Theistic Satanism
One of the most controversial religions in the world is Theistic Satanism, also known as “traditional” Satanism. Theistic comes from the ancient Greek word “theos”, or God. Hence, Theistic Satanism is the belief that Satan literally exists and is a god to be worshipped. The concept of and mythology around Satan in this religion is similar to that in the Judeo-Christian tradition, though of course Theistic Satanists have a different interpretation of the meanings of each story. For example, the first book of the Bible tells the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. In this story, God creates a special magic tree that will give all those who eat its fruit the knowledge of what is good and what is evil.
Satan, in the form of a snake, convinces Adam and Eve to eat from this tree and hence expand their minds and become like a god in their ability to know things. Theistic Satanists interpret this story as a sign that Satan values knowledge, judgment, and learning. Since eating the fruit of that tree also cause Adam and Eve to become mortals, Theistic Satanists also believe that it is the moral obligation of each individual to understand that they will die and hence to make the most of their time while alive.
This is in sharp contrast to the traditional Christian interpretation of the story, which is that once humans become compliant with God’s will, they will live forever in Heaven. Satan’s temptation of Christ is a New Testament Biblical story that Satanists also look to in order to better understand Satan and their own religion. In this story, Satan offers Jesus Christ three temptations. The first is to transform rocks into bread in order that he not suffer in hunger.
The second is to jump from a cliff without worrying, because angels would break his fall. The third is the gift of all kingdoms in the entire world in exchange for worshipping Satan. Theistic Satanists believe that Satan offers similar temptations to each individual human, and that it is a good thing to take Satan up on them. They believe that Satan is able to provide material comforts (bread), protection (cliff), and power (kingdoms). All that is necessary is to work magic or pray to Satan, and Satan will help them meet their goals.
