was also adopted by Judaism and early Christianity. Although this dualism was marginalized in Jewish thought, it gained prominence in early Christian cosmology.

 

Etymology

 

The term "Satan" originates from a Hebrew word meaning "adversary" or "to oppose" and was not initially a proper name. In the Old Testament, it appears as an ordinary noun or verb. For example, in the Book of Samuel, David is described as the Satan (adversary) of the Philistines, and in the Book of Numbers, an angel sent by Jehovah is said to Satan (oppose) Balaam.

 

"Satanism" entered English from the French term "satanisme," first recorded in the 16th century. Initially, it was used by Christian groups to describe other Christian sects perceived as heretical. Over time, particularly in the 19th century, "Satanism" began to refer to those leading immoral lives. By the late 19th century, it described individuals consciously venerating Satan, a meaning that had appeared earlier in Swedish through the works of Lutheran Bishop Laurentius Paulinus Gothus.

 

In summary, Satanism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with deep historical roots and diverse modern expressions, ranging from theistic reverence to atheistic symbolism. Its development has been influenced by cultural, religious, and social dynamics throughout history.