The One True Satanism
One of the most contested questions in religion is "what is the 'right' (or true) religion?" This question arises for Satanism just as much, or more, than it does in discussions on other religions. Believers argue vehemently to one side or other (usually my side versus their side) as to which is the "true" religion and Satanists seem to be even more vehement in their arguments about which Satanism is the "true" version.
Talk to a number of self-professed Satanists and ask them what they believe. The responses will run the gamut of Satanic sects (with even more offshoots being created every day). Is that person atheistic or theistic? A Luciferian? A devil worshiper or reverse Christian? A teenaged dabbler? A demonolater or black magician? A secular humanist (in disguise)? A "satanic" political activist? Whatever the response, the follow-up statement will likely be an admonition that all other types are not really Satanic. After all, goes the Satanist's logic, whatever I ascribe to is the one "true" Satanism (because why would I choose the wrong one?). The interesting point here is: these Satanists are both totally right and totally wrong.
In fact, there is only one "true" Satanism. Anton Szandor LaVey founded religious Satanism in 1966 and published his book, The Satanic Bible, that codified the religion in 1969. Satanists (more than anyone else in the world) should understand and internalize on this single fact. Satanism (and the Left Hand Path in general) is individualistic—it is centrally focused on the "self" in opposition to authoritatively established dogmas. Satanists recognize themselves as Gods and so being, are free to define their personal lives. One person's Satanic lifestyle is likely not the same for the adherent next to them, nor the Satanist down the street, nor the one across the globe. Indeed, it should not be, since such an expectation negates a core belief of the Satanic religion; that of the sanctity of the individual and of the impetus to pursue one's own ends. That the religion of Satanism, which affords the individual such freedom of definition, was created by Anton LaVey, should not be forgotten nor neglected.
So as the argument continues on the subject of what constitutes the "true" Satanism, we can all rest assured in the fact that it is the religion written of in the The Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey. Then, I'll sit back, live as I will, and tell them all to go to hell. After all, mine is the true Satanism. Yours is simply yours.
