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The Satanic Bible

Anton Szandor LaVey,

Peter H. Gilmore (Introduction)

3.37 · Rating details · 9,189 ratings · 752 reviews

The Satanic Bible was first published by Anton LaVey in 1969. It is a collection of essays, observations and rituals, and outlines LaVey's Satanic ideology. It contains the core principles of the Church of Satan and is considered the foundation of the philosophy and dogma that constitute LaVeyan Satanism.

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Paperback, 272 pages

Published 2005 by Avon (first published 1969)

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· 9,189 ratings · 752 reviews

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Sep 08, 2009 Kit Fox rated it really liked it

I grew up on the same block that Anton LaVey lived on. To me as a kid he was, "that old guy who only wore black leather, drove a black Jaguar, and lived in a big, black house with an equally big fence in front of it." Can't say I ever recall seeing him talk to anyone, though my mother would occasionally chat with his daughter and his girlfriend at the corner store. My parents also told me that in the '70s he had a pet lion, but the neighbors complained about the noise so the zoo took it away, or ...more

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Sep 26, 2008 Philip Gomez rated it it was ok

Before my Christian friends freak out about this one, they should know that "Satanism" is not the same as "Satan Worship", and that the former is actually an atheistic philosophy (albeit a very theatrical and confrontational one), as opposed to the latter which is a religion.

No Satanist actually believes in heaven or hell, good or evil, God or the Devil. Satanists believe that religion has turned mankind into passive sheep, and seek to undo the "damage" they feel religion has caused.

Satanism is, ...more

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Mar 13, 2015 Jason Koivu rated it it was ok

Shelves: humor, fantasy, rock-out-with-your-cock-out, fiction, penises-abound

For my 666th review I couldn't think of a more appropriate book than The Satanic Bible!

description

I bought this about 25 years ago and just now got around to reading it. Thanks for the motivation, Good Reads!

Why did I buy The Satanic Bible way back when I was a teenager? Well, it's like this...

Rock music has always been seen by some as a source of evil and there's a history of musicians who supposedly sold their souls to the devil.

description

There were rock & roll "gods" like my hero Jimmy Page, who it is rumored ...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Hannah Eiseman-Renyard rated it it was ok

Shelves: avoid-this, non-fiction

De-Mystifies All Shock Value

So, I read this when I was about fifteen and liked to see the looks on people's faces when they saw me reading it. Look at that big inverted pentacle. OoooOOOooooh. It wasn't completely without merit as I then went out and read its even more tired sister book The Satanic Witch, but the fact that I was reading a book called The Satanic Bible - and pissing off people around me as I read it on public transport - was worth far more to me than anything I was actually rea De-Mystifies All Shock Value

So, I read this when I was about fifteen and liked to see the looks on people's faces when they saw me reading it. Look at that big inverted pentacle. OoooOOOooooh. It wasn't completely without merit as I then went out and read its even more tired sister book The Satanic Witch, but the fact that I was reading a book called The Satanic Bible - and pissing off people around me as I read it on public transport - was worth far more to me than anything I was actually reading in it.

The one bit I found interesting was about 'psychic vampires' also known as people who use you up. This phrase does seem to have been adopted more widely. One point to Mr. LaVey.

However, for the majority, this book is part gibberish, part self-aggrandisement and part nihilism. Takeaway morals were pretty much 'do what you want, but don't be an idiot: the police will still come after you if you do a murder.' It's also disappointingly thin on magic. It claims pheromones are magic, acting sexy is magic, 'psychodrama' is magic, and that any kind of big satanic ritual thing has power if the people involved are getting off on it - but that's where it begins and ends. So... no magic then?

While this is probably true, if you're sceptical about the existence of any occult powers then why bother with all the occult imagery? If you don't believe Satan even exists then why call yourselves 'Satanists'? It's some unpleasant philosophy paired up with some shock value images and a smugness that anyone who is shocked just doesn't understand you 'cause they were too stoooopid to read the disclaimer.

