Anton LaVey, an American author, musician, and occultist, is widely recognized as the founder of the Church of Satan. Born in Chicago in 1930, his journey began in the circus before transitioning to a career as a police photographer. In the 1960s, he established the Church of Satan in San Francisco, espousing a philosophy grounded in secular humanism and individualism. LaVey authored various books on Satanism, most notably "The Satanic Bible," which detailed the core beliefs and practices of this religion. Despite his passing in 1997, his influence endures, shaping modern Satanism and the broader occult community.
LaVey's initial principles in Satanism held promise as he aimed to establish a link with the traditional Satanism of antiquity, the very roots of this belief system. This shared reverence for tradition demands our respect for LaVey's work. However, it's crucial to recognize that LaVey's path eventually diverged from the genuine tenets of Satanism, possibly influenced by base impulses such as greed and personal vanity. As discerning practitioners of Satanism, it's our duty to separate the authentic principles from the flawed ones and uphold the true essence of our beliefs.
In my perspective, Anton LaVey's particular brand of Satanism presents a perplexing and contradictory message. It simultaneously encourages the exploration of occultism, the practice of demonic rituals, and the use of magic, all while firmly asserting atheism and the concept of Satan as just an internal energy. While some may find this fusion of ideas intriguing, it gives rise to substantial concerns and criticisms.
In essence, Anton LaVey's attempt to mix Satanism, atheism, and occultism into a unified ideology is filled with contradictions and ethical dilemmas. His use of sensationalism and dark imagery within an atheistic framework has the potential to lead individuals into a perplexing and potentially harmful territory. It blurs the lines between genuine spiritual exploration and dramatic performance. Furthermore, his reasoning for using the name "Satan" to protect followers, comparing it to how Christians use it for intimidation, distorts the true meaning of the figure of Satan.
Considering these points, we find no value in the principles laid out in "The Satanic Bible." The inconsistencies and contradictions within LaVey's philosophy clash with our beliefs. LaVey's creation of "Laveysm" rather than true Satanism becomes evident, driven by a desire for attention, using the name "Satan" as a tool, rather than remaining faithful to humanism. It would have been more coherent for him to stick with humanism, but he seemingly found the allure of the name "Satan" more captivating.
We respect various forms of Satanism; however, this doesn't imply complete agreement with all of them. Real Satanism has played a vital role in presenting Satan as a deity equal in stature to the Christian God, a concept previously unexplored. This forms the core of our mission: to unveil the true essence of Satan, dispelling misconceptions that have endured about this deity, all directly revealed by demons. It's this unwavering commitment to revealing the truth that distinguishes Real Satanism from all that preceded it.
Hail Satan!
LaVey publicity photo, c. 1992