Misconceptions about Satanism :: Non-Christian Religions Satan

Mis imaginationions about monsterismMost religions standardised Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam have well definedmeanings, one exception is Satanism. Most heap have their own definition forSatanism.Some great deal tone of voice that non-Christian religions and entirely Christiandenominations other than their own are pass waters of Satanism. This would imply thatall Buddhists, Hindus, Moslems, and Jews. In fact at least 75% of the worldspopulation would be Satanists.Others sense that all religions other than Judaism or Christianity areinspired by Satan and thus are forms of Satanism. This would still leave thevast majority of people in the world being Satanists.Large numbers of people feel that a wide variety of unrelated, benignreligions (such as Santeria and other Caribbean religions, Druidism, new-fashioned Age,Wicca, ect.) are forms of Satanism.Such definitions create great confusion. The following are recommended cost and descriptions for four essentially unrelated reli gions that have beencalled Satanism.The first is Religious Satanism, This assurance includes the recognition ofSatan either as a deity or as a principle. Three main denominations hold up theChurch of Satan, the temple of Set, and the Church of Satanic Liberation. Othershort lived Satanic groups currently exist and have existed in the recent past.According to Statistic Canada, the 1991 census found 335 Canadians who determine themselves as Satanists. The actual Number is probably significantlylarger. A joined States Department of the Army pamphlet 165-13 RELIGIOUSREQUIREMENTS AND PRACTICES OF CERTAIN SELECTED GROUPS - A vade mecum FORCHAPLAINS (1978 - April) estimated that there were 10 to 20 thousand members ofthe Church of Satan in the United States. Accurate data is impossible toestimate, since the largest group (The Church of Satan) does not release itsmembership totals.It is important to realize that the Satan they recognize has fewer if anypoint s of similarity with the Ch ristian concept of Satan. The Satanistsconcept of Satan is pre-Christian, and derived from the Pagan image of power,virility, sexuality and sensuality. To most Satanists, Satan is a force ofnature, not a living quasi-deity. Their Satan has nothing to do with Hell,demons, pitchforks or profound evil.The image of Satanism spawned by Christianity is called Gothic Satanism.It is an unreal and profoundly evil religion that was invented during thelate Middle Ages. Concepts included religious rite killing of children, selling theirsoul to the devil, breaking crucifixes, conducting black masses, ect. It hasnever existed in the past, and does not exist today, except in the imaginationof the public.Another form of Satanism is Teen Satanism A syncretistic religion whichis a blend of Religious Satanism, Gothic Satanism, ceremonial magick, and any