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Show Respect for the Organization that Created, Defined and Defends Your Religion
I would define a Satanist as someone who understands and puts to use the principles originated by Anton LaVey when he founded the Church of Satan and created the literature which puts forth this philosophy. Satanists discover their religion in a myriad of ways. Perhaps they came upon The Satanic Bible on a shelf and were attracted to the cover? Perhaps they heard rumors there were Satanists sacrificing animals in the woods and wanted to discover the truth for themselves? Perhaps they were involved in some form of “the occult” and came to the inevitable realization that it was all bullshit after having actually read and understood the literature produced by the Church of Satan? Or perhaps they were lifelong atheists who loved the aesthetics and carnal message of Satanism? However you came to genuine Satanism, you have seen its infernal reflection in yourself and you have properly claimed the title of Satanist for your own.
We know many who have done this, and among them, some have decided to join the Church of Satan—the organization founded on Walpurgisnacht 1966 C.E. (Year 1 A.S.). That single act by Anton Szandor LaVey officially conjured the religion of Satanism into reality for the first time in history. I have spoken to Satanists from many walks of life about why they decided to join the organization. I have spoken very little about those Satanists who have decided not to join. Now, I cannot speak from experience as I am a proud member of the Church of Satan—Hell, I’m in the Priesthood of Mendes, but I was on the outside in my youth, and I have anecdotal information from years of cultivating a Satanic audience. And though I will speak to my understanding of those Satanists who decide not to join the organization, and my relief in some cases, I want to lead with the lowest of the low: the self-proclaimed Satanist who speaks out against the Church of Satan.
Why are these the lowest of the low to me, you might ask? Simply put, they are supposedly celebrating the very religion created by the organization they are opposing. The Church of Satan stood alone during the Satanic Panic era against the entirety of the world spreading lies about the religion and its adherents. Representatives were lambasted, attacked, belittled, and mocked with hatred and even given death threats. Today we are legally allowed to practice the religion of Satanism openly if we choose because of the Church of Satan. Think about that for just one second. Everything you know about Satanism continues to exist because of this one organization which stood up against an irrational and violent populace. And yet some whiny, egomaniacal, bloviating, self-titled “satanists” act as though they know the “truth” about the religion or organization because they bought, but failed to grasp, a $6 paperback. Or they simply listen to unsupported claims online by those who are disgruntled ex-members, or worse, those who’ve never even had the commitment to join the organization that defined Satanism as a coherent religion for the first time in history.
“Doesn’t anyone notice this? I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!”
—Jacobim Mugatu
What about those Satanists who don’t join because of personal preference? That is absolutely fine! No Satanist is expected or obligated to join the Church of Satan. I have encountered creative, productive and powerful Satanists with zero interest in joining the organization, ever. I will forever celebrate their accomplishments and individualism. Being a member does not make you a more productive Satanist; as with everything in Satanism, that falls on you! I think the biggest misconception about members of the Church of Satan is that we all look down on other Satanists who are not in the organization. Collectively, this is incorrect. Individual Satanists, however, are free to feel however they want for whatever reason they want—they create their own values and judge accordingly. Some might have contempt for those calling themselves Satanists yet not stepping up to join—that is their prerogative. I take the position of celebrating actual Satanism in all of its forms. Some I might disagree with, some I will fight against, and some I will champion, but I will always err on the side of supporting the authentic Satanist expressing their individuality, as that is a fundamental concept in our religion. The differences between us ARE what binds us together! It is herd conformity that divides, as that inevitably turns into a popularity contest.
As with any organization, you have individuals that enter our tent with the “best of intentions” and leave when they realize that Satanism was not the community experience they sought. Some feel that the organization may not have recognised their “brilliance” or they learn that the Church of Satan is not the Boy Scouts, where you are guided through the acquisition of a new patch every week. The only elevations in this church are earned through the hierarchy’s recognition and celebration of your real-world successes. This is not something one should look for—as Satanists are expected to focus on their real life accomplishments for their own industry, as well as economic and personal benefits. I am more excited for those who leave the organization than for those that join because it means that they have finally learned the truth that has always been there—either they are not Satanists, or they didn’t understand what the organization was really about before their entry. I had a wonderful exchange with a Magister years ago about Satanists joining the organization and he expressed the wish that there was a larger barrier of entry to help prevent this type of individual from ever entering in the first place. I cannot disagree with that sentiment. But there is also wisdom in allowing everyone a chance—giving them enough rope, in some instances.
