# Satanism--tenets, beliefs & values? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 20, 2014, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757 "2014-02-20T01:28:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Steken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@Steken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steken)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/21 "2014-02-28T01:48:08Z")
> [@andros](#): > > Hmm. It’s my understanding that Luciferians–_not_, strictly speaking, Satanists–have been around for centuries. There are no examples of people self-identifying as “Luciferians” before Hansen. Certainly there were people who used the figure of Lucifer as a positive role model, an inspiring literary idol, a sexy Romantic hero, etc., etc., etc., but none of those people self-identified as “Luciferians.” ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/22 "2014-02-28T04:49:21Z")
> [@Steken](#): > > There are no examples of people self-identifying as “Luciferians” before Hansen. > > Certainly there were people who used the figure of Lucifer as a positive role model, an inspiring literary idol, a sexy Romantic hero, etc., etc., etc., but none of those people self-identified as “Luciferians.” :shrug: Ok. I’ll take your word for it. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/23 "2014-02-28T06:06:29Z")
I think there’s something in Masonic ritual or doctrine about the “Luciferian,” but the word is not used to mean “Satanist.” “Lucifer” means “light-bearer,” which seems an appropriate association for an organization rooted in the Enlightenment. ---
**Author:** ![Steken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@Steken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steken)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/24 "2014-02-28T08:04:26Z")
> [@andros](#): > > :shrug: Ok. I’ll take your word for it. This is generally the best course of action. 😉 The earliest instance of the word “Luciferan” - without the “i” - seems to be from medieval Rhineland. From Euan Cameron’s _Waldenses - Rejections of Holy Church in Medieval Europe_: > [@](#): > > At Trier, however, a woman named Lucardis seems to have grieved publicly over Lucifer’s exclusion from heaven. It may have been from her evidence that the story of the ‘Luciferans’ arose: heretics were accused of worshipping and kissing the devil in the form of a toad, a cat, or a pale, cold man. This story was then given papal sanction in Gregory IX’s _Vox in Rama_ letter. […] The specific allegation that there was a sect of ‘Luciferans’ would persist long into the fourteenth century. It resurfaced in the inquiries of even so sober an investigator as Peter Zwicker. The belief that heretics indulged in promiscuous and perverted sexual excess at their meetings would recur in the Alps in the fifteenth century. As you can see, it is here a question of suspicions, allegations and (Christian) polemics; not a question of self-identification from the supposed “Luciferans” themselves (as in Hansen’s case). > [@BrainGlutton](#): > > I think there’s something in Masonic ritual or doctrine about the “Luciferian,” but the word is not used to mean “Satanist.” “Lucifer” means “light-bearer,” which seems an appropriate association for an organization rooted in the Enlightenment. This sounds odd. Got a cite? Which specific Masonic rite are you referring to? There are many. Plenty of prominent 18th century Masons self-identified as Christians, albeit with a quirk or two. Later on - in the course of the 19th century - mainstream Freemasonry got more and more secularized. ---
**Author:** ![thepillar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc8723/32.png) [@thepillar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thepillar)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 8:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/25 "2014-02-28T08:31:38Z")
> [@](#): > > There are different sects of Satanism. Joy of Satan Ministries is Spiritual Satanism. > > Satanism is not a “Christian invention.” > > Satanism predates Christianity and all other religions. > > Satanism is not about spooks, goblins, vampires, Halloween monsters or other related entities. > > Satanism is not about “evil.” > > Satanism is not a “reaction to Christianity.” > > Satanism is not about death. > > True Satanism is about elevating and empowering humanity, which was our True Creator (Satan’s) intention. > > We know Satan/Lucifer as a real being. > > We know Satan to be the True Father and Creator God of humanity. > > We know “Yaweh/Jehova” of the bible to be a fictitious entity, and the people behind coercing this lie, to be the true deceivers of humanity and the masters of lies. This is evident in the many contradictions within the Judeo/Christian Bible, revealing this text to be the work of human beings who had occult knowledge and infused it with power to make it credible, and to incite fear in order to control. > > We are law abiding. > > We DO NOT advocate or participate in any blood or living sacrifice. This act is Judeo/Christian, as stated in their Bible- Deuteronomy 