Are Satanists evil?

[Reeniee]

If so, how and why is it different to followers of any other religion we believe to be false? Could it be because we believe Satan exists?

My instinct is to say that Satanists are evil, but I'm not sure that's actually consistent with my view, or it might even be hypocritical.

And if we do decide they're evil, what does that mean in practise? Avoid Media Produced by them even if their beliefs aren't the subject matter?

Just some musings of mine that I'd be interested to hear other people's opinion on.

 

[thecolorsblend]

If the theistic brand of Satanism isn't objectively evil then the word "evil" has no meaning and should no longer be used in discourse.

In other words, yes, they are evil. They may or may not be particularly malevolent (or so I hear) but they remain nevertheless evil.

 

[Winken]

If so, how and why is it different to followers of any other religion we believe to be false? Could it be because we believe Satan exists?

My instinct is to say that Satanists are evil, but I'm not sure that's actually consistent with my view, or it might even be hypocritical.

And if we do decide they're evil, what does that mean in practise? Avoid Media Produced by them even if their beliefs aren't the subject matter?

Just some musings of mine that I'd be interested to hear other people's opinion on.

That which is satanic is evil at its core. It is the epitomie of evil.

 

[Cearbhall]

If so, how and why is it different to followers of any other religion we believe to be false? Could it be because we believe Satan exists?

If they don't believe Satan exists, though, how would your belief make them evil?

Anyway, I was under the impression that Christianity says humans are all made in the image of God and therefore can't be evil. My understanding was always that we can do evil things, but we aren't evil beings.

 

[Subduction Zone]

If so, how and why is it different to followers of any other religion we believe to be false? Could it be because we believe Satan exists?

My instinct is to say that Satanists are evil, but I'm not sure that's actually consistent with my view, or it might even be hypocritical.

And if we do decide they're evil, what does that mean in practise? Avoid Media Produced by them even if their beliefs aren't the subject matter?

Just some musings of mine that I'd be interested to hear other people's opinion on.

Think of it as an intelligence test for Christians. Since they do not believe in Satan it would be rather difficult for them to be evil in the sense that many Christian that react emotionally rather than cogently feel that they are. Your questions indicate that deep down you know that they aren't. They are trying for a reaction like too many of the Christians have shown so far here. By doing so those Christians debase Christianity.

 

[Greg J.]

My instinct is to say that Satanists are evil, but I'm not sure that's actually consistent with my view, or it might even be hypocritical.

And if we do decide they're evil, what does that mean in practise? Avoid Media Produced by them even if their beliefs aren't the subject matter?

It seems that before you can get an answer to your question, you must decide what evil means.

One could say that we are all evil, because:

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23, 1984 NIV)

Or because Jesus said (speaking to a crowd of people):

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11, 1984 NIV)

Or, we could say that we are all tainted by evil. Can one stop being evil, and if he can, is it really because he stopped being evil?

 

[TurtleAnne]

"He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone" in John 8

"Judge not, that ye be not judged" in Matthew 7

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" in Romans 3

And so on.

Satan is evil, and all humans have sinned, as original sin is passed down to us all, due to the fruit of knowledge (knowing the difference between right and wrong), which satan/serpent played a big role in.

Or in other words, yes humans who self-herald as "satanists" have evil in their hearts, but so does everybody. And aside from the unpardonable sin, everyone can receive salvation through Jesus Christ, even former "satanists" be they theistic or not. A non-theistic satanist is still theistic in their heart whether they realize it or not, anyway, as were we all before being saved and forgiven by Christ.

 

[CodyFaith]

There's 2 different types of Satanism, theistic Satanism (those who believe in Satan and worship him) and atheistic LaVeyan Satanism (atheists who have their own set of rules and guidelines on how the world works).

Worshiping Satan is a very evil act. I have a hard time labeling people evil quickly, but there are certainly many evil people who do worship Satan directly. Is it possible there are people who are just caught up in something? Perhaps, as there are testimonies of people who used to be Satanists who have turned to Christ.

As for LaVeyan Satanists, their doctrines and philosophies are very cold-hearted, fleshly, and cruel. Is it possible for people to get caught up in these philosophies and not be evil? I think so.

Point is we shouldn't judge so harshly. They are evil acts, but to call someone evil and only evil is a very heavy thing. Christians come from all sorts of walks of life, and if we condemned them by using a one-word statement, it's wrong of us to do.

Are there Satanists who believe in Satan? I don't think so. I think Satanism is a form of atheism, designed to upset Christians. Their principle is to live by your own morality and follow your own feelings. They are not evil, they don't do evil things, as a rule. They are just people.

You're throwing up a Satanic gesture, btw. That doesn't just mean "rock and roll". Incase you didn't know that already - felt like pointing that out to you.

 

[Archie the Preacher]

Are Satanists evil?

An individual 'satanist' is a human being of the typical mixed morals nature. Some are more evil than others. Some, no doubt are good individuals who pay taxes, mow their lawns, give to some charities, are kind to small animals and always send a card on Mother's Day. Some, no doubt are foul villains who cheat, lie and steal every chance they get.

Pretty much the normal human spectrum.

However, and pay attention to this distinction, by being a 'satanist' of any degree, one supports Satan and the anti-God and Jesus movement. That is an evil deed (action). To be fair, the degree of support for Satan varies with the individual. Some might be surprised to hear they are anti-God and some are probably proud of it.

If so, how and why is it different to followers of any other religion we believe to be false?

I don't see any difference at all. Any religion which diverts people from the Saving Grace of God through Jesus is propagated and underpinned by Satan. Even if those religions do 'good works', which is not uncommon.

