The Satanic Scriptures by Peter H. Gilmore
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Book Reviews of The Satanic Scriptures
Book Review: Welcome to the Philosophy of Self Reliance
Summary: 5 Stars
Like most people who were raised in the Catholic Church, I had many preconceived notions about Satanism prior to reading this (and the other Anton LaVey books). First, members of the Church of Satan do not worship "The Devil" as understood by Christian Scripture. They worship their inner spirit, their own power and confidence. This perhaps makes them even more "evil" and threatening to by the book Christians. Christianity demands that you take no responsibility for your own actions, that the "Devil" made you commit your wrong actions, and that by becoming Christian, you are "saved" and bear no responsiblity for your actions. Satanism demands the opposite. You and only you are responsible for yourself. You are to treate others as they treate you: return kindness with the same, stand up and defend yourself against those who harm you and your family. Satanists are called to be strong wolves and not passive sheep. All in all, I think the philosophy of Satanism in its true form is much more positive and empowering tham that of conventional religion. This book also contains some of the more interesting rituals of Satanism which, while they may be indeed empowering, will most likely freak out any Christians still sitting on the fence and give their pastors something to rant about when they become "born again" and need something to blame their drug addictions on (drug use very much goes against Satanic philosophy as it takes power away from the individual and renders him helpless). I am not a Satanist, but I liked much of what I had read in this book and I wish that more people would read it with an open mind.Book Review: A House Has Been Built
Summary: 5 Stars
If The Satanic Bible is the principled foundation upon which satanism exists, then this book is the house built upon it! I cannot emphasize enough just what an elucidation of satanism this book is. With precision, Peter Gilmore hones satanic theory and in the process, destroys any misconceptions about satanism while ushering it into the contemporary age. It is for this reason that this book is so valuable. This is satanic theory that is particularly relevant to the new millenium.
And at no point does the intellectual exploration take away from the sheer joy of a read this book is. Mr. Gilmore's wit cuts like a knife as he exposes everything from "Satanic Panic" nutjobs to "green eyed hamsters". Like the third angle cutting down between the two upright tops of the inverted pentagram, the axioms he presents are undeniably grounded in pragmatism and realism with no mercy shown for anybody who isn't prepared to look into the mirror of their own pretension. It is a brutal but necessary evaluation that seems long overdue.
On top of it all, the book is laced with outstanding pieces about the New York City blackout of 2003 and newly publicized satanic rituals. His style of commentary is rich and robust, precise and unflinching, eloquent and graceful.
A must-read for all satanists. A daring read for everyone else.
Book Review: Impressive and Sophisticated
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently purchased a copy of this book along with a couple of items by Anton LaVey in an effort to find out more about LaVeyan Satanism, Satanic philosophy, and the Church of Satan than I could find on the internet. This book had been recommended to me by an acquaintance of mine, so I thought I'd buy it. I've seen a few video interviews with Gilmore and read a couple of his essays, and they seemed reasonable enough to me. I was expecting this book to rate a solid 3-4 stars, but honestly, it greatly exceeded my expectations.
I'd like to preface my next statement with a bit of a disclaimer: I've read a lot of LaVey's work and I find his ideas to be well thought-out, intelligent, and frankly, pretty inspiring. However, despite all this, I found Gilmore's "The Satanic Scriptures" to be a more enjoyable read than most of what I've seen from LaVey. Gilmore writes in a style that is more to my personal taste, and he takes inspiration from LaVey's work and expresses his views and ideas very eloquently. I don't think it'd be far from the truth to say that Gilmore has a little more of a sophisticated style than LaVey, though whether that is better or not might just be a matter of taste.
All in all, I found this book informative and enlightening, and Gilmore's book has inspired me to further improve and refine my own ideas.
Book Review: A "must have" for all Satanists!
Summary: 5 Stars
The Satanic Scriptures is a "must have" for all Satanists. This book is a collection of essays and articles written by the current leader of the Church of Satan, Peter H. Gilmore. Also included in the book are Church of Satan rituals that have never been released to the public before. Keep in mind, this is not a replacement but rather a companion book for The Satanic Bible , written by the late Anton Szandor LaVey. If you have not read the Satanic Bible yet, I would highly recommend you do so before reading this book.
High Priest Peter H. Gilmore's carnal wit and diabolical mind comes alive in the Satanic Scriptures, making it a pleasure to read.
Book Review: Refinement of Credo
Summary: 5 Stars
This tome is first of all, well bound and written on quality stock. It is well written and shows that the author is at ease with the style of writing that is conducive to cover to cover reading.
This volume hits it's intended mark; it expands and clarifies the philosophies set forth by LaVey over forty years ago. It shows that the Church of Satan is vigilant and faithful in their duties to prevent the same stagnation that has occurred with the christian bible. As society changes, so too do the principle everyone lives by. It is assuring that Magus Gilmore is living by the Satanic credo "Ever Forward".
Hail Satan!