''The Church of Satan: A History of the World's Most Notorious Religion'' is a book by
Blanche Barton
Blanche Barton (born Sharon Leigh ; October 1, 1961) is an American religious leader who is Magistra Templi Rex within the Church of Satan, and is addressed by Satanists as Magistra Barton.
Biography
Barton was raised in San Diego, Californ ...
, published on November 1, 1990 by Hell's Kitchen Productions.
Contents
Chapter one, "Let the Games Begin", opens with quotes from proponents and opponents of
Satanism
Satanism is a group of ideological and philosophical beliefs based on Satan. Contemporary religious practice of Satanism began with the founding of the atheistic Church of Satan by Anton LaVey in the United States in 1966, although a few hi ...
with illustrative examples of contemporary Satanic practice. It then provides reasons for (and the context into which)
Anton LaVey founded the Church of Satan and the religion of Satanism. The second chapter, "Diabolical Consequences", covers the media response to CoS activities and the notable personalities it attracted. The cultural and personal impact of Satanism are discussed, as is the mid-1970s re-organization of the Church. Chapter three, "The Modern Prometheus", gives a biographical sketch of LaVey. In chapter four, "What Demons Conjured?", a catalog of the CoS's influence on popular culture and occultism is presented; as are rebuttals to the claims of "Satanbusters" and "survivors of
Satanic ritual abuse
The Satanic panic is a moral panic consisting of over 12,000 unsubstantiated cases of Satanic ritual abuse (SRA, sometimes known as ritual abuse, ritualistic abuse, organized abuse, or sadistic ritual abuse) starting in the United States in th ...
". Chapter five, "Satanism in Theory and Practice", covers the unique nature of Satanism as (not just a religious identity, but) a theory of
aesthetics
Aesthetics, or esthetics, is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty and taste, as well as the philosophy of art (its own area of philosophy that comes out of aesthetics). It examines aesthetic values, often expressed thr ...
and an
ethnology
Ethnology (from the grc-gre, ἔθνος, meaning 'nation') is an academic field that compares and analyzes the characteristics of different peoples and the relationships between them (compare cultural anthropology, cultural, social anthropolo ...
. Reflections on the popularity of Satanic imagery are given. It reprints the "
Nine Satanic Statements" and the "
Nine Satanic Sins". LaVey responds to some of the frequent accusations against Satanism. In the sixth chapter, "Satan's Master Plan", LaVey affirms "his commitment to destroy
Christianity
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world's largest and most widespread religion with roughly 2.38 billion followers representing one-third of the global pop ...
and herd mentality in all forms." It presents the "
Five-Point Program" of Satanic goals to change the world. The "
Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth" are reprinted, as is the "Hymn of the Satanic Empire". The seventh chapter informs the reader on "How to Perform Satanic Rituals". It presents five "main elements...central to success" at achieving magical results. Several specific misconceptions of Satanism are then addressed. Advice on magical effectiveness and evading common snares are given. The eighth and final chapter presents "Guidelines for Grottos and Groups". It begins with a description of a typical CoS ritual. LaVey's view of the desire to join groups and perform group rituals is given, with advice on what to watch out for (in a Satanic bunco tip sheet). Recommendations on how to meet other Satanists, start groups, name grottos, and execute rituals are given. LaVey encourages Satanists to "make pioneering discoveries and achievements" as a way of forcing "objective authorities... to see and acknowledge the quality, productivity and superiority of Satanic thought." Four appendices are included: In "Letters: 'Many Are Called...'" a collection of sample letters the CoS has received is presented; "Satanic Music: That Old Black Magic"; "Satanic Cinema: Down These Mean Streets"; and "Further Reading: The Devil's Bookshelf".
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Church of Satan (book)
1990 non-fiction books
Occult books
Satanic texts