Does anyone here believe in the atheist religion of Anton Lavey? The Church Of Satan!
I don't know what you mean by "atheist religion". If you mean that Lavey Satanism doesn't worship any deities, in that sense it's an "atheist religion" (you could say the same about Buddhism or Taoism, for example). If you're saying that all atheists are Satanists, then I couldn't disagree more, as that's both factually and philosophically ... well, not just incorrect (that'd be too kind a word) but counter-factual.
All I am saying is that most people think Satanists worship a half man half goat called Lucifer and the truth is that Satanists only worship themselves. They do not believe in Satan as a deity. You make a good point about Buddhism and Taoism although I could then generalize categories as well by saying all atheists worship something by putting it above themselves! So I guess the question is what do we categorize religion as?
@IpraiseMYSELF Evangelicals like to say "everyone worships something, even if it's only themselves" but I would counter that worship is NOT innate, it is learned. As for categorizing religion, that is harder than it would seem, given that while religion does typically worship one or more deities, it is not necessarily the case that they do. I tend to say that it is a system of ritual, custom, symbolism and tradition intended to explain the human condition and/or human suffering and provide some guidance that is supposed to make that better or at least help people to transcend it. It may or may not include a deity, a holy book, or a clergy or priest class, and may or may not include a moral code -- although usually some or all of those are present, they don't have to be. One other thing that is nearly always present is religious faith, that is, the assertion of truth claims that are not substantiated in any way, and that you are expected to accept uncritically. Also nearly always present is some element of the "supernatural", useless and illogical as that concept is.
Wouldn't be surprised if their were a few Satanists around here. I found the whole thing to be a bit too self-serving for my liking.
I do like how they use Satan as their symbol though... quite amusing.
Sounds like you know what your talking about! So what is wrong with serving yourself in your opinion?
@IpraiseMYSELF Well, while I've no issue with putting one's self as a priority, stepping on the backs and necks of others to achieve it is against my personal moral code.
I think greed is one of, if not the worst, thing that humanity deals with. LaVayen Satanism definitely seems to enable the greedy.
The modern Satanic Temple is far better in that regard, btw. I agree with each and every core tenant. But LaVayen is too... merciless, for my liking.
No one in Satanism actually believes in a physical being named Satan! I think its funny how people love to talk about it even if they have never researched it. That just shows how well the Christians have even brain washed atheists. I am not even a Satanist yet I am being attacked by atheists. lol
I would never be a member of a club that would have me as a member.
That's funny considering your on this site and therefore considered a MEMBER! LOL
@IpraiseMYSELF I didn't realize this was a club, I guess I better get the hell out of here.
I'm probably not informed enough to comment specifically about Anton Lavey's organization, but I do know that all belief in any conscious supernatural beings comes from the same mental place. The other side of the coin are New Age followers who believe they are superior because they have faith in a supernatural power contained in tree, rocks, crystals, etc. rather than traditional Christian relics or symbols. The truth is the only power any of these things possess is the power, we attribute to them. Like words, paper currency, or now bit coin their only power comes through human belief. Of course that doesn't mean the power isn't real, it just means it isn't supernatural.
Same invisble firend, just a different color. Same structure to manipulate people. Religion is opium for the masses.
There is no invisible friend! lol. that proves that you have not read the book.
No. Anton Lavey's little clown show is no less an organized religion than the catholic church or the moonies. Its sole purpose for existimg is to sucker money out of people.
Anton didn't believe in taking money from people for religion, unfortunately the people who took over his legacy did! Many people left his group after he died because of that exact reason.