Mixed Conceptions

As Satanism is progressing into the modern era, one has to take into account the many variables in the path. Speaking directly towards Theistic Satanism, there are a few different theories floating around.  Despite the typical re-hashing of these ideologies and opinions, I will raise some thought provoking theories, as to why they are not to be taken as doctrine, but rather bits of history to be considered for pure study.

Where one of the biggest hang ups comes together is the ideas of ‘original names of Satan’ and some form of archetype that is supposedly the actual Satan. This may make some in roads with certain pagan communities, however, this is not focusing on the main factors of Satanism, at least, what I feel it is. Names are simply names, and the older the name the less reliable the character behind that name becomes. As time has moved forward, the writings of ancient people has been unearthed. Modern man, devotes much time to deciphering these writings to the best of their ability, however, these dead languages and writing forms are obsolete, and can only be interpreted by a ‘best guess estimation’.

As people have taken a name from an ancient culture, and then take Satan as being that one entity, they are essentially ignoring the bigger picture of Satan Himself. Satan, comes from Judaic culture, whether or not it is something that one wants to admit. Some have claimed that the name ‘Satan’ is much older than the Jewish usage of the word, however there is not much actual data to back this up.

To understand the conflict of some of these ancient origins theorists, one must look at something that they seem to dance around, more than they dance around anything else. This, would be the origins of the Hebrew people, which, despite, the lack of historical records, is traced back to Abraham, who, was supposedly a Sumerian. The Jewish tradition, follows Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees to his journeys through ‘Canaan’ and his trips to Egypt and back. Something that is interesting however is the conflict in this story first of all. Ur, was not of the Chaldees whatsoever. Ur, was a Sumerian City, and Chaldea was a Babylonian City/Area. This is an example of the miss understandings of previous generations, and how it muddles theories.

One of the important things to remember, is what Satan is by strict definition. When one looks at what Satan truly is, it is a title, matching more closely to ‘prosecuting attorney’ than ‘grand Deity’. I am in no way claiming that He is NOT a grand deity, however, Satan is a many faceted deity. To some, he is Father, to others he is Master, and some even call Him a King. The point is, Satan is not just one monotheistic ideation. He is a representation of  many different entities, who over the span of Human History, have developed the aspects of Satan in definition. he has not always been known as Satan, but that is the most effective name to use in this era.

Denying that ‘Satan’ is specifically rooted in Judaic History is impossible, or at the very least ignorant. The fact that the Jewish faith doesnt even recognize Satan as a actually entity, they use it as ‘satan’ and is applied to anyone fitting that description. Some have went through the scantly recognizable works left over from pre-Judaic times, matched a little symbolism, and called it pre-Judaic Satanism. Doing such, is actually playing to the theories of what is labeled as heathen and anti-YHVH in the old testament. Being blunt about such claims, would best be described as Christian. The Abrahamic path all stems from Judaism, and by default (as I said, if one wants to believe the Jewish History) from Sumer itself. This would include Sumerian teachings in Judaism, and more than likely would make Sumerian Religion the foundation for Judaism and by default, Christianity. Thus, why one cannot take on a single people or religious group as their only pathway or source – it will only lead to the Christianity Complex.

Recognizing Satan

Recognizing the Satanic influence, and recognizing Satan Himself, is a matter best left to the individual. There is one guideline that I personally recommend, and that would be as such – Pantheism is going to have a better effect on your journey than monotheism. Satan will take on many forms and names, and even doing such we can recognize that Satan is actually a title. So, using that thought process, one can say ‘Satan~Lucifer’, or ‘Satan~Azazel’ etc etc. This is due in part to taking the meaning of Satan in its truest form, and then applying it in a Theistic fashion.

There are many people however, that do not use ‘Satan’ as a title, but rather a name. I cannot stress enough that this is not a bad thing nor should it be scorned. However, most people who do such, have incorporated many different deities, or entities, into their path. They may call upon demons, or they may call to other Gods and Goddesses through out the past, but nonetheless  they are still a theistic Satanist.

There may be plenty of people at this point in our progression, claiming to have the definitive ‘version’ of theistic Satanism, and that all others are wrong. This has advantages in the short term, as there will always be a slim minority that will stick with an idea – however, as one progresses on a more personal level, the dogma becomes less important and narrow. This is what I would like to consider calling the Christianity Complex – taking the Satanic Path, and attempting to stamp all who pass through, creating a so-called straight and narrow way. This is seen in more of the less effective forms of Theistic Satanism, although there are those happy to serve people that suffer from a severe form of Messianic Satanism. This has been shown to not always be a terrible thing, however the Temple of Theistic Satanism is more in line with a legitimate form of Satan, as the many aspects of Him, are beneficial to the community as a whole, if only there would be less bickering over who is who.

Not one single historical item has been recovered that definitively shows ‘Satan’ as one specific being. There have been some discovered who show similarities to tales written about in the bible, however these are merely Evidence as to where the bible myths where drawn from, not solid theology. Basing anything off of these theories and ancient artifacts is subject to not only personal opinion, but also the knowledge of the archeologist who discovered it, and their bias.

In no way am I saying that there is anything wrong with going to ancient mythology, however, it is limited to interpretation. Not to be discounted, however, things advance, rather than stay archaic. There is progress for a reason, as it is supposed to bring humanity close to where it should be, not in the squalor of ideas that has permeated it since the rise of Christendom and Islam. If the ideology brings about some form of oppression, then it is not the way of progress, but rather the way of regression into the past.

Satan, in many aspects that I have observed, has not been about destroying humans, ruining the world, or even controlling the populace. The Satan I know, is working to advance mankind. He works through multiple paths, and through multiple people. There are some that are not Satanic, as in they are oppressive theocracies, but these are few and far between.

Can One Be A Satanist Without Christianity or its Influence?

This is quite possibly one of the most important questions that can be asked. There have been prior claims even by myself that Satan predates Christianity, while this is inevitably true, as He is a Spiritual being without a defined beginning. What or who He was prior to his labeling as ‘Satan’ is not definable by any stretch of the imagination, at least, in a non-opinionated way.

When one looks at what is Satanic, there are many aspects to consider. First of all, what actually has determined what is labeled as Satanito merelyc or not? It most certainly was not Satanists, but rather Christianity. Now this is something that can be learned from, as there are many things shunned by them that we can embrace. Worldly pleasure, personal ambition, ability to succeed, actually learning — Now, some take things to an extreme when taking the ‘Satanic’ items to heart. There are some who feel they must blaspheme ‘Jesus’ and claim to be forming in the ‘anti-Christ’s’ army for Armageddon. Not to mention the supposed violence and ‘evil’ they claim must be accomplished to be ‘Satanic’. This is nothing more than youthful rebellion, as the advanced person learns that violence and hate lose to intellect and ambition every time.

Something else that is difficult to do, is claim to be a ‘True Satanist’. Now coming from me, this is rather odd, as for a while I beat the ‘TRUE SATANISTS ONLY’ drum. This is not something I think exists, as being puritanical is completely opposite of being free and open. This is something I think is the real key to our frowth, not only as people, but as a community. Taking what is the Christian aspects, can help in a small sighted view, however it is only a door way, flooded with false morals, and imaginary codes that if broken make someone ‘Satanic’.

Something I would like to point out, is that if one takes the Christian Bible, follows it to what is ‘Satanic’ they are doing nothing more than validating Christianity and there phobias about us. However, using the more varied occult paths, and occult philosophies, we set ourselves apart from the ‘mainstream’ ideals of faith and religion, allowing us to actually move forward.

This however places us in a situation that no one I have spoken with, has ever been able to solve. If Satan in reality is a Christian construct, and we simply are following a whole slew of ancient gods, goddesses and other entities, are we really ‘Satanists’? Of course by biblical standards yes, however, is this something that we can label ourselves without its influence, or is it something we call ourselves to merely take a shot at Christianity? This is a very impossible question, for if we are not in reality Satanists, and something more, say, Transhuman Pantheists, what do we do at that point?

Some Parting Ideals

Hail Satan!
De Ortu Populi Satanae! 

James L. Nicholson II
Founder
Temple of Theistic Satanism
Order of The Dragon