Mazel tov, you little scamps. And what will you be doing for your A-levels?

Meh. If you're a teenager in the suburbs then by all means consider having this on your bookshelf to shock & annoy, but for the intellectually curious there are better books you could read on just about any topic this touches on: philosophy, sociology, psychology, the history of the occult, magic, Christ - even read Marilyn Manson's autobiography if you have to.

This book is the textual equivalent of those 1950s B-movie posters that promised so much and delivered so little. ...more

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Jul 01, 2008 Garrett Cook rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: nobody

Recommended to Garrett Cook by: my girlfriend

Needlessly blunt, socially irresponsible, poorly written. The work of a person who knows nothing about human nature and assumes man's greatest evil is receiving handjobs from a peepshow tent girl. Anybody who needs a book to tell them that it is within their power to do a ton of drugs, have sex with whomever they choose and have cake for dinner will not go far in life.

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Jun 01, 2009 Ed Johnson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-high-school

All religion is theatre and self-deceit, so why not have fun with it? Those who take this book literally (And LaVey's brand of Satanism) miss the point entirely.

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Feb 21, 2011 Shannon marked it as to-read

So my current impression of Satanism is that it is selfish atheism. I kind of hope this "bible" (sorry, it just doesn't feel official to me, the bible-writer looks too goofy and pretentious) will prove me wrong. On the other hand, if my suspicions are confirmed... then Satanism is a bunch of lame, and I totally called it. Just saying.

I mean... like.. can't you just be an atheist? You don't need to be a dick! But you know, most atheists are dicks any way, quoting Dawkins and Harris and smugly re ...more

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May 31, 2010 Cwn_annwn_13 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: from-public-library

Lavey was a con artist that did everything with a wink and a smirk. The idea of worshipping Satan, even in the symbolic way that Lavey was into, seems completely retarded to me. Why replace one Jewish diety with another Jewish diety? Laveys take on Satan himself is more along the lines of Satan as a kinky horny party animal with an intellectual side as opposed to the Christian interpretation of some ultimate evil conspirater bent on tricking you into roasting in hell for eternity. Some of his ta ...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Jason rated it it was amazing

I found this in a charity shop many years ago, a little book that fits nicely in your pocket, I didn't steal it cos I wasn't evil then as I hadn't purchased this book, duh! Try and keep up! I am not a religious person, I have too many unanswered questions to believe in anything. what questions you ask? Here's one, "Why did God kill all the dinosaurs? When it's obvs that they were totes amaze-balls!

I was blown away by how good it was, by how much Anton's thoughts were similar to mine, he didn't s ...more

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Sep 21, 2007 Megan rated it liked it

I feel the need to explain myself on this one. While this book does include spells, they're in the back of the book, and frankly, after reading the rest, I didn't find them worth perusing. The book is more philosophy than religion, with self indulgence at the core. I have seen some of LaVey's terms, like "emotional vampires", in fairly common usage lately, which goes along with my thoughts that he has some valid points in his arguments. Unfortunately, those valid points are overshadowed by gobbe ...more

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Aug 01, 2011 Jeppe Møller rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Anyone with and open mind.

Recommended to Jeppe by: I got it from my girlfriend for my birthday, and I had mentioned it many times previously.

This book is most definitely worked through grammar- and language wise, and the british-flavoured language of Anton LaVey makes for dynamic reading, descriptive metaphors and some great additions to my english vocabulary. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in this sort of philosophy. Epistemology, psychology, sociology and the ''spiritual awakening'' oft-times mentioned in these chapters of radical, anti-right hand path philosophy. I would also recommend not giving in to the prejud This book is most definitely worked through grammar- and language wise, and the british-flavoured language of Anton LaVey makes for dynamic reading, descriptive metaphors and some great additions to my english vocabulary. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in this sort of philosophy. Epistemology, psychology, sociology and the ''spiritual awakening'' oft-times mentioned in these chapters of radical, anti-right hand path philosophy. I would also recommend not giving in to the prejudices which this branch of philosophy is often met with, and keeping an open mind.