In the same way that Satanists are not expected to accept, understand, or agree with each other’s socio-political perspectives, Satanists are not expected to tolerate dissent directed toward the Church of Satan from within the organization or without. While there is no policy in place directing members to correct or refute lies spread by the ignorant, or those whose intentions are to deliberately deceive others, for those who do wish to stand up for the philosophy they hold dear, there are a few common-sense ground rules one may abide by, if so inclined.
Please afford me a moment to clarify the validity of an act of silence before listing those of action. At times, Satanists will run into those who, for one reason or another, want to publicly spread lies with the purpose of either placing themselves in a position of authority over Satanism itself or to attempt to degrade the inherent authority the Church of Satan has over the religion it created. By publicly speaking against these “special snowflakes” you might risk granting them equal grounds or provide a larger audience for them to argue their lies. The difference could be between them shouting into a pillow in their parents’ basement and you opposing them on a debate stage with the media surrounding you both, which you have provided for them. In these admittedly rare circumstances, leaving them to shout into their own small echo chamber can be the best course of action. When these untruths or distortions have been published by journalists in video, audio or written pieces, it is best to correct them by approaching those responsible for presenting them in the forum in which they have appeared, such as writing letters to the author, editor or producer. In this way you are making the truth known without directly engaging the crazies and giving them credence beyond what they’ve already earned for themselves. Those producing the published pieces may not have done their research, or may simply have accepted the liar’s statements without fact-checking—they might appreciate input from a more informed and authoritative source. But, as is common today amongst those who claim to practice journalism, the authors themselves might have an agenda in place that is hostile to the Church of Satan and its philosophy and history, so efforts to correct them will then be wasted time.
As previously mentioned, allow me to present some ground rules for those who do wish to correct those speaking out publicly against Satanism, the Church of Satan or really anything that you deem worth your time:
- Do your research. First, understand the actual truth of the point under discussion, find a source for evidence of that truth, then share that original source. You simply giving your opinion as a reply, even if it is true, can be dismissed as being subjective.
- Do not engage in ad hominem attacks or exchanges. Keep a level head and reign in your emotional response as facts and reason, rather than passionate rants, are the best antidote. And if the discussion becomes mired in childishness, leave it to the children. Nobody wins a shit-slinging contest.
- Consider the source. A little online research regarding the individual spouting the lies should be relatively simple. Giving context to the hostile voice may be all that’s needed to let the viewers of these exchanges understand the agenda which underlies them.
- If you find yourself wanting to speak out against the Church of Satan as a Satanist, examine your impulses and motivations. Often there is simply a misunderstanding on your part as to why the organization has developed its policies and practices, so directly discussing your grievances with a hierarchy member whom you admire may solve your issues. You ultimately may not agree with them, but, while Satanism is a philosophy that places you first in your life, that does not mean the Church of Satan exists to cater to your every whim. The religion you claim as your own was created by the organization. It was codified three years after the organization was founded through The Satanic Bible, the defining source released by Magus Anton LaVey as the basis for the Church of Satan. If you haven’t become a part of the organization and spent time in assisting it in its mission to clearly transmit its philosophy, then opinions you have about its members, hierarchy or function would likely be irrelevant to others. Focus instead on what you do have control over—your own life, for that is the challenge Satanism presents to everyone who claims the title of Satanist. The organization evolves as it is responsive to the changes in society—the possibility exists for you to be part of that growth, but that requires involvement rather than bitching.
That being said, I personally don’t really care what you decide to do. If you ultimately want to show us your ass, you’re going to show your ass. Just don’t be surprised when we fail to notice. After all, we’re Satanists; we’re productively busy focusing on ourselves.
Hail Satan!