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The Church of Satan: A History of the World's Most Notorious Religion
A history of the world's most notorious religion. An account of the many strange & sensational events that surrounded the Black Pope, Anton LaVey & his thousands of followers as they ushered in a new era of indulgence & carnality, based on pleasure instead of self-denial. Details the evenings spent with LaVey's Magic Circle, peopled with artists, writers & filmmakers whose names will be familiar, & points out de-facto Satanists throughout history, such as Benjamin Franklin & Mark Twain. Chapters include "Satan's Master Plan" & "How to Perform Satanic Rituals." Appendices list diabolically-inspired books, films & music, as well as a digest of letters the Church has received over the years. Debunks the many myths & misconceptions regarding Satanism that have been promulgated on the talk-show circuit. THE CHURCH OF SATAN is both a history & a handbook, written as a companion volume to LaVey's SATANIC BIBLE, whichoccult book merchants assert is "the all-time occult bestseller."
200 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1990
About the author
Blanche Barton
16 books21 followersBlanche Barton (born Sharon Densley) is Magistra Templi Rex within the Church of Satan, and is addressed by Satanists as Magistra Barton.
She is Anton LaVey`s biographer and mother of LaVey`s son Satan Xerxes Carnacki LaVey born 1993.
Barton wrote The Church of Satan: A History of the World's Most Notorious Religion (1990) and The Secret Life of a Satanist: The Authorized Biography of Anton LaVey (1990).
She is Anton LaVey`s biographer and mother of LaVey`s son Satan Xerxes Carnacki LaVey born 1993.
Barton wrote The Church of Satan: A History of the World's Most Notorious Religion (1990) and The Secret Life of a Satanist: The Authorized Biography of Anton LaVey (1990).
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 8, 2018
If you feel you might be interested in further knowledge of satanism. First read the satanic bible. If you still want knowledge as a satanist or as a scholar this book is worth it. Used copies are about a hundred dollars but I do not have buyers remorse for finally deciding to buy this book. If there was a true companion to the satanic bible THIS is it! Much better than the pessimism of gilmores satanic scripture. I can only hope someone worth of the la vey title of black pope moves to someone more audacious.
May 24, 2024
A LEADER OF THE CHURCH OF SATAN GIVES AN AUTHORITATIVE OVERVIEW
Blanche Barton (born Sharon Leigh Densley in 1961) is Magistra Templi Rex within the Church of Satan, and is addressed by Satanists as ‘Magistra Barton.’
She wrote in the first chapter of this 1990 book, “Anton Szandor LaVey never expected to be the founder of a new religion, but eventually he saw a need for something publicly opposing the stagnation of Christianity, and knew that if he didn’t do it, someone else, probably less qualified, would. LaVey saw there must be a new representative of justice---not some oppressive, patriarchal, white-bearded God but a new human advocate. Someone… who shared our own passions and foibles yet was somehow wiser and stronger. LaVey began to realize that most of our progress in science and philosophy had been achieved by those who rebelled against ‘God’ and the Church, or the dictates of conventional society. We needed a representative for that revolutionary, creative, irrepressible spirit within us---not a Holy Father but perhaps a rebellious brother. The single figure who fit the bill was clear to LaVey… Satan… Satan’s worshippers addressed him not as ‘Our Father’ but as a compatriot who concerned himself directly with the affairs of men and women on earth… He was the single deity who could really understand us.” (Pg. 5-7)
She observes, “Because of the sharp increase of declared Satanists in the military, Satanism as soon outlined as a recognized religion in the Chaplain’s Handbook for the Armed Services where it remains today, the description updated every few years by the Church of Satan.” (Pg. 23)
She recounts that Burton Wolfe “wrote a much-needed biography of LaVey in 1974. Wolfe joined Anton’s church for a brief period in 1968 when, as he writes, ‘LaVey was still in his prankish stage. The rituals and parties in his black house were full of fun and humor, and I thoroughly enjoyed capers such as playing the role of the director of the insane asylum in the Madness of Logic rite.’ Wolfe continued to fan interest in LaVey… into the early 1980s… though he had to drop out of the Church of Satan because he felt it was evolving into a ‘harsh, vindictive, crypto-fascist style organization.’” (Pg. 27)
