The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor Lavey
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Book Reviews of The Satanic Bible
Book Review: A Frank, Witty, Fresh Perspective on Religion & Philosophy
Summary: 5 Stars
If you ever suspected that "religion is all nonsense", then you will enjoy this book. Religion IS nonsense, says author Anton La Vey; the only 'religion' that makes sense is one in which you show by your lifestyle and habits that you are worthy of being considreed a "god" in the minds of others.Satanism is not about killing and bloodshed or any of the other silliness depicted in Hollywood movies & TV shows. Satanism is adherence to a few key principles and dealing with life as it IS rather than as some religionist says is should be. Satanism is a lot like Atheism: both stress the importnace of reason, and recognize the dangers posed by stupidity, solipsism, self-deceit, and other faults. In fact, Anton La Vay and Madalyn Murray O'Hair were close associates back in the 1960's and 1970's when they were building their organizations.
Ulnlike the phony religions which speak of "spiritual" and other worldly existence,a Satanist is much more interested in having people enjoy life here and now. Satanism recognizes that there is no value in attempting to convert or elevate people; if they're too stupid to want to be rich and powerful, 'to hell with tehm", says the Satanist. hence, you are unlikely to find any Satanic homeless shelters or poor houses.
You will however, find that Satanists and people who apply the principles of Satanism as expressed in this book are in positions of power and leadership in government, business, entertainment, and many other fields.
One thing that La Vey streses is that Satanism works best when it is well concealed. Satanism can be as good a show as any other religion, but the truly "black" magician will ensure that his most powerful acts are shrouded in secrecy and that he practices adroit misdirection in order to ensure that the less powerful are proberly manipulated.
In addition to being a good example of some clear thinking in matters of philosophy & religion, THE SATANIC BIBLE is also entertaining.
Book Review: Evidence of a New Satanic Age.
Summary: 5 Stars
Rather than confusing the reader with meaningless dogma and self-righteous Holier-than-thou exaltations of superiority over the 'sinner', LaVey offers an accurate, down-to-earth and brutally honest perspective on the Nature of mankind's tendencies. LaVey humorously illustrates the lunacy behind mainstream "White" religions, and the self-denial, social and psychological stress caused by the largest manifestation of hypocrisy the world has ever seen: God.LaVey simplifies the basis of the Satanic Philosophy enough to open the door of free intellectual thought, which in turn allows you to draw your own conclusions based upon your own experiences, using his Philosophy as a guideline. He provokes you to look at life, art, and man from a new perspective, yet warns against embracing his ideas too quickly. Sometimes his satire is hard to distinguish from his teachings, a clever tactic to trick non-intelligent dabblers into destroying themselves.
Dispelling the myths of morality the majority of us were taught at birth, LaVey encourages self-indulgence, rather than bending over backwards to please a God that does not exist. LaVey promotes freedom of sexuality, freedom of opinion, and the right to judge your fellow man, while adhering to the rules of common sense. Some of LaVey's radical ideals include Intolerance of the Ignorant, and Praise of the Intelligent, as "stupidity is the greatest sin". LaVey lays the foundation for a system of respect which ensures everybody gets what they deserve, and a Golden Rule which makes more sense than any other, in this, the modern world.
LaVey brilliantly opens your Mind to your own ideas, essentially opening the Gates of Hell. If you are compatible, and not hopelessly lost in Christianity, The Satanic Bible may change your perspective on the real world, teaching you how and why it functions. Anton Szandor LaVey is a true genius who doesn't get the credit he deserves, due to the media surrounding the occult.
A great read.
Book Review: Satanic Bible
Summary: 5 Stars
What can really be said about this book? I've heard it attacked from every angle. Attack of the book also goes along with attack of the Religion of Satanism, but all of it seems to be aimed at something that doesn't concern the actual religion.
They say Anton LaVey's philosophy was makes sense and is good, but there's too much of him. Or that him using Satan as the foremost symbol of his religion and this book is wrong. That it just turns people off. Its too inflammatory. Its not accessible to everybody.
But then, living Satanism isn't accessible to everybody so why should the language, trappings, and symbols be?
