Satan Worship

Satan Worship – What are the Realities?
Those who practice Satan worship adore Satan and give him spiritual authority. They may pray to him, seek things from him, and have ceremonies centered around him. There are two main schools of Satanism: Traditional Satanism (first century to present) and Modern Satanism (19th century forward). Satan is viewed differently in the two schools of Satan worship. In Traditional Satanism, he is thought to be a personal spirit-being, so the believers participate in worship, prayer, or rituals that recognize Satan's spiritual authority. Modern Satan worshippers believe Satan is an impersonal entity. In this school of Satanism, hedonism is key.

Anton S. LaVey introduced Satan worship into the United States culture on April 30, 1966. He first started a group called the Magic Circle in San Francisco, California. This was the start of the Satanic Church (Satanic Church of America). Today, the church has various levels of membership and authority.

It is essential to note that Satanism is not easily summarized. Many Satanists themselves disagree on their very fundamental principles. In fact, some Satanists are more "self-styled" and create their own version of Satan worship.

Satan Worship – The Satanic Bible
Satan Worship is described in a book titled The Satanic Bible, which was written by LaVey in 1966. It has sold millions of copies. Here are the foundation tenants laid out in this book:¹

1. Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence.
2. Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual pipe dreams.
3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom instead of hypocritical self-deceit.
4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates.
5. Satan represents vengeance instead of turning the other cheek.
6. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires.
7. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all fours, because of his "divine spiritual and intellectual development," has become the most vicious animal of all.
8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification.
9. Satan has been the best friend the Church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years.

In the book Kingdom of the Occult, Walter Martin writes, "Even the positive aspects of Satanism are cloaked in negativity. LaVey wrote, 'Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates.' You are to love others only if they deserve it. But who exactly are the ones that deserve love? The answer cannot be anything other than narcissistic in that the Satanist alone determines who is deserving of love." Martin points out that this is exactly the opposite of what was promoted by Jesus -- give love without expecting it in return, even to your enemies. This concept is despised by Satanists.²

Satan worship involves ritual practices as part of their ceremonial precepts. The ideology of Satanists is to do everything that is opposite the concepts of the Christian God. God is pure in truth where the goals of Satan worship deal with all that is considered bad and perverted. Indulging in what makes them feel good is a must no matter what the consequences are to someone else. If society considers something good, to them it is bad. It is better to do bad things to other people.

John 8:44 is perhaps a good summary of Satanism: “You belong to your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. 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.”

Satan Worship – A Way Out
There is hope and healing for those caught in Satan worship. Don’t be discouraged when people disbelieve your story or seem to make light of it. Seek Christian counseling for treatment. Ask God to send you to someone who will lovingly help you out of the darkness. Your battle is a spiritual one and Jesus is powerful. Cry out to Jesus.

The Bible says, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:13-17).

Learn More!

To find help for yourself or a family member, we recommend Refuge Ministries.

¹ Anton Szandor LaVey, The Satanic Bible as quoted in The Kingdom of the Occult.
² Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Occult (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2008), 415.

Page Translations

Dutch (Nederlands)   Japanese (日本人)   Spanish (Español)   Chinese (中文)   Portuguese (Português)   Help get this translated