She reports, “In 1970, rituals and lectures conducted by LaVey and open to the public ceased. All weekly public ceremonies in the Black House stopped in 1972… With his intensely elitist attitude, Anton was incensed to see his creation degenerating into a Satan Fan Club, where the weakest, least innovative members were buoyed up with time and attention at the expense of the most productive, most Satanic members… Putting the brakes on the ‘lodge hall’ activities, LaVey emphasized that a person’s status within the Church of Satan should reflect his status outside the organization. Highest ranking people in the outside world should hold a commensurate position within the group, since LaVey considered their material, creative, or social success as the truest measure of magical prowess.” (Pg.. 29-30)
She records that in 1948, LaVey met Marilyn Monroe (who was not yet going exclusively by that name): “LaVey and Marilyn had a brief but intense affair… She was taken with him as a musician, and she loved to hear him talk about magic and the darker aspects of human nature… LaVey’s interlude with Marilyn was cut short when he became involved with the daughter of an influential Los Angeles businessman. Here was an opportunity to acquire material possessions, to move forward and prosper.” (Pg. 38-39)
As for why LaVey insists on using the name ‘Satanism,’ she quotes him: “My brand of Satanism if the ultimate conscious alternative to herd mentality and institutionalized thought. It is a studied, contrived set of principles … designed to… liberate from the contagion of mindlessness which destroys innovation… Here are some reasons why it is called ‘Satanism’: It is most stimulating under that name, and self-discipline and motivation are easier under stimulating conditions. It … epitomizes all symbols of non-conformity… It represents the strongest ability to … turn alienation into exclusivity… the reason it’s called ‘Satanism’ is because it’s fun, it’s accurate and it’s productive.’” (Pg. 64)
LaVey clarifies, “We don’t worship Satan, we worship ourselves using the metaphorical representation of the qualities of Satan. Satan IS the name used in the Judeo-Christian tradition for that force of individuality and price within us. But the force itself has been called by many names… we are living in a culture that is predominantly Judeo-Christian, so we emphasize Satan. If we were living in Roman Times, the central figure… would be different.” (Pg. 71)
She points out, “While Anton LaVey denies having anything to do with the criminals of activities attributed to Satanists in recent years, he proudly declares his commitment to destroy Christianity and herd mentality in all forms.” (Pg. 79)
She presents LaVey’s five goals: “1. Stratification: … There can be no more myth of equality for all; that only translates to … supporting the weak at the expense of the strong… No one should be protected from the effects of his own stupidity… 2. Strict taxation of all churches… The Church of Satan is not tax-free. Though it’s a religion recognized by all branches of government… LaVey’s organization doesn’t take advantage of its tax-free prerogative challenges Christian religions to follow suit… 3. Re-establish the Law of the Jungle:… as we grow in numbers and gain a majority in positions of responsibility, we will have more say in the legal system… Satanists will claim the right to blast out music WE choose and not be arrested… 4. Development and promotion of artificial human companions (humanoids)… He sees it as… the unparalleled answer to a range of problems, from sexual incompatibility to economic recession and violent crimes… 5. Development and promotion of total environments… anyone should have the opportunity to live within a total environment of his or her choice, with strictly enforced adherence to the visual and behavioral illusions characteristic of that world. Privately owned, operated and controlled environments… An opportunity to feel, see, and hear that which is most aesthetically-pleasing, without contamination from those who would pollute or detract from your carefully illusory world…” (Pg. 81-88)
LaVey recalls, “By disbanding the strictly-regulated Grotto system, which showed signs of degenerating into little more than a Satan Fan Club, we created fertile ground for Black Metal concerts to develop as a religious experience. The Church of Satan remains an organization for non-joiners. We are a highly selective, underground cabal. We get together… from various corners of the globe, for our council meetings or Sabbaths … Membership in the Church of Satan is coveted and shows support, knowledge and acknowledgement of the real thing, lending credence to anyone fortunate enough to carry one of our red cards.” (Pg. 105)
But he also adds, “Church of Satan members have always been assured anonymity… We ARE mysterious; we do meet in secret, only a few of us at a time… You can still make your affiliation known, to a CAREFULLY CHOSEN FEW.” (Pg. 111)
This book will be “must reading” for anyone studying the Church of Satan, and LaVey.
