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To: alt.magick.tyagi,alt.satanism From: tyagI@houseofkaos.Abyss.coM (tyagi mordred nagasiva) Subject: Re: are Wiccans, Satanists? Date: 4 Dec 1994 10:46:56 GMT [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
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