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The Satanic Bible
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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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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
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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
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
For my 666th review I couldn't think of a more appropriate book than The Satanic Bible!
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.
There were rock & roll "gods" like my hero Jimmy Page, who it is rumored fol ...more
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.
There were rock & roll "gods" like my hero Jimmy Page, who it is rumored fol ...more
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 r ...more
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 r ...more
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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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.
...more
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
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
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
I was blown away by how good it was, by how much Anton's thoughts were similar to mine, he didn't s ...more
Libertarianism + YOLO + Nietzsche + black cloaks
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
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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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
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
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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
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
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 ...
...more
May 19, 2009
Michael
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Satanists, Setians, spiritual dissidents
Recommended to Michael by:
The Magickal Childe
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 ...more
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 ...more
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
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
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.
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.
Yeah I went there... curiosity got the better of me... what did I think about it?... I don't know... I just don't know.. I also laughed occasionally.
...more
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. ...more
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. ...more
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 ...more
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 ...more
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.
Not evil enough
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
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
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
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
i couldn't really finish the book, and i don't think am going to.
Satanism is more like an atheistic philosophy, founded upon the flair of stating the obvious which LaVey seemed to have.
this "Bible" degenerates into a ridiculous heap of so-called reason and realism, harping on about the eViLs of religion. oh boohoo big find.
I was hoping for a more symbolically nuanced and layered analysis of Satan, but oh well.
changed my mind, this deserves only one star and that too only because I learnt name ...more
Satanism is more like an atheistic philosophy, founded upon the flair of stating the obvious which LaVey seemed to have.
this "Bible" degenerates into a ridiculous heap of so-called reason and realism, harping on about the eViLs of religion. oh boohoo big find.
I was hoping for a more symbolically nuanced and layered analysis of Satan, but oh well.
changed my mind, this deserves only one star and that too only because I learnt name ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ave Satanas' Litt...: November/December read | 3 | 5 | Dec 01, 2020 08:13PM | |
| Goodreads Librari...: Add author, correction | 3 | 21 | Jul 14, 2019 01:55PM | |
| Let's Read Togeth...: Ep. 47 - The Satanic Bible with Coree Spencer | 1 | 3 | Feb 02, 2016 04:48AM | |
| Tõlge liita originaaliga | 1 | 5 | Jul 14, 2015 12:13PM |
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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
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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“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.”
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