If Satanism has anything to do with Satan, I would suspect that people on AB would be down on it because: a) they are Christian and see Satan as the enemy; or b) do not believe that God or Satan exists because no one can prove they do. That said, I don't know anything about Satanism.

The name. Call it 'Rules For Living' and it would fly.

because, basicly, people are pre-judgemental. and often judge before knowing the facts. (Prejudice)

In the scripture, Satan (may have many names) is father of lies, a deceiver, murderer and a thief. He also, according to the scripture was cast out of heaven because of his desire to usurp the throne of God. Notwithstanding all of that, there is not a one good deed attributed to him toward the man kind. He IS a cause of our temptation, and presenter and also accuser to God of any sin in our lives (which he causes us to commit). Any soul that sensed God and becomes a follower of God automatically becomes an enemy of Satan. I volunteer and serve often as a chaplain in maximum security jails and have heard many stories from convicts that claimed to have relationship or serverd Satan. Most of them had a horrid confessions... I am yet to hear a good or happy one. What a contrast to people of God, who even though they may be incarcerated for a bad deed and now are paying the price, are still hopeful, knowing that door of the jail will one day open, repenting, they can start over…. One thing for sure, one can not serve both, it God or Satan. There is no such a thing as being neutral. We all make a choice, and it will, must be made before we die. My advice to you, stay clear of any involvement with Satan, or any of his followers. Eternity is an awful long time, to spend it in wailing,gnashing teeth in darkness or burn forever in the lake of fire, either it’s not fun. Sure, for many, this is just a fiction. But what if it's not... You heart should give you warning, your head want…

It's the name and stupidity. I like our name. It was chosen to keep the stupid away.

He isn't called 'The Great Deceiver' for nothing you know.

I guess it's sort of like when you make a dish for someone with an ingredient they do not like: they like the dish until they figure out what's in it. Except this way, it's sort of backwards: people like the ingredients until they know what the dish is.

Because as soon as they hear the name, they automatically think, "Oh em gee, they're worshipping the Devil!"

Probably because many of the people here are a cut above the rest. They are open-minded and intelligent.

For some reason my browser is not letting me to make a comment, so I am replaying as a new answer: In my previous answer, this is “Satan” I was referring to in my answer. Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Luke 4:7-9 (in Context) Luke 4 (Whole Chapter) Revelation 12:9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:8-10 (in Context) Revelation 12 (Whole Chapter) Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Revelation 19:19-21 (in Context) Revelation 19 (Whole Chapter) Revelation 20:2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; Revelation 20:1-3 (in Context) Revelation 20 (Whole Chapter) Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:9-11 (in Context) Revelation 20 (Whole Chapter) Almost forgot, what ever “label” we may put on him is insignificant in comparison of the trail he leaves behind, which indentifies him perfectly... “The father of lies, the great deceiver, thief and a murderer”

Its a deception...

um, because satan is by definition...bad. hooray for freedom to practice whatever you wish and believe what you want. that's cool. boo for satan. he is lame.

i am familiar with the hebrew and greek (now there's a good read!) translations. sorry to have insulted your intelligence in any way (i'm a total newb.) mast satanists do not have a grasp on the religion per se. only that it's anti- (or in opposition to) god or the bible or what have you. people may have a problem with the established bible based churches, but they don't call it the "good book" for nothing. the misunderstood, mistranslated book... but it's full of good stuff, if that is what you seek, just like any religion.

I certainly did not know of any satanic statements, but I am certainly not at all in favor of Satan or of anyone who worships the first fallen angel, who was formerly known as Lucifer. Satan is bound for hell, and though he may rage in tribulation like, well, a seemingly uncontrollable dragon, his time is coming and he will be judged and humbled. God created him perfect, and he tried to dethrone God, and with his rebellion, he was stripped of some of his power, I believe, and though we are no match for him, Michael is the new archangel and he is backed by Jehovah, and Satan and his legion of demons are no match for the Lord of Hosts.

Since you like to study other religions I highly recommend reading The Catechism of The Catholic Church. Not that you have to agree with it but if you want to know what the beliefs of Christianity (original Christianity) are, that’s the book to read. Apostolic Succession started when Christ himself said in the presence of all the other Apostles, this exchange. Christ said to Peter, “who is it that you say I am” and Peter replied “you are the Son of God”, then Christ said “ I say to you, you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church, I give you the keys to heaven and the gates of Hades will never prevail against it. What you will on Earth will be willed in Heaven, and what you loosed on Earth will be loosed in Heaven. In a nut shell…Christ appointed Peter the head of His Church on Earth (The Pope) to oversee and guide the Apostles (Bishops) and Disciples (Priests). This unbroken Succession is what the Roman Catholic Church is….A lot of Catholics don’t even realize it and that leads to Anti-Catholic reactions. Both are the same, but the Oral Tradition in the Church passed down through Apostolic Succession is firmer and has been devoid of heresy…remember what Christ said earlier “I give you the keys to heaven and the gates of Hades will never prevail against it“ ( I E False teachings brought about by human desires to pick and choose “The Truth“).

Most people can not separate the name and the cause. Satanism to people who are not involved, is worshiping Satan. So it is more a lack of understanding. There is a huge difference in what satanism is and devil worship is. If all people would know that then maybe there would be a slight change in how many people view satanism. What is the difference between Satanism and devil worship? Satanism and devil worship are two different things. Devil worship is the worshipping of an external deity (in this case, a “devil”), much as it could be labeled inverse Christianity – that is, confining yourself to the Christian religion and overall model, but merely choosing the “bad guy” in their Bible instead of their central character. The Satan in Satanism is an archetype (Prototype), one many know by name and is relative to culture. Some Satanists choose different aspects of this archetype depending on geography or just plain aesthetics, but the same characteristics still hold true. It would make little sense for us to claim to embody the archetypal qualities of Satan (rebellion, rational self-interest, carnality, etc.) on one hand, and then attempt to worship an anthropomorphic Satan on the other. In other words, it is hardly rebellious to worship a figure that represents rebellion. The Satanist finds unproductive and one-sided idol worship to be draining and useless (not to mention hypocritical). People always speak poorly of things they do not comprehend. Even Christian religions amongst other Christian religions. Example: Catholics despise the Jehovah's Witnesses. Why? Not taking the time to recognize both love and worship God and his son, but focusing on the differences. It is really sad how the entire world works. If there was more understanding I am sure this world would be a fun and interesting place to stay.