Anton LaVey included The Enochian Keys in The Satanic Bible and verses from Ragnar Redbeard's ''Might Is Right'' (1896). It has been mentioned by the author, that The Satanic Bible should not be taken too literally. For example, the first part, The Book of Fire, is phrased in such a way as to emancipate the readers who are morally and philosophically entangled in oppressive, fundamentalistic Christian doctrines from these very shackles which close their minds. It may seem quite harsh at first, but take the words of Anton LaVey with a gran of salt, and you'll be good to go. Anton LaVey has also stated, that because this book had to reach the market quickly, the quality of composition may be insatisfactory and seemingly amateurish at times, because the verbose language does not correspond too well with the arrangement. This was also the reason, that material from other authors was frequently used when this book was written.

In this book, you will find a lot of praising of the mundane human instincts, which could be perceived as naturalistic from time to time, as the basic worldview asserted in this book is very simplistic, ''Survival of the fittest'', etc. It teaches the art of being human, and breaking the shackles of the holier-than-thou morality of Right Hand Path religions. Satanism is liberalism in individualistic philosophy. Do what you want as long as no one is hurt, and treat others as they treat you, is the most basic rule of Satanism.

This book covers many different topics and has influenced my train of thought greatly, even with the chapters about Satanic Magic and rituals, although I myself am quite skeptical about the authenticity of claims of ''magic'', it is a nice and interesting touch, and the theatrical symbolism brings a wonderful atmosphere. This book can liberate you, and I choose to believe it is very much a ''like it or hate it''-book. I gave this book 4 stars, and I started reading it immediately after I got it for my birthday from my girlfriend. I definitely recommend this book.

...more

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Nov 19, 2008 Paul rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: Appalachian Mountain Toothless Hayseed Philosophers

I read this book in high school. The reason for the one star is that it serves at least some positive use in that it corrects some Christians belief about what "philosophical Satanism" entails. LaVey doesn't believe in anything like the biblical concept of Satan. It's meant to be something like the antithesis of Christian morality. So whereas Jesus says "Turn the other cheek" LaVey says, "If a man smite you on the cheek, smite him twice as hard on the other." LaVey obviously never bothered to co ...more

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May 19, 2009 Michael rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Satanists, Setians, spiritual dissidents

Recommended to Michael by: The Magickal Childe

Shelves: left-hand-path, philosophy, magic

I wrote the below review almost 8 years ago, when I was still quite new to goodreads. If anything, my feelings about this book have mellowed, both in the positive and negative, so that I see it as more mediocre than anything. It is a starting point for young people, and not much else.

However, I’ve always meant to come back and update the review with a discussion of the different editions. Since goodreads (still) won’t let you post separate reviews for different editions of a single book, I will I wrote the below review almost 8 years ago, when I was still quite new to goodreads. If anything, my feelings about this book have mellowed, both in the positive and negative, so that I see it as more mediocre than anything. It is a starting point for young people, and not much else.

However, I’ve always meant to come back and update the review with a discussion of the different editions. Since goodreads (still) won’t let you post separate reviews for different editions of a single book, I will just discuss those differences as a preface to the full review.

The only significant difference between editions that I can see (apart from the legibility of the typeface) lies in the Introductions, which have steadily declined since the 1960s. The first edition of the book contains the shortest of the three versions: An introduction by then-Magister Templi Michael A. Aquino, who would leave the Church in 1975 to found the Temple of Set. His version is optimistic and eloquent, and goes so far as to compare the work to that of Machiavelli and Plato. He still buys into a number of falsehoods regarding LaVey’s personal biography, which he would later expose in his history of the Church of Satan (The Church of Satan I). The next, and thus far longest-lived, introduction was written by Priest Burton Wolfe, a pop-culture journalist who indulged a brief flirtation with the Church of Satan but never really regarded it as more than a hobby. He is the first to deny the literal existence of the deity to which the Church was dedicated, and he inflates a number of the biographical falsehoods to make LaVey appear more dramatic. The third version was written some years after LaVey’s death by Magus Peter Gilmore, who ascended after the brief succession struggle to become the new High Priest of the Church of Satan. He dials back some of Wolfe’s more flagrant exaggerations, but maintains the position that the Church is an atheistic organization with some ritual trappings for psychological effect. His is the longest and least captivatingly written of the three.
***
Love him or hate him, everyone's got an opinion of Anton LaVey. I actually feel a little bit of both.

