Satanist

Satanism is a religious or philosophical movement that is based on the worship of Satan, often depicted as a symbol of rebellion against traditional religious authority. The term "Satanism" is often used interchangeably with "Luciferianism," which emphasizes the worship of Lucifer, another name for Satan. The movement is diverse and includes various beliefs and practices, ranging from theistic Satanism, which views Satan as a deity, to atheistic Satanism, which rejects the existence of any deities.

The roots of Satanism can be traced back to the Enlightenment era, where philosophers and writers such as Voltaire and Friedrich Nietzsche explored the idea of rebellion against religious authority. In the 20th century, Anton LaVey founded the Church of Satan in 1966, which became one of the most prominent organizations within the movement. LaVey's Satanism, known as The Satanic Bible, advocates for individualism, personal freedom, and the rejection of traditional morality.

Satanists often reject the idea of a personal Satan, instead viewing Satan as a symbol of the self or the individual. They may also reject the idea of a personal Lucifer, viewing him as a symbol of the divine or the universal. Some Satanists may also reject the idea of a personal God, viewing God as a symbol of the collective or the societal.

Satanism is not a monolithic movement, and there is no single set of beliefs or practices that define it. Instead, Satanism is a broad and diverse movement that includes a wide range of beliefs and practices. Some Satanists may be atheists, while others may be theists or agnostics. Some may be involved in ritualistic practices, while others may not. Some may be involved in political activism, while others may not.

Despite its diversity, Satanism is often misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture. Satanism is not a form of devil worship, and Satanists do not believe in the literal existence of a malevolent being named Satan. Instead, Satanism is a movement that emphasizes individualism, personal freedom, and the rejection of traditional morality.