12:27: > “And thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the LORD thy God: and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh.” > > We have found Satanism is the original religion of humanity. We have done our research. Satanism is based upon the ancient religions that predated Judaism and Christianity from hundreds to thousands of years. > > Christianity was a reaction to the original Pagan religions, labeled as “Satanism” meaning “enemy/adversary” in Hebrew. If you read through the information contained within this website, we prove this. > > Christianity was invented to remove spiritual and occult knowledge (the powers of the mind) from the populace and place this power in the hands of a “chosen” few to the detriment of all humanity. The powers of the mind and soul are very real. People who are unaware of or who do not believe in these powers are easy to control and manipulate by those who are skilled in using these energies. > > The Original Gods [Demons] were unjustly labeled as monsters and branded as “evil” to keep humanity from spiritual knowledge. Because of this, the human race has drastically degenerated both spiritually and intellectually. > > Spiritual Satanism strongly advocates all learning, knowledge, inquiry, and free thought. > > Spiritual Satanism supports the separation of church and state. Satanists do not push Satanism or prosyletize. > > Spiritual Satanists acknowledge science and believe everything of the occult/supernatural to have a rational scientific explanation. We believe humanity has been held back dangerously in this area due to the hoax of Judeo/Christianity and its relentless attacks upon science for centuries. > > We practice power meditation to advance spiritually and to elevate ourselves. Power meditation is as essential for the human soul as food is essential for the human body. The serpent, a symbol of Satan represents the firey kundalini force coiled at the base of the spine, which upon ascending, transforms the human mind and soul to a much higher level of understanding and ability. This is the true meaning of “Raising the Devil.” The Serpent symbol of Satan also represents the DNA helix of life. > > We work directly with Satan. We believe each and every person who is willing and respectful can have a personal relationship with Satan. There are no mediators in Spiritual Satanism; the Ministry is here only for guidance and support. > > We take our tenets and practices directly from Satan himself. For far too long, enemies of Satan such as the Christian churches have been at liberty to dictate lies concerning Satan and Satanism. These lies have been the foundation of occult crimes and other heinous acts that they indirectly promote. True Satanism has been actively and zealously suppressed for centuries and many out of ignorance believe lies about Satan and react accordingly. > > Spiritual Satanism is a life loving religion. Satan accepts us as we are, but guides us to advance ourselves to where we evolve to a higher level. Spiritual Satanists are free to live their lives as they choose- responsibility to the responsible. We live by natural law and encourage everyone to develop themselves to their fullest extent. > > We know we “save” our own souls as opposed to claims of the Nazarene saving anyone. Satanism is based upon the true transformation of the soul through power meditation. The Nazarene is a fictitious entity, whose identity was stolen form some 18+ crucified Pagan Gods, such as Odin, who hung from a tree and is nothing more than a tool to keep humanity under the control of a chosen few. The Nazarene has been used in Christian masses and services as a substitute for a human living blood sacrifice, revealing their true purpose. > > The Judeo/Christian religion is a vicious hoax on humanity of catastrophic proportions. For a hoax to succeed there has to be a lack of knowledge on the part of the victim. The Christian religion and its cohorts actively suppress knowledge and free thought, encourage people to be slaves, and never advocate or teach anything for the betterment or advancement of humanity. As opposed to the stories of how the Nazarene healed people; Satan shows us how we can heal ourselves and perform so-called miracles, using our minds and the powers of our own souls. > > Through empowering ourselves, we have confidence, self-respect and achieve spiritual advancement and independence. Source: [http://www.joyofsatan.org/](http://www.joyofsatan.org/) ---
**Author:** ![Steken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@Steken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steken)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/26 "2014-02-28T08:37:17Z")
For the record, Joy Of Satan Ministries is a bunch of raving anti-Semites. ---
**Author:** ![the\_diego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/27 "2014-02-28T09:20:17Z")
Pure libertarianism. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/28 "2014-02-28T15:28:21Z")