I first read the "Satanic Bible" at the target age - about fifteen or sixteen, I believe. I could poke holes in some of the philosophy even then (if it's a religion dedicated to survival of the fittest, why is it so small and frail?), but I could not deny the frisson of the outrageous that it induced. I wound up going a different direction for my induction into the esoteric, however, and shortly thereafter chose Discordianism as my chief paradigm.

Years later I was ready for a revaluation of values, and the time had come to consider what LaVey's project had offered historically. His church having long since degenerated into a fan club, there was little need to bother with its present-day manifestation, but examination of the historical events of 1966-75 indicated that there was something more to it than strip shows and cliche'd Black Masses, a current had been awoken in understanding forces that have lurked at the back of human consciousness for millennia.

The problem remained, so far as this book is concerned. As a representation of the exoteric philosophy of CoS, it gives little insight into its esoteric meaning. Books such as "Uncle Setnakt's Essential Guide to the Left Hand Path" gave far more genuine insight to the possibilities of self-Initiation through the paradigm of spiritual revolt, but there remains something emotionally satisfying in LaVey's peculiar, and seminal, assault on the good taste of the mass. ...more

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Jan 07, 2019 Kressel Housman rated it liked it

I'm giving this book 3 stars for readability, not because I like or agree with what the author has to say. He is the founder of the Church of Satan, and he summarizes his philosophy in the first half of the book quite clearly. The second describes rituals and recitations that can be performed. I skimmed through most of that section, but I could see where he borrowed from English translations of the Psalms, so most of the other "prayers" must borrow from the Catholic liturgy or whatever religion I'm giving this book 3 stars for readability, not because I like or agree with what the author has to say. He is the founder of the Church of Satan, and he summarizes his philosophy in the first half of the book quite clearly. The second describes rituals and recitations that can be performed. I skimmed through most of that section, but I could see where he borrowed from English translations of the Psalms, so most of the other "prayers" must borrow from the Catholic liturgy or whatever religion LaVey grew up with and rejected.

Possibly the most interesting part of the book is the Introduction, which was not written by LaVey at all, but his successor in the leadership of the Church. Basically, LaVey got his start as a musician in the carnival circuit, which is a good place to learn the tricks of the trade in scamming people.

The philosophy of Satanism is simple: all other religions, especially those of the Judeo-Christian tradition, do nothing but make people feel guilty for their natural desires, so by adopting the most feared and hated symbol of those religions, Satanism liberates people from guilt and allows them to express their sexuality and anger to their heart's content. This brings me to a point I cannot emphasize enough: the most dangerous aspect of this philosophy is not the sex. It's the ethos of taking revenge.

I dated a Satanist in college, and that's what brought me to this book. When I finally managed to extract myself from him, he made my life miserable. It took him a little while, but he was instrumental in getting me kicked out of college. Why? Because I hurt him, and according to his "religion," spelled out in this book, that gave him the right to hurt me for as long as he wanted.

Unless you're doing research like me, I don't recommend this book. But more importantly, if you ever meet a self-professed Satanist, don't become his friend. It's not because he believes in Satan. Most Satanists are actually atheists. They identify with a mythic figure, but they recognize it as myth. Don't friend them because the philosophy they follow is selfish, manipulative, and vengeful. You simply can't trust them. Stay away. I wish I had. ...more

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Feb 10, 2016 11811 (Eleven) rated it liked it

I read this before electricity was invented so it's not exactly fresh in my mind but the most interesting thing I remember is that the author went on to sell used cars and eventually declared bankruptcy. First class charlatan.

