THE OCCULT

PART 2

A LOOK AT MODERN SATANISM

Look through any daily newspaper and you'll probably find a story of Satanists involved in some kind of evil. Satanists are blamed for all kinds of crimes from defilng graves to mutilating and sacrificing animals, raping, suicide, and ritual murders. Do Satanists really do these things?

It's difficult to think that in today's world, people actually summon and worship the devil. But Satanism, in various forms, exists. Ignoring it will not make it go away.

Most Christians are unaware of the true nature of Satanism. It is usually thought of with the occult, witchcraft, the New Age, or psychic phenomena. Satanism may be associated with some, all or none of these things. As a movement, Satanism includes a variety of beliefs and practices. There is no stereotype for Satanism.

Satanism is a religious and worshipful allegiance to the devil, who is a distinct, personal being that seeks to destroy God's purpose for man. Through direct worship of this evil (Satan), the Satanist seeks to obtain a manipulative power through certain diabolical rituals.

Witchcraft, on the other hand, is a religious movement whose followers follow many gods, or are nature worshippers. They attempt to shape events by supernatural powers. The power behind the witchcraft is not an extension of human brain or mind potential (New Age beliefs), but is a manipulative, personal power that is tapped through certain ritualistic and magic techniques.

The word "occult" is from the Latin "occultus", meaning "secret or hidden knowledge and practices". It originates from interaction with demonic spirits, as in Ouija Boards, divination (fortune telling) and necromancy (seance). The Bible, in no uncertain terms, condemns it.

Satanism can be classified under three major overlapping groups. They are public, secret and self-styled. Satanism within each of these categories are "true" Satanists, as opposed to those who are involved as a fad. So not everyone who is into Satanism gives serious thought to what it involves. Sadly, most do not.

PUBLIC SATANISM:

Followers of this are what most people assiciate with being a Satanist. Their rituals and beliefs are based on traditional Roman Catholicism, except everything is reversed. They might recite the Lord's Prayer backwards or insert profanities in it, or the communion cup is often filled with animal or human blood, urine or anything which would disgrace it. They are not secretive, and there are dozens of these groups in America operating as organized tax-exempt churches. Called "grottos", these congregations meet on Friday evenings. The most famous public Satanist organization is Anton LaVey's "Church of Satan".

Satanism for LaVey is the worship of man, just the way he is, with fleshly desires and appetites. The seven deadly sins of the Christian church (greed, pride, envy, anger, gluttony, lust and sloth) are fully encouraged for physical, mental and emotional satisfaction. In his Satanic Bible, LaVey says: "Hate your enemies with a whole heat, and if a man smite you on the cheek, smash him on the other! Life is the great indulgence - death, the great abstinence. Therefore, make the most of life - here and now!"

Anton LeVey does not believe in a devil. Satan is simply a symbol. LaVey rejects all forms of a god. Man is god. LaVey also teaches different rituals are designed to produce different results. Sexual rituals are practiced to introduce one into the Church of Satan.

SECRET SATANISM:

This is an underground movement involving people who are extremely secretive because they are mostly well-known within their communities. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.

The secret Satanists meet periodically to pay homage to Satan. While mocking Christianity by night, the secret Satanists might profess Christ by day. Many are active members of local churches. This group involves people who believe in and worship Lucifer in exchange for power.

Some secret satanic groups worship the Biblical concept of the Devil. Others view him as the god of good and light. Therefore, if the group were to perform a ritual sactifice, it would be from a supernatural perspective. The slaughtering of the victim is literally a sacrifice to Satan, who in return will grant whatever is desired. Such power comes at no small price. A household pet, offered to the Prince of Darkness, will suffice for a small request. The sacrifice of a cow or horse may be required to obtain greater gain. The younger and healthier the animal (and even more so in the use of humans), the worthier the sacrifice. Supernatural power, called "mana", may be transferred to the Satanist who is willing to eat the organs of the sacrifice.

The sacrificing of a child would be the most supreme sacrifice for a Satanist. It is plainly one of the greatest perversions of Christian principles, and for this reason, it is considered the more magically potent.

It should not be a surprise to anyone to find intelligent people worshipping Satan in exchange for personal gain. After all, the Devil offered Jesus the world!

SELF-STYLED SATANISM:

Also known as "gang" Satanism, this movement is made up mostly of young white males, teens through twenties. This is the most dangerous form of Satanism, AND the most common. The main interests of this group of Satanists are centered around illegal activities. Satanism is a secondary interest, in which they attempt to mimic the other two groups. Interests may include child molestations, burglary, group sex and homosexuality. Mix these Satanic rituals with drugs and heavy metal music, and you have a lethel combination!

When ritualistic murders and satanic crimes make headlines, it is usually the work of the self-styled Satanists.

WRAPPING THIS SECTION UP ...

Once a person joins a satanic group, it is almost impossible to leave. Through threats to harm one's family members, the reluctant Satanist is forced to remain loyal to the group. Those wanting the leave might find themselves ritually murdered or forced to commit suicide. Suicide is the ultimate act of homage one can pay Satan. It is one's highest tribute to the Devil.

It is important that Christians know and understand the practices of contemporary Satanists. This knowledge will enable each Christian to be more effective in sharing the gospel and leping to prevent others from becoming involved. Remember the Apostle Paul warned, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11).