Could it be because we believe Satan exists?

I'm not sure what you mean by this? Specifically, could WHAT be because we believe Satan exists? Just for the record, Satan exists. The Bible is full of references to Satan, either by name, title or function. If one believes the Bible is the message of God, then one must accept Satan's existence.

My instinct is to say that Satanists are evil, but I'm not sure that's actually consistent with my view, or it might even be hypocritical.

Does what I say in the early part of this response give you any 'relief'? Satanists support evil, but may not be overtly evil.

And if we do decide they're evil, what does that mean in practise?

It means they are in the same condition as any other non-beliver. They need to surrender to God and be forgiven.

Avoid Media Produced by them even if their beliefs aren't the subject matter?

Complicated subject. I would not give money - even purchase money - to an organization or support organization who's primary allegiance is to Satan.

If the product or service to be purchased is generated by a person who is a Satanist, but sold for personal support, I [just my opinion, not particularly to be followed blindly] would consider that a different matter. Without some contact, one cannot ever be a witness to anyone. But I would - and recommend - much prayer before making a commitment. Do only what God agrees with you to do.

 

[Gadarene]

They were set up to put the wind up Christians.

It apparently still works.

 

[Archie the Preacher]

They were set up to put the wind up Christians.

Just out of curiosity, from where did this intelligence derive? I don't discount it as improbable, but I prefer something more solid than "...they say..." or "I read it on the Internet!"

It apparently still works.

Apparently so, at least at times. Much like yelling 'Fire' in a crowded public area.

 

[Gadarene]

Just out of curiosity, from where did this intelligence derive? I don't discount it as improbable, but I prefer something more solid than "...they say..." or "I read it on the Internet!"

Well, it's more a basic inference from the fact that it's called Satanism. It's obviously there to [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] a snook at Christianity. They named themselves after Christianity's boogeyman, what else would they be doing?

LaVeyan Satanism in particular is obviously doing this, given that it arose in the counterculture movement, and pushing back Christianity was one of their concerns.

 

[Kylie]

If the theistic brand of Satanism isn't objectively evil then the word "evil" has no meaning and should no longer be used in discourse.

In other words, yes, they are evil. They may or may not be particularly malevolent (or so I hear) but they remain nevertheless evil.

In what way are they evil?

 

[Archie the Preacher]

Well, it's more a basic inference from the fact that it's called Satanism. It's obviously there to [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] a snook at Christianity.

Okay, that's immensely reasonable as written.

They named themselves after Christianity's boogeyman, what else would they be doing?

What else? "Worshipping Satan" comes to mind.

LaVeyan Satanism in particular is obviously doing this, given that it arose in the counterculture movement, and pushing back Christianity was one of their concerns.

I once knew a follower of Anton LeVey. Her explanation was they were really nature worshippers and such. Truthfully, in retrospect she was a bit incoherent about the core nature of it and she might have meant anything. And it's been a long time; I could have forgotten some details.

I was hoping for something more certain. Thanks anyway. I appreciate your time and candor.

 

[Subduction Zone]

Just out of curiosity, from where did this intelligence derive? I don't discount it as improbable, but I prefer something more solid than "...they say..." or "I read it on the Internet!"

Some people are able to think logically and can laugh when certain people react irrationally.

Apparently so, at least at times. Much like yelling 'Fire' in a crowded public area.

Hardly. No one is harmed, well you looked a bit silly as a result, but no lasting harm was done to you. You might even learn something if you can relax a bit.

 

[Subduction Zone]

Okay, that's immensely reasonable as written.What else? "Worshipping Satan" comes to mind.

Look at you, you can learn a little bit. But you blew it with your last line. Why would anyone worship a fictitious being?

I once knew a follower of Anton LeVey. Her explanation was they were really nature worshippers and such. Truthfully, in retrospect she was a bit incoherent about the core nature of it and she might have meant anything. And it's been a long time; I could have forgotten some details.

Oh no doubt. There are people like that everywhere. Don't tell me that you never met any confused Christians.

I was hoping for something more certain. Thanks anyway. I appreciate your time and candor.

That was quite certain. It is not even an open secret among atheist groups. I do not try to get people wound up, but I can understand the motivation for some.[/QUOTE]

 

[Chesterton]

Maybe I'm not good at thinking outside the box or something, but it seems to me if you're a Satanist, and you're not being evil, you're kind of doing it wrong. I mean if I heard there was a Satanic Children's Charity Fund or a Satanic Meals On Wheels program, I'd be kinda like, uh, what?...okay....really?

 

[Subduction Zone]

Maybe I'm not good at thinking outside the box or something, but it seems to me if you're a Satanist, and you're not being evil, you're kind of doing it wrong. I mean if I heard there was a Satanic Children's Charity Fund or a Satanic Meals On Wheels program, I'd be kinda like, uh, what?...okay....really?

Please that is as bad as saying that if you are a "Viking" and you are not raping and pillaging you are doing it wrong. The NFL takes a rather dim view on those sorts of activities.

 

[jayem]

Based on admittedly limited knowledge, I think it's mostly play-acting. A masque intended to jab a sharp stick in the eye of conventional religion. It's much more about non-conformity and iconoclasm, than worshiping evil.

History will undoubtedly show that far more real human suffering has been perpetrated by fanatical, but misguided followers of God or Allah than by Satanists.

 

[GrowingSmaller]

Osculum infame - Wikipedia

During the years of the witch hunts, many believed that witches worshipped the Devil and paid him homage by kissing his posterior.