"There is no evidence that any adult Satanist has committed a criminal act related to his religious belief."

Source for the above quote-http://www.religioustolerance.org

To avoid any emails on this subject, I will explain the need for this page. Yes, I am pagan, and paganism has nothing whatsoever to do with Satanism. However, there seem to be a large number of people who are horribly misinformed about Satanism and readily spread lies and rumors about it. There are sites and books readily available on Satanism, but I’ve found many people don’t bother to read them, almost seem afraid to.
The factual information on this page is in regards to the religion know as Satanism, as founded by the late Anton LaVey and supported by the current Church of Satan. . It is not in regards to groups or individuals making up their own beliefs and practices and labeling it as "Satanism". It is also important to note that I am not a member or official representative of the Church of Satan and they are not responsible for anything I say. I have researched the information on this page to the best of my ability and from what I consider accurate sources.
Satanism is a legally recognized religion in the United States. Satanists have the same rights and freedoms as other religions. Telling lies about what Satanists do, or discriminating against them for their beliefs is just as bad as spreading misconceptions, and discriminating against other religions. It’s true that the media has reported a great deal of misinformation, especially in the late 80’s/ early 90’s, and there have been numerous cases of people with tall tales, and some may have formed their opinions from this misinformation. I do not feel that this an excuse. Before someone makes a statement about something, or forms an opinion, it is their responsibility to educate themselves on the subject. The only accurate way to educate oneself on a subject is by going to the source. Information on the beliefs, concepts and practices of Satanism is readily available. If someone is not willing to utilize these resources in educating themselves, because they feel it is wrong to even learn about something they don’t believe in, then, they have no business commenting on it, or attempting to supply information to other people about it. You do not have to agree with something in order to learn about it.
Intolerance towards any religion is a serious problem. Satanic panic has done a great deal of damage to many people’s lives. There have been cases of children being taken away from parents, people losing their jobs, and people serving prison terms. The majority of these cases were later found to be based on groