I have read and own "The Satanic Bible" as well as some other works by LaVey. I have the feeling that he could have written excellent novels. He was a creative and unique individual and I'm sad that he's gone. As for the book, I wasn't struck by it really. Some things in it, such as aversion to psychic vampires and freedom of choice in sexuality seem like positive concepts to me. Independance, freedom from restraints of social norms and ambition are good ideas and I'm glad LaVey wrote about them. I think his books have reached a lot of people who felt powerless and trapped in a society that stifles, and some of his suggestions in the books will enable those readers to further develop and make something of themselves.
I do not believe in the religion of Satanism, either LaVey style which doesn't really involve demon worship but more personal freedoms, or the other types out there. I see them as mostly a knee jerk response to the very real oppression some feel from traditional Christianity. I don't believe in an actual devil nor in the supposed magic involved, but I think it's harmless and if it makes you feel good to be part of that group, or to be different from mainstream then go for it. It's empowering to people who feel confined by the expectations of mainstream religion, and I support anything that encourages people to find their own way...
Marilyn...by any chance a reference to Marilyn Manson? Or Marilyn Monroe? Both excellent and fascinating individuals in my opinion...