> [@Steken](#): > > The earliest instance of the word “Luciferan” - without the “i” - seems to be from medieval Rhineland. From Euan Cameron’s _Waldenses - Rejections of Holy Church in Medieval Europe_ I haven’t looked at the Cameron. I can’t tell if he’s minimizing the Luciferan part of the Trier heresies, or if it’s all just the neoluciferians overemphasizing the bits about Trier in the _Gesta_. I mean, I assume it’s the latter, but yanno. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/29 "2014-02-28T16:41:00Z")
> [@Steken](#): > > This sounds odd. Got a cite? [The Masons say it’s a hoax. Apparently a very long-running one.](http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/anti-masonry/luciferianism.html) > [@Steken](#): > > Which specific Masonic rite are you referring to? There are many. Well, of course, but, you know, all evil is the same. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Steken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@Steken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steken)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/30 "2014-02-28T22:38:40Z")
> [@andros](#): > > I haven’t looked at the Cameron. I can’t tell if he’s minimizing the Luciferan part of the Trier heresies, or if it’s all just the neoluciferians overemphasizing the bits about Trier in the _Gesta_. I mean, I assume it’s the latter, but yanno. Which “neoluciferians” have written about “the bits about Trier in the _Gesta_”? > [@BrainGlutton](#): > > [The Masons say it’s a hoax. Apparently a very long-running one.](http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/anti-masonry/luciferianism.html) Oh, the Taxil thing was definitely a hoax, no question about it. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/31 "2014-02-28T23:41:09Z")
> [@thepillar](#): > > Source: [http://www.joyofsatan.org/](http://www.joyofsatan.org/) Sounds something like Gnosticism. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2014, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/32 "2014-03-01T01:08:29Z")
> [@Steken](#): > > Which “neoluciferians” have written about “the bits about Trier in the _Gesta_”?. From Google searching “luciferian” and “luciferianism,” I find a substantial number of sites using the following [uncited claim](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luciferianism#Historical_Luciferianism): > [@](#): > > The Gesta Treverorum records that, in 1231, heretics began to be persecuted throughout Germany. Among them were Luciferians, principally in the Archdiocese of Trier, but also Mainz and Cologne. Over the following three years, several people were burned as a result. According to a papal letter from Gregory IX, Vox in Rama, dated from July 13, 1233, one of the claims made by the Luciferians was that Lucifer had been cast out of Heaven unjustly. A Google search on “Gesta Treverorum Luciferianism” gives us a pile of hits using roughly (or, more often, precisely) the same paragraph in support of the historicity of Luciferianism, and they largely seem to be luciferian apologetics. I have no idea where those words come from originally. Reading the original passage in the _Gesta_, it certainly looks like the suggestion that there existed a substantial cadre of Luciferians in Trier is a bit of an exaggeration. . ---
**Author:** ![FriarTed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friarted/32/1052_2.png) [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2014, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/33 "2014-03-01T17:31:07Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > [The Masons say it’s a hoax. Apparently a very long-running one.](http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/anti-masonry/luciferianism.html) > > Well, of course, but, you know, all evil is the same. 😉 There is a quote from Albert Pike in MORALS AND DOGMA about “Lucifer the Light Bringer” but the quote commonly attributed to him that “Lucifer is God, and unfortunately Adonai is also God…” is totally bogus & a part of the Taxil hoax. ---
**Author:** ![FriarTed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friarted/32/1052_2.png) [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2014, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/34 "2014-03-01T17:36:56Z")
> [@FriarTed](#): > > There is a quote from Albert Pike in MORALS AND DOGMA about “Lucifer the Light Bringer” but the quote commonly attributed to him that “Lucifer is God, and unfortunately Adonai is also God…” is totally bogus & a part of the Taxil hoax. Just open this & do a search on Lucifer for the valid quotes… [http://www.hermetics.org/pdf/masonry/Albert\_Pike\_-\_Morals\_and\_Dogma.pdf](http://www.hermetics.org/pdf/masonry/Albert_Pike_-_Morals_and_Dogma.pdf) ---
**Author:** ![thepillar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc8723/32.png) [@thepillar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thepillar)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2014, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757/35 "2014-03-06T07:36:31Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > Sounds something like Gnosticism. How so? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satanism-tenets-beliefs-values/681757.md?page=1)