The book is basically a promotion of self-indulgence. Not much more than that from what I recall. A disappointing read if you're looking to be shocked and a hollow read if you're seeking deep philosophical insight.

Still glad I read it. It helped launch my interest in phil ...more

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Dec 09, 2011 Alex rated it liked it

Shelves: religion

This was a fun read and not at all what I expected, but it did freak out my Christian brother when he saw it on my bookshelf.

Just do the opposite of what the Christian Bible says and you can be a Satanist!

LaVey was sometimes little more than a barking carny playing monster music on a Wurlitzer.

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Mar 14, 2010 Jimmy rated it did not like it

Such a time-sensitive rating. Ten years ago I would've lavished this book with idealistic praise and five stars. Also, I can't believe that I actually read this, then again I used to don a pentagram necklace and wear dresses to school, so ...

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Nov 09, 2008 Tim rated it liked it

Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: occult-magick

Laveyian Satanism is really nothing more than atheism with rituals and symbols. It is Objectivism (Aynn Rand's philosophy) dressed up with bombast and an over-inflated sense of ego.
Or rather it CAN be. If viewed within the right context, it can be rather enlightening. I would not recommend this for someone who is trying to discover themselves, but if anyone wants to learn what Philosophical Satanism actually is, ignore the Christian propaganda and read it from the words of the -Devil- himself.
Ne ...more

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Aug 01, 2015 Melissa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: satanism-witchcraft-and-satan

I think that The Satanic Bible is a great book, providing a much needed better understanding of Satanism. LaVey's knowledge and wisdom are very inspiring and have helped me put into a newer perspective all of the religious lessons that I learned about when I was younger.
My only regret is that so many others will fail to read this book due to it's title and will continue to believe in only the tarnished viewpoints of those from other religions. Finally a book comes along that promotes a philosop ...more

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Nov 08, 2007 Pspealman rated it it was ok

Recommends it for: Disaffected Suburban Youth

Ahh highschool. I can still smell the faux poetry and mascara from here. Thank the Flying Pasta that acne finally cleared up.

If you wonder what happens when the dionysian culture bomb of Crowley gets codified into a handy, and not at all subversive, book - well now you know.

I'd rank this somewhere below a L. Ron Hubbard and a Jack Chick tract in terms of worth. Listen kids, skip this trite, just read a SubGenius and get some slack.

Also hugs, not drugs.

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Feb 02, 2009 Veronica Gutierrez rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: CHRISTIANS!!!

Not what you might think based on the title and the names of some of the chapters. Those are given specifically for shock value. Go into this book with an open mind and it will serve you well. I would actually suggest it as a self help book. It is straight forward, easy to follow and in your face honest. It is not about worshipping the devil it is about worshipping yourself and being alright with who you are and the decisions you make. Be it good or bad, you are who you are. I loved this book an ...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Ben rated it it was ok

I agree with Lavey’s atheistic statements, but I have better things to do than to waste my time trying to manipulate others for the sake of lust, compassion, or destruction. If I feel lust, I’ll masturbate. If I feel compassion, I’ll be kind to that person and do what I can to help them.

As for destruction, hatred is something that I never feel; to hate someone in my opinion is to wish death or destruction on them, and I just never feel that towards anyone. I want others to be reasonably happy a I agree with Lavey’s atheistic statements, but I have better things to do than to waste my time trying to manipulate others for the sake of lust, compassion, or destruction. If I feel lust, I’ll masturbate. If I feel compassion, I’ll be kind to that person and do what I can to help them.