Next I hear that LaVey is just a conman and this work is purely compilatory. Or that this is just Objectivism with ritual or Nietzche. Once again, they're not attacking anything he's saying, just that he might have been influenced by these people.
So how does this affect the book or the religion? How does this even matter? Every religion on the face of the world is compilatory, influenced in major ways, and generally just prone to drawing on others. And LaVey stated in plain terms that his religion isn't new. The only new thing is that Satanism is now defined, codified, and organized.
The book is wonderful. Its inflammatory, thought provoking, and has a certain flair of language. It challenges you and your notions about yourself and the world. It was written for the Satanists of the world to break free of the confinement that they might labor under. Mostly the idea that what other people think about you or say about you matters unconditionally. This book says it in the plainest language imaginable. The God You Save May Be Yourself. You are the person that matters most in your personal world.
Disenchanted and disillusioned? Tired of laboring with nonsensical teachings of orders (Holy, Hermetic, Oriental), then crack this book. See if maybe what you were looking for is right in the mirror.
Book Review: Haven't read it yet, but I've a comment about Satanism
Summary: 5 Stars
I was raised as a Catholic by my family, which I love alot, and as all good Catholic education, I was thought what is good and what is evil (According to the Catholic persepective) So, I grew up believing that Satanism was "evil". Later on, I discovered the wonders of logical reasoning(Sagan, Asimov, Paine, Huxley, etc) and turned from a single Catholic(despite I'm already conffirmed), into a half Deist (A person who believes in God, but not the way the Bible or Church teaches) half Agnostic guy. So, you now most imagine that I have been called a heretic many times! You should have been there when I stated that Easter had pagan origins and that the anti-christian movement of the book of Revelations was nothing but the works of the religious crazes of the Roman Empire (i.e. the events of Revelations are all based on the events that took place during the early years of Christianity, in other words, there was nothing divine in there. The book of Revelations is just a comfort, a promise of an apparent comming Kingdom.) So, I learned exactly what Satanism is about. All religions are good and bad at times. Stanism is far away of being the perfect religion, along with Catholicism, Hinduism, etc.But still is a good one, as long as it makes you a better being. I learned the difference between Satanism, the real religion, and Satanic sects and cults so mentioned on T.V. La Vey was right. We most enjoy our life because we only live once. Even if the promises of Christianity are true, we don't know for sure. So, instead of bashing around Satanism, only because it "has an ugly name and the figure of an evil being" people should learn how to think critically about things and look at themselves in the mirror before talking. I want to remind people, that Catholicism has done more things to really be enbarrassed, such as the Inquisition, an alliance with the Maffia and some other darker truths. Life is a bitter sweet sinphony! Enjoy it!Book Review: Satan: The Rebel
Summary: 5 Stars
Its understandable how this book can upset people. Either Christians, pagans, occultists or whomever. However, regardless of the word Satan, I found this to be a good base to start out for anyone looking to understand ourselves in a new way. You could probably go over the book and replace the word Satan with God, or even with Your Own Name and the results will be similar (if not more profound). From what I can tell, LaVey is not presuming Satan to be a mythical figure from the Bible. Although he trashes Christianity, I believe he does this because Christians have a human conception of God, so therefore Satan must be human, which LaVey is showing you how to change your perception of what Satan means. The book, to me, is about questioning authority. To not let otehrs decide your fate or likes or dislikes, but for your self to determine what makes you happy. Furthermore, to question yourself as an authority. Who controls your thoughts, what controls your thoughts and how did they get there? Control them! The book has a masterialistic ring to it all, but I think the essence is in questioning what authorities are controlling your life and to be released from it. I think its irrelevant that he may have 'stole' rituals from older Orders (as other reviewers yelled about). Crowley has done that, Regardie and so many others have used rituals from the past and revised them to their liking. Picasso said "Good artists copy, great ones steal." Its up to you to determine the level of ingenuity LaVey has. The Satanic Bible offers some good advice, but can misconstrued as evil (easily so) if not taken lightly and religiously. I enjoyed the book and the message LaVey sends, for I dont see it as Satanic in the childish perspective, but as a means to get the neurons firing and the blood pumping and to stretch those muscles at the corners of your mouth upwards.