Satanic Groups

Satanism and satanic cults are not new phenomena. For centuries, individuals and groups have professed allegiance to and belief in the entity described in the Bible as Satan. This entity is generally acknowledged as a being or metaphysical force that can be called on by ritual or is an innate part of every human. In early times, bad luck or inappropriate behavior was often blamed on “Satan worship,” by which the unfortunate individual had been cursed or possessed. The charge of “Devil worshipper” was also used as a convenient means to do away with enemies or rivals.

Satanism has persevered as an alternative belief system. Those professing to be “satanists” do not have a standardized belief system. Some believe that all that exists is the “here and now” and that people must get all their enjoyment from the moment; others believe that by the proper practices they can receive favors; and still others use their belief in Satan as an excuse for violence and antisocial behavior.

Research has indicated that the largest concentration of satanists exists within the United States. The increased use of the Internet has allowed many groups [Page 402]to put their messages before a larger audience than ever before. In addition, media attention has brought recognition to some cults, such as the largest organized group, the Church of Satan.

Anton Szandor LaVey, who wrote two of the most important texts of the modern satanic movement, established this sect in the United States in 1966. His first book, The Satanic Bible (1969), postulates that Satan favors indulgence over abstinence and revenge over forbearance, and claims that man is no better than any other animal. He later wrote The Satanic Rituals (1972), which outlined rites created to attack or blaspheme Christian beliefs, while exalting the “self” and rejecting accepted social and ethical norms. According to LaVey (1969), members worship the trinity of the devil, Lucifer, Satan, and the Devil, according to the nine pronouncements:

• 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, instead of concern for the psychic vampires!
• 7.
  Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse, than those who walk on all fours, who because of his divine and intellectual development has become the most vicious 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! (p. 25)

The notion of “satanic rites” has always captured the imagination of the public. Some say these are merely gestures and words adapted to the needs of every practitioner, but others claim that there are indeed standardized ceremonial rites. These practices have been rumored to include ritual sacrifice of animals or humans, torture, communing with supernatural beings, violent “Black Sabbaths,” and ritualized sexual abuse. Some authorities have estimated that as many as 10,000 murders each year might be attributed to satanic rituals, and ritualized sexual abuse has garnered much interest in recent years.

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