As for destruction, hatred is something that I never feel; to hate someone in my opinion is to wish death or destruction on them, and I just never feel that towards anyone. I want others to be reasonably happy and alive even if I extremely dislike them. If a man kills my entire family, I will want him punished to the fullest extent of the law, but not killed either by my own hand or by that of the authorities. Personal vengeance is not something I condone. The civilized man will construct laws amongst his societal peers for the purpose of punishing criminals. Personal emotions should never enter into the punishment of criminals. The punishment should be unbiased and fair. If I have a personal problem with someone that the law does not provide punishment for, I will confront that person and talk it out.

The rituals described in The Satanic Bible work with nature, not against it. What then is the point of the ritual other than playacting? Why not simply let nature take its course? With the exception of lust(which culminates in orgasm) and possibly hatred, emotions cannot be controlled and released in one ritualistic sitting. The compassionate emotions will always thrive in the mind until you have fulfilled what you feel is an obligation to help that person in the natural manner. To “release energy of compassion” in a ritual and then not realistically contribute to the person’s well-being is as USELESS as praying to any God for them.

You have good reason to ask reasons for the golden rule and the ten commandments, but I also have good reason to ask reasons for your nine satanic statements, particularly Statement #5: ‘Satan represents vengeance, instead of turning the other cheek’. Now the other statements are well fleshed out and supported in the book, but again, I cannot condone vengeance in the form of violence. You call those who turn the other cheek cowardly and weak. I say it takes far more courage to not resort to violence when one is physically provoked, and that turning the other cheek is a form of vengeance, as it will throw your enemy off guard and perhaps make him feel ashamed. Just look at Gandhi. Although often provoked, he never resorted to violence in the face of his enemies, and he was largely successful in his endeavors for civil rights in India.

In short, I neither want nor need another dogmatic religion to imprison my mind and my lifestyle. I was a Christian for 25 years. I’ve had more than my fill of religion. I’m content to remain an atheist. ...more

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May 10, 2010 Johan Aulin rated it liked it

Recommends it for: Philosophically and intellectually inclined people.

Shelves: philosophy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book teaches a philosophy. Even though I don't agree with all of it, I do with much. It's about being human (in the carnal sense) as opposed to sanctimonious and holier-than-thou. Satanism says you should love your life and live it now, instead of holding back and feeling guilty in anticipation of a future afterlife. It says to strive to better yourself, take responsibility for your own life instead of relying on faith and prayers to do it for you. You are your own, personal god.

Many people This book teaches a philosophy. Even though I don't agree with all of it, I do with much. It's about being human (in the carnal sense) as opposed to sanctimonious and holier-than-thou. Satanism says you should love your life and live it now, instead of holding back and feeling guilty in anticipation of a future afterlife. It says to strive to better yourself, take responsibility for your own life instead of relying on faith and prayers to do it for you. You are your own, personal god.

Many people would be hung up on the use of Satan as the figurehead, since he's traditionally an "evil" character. The truth is, Satan (as so many other things) is an amalgam constructed by the Christian church from older beliefs, in order to vilify the old gods. In Satanism, Satan isn't a real entity but instead a symbol for independent thought, indulgence, rationality, questioning and justice among other things. According to Satanism there is no such thing as good and evil. Such a black and white view would be difficult to maintain, since everything is invariably seen from one perspective or another.

The ritual part of the book reads like esoterica even though it isn't supposed to *be* esoteric. The rituals function as an "intellectual decompression chamber", allowing you to let other thoughts go, and your psyche to concentrate on attaining your goals. I see it like a form of meditation or mental conditioning. Some rituals use sex, sounds, images and other paraphernalia in an effort to heighten emotion.

There are no blood sacrifices, cannibalism, forced sex or anything of the sort. Satanism celebrates life and individuality as most important of all. Taking a life for a ritual would go against this core philosophy, as would forcing any sexual orientation upon a person.

What drags the book down a bit is the fact that several parts are plagiarized, and then combined hurriedly to make a deadline. Nevertheless, its parts make up a coherent, if not very smooth, whole.

