This is unexpected.

[R-e-n-n-a-t]

I just realized I'm a satanist, as defined by religioustolerance.com.

I always assumed satanists sacrifice goats and self-mutilate, but this is entirely wrong outside of certain radical groups. Most satanists worship the idea of satanic philosophies, which really aren't very bad if you research mainstream Satanism. Most satanists therefore don't even believe in satan or god, but believe that the seven deadly sins are actually good, and worship human power and the human experience. Satanists are entirely separate from Satan and don't worship him, to reiterate, but they take pride and wonder in humanity and its various biological desires and abilities without a god.

In fact, Christians aren't normally looked down upon for their beliefs alone, although I'd be lying to say they don't annoy me, and most other Satanists to no end. Most of the hatred of Christianity comes from its persecution of Satanists throughout the centuries. Of course, part of my dislike for that particular religion is simply for its widespread stupidity.

They also have the best symbol ever, consisting of a goat head inside a pentagram. So, in general, I'm a Satanist as of today. This was unexpected, but I'm glad I Googled it.

[R-e-n-n-a-t]

Bump

Seriously though, no replies and thirty views? I'm a bit disappointed. This isn't a troll message you know; I looked up Satanism intending to identify the depths of religious idiocy, and instead I found a non-religion that mirrors my beliefs of 'human-pride'. I was startled, to say the least. Now somebody respond. Please?

[DeistPaladin]

I always thought "Satanism" was just another name for goth teenagers in rebellion against their fundy parents.

With your description, my initial reaction is that this is much like "scientific pantheism". For the scientific pantheist, "God" is the sum total of the universe but that universe isn't conscious or acting in any deliberate way. So basically, they're atheists with some pointless category confusion.

To be honest, I have a similar reaction to your stated identity. If I've understood you correctly, you're a hedonist with a more shocking and widely misunderstood name that you're going to have to spend a lot of time explaining and clarifying to anyone you share that identity with (as you've done here).

Personally, I think belief in a conscious being is a base requirement for any deity or divine agent before adopting that being's philosophic or religious label. Otherwise, it's a category confusion with the universe, energy, love, pleasure, or some other concept.

But hey, whatever floats your boat. You don't need my approval. I only provided my honest reaction because you asked.

[Rhage]

Well, I guess you now know what box to check off on the census form!

In all seriousness, it's just another label, but if you're going to wear it, wear it all the way and don't cherry-pick. Not saying you are, just telling you that you shouldn't.

[A Dead Relative]

That's interesting. People do associate satanism with a lot of negativity, like atheism, but I'm sure a lot of it is just stereotypes. Then again, I'm sure some satanists do practice that stuff.

I'm going to have to check out that site, for myself. I'm pretty sure I won't get the same results, but it will be fun to try.

[Violet]

Cherries are delicious. You can't exactly eat them without picking them. Why would anyone not pick cherries?

Just don't chew on their pits. My teeth can handle it. Yours? I recommenced you don't find out

[theVOID]

Bump

Seriously though, no replies and thirty views? I'm a bit disappointed. This isn't a troll message you know; I looked up Satanism intending to identify the depths of religious idiocy, and instead I found a non-religion that mirrors my beliefs of 'human-pride'. I was startled, to say the least. Now somebody respond. Please?

Sounds like Objectivism.

[Sciencerob]

Bump

Seriously though, no replies and thirty views? I'm a bit disappointed. This isn't a troll message you know; I looked up Satanism intending to identify the depths of religious idiocy, and instead I found a non-religion that mirrors my beliefs of 'human-pride'. I was startled, to say the least. Now somebody respond. Please?

Sounds like Objectivism.

Are you talking about Ayn Rand objectivism? If you are I disagree. I read Ayn Rand's books and though I disagree with her(her views on altruism are shocking to say the least) I definitely wouldn't characterize the above as her objectivism.

[Cinjin]

I just realized I'm a satanist, as defined by religioustolerance.com.

I always assumed satanists sacrifice goats and self-mutilate, but this is entirely wrong outside of certain radical groups. Most satanists worship the idea of satanic philosophies, which really aren't very bad if you research mainstream Satanism. Most satanists therefore don't even believe in satan or god, but believe that the seven deadly sins are actually good, and worship human power and the human experience. Satanists are entirely separate from Satan and don't worship him, to reiterate, but they take pride and wonder in humanity and its various biological desires and abilities without a god.

In fact, Christians aren't normally looked down upon for their beliefs alone, although I'd be lying to say they don't annoy me, and most other Satanists to no end. Most of the hatred of Christianity comes from its persecution of Satanists throughout the centuries. Of course, part of my dislike for that particular religion is simply for its widespread stupidity.

They also have the best symbol ever, consisting of a goat head inside a pentagram. So, in general, I'm a Satanist as of today. This was unexpected, but I'm glad I Googled it.

Although I certainly know nothing about Satanism (and by your post it sounds like you know very little about it either), I find it hard to believe that a religion called Satanism doesn't have at least some doctrinal calls to worship and/or praise Satan. Otherwise, who would want to carry the stigma around of calling themselves a satanist? It would be completely unnecessary and you would always be defending yourself to everyone saying, "...but I don't worship Satan." Might as well call yourself a hedonist and enjoy all the primal urges you have.

Also, it's only my opinion, but considering the "cool factor" of a religions symbol when deciding what religion best suits your entire belief structure seems very foolish to me.

[theVOID]

Are you talking about Ayn Rand objectivism? If you are I disagree. I read Ayn Rand's books and though I disagree with her(her views on altruism are shocking to say the least) I definitely wouldn't characterize the above as her objectivism.

I agree her understanding of human nature is deeply flawed, she didn't have the benefits of modern cognitive science and psychology especially where it regards empathy and egalitarianism, but the reference to 'human pride' is very similar to the idea of man as a heroic figure.