Like I said its called Satanism because it is basically opositional to Christianity and I would'nt even mind this misconseption if not for the church burning, goat slaughtering label that comes with it, it angers me because i see so many websites and forums full of these opinions on the subject that are completely wrong (and more often than not then passed off as fact) I just think that people who know nothing about Satanism giving their opinion on Satanism is like me giving my opinion quantem psyhics (which I don't think I can even spell right).

You got my backing, Shaggy. Im not a satanist, per se ( I prefer the term Shaman for myself), but I have friends who are and according to them we share some very similair beliefs.

Watch out though, Im willing to bet people are going deride you for calling your religion ( or philosophy, whatever you prefer) satanism because, as you state, it doesn't involve the worship of the biblical entity called satan. Its so easy for some to cling to that empty point while choosing to ignore the thoughtful explaination about the symbolic representation of carnal nature and desires.

Anyhow, I am curious if you find a relationship between the old pagan horned god, who also represents natural carnal lust and Satan. I am of the belief that Old Christianity twisted the horned god into the image of Satan in the effort to convert pagans way back then.

Can I call it or what. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Why is it your business to tell people what to call there religion? You may not be satisfied with the explanation, but since you can't counter the explanation with anything more than "change the name", why even try? Whats the point?

<font color='white'> Yeah I see your point, I wouldn't like the label either. But like I said, why dont you simply call your self something else.

As for the 'opositional to Christtianity' bit. With the expection of Judaism and Islam (seeing as they worship the same God), wouldn't all other religons be opositional to Christianity? </font>

<font color = lightgreen>I don't think about Satanists because they are beneath my notice. No offense to Satanists, mind you....

All the concepts of God, Satan, and an afterlife (whether in Heaven or Hell) are still just holdovers from the ancient world. Our only time is here and now, so the only pertinent questions to ask are "are you happy?" and "are you making those around you happy?"</font>

Can I call it or what. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Why is it your business to tell people what to call there religion? You may not be satisfied with the explanation, but since you can't counter the explanation with anything more than "change the name", why even try? Whats the point? </font>[/QUOTE]<font color='white'> Its not like I was demanding they change it, it just seems kind of silly to me. </font>

Umm... actually, satanism wasn't dubbed satanism by those who live according to the philosophy it represents. The Catholic church did that. At any rate I myself am a Christian with no claim to any particular denomination. While I am opposed to the beliefs of satanism, I do not harass or belittle them. Some of my best friends at school were satanists. We had some healthy debates on our views and in the end agreed to disagree in a friendly manner. Just my way of saying I understand, and not all Christians are going to persecute you for your beliefs. They certainly won't agree with them though.

Umm Azred, as I recall, Satanists don't necesarily believe in Satan or God, or any supernatural deity. I could be wrong. Basically they just believe that living in a manner that makes them happy is the right way to live. Therefore, you effectively are a Satanist.

[ 09-20-2003, 11:45 PM: Message edited by: Firestormalpha ]

I believe it has something to do with the origions of the term scapegoat, I read that it used to be custom way back in the day as it were for a villiage to take a goat and use as a representation of all their sins. They would then send it out into the wilderness to die and absolve them from their wrongs. I believe this is where the phrase stems from and perhaps why it is viewed by Christians to represent evil. Thanks for your support though I don't think i'll get much hassle at IW over my religion as the people here seem nice, even if some are bit narrowminded at times. Its like people think that its not discrimination if you're a Satanist, Wiccan, Druid etc. Where as if sweeping comments were made about religions like Christianity or Judaism or they were blamed in the papers about the murder of a 14 yr old girl then members of said religion would kick up a right stink. Its almost like 'nah you guys don't count'.

Oh and firestormalpha it was named Satanism by Satanists, Anton LaVey founded the Church of Satan and wrote the Satanic Bible amongst other works and it was he that named it Satanism.

And no Iron Ranger not all religions are thus opositonal to christianity because most of them revolve around a similar concept which is the worship of a higher power