A History of Satanism

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the history of the specific religion that worships Satan directly. The paper explains that Satanists revel in balking authority and Christianity, and scoff at the idea of bowing to anyone. The paper points out that despite the fact that the philosophies so prevalent in Satanic literature and religion are growing in popularity in America, most Americans are still repulsed at the mention of Satanism.
The paper then looks at how, throughout the entire history of Satanism and various Satanic groups, the quest for power and fulfillment of the flesh are the overriding tenets of their dogma. The writer concludes that while Satanists today are in some ways making a modern day Faust-like pact with the devil for power and earthly "freedoms," most don't realize or accept that the traditional end to that story leaves Faust and them spiritually dead.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Ancient Egypt Connection
The Zoroastrian Contribution
The Muslim and Christian Satan
Other Ancient Gods of Importance to Satanists
Effects of the Enlightenment on Modern Satanism
Francois Rabelais
The Monks of Medmenham
Hell-Fire Clubs
Aleister Crowley
Gerald Gardner
Anton Szandor LaVey
Temple of Set
Satanism Today
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Islamic lore states that Satan was Azazel, the First Angel, and he was cast from heaven when he refused to bow down to man. Luciferians feel that Satan is not completely evil but a balance of both good and evil. Satanists embrace Azazel because of his independence and freethinking; some feel that they themselves are separate from their original creator. Azazel was also made of fire, which Satanists feel is superior to clay.
Lilith is also a key figure in Satanism. She is the Triple Goddess, or Hecate, maiden, whore and hag, and her number is three. Those who recognize her nature will be gifted with her wisdom of Magick. She is "the very nature of Az who is the Mother of the Luciferians. " Aleistar Crowley compared Lilith and Az to the whorish biblical Babylon. Lilith is used in witchcraft rituals to summon succubae or incubi."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carroll, Robert Todd. The Skeptic's Dictionary: A Collection of Strange Beliefs, AmusingDeceptions, and Dangerous Delusions. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2003.
• Cohen, Daniel. Cults. Brookfield, CT: The Millbrook Press, 1994.
• Ford, Michael W. Luciferian Witchcraft. Houston, TX: Succubus Publishing, 2005.
• Grace, Kevin Michael. "Satanism - How Real?" Western Report (Alberta). 28 July 1997,sec. 2p, p. 34.
• Gvozdeva, Katja. "Celebrating Men in Rabelais." Romance Studies 23 (July 2005): 77-90.

More papers on A History of Satanism:

• Research Paper # 2063 : "An Overview of Satanism"
• Essay # 8121 : "The History of Evil Symbols"
• Analytical Essay # 1699 : "A Discussion of Contemporary Religious Definitions and Beliefs About the Devil"

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