Blanche Barton (born Sharon Leigh Densley in 1961) is Magistra Templi Rex within the Church of Satan, and is addressed by Satanists as ‘Magistra Barton.’
She wrote in the first chapter of this 1990 book, “Anton Szandor LaVey never expected to be the founder of a new religion, but eventually he saw a need for something publicly opposing the stagnation of Christianity, and knew that if he didn’t do it, someone else, probably less qualified, would. LaVey saw there must be a new representative of justice---not some oppressive, patriarchal, white-bearded God but a new human advocate. Someone… who shared our own passions and foibles yet was somehow wiser and stronger. LaVey began to realize that most of our progress in science and philosophy had been achieved by those who rebelled against ‘God’ and the Church, or the dictates of conventional society. We needed a representative for that revolutionary, creative, irrepressible spirit within us---not a Holy Father but perhaps a rebellious brother. The single figure who fit the bill was clear to LaVey… Satan… Satan’s worshippers addressed him not as ‘Our Father’ but as a compatriot who concerned himself directly with the affairs of men and women on earth… He was the single deity who could really understand us.” (Pg. 5-7)
She observes, “Because of the sharp increase of declared Satanists in the military, Satanism as soon outlined as a recognized religion in the Chaplain’s Handbook for the Armed Services where it remains today, the description updated every few years by the Church of Satan.” (Pg. 23)
She recounts that Burton Wolfe “wrote a much-needed biography of LaVey in 1974. Wolfe joined Anton’s church for a brief period in 1968 when, as he writes, ‘LaVey was still in his prankish stage. The rituals and parties in his black house were full of fun and humor, and I thoroughly enjoyed capers such as playing the role of the director of the insane asylum in the Madness of Logic rite.’ Wolfe continued to fan interest in LaVey… into the early 1980s… though he had to drop out of the Church of Satan because he felt it was evolving into a ‘harsh, vindictive, crypto-fascist style organization.’” (Pg. 27)
She reports, “In 1970, rituals and lectures conducted by LaVey and open to the public ceased. All weekly public ceremonies in the Black House stopped in 1972… With his intensely elitist attitude, Anton was incensed to see his creation degenerating into a Satan Fan Club, where the weakest, least innovative members were buoyed up with time and attention at the expense of the most productive, most Satanic members… Putting the brakes on the ‘lodge hall’ activities, LaVey emphasized that a person’s status within the Church of Satan should reflect his status outside the organization. Highest ranking people in the outside world should hold a commensurate position within the group, since LaVey considered their material, creative, or social success as the truest measure of magical prowess.” (Pg.. 29-30)
She records that in 1948, LaVey met Marilyn Monroe (who was not yet going exclusively by that name): “LaVey and Marilyn had a brief but intense affair… She was taken with him as a musician, and she loved to hear him talk about magic and the darker aspects of human nature… LaVey’s interlude with Marilyn was cut short when he became involved with the daughter of an influential Los Angeles businessman. Here was an opportunity to acquire material possessions, to move forward and prosper.” (Pg. 38-39)
As for why LaVey insists on using the name ‘Satanism,’ she quotes him: “My brand of Satanism if the ultimate conscious alternative to herd mentality and institutionalized thought. It is a studied, contrived set of principles … designed to… liberate from the contagion of mindlessness which destroys innovation… Here are some reasons why it is called ‘Satanism’: It is most stimulating under that name, and self-discipline and motivation are easier under stimulating conditions. It … epitomizes all symbols of non-conformity… It represents the strongest ability to … turn alienation into exclusivity… the reason it’s called ‘Satanism’ is because it’s fun, it’s accurate and it’s productive.’” (Pg. 64)
LaVey clarifies, “We don’t worship Satan, we worship ourselves using the metaphorical representation of the qualities of Satan. Satan IS the name used in the Judeo-Christian tradition for that force of individuality and price within us. But the force itself has been called by many names… we are living in a culture that is predominantly Judeo-Christian, so we emphasize Satan. If we were living in Roman Times, the central figure… would be different.” (Pg. 71)
She points out, “While Anton LaVey denies having anything to do with the criminals of activities attributed to Satanists in recent years, he proudly declares his commitment to destroy Christianity and herd mentality in all forms.” (Pg. 79)
She presents LaVey’s five goals: “1. Stratification: … There can be no more myth of equality for all; that only translates to … supporting the weak at the expense of the strong… No one should be protected from the effects of his own stupidity… 2. Strict taxation of all churches… The Church of Satan is not tax-free. Though it’s a religion recognized by all branches of government… LaVey’s organization doesn’t take advantage of its tax-free prerogative challenges Christian religions to follow suit… 3. Re-establish the Law of the Jungle:… as we grow in numbers and gain a majority in positions of responsibility, we will have more say in the legal system… Satanists will claim the right to blast out music WE choose and not be arrested… 4. Development and promotion of artificial human companions (humanoids)… He sees it as… the unparalleled answer to a range of problems, from sexual incompatibility to economic recession and violent crimes… 5. Development and promotion of total environments… anyone should have the opportunity to live within a total environment of his or her choice, with strictly enforced adherence to the visual and behavioral illusions characteristic of that world. Privately owned, operated and controlled environments… An opportunity to feel, see, and hear that which is most aesthetically-pleasing, without contamination from those who would pollute or detract from your carefully illusory world…” (Pg. 81-88)
LaVey recalls, “By disbanding the strictly-regulated Grotto system, which showed signs of degenerating into little more than a Satan Fan Club, we created fertile ground for Black Metal concerts to develop as a religious experience. The Church of Satan remains an organization for non-joiners. We are a highly selective, underground cabal. We get together… from various corners of the globe, for our council meetings or Sabbaths … Membership in the Church of Satan is coveted and shows support, knowledge and acknowledgement of the real thing, lending credence to anyone fortunate enough to carry one of our red cards.” (Pg. 105)
But he also adds, “Church of Satan members have always been assured anonymity… We ARE mysterious; we do meet in secret, only a few of us at a time… You can still make your affiliation known, to a CAREFULLY CHOSEN FEW.” (Pg. 111)
This book will be “must reading” for anyone studying the Church of Satan, and LaVey.
April 19, 2022
Now a rare gem, glad I still have my copy today!
December 18, 2020
Those preceding this were generally laughable enough, although when I first read the Satanic Bible I was surprised it wasn't about Satan at all, but more like a college party handbook. Written in the 1960s, it was generally a picture of the attitudes and actions at the time, so basically get drunk, get high, get laid, have a good time. As I was a freshman in college, sounded like grand advice to me.
However, as each subsequent book was released, they felt more and more "forced" to me, as though the author wanted to maintain a certain social/cultural "image" which had more to do with reputation acquired by one word and a certain appearance than anything to do with the "religion." I gradually lost interest.
However, I had higher hopes for this one, which were quickly dashed. Utter hero worship PR. Propaganda piece. Total crap. I don't see how I can give it more than one star, and if you're remotely interested in the movement, start at the beginning and then exercise caution because the true danger is dying of boredom by the time you reach this book and after reaching this book, if you can stomach the BS piled on top over and over again, you've got a stronger stomach (actually more patience) than I do. Not ever recommended.
However, as each subsequent book was released, they felt more and more "forced" to me, as though the author wanted to maintain a certain social/cultural "image" which had more to do with reputation acquired by one word and a certain appearance than anything to do with the "religion." I gradually lost interest.
However, I had higher hopes for this one, which were quickly dashed. Utter hero worship PR. Propaganda piece. Total crap. I don't see how I can give it more than one star, and if you're remotely interested in the movement, start at the beginning and then exercise caution because the true danger is dying of boredom by the time you reach this book and after reaching this book, if you can stomach the BS piled on top over and over again, you've got a stronger stomach (actually more patience) than I do. Not ever recommended.
September 19, 2021
the core of the book ıs to show you the founder of the church no much detaıls as ı thought ı wıll fınd
January 22, 2010
I was surprised at this book. It was the last of the Satanic canon that I decided to read for two reasons;#1 I'd already read quite a bit about the church and #2 it's pretty expensive to get a copy. Well I broke down an bought a copy. It has quite a candid insight on the church, the philosophy, and Anton LaVey himself. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
April 3, 2023
Why is this the most expensive book ever?
Anyway… Written in a fun and entertaining way. I agree with about 80-90% of what's in here. There are some great points made.
Anyway… Written in a fun and entertaining way. I agree with about 80-90% of what's in here. There are some great points made.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews