|
| Black Rose Spiritual Center, Inc : Belief Systems |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Church of Satan |
|
| ADDRESS: Box 210082 San Francisco, CA 94121 LEADERSHIP: Anton S. LaVey, High Priest MEMBERSHIP: Not published HISTORICAL ORIGINS: The Church of Satan is an eclectic body that traces its origin to many sources classical voodoo, the Hell Fire Club of eighteenth century England, the ritual magic of Aleister Cruelly, and the Black Order of Germany in the 1920s and 1930s. It departs from its predecessors by (1) its organization into a church, and (2) the openness of its magical endeavors. The Church of Satan was formed on Walpurgisnacht, April 30, 1966, in San Francisco, California, when Anton LaVey proclaimed the beginning of the Satanic Era. Initial growth came from coverage in the mass media. Articles included coverage of LaVey holding a funeral for a member of the U.S. Navy killed in San Francisco. BASIC BELIEFS: The Church of Satan worships Satan, most clearly symbolized in the Roman God Lucifer, the bearer of light, the spirit of the air, and the personification of enlightenment. Satan is not visualized as an anthropomorphic being, rather he represents the forces of nature. To the Satanist, the self is the highest embodiment of human life and is sacred. The Church of Satan is essentially a human potential movement, and members are encouraged to develop whatever capabilities they can by which they might excel. They are, however, cautioned to recognize their limitations an important factor in this philosophy of rational self interest. Satanists practice magic, the art of changing situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be impossible. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: The ethical stance of the Church of Satan is summarized in the Nine Satanic Statements. |
| (5) Satan represents vengeance, instead of turning the other cheek!; (6) Satan represents responsibility for 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, who because of his"divine and intellectual development" has become the most vicious animal of all! (8) Satan represents all of the so called sins, as they 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! |
Beyond these principles, Satanists generally oppose the use of narcotics which dull the senses, and suicide, which cuts off life (the great indulgence), and stand firmly for law and order. The Church of Satan is not to be confused with "Satanist" groups which have been found to engage in illegal acts. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: Members of the church relate directly to the headquarters in San Francisco. NATURE AND ROLE OF MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP: Rituals are conducted by a de facto priest, i.e., a celebrant member who has evidenced a working knowledge of and ability to conduct services. WORSHIP: Worship in the Church of Satan is based upon the belief that man needs ritual, dogma, fantasy, and enchantment. Worship consists of magical rituals and there are three basic kinds: sexual rituals, to fulfill a desire; compassionate rituals, to help another; and destructive rituals, used for anger, annoyance, or hate. Worship is strongly encouraged but not required. Minimum equipment for worship varies with the type of ritual performed but is likely to include a black robe, an alter, the symbol of Baphomet (Satan), candles, bell, a Chalice, elixir (wine or some other drink most pleasing to the palate), a sword, a model phallus, a gong, and parchment. For proper worship, a private place where an alter can be erected and rituals performed is necessary. DIETARY STANDARDS: None. FUNERAL OR BURIAL PRACTICES: Priests of the Church of Satan perform funerals. There is no restriction on autopsy. Cremations are permitted only in extreme circumstances, such as an expedient measure where it is necessary to safeguard the health of others. MEDICAL TREATMENT: No restrictions OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: The Church of Satan and its members are not to be confused with contemporary devil worshipers, especially as that might lead to illegal actions. Participation in such illegal acts are grounds of dismissal from the church. GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS: LaVey, Anton S. The Complete Witch New York: Lancer Books, 1971. The Satanic Bible. New York: Avon,, 1969. The Satanic Rituals. Secaucus, NJ: University Books, 1972. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Church of Satan Box 210082 San Francisco, CA 94121 |
| (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!; |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