In conclusion, I think most people's preconceived notions would be challenged when reading this book. If you do read it, keep an open mind, and don't start out by thinking Satanism is inherently "evil". You'll be surprised. ...more

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May 23, 2016 Arthur Graham added it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FE74...

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Aug 13, 2010 Chris Stanton rated it it was ok

This text is just shy of being complete swill, and is saved only by the fact that since it's publication it has become THE primer for Left Hand Path philosophy. The material is something that could be conceived by any person with the slightest inkling of sardonic wit who is upset by the hypocrisy of his neighbors.

The system here is baselessly materialistic, and at least it is not shy about admitting it. However, at times the author tries to pretend to be pseudo-mystical, but his ideas and statem ...more

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Mar 21, 2008 Chan rated it liked it

Quite ok. More than mediocre at least. Keep in mind that the author was trying to make it easy to understand even for the biggest idiots. The author was actually quite intelligible.
An interesting and amusing read; However, if you're looking for a book with any big insight or legitimate reason for anti-christianity, you might as well look elsewhere. The ideals described in this book are just as flawed as the ideals described in Christianity. Where Christianity may turn you into a blubbering fool ...more

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Nov 16, 2008 Renee rated it it was ok

Szandor LaVey spends more time stating what Satanism is not that what it is. The book is poorly written and flogged with exclamation points. What I did shout "Amen", I mean "Satan" to is when I read the highest of all holidys is the date of one's own birth. Even if it takes a Satanist to recgonize October 3rd, so be it....

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Apr 10, 2013 Mizuki rated it really liked it

The first part of the book is highly insightful, intelligent and humorous, but the latter part about how to practice magic really isn't of my taste...and I really don't like what the author had to say about women and their sexuality.

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Dec 12, 2010 Anthony rated it it was ok

So, I was pretty disappointed with this book.

I'm not that well read, but even I noticed some things in this book lifted right out of Ayn Rand and Nietzsche. So since he plagiarized liberally, I'll just copy and paste a summation of this that someone else wrote.

The entire article can be found here: http://www.dpjs.co.uk/criticism/smulo...

" Upon close inspection, it is clear that LaVey did not have many unique ideas in his writing of The Satanic Bible. He relied heavily on the ideas of a handful ...more

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Jul 12, 2009 j to the muthafuckin R rated it liked it

This book definitely deserves a review.
I read this book when I was 18, and it does deserve a 5 star rating for one reason:
This book is the book that actually killed god in my head.
I had despised hypocritical christians more and more for a few years leading up to me reading this book, but I still thought that god existed, but that his followers were mainly authoritarian morons.
But this book made me see through the entire religion itself, ridiculing the christian bible for what it is: a crock of s ...more

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Satanism

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About Anton Szandor LaVey

Anton Szandor LaVey

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High Priest of the Church of Satan as well as a writer, occultist, musician, and actor.

He was the author of The Satanic Bible and the founder of LaVeyan Satanism, a synthesized system of his understanding of human nature and the insights of philosophers who advocated materialism and individualism, for which he claimed no "supernatural inspiration."

LaVey viewed "Satan" not as a literal deity or e ...more

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Trivia About The Satanic Bible

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Quotes from The Satanic Bible

“Love is one of the most intense feelings felt by man; another is hate. Forcing yourself to feel indiscriminate love is very unnatural. If you try to love everyone you only lessen your feelings for those who deserve your love. Repressed hatred can lead to many physical and emotional aliments. By learning to release your hatred towards those who deserve it, you cleanse yourself of these malignant emotions and need not take your pent-up hatred out on your loved ones.” — 315 likes

“Why should I not hate mine enemies―if I "love" them does that not place me at their mercy?” — 223 likes

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Preview — The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey

The Satanic Bible

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Reader Q&A

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Community Reviews

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Readers also enjoyed

Genres

About Anton Szandor LaVey

Books by Anton Szandor LaVey

Trivia About The Satanic Bible

Quotes from The Satanic Bible

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Discuss This Book