Pug wrote:
So...
Satanists believe in God, but believe the universe is led by evil. Atheists don't believe in a god and are therefore totally not the same.
gotta correct you on this.
satanists do not necessarily believe in god. they especially don't believe the universe is led by evil. and generally speaking...most satanists are just philosophical atheists. here's the 9 pillars of satanism....realize anton lavey had a weak spot for the theatrical....and although i study satanism, i don't believe in magic. btw, before reading, realize that satan as used below is more in reference to satanism (a personification)....not in reference to the christian mythical figure. take into mind the writing is much more dramatic and poetic than it is literal.
1. Satan represents indulgence, instead of abstinence!
2. Satan represents vital existence, instead of spiritual pipe dreams!
3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom, instead of hypocritical self-deceit!
4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it, instead of love wasted on ingrates!
5. Satan represents vengeance, instead of turning the other cheek!
6. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible, instead of concern for psychic vampires!
7. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of his "divine spiritual and intellectual development", has become the most vicious animal of all!
8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification!
9. Satan has been the best friend the church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years!*
*this last one is pretty much lavey calling the various christian sects' bluff with regard to how they blame satan for all the ills of the world...but without those ills, they'd be out of business...and so instead they profit off of what they declare to be evil.