SatanCon 2023 is going on as I write this.
Satanism is cool these days, in no small part because of how the media covers Satanism and its opponents.
But is Satanism a genuine spiritual path that should be respected as equal to others? What is a religious tradition anyway, and what do most religions have in common? I asked ChatGPT:
Religion has been a central part of human life for thousands of years. Despite the diversity of religious beliefs and practices around the world, there are several common threads that can be found in all religions. These commonalities are often seen as the foundation of what it means to be religious and are essential to understanding the role that religion plays in society. In this article, we will explore the most significant common threads found in all religions.
Belief in a Higher Power
One of the most fundamental common threads in all religions is the belief in a higher power or a supernatural force that governs the universe. This force is often referred to as God, Allah, Brahman, or other names, depending on the religion. The belief in a higher power gives a sense of purpose and meaning to human life, and it serves as a source of comfort in times of difficulty. Many religious traditions also teach that individuals can connect with the higher power through prayer, meditation, and other spiritual practices.
Sacred Texts
Another common thread in all religions is the use of sacred texts to guide and inform religious practice. These texts are often written in ancient languages and contain the teachings, stories, and rituals of the religion. Examples of these texts include the Bible, the Quran, the Torah, and the Bhagavad Gita. The sacred texts serve as a source of authority for religious leaders and practitioners and are often used to support the beliefs and practices of the religion.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Rituals and ceremonies are an essential part of religious practice in all traditions. These rituals can take many forms, from daily prayers to annual festivals, and serve as a way to connect with the divine and reinforce the beliefs and values of the religion. Examples of religious rituals include baptism, communion, circumcisions, and fasting. Many religious rituals involve the use of symbols, such as candles, incense, and holy water, to help individuals connect with the divine.
Moral Codes
All religions have a set of moral codes that guide ethical behavior and provide a framework for living a good life. These moral codes often focus on concepts such as compassion, kindness, honesty, and respect for others. They also address issues such as the sanctity of life, the importance of family, and the duty to care for those in need. The moral codes of a religion can be found in its sacred texts, and they serve as a source of guidance for individuals seeking to live a religiously meaningful life.
Community
The importance of community is another common thread in all religions. Religious communities provide a sense of belonging and support for individuals, and they often serve as a source of social and emotional support. Religious communities can take many forms, from small groups to large congregations, and they often provide opportunities for individuals to come together to worship, learn, and engage in charitable work.
Faith and Belief
Faith and belief are central to religious practice in all traditions. Faith involves the willingness to trust in a higher power and to accept the beliefs and teachings of the religion. Belief is often tied to the concept of salvation, and it is seen as essential to achieving eternal life in many religious traditions. Faith and belief are often tested through difficult times, and they are seen as essential to navigating the challenges and uncertainties of life.
Spiritual Leaders
Most religions have a hierarchy of spiritual leaders who serve as guides and teachers for the community. These leaders can take many forms, from priests and imams to gurus and rabbis, and they often serve as a source of wisdom and inspiration for their followers. Spiritual leaders are responsible for interpreting the teachings of the religion, leading worship services, and providing pastoral care for the community.
Conclusion
In summary, while the diversity of religions can often lead to perceived differences, there are several common threads that can be found in all religions. Belief in a higher power, the use of sacred texts, rituals and ceremonies, moral codes, community, faith and belief, and spiritual leaders are all essential components of religious traditions around the world. Understanding these commonalities is crucial to appreciating the role that religion plays in society and can serve as a foundation for promoting understanding, tolerance, and respect among different religious communities.
Well, right off the bat, modern Satanism doesn’t fit this broad definition, because many Satanists don’t believe in a higher power - they are in effect, atheists, or at least, claiming to be (because Satanists might lie, no?).
But what ChatGPT misses here is the key element that distinguishes Satanism from most of the cherished, ancient spiritual traditions, religions, and mystic philosophies: EGO.
Whether it’s yoga, Buddhism, Christianity, Sufism, Kabbalah…the key to spiritual growth is to let go of the ego.
Satanism is about feeding the ego.
The bigger your ego grows, the more disconnected you are from God.
Thus, practicing Satanism, even the modern version, is actually a sure-fire way to send yourself to “Hell,” if we define Hell not as a literal place but an ego barrier that blocks your connection to God (and others).
I’ll write more about the Sufi concept of Satan in future posts.
Please share your thoughts below.
Not all satanists are atheists; there are different types of satanism. And Buddhism doesn't believe in a higher power/creater god, but is still considered a genuine spiritual path.
If satanists call themselves atheists, then that would seem to be an incongruence, as God's fallen angel is satan.