Path: shell.portal.com!usenet
From: tyagI@houseofkaos.Abyss.coM (tyagi mordred nagasiva)
Newsgroups: alt.magick.tyagi,alt.satanism
Subject: Re: are Wiccans, Satanists?
Date: 4 Dec 1994 10:46:56 GMT
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Reply-To: Balanone@tefnut.astaroth.sacbbx.com (Balanone)
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[from alt.pagan: Balanone@tefnut.astaroth.sacbbx.com (Balanone)]

On Nov 11, 1994,
MoonWolf wrote to All
re: Re: are Wiccans, Satanists?

M> In regards to the idea that Satanism is a belief that
M> predates  Xtianity by thousands of years...

M> Granted, there have been "organised religions" based on the
M> concept of "light" and "dark" that may predate Xtianity, but
M> have any of  them called their "prince of darkness" by the
M> name of "Satan?"   So far as I understand in comparative
M> theology, Lucifer is a product of the Xtian pre-creation
M> story, with Satan being one of the many names of this fallen
M> angel.

M> If you would prefer to equate Satan with Satyr's and the
M> ilk, then please state so, but when referring to events
M> ending "thousands of years before Christ," please cite
M> documented references - the only things that I know were
M> written in this time period are in cave paintings of
M> prehistoric men.  

M> On the other hand, if Satanism is to be defined as a belief
M> in Satan, then would not Christism be defined as a belief in
M> Christ?

You've hit the big problem in this discussion: terminology.

It might be more accurate to say, without mentioning the "S" word,
that Left Hand Path religions have been around for several thousands
of years (well documented in the Egyptian priesthoods, most notably
the Priesthoods of Set and Amn, and apparently some in the Northern
religions as well though I know less about them). However, I don't
know anyone who talks about Prince of Darknessism or Left Hand
Pathism as a religious grouping. They've always just been one of many
religions active in their time.

As Christianity grew in power, it redefined those religions it completed
against as various forms of Satanism and Demonolatry, and since they
could not admit to a multitude of religious truths, they generally
painted these religions as worshipping Christian demons and Satan.
*All* Pagan religions suffered from this slander, and the Left Hand
Path religions were no exception.

Most of Paganism wants nothing to do with Christianity's Satanism,
but much of the Left Hand Path movement and its religions recognize
that there are elements of anti-Christian Satanism that relate with
Prince of Darknessism. Satanists cherish individuality, freedom from
oppression, creativity, pride, creature comforts and pleasures, and
other Christian sins which are highly regarded by the Left Hand Path.
Therefore, those aspects of modern Satanism are welcomed as part of
the Left Hand Path.

This increases the terminology problem. Because we live in a mostly
Christian-influenced society, where the strongest curse is "damn you
to Hell," and because there is no generic term for Prince of
Darknessism, the term "Satanism" expands to fill that need.

Christians certainly don't recognize much difference between anti-
Christian Satanism, Setianism, Luciferianism, Prometheanism,
Odhinnism, etc. It's difficult enough for them to recognize that there's
any difference at all between Left Hand Path Paganism and Right
Hand Path Paganism. Similarly, a goodly number of Pagans find it
difficult to see any difference between various modes of modern Left
Hand Path Paganism and the subset known as Satanism.

If anyone here could suggest a good term for Prince of Darknessism, it
might spread and resolve the issue. But since no one has yet found
such a good term, we let "Satanism" represent the multitude of Left
Hand Path paths in modern western civilization.

Balanone
   PP

FidoNet:  Balanone at 1:203/444.15
Internet: Balanone@tefnut.astaroth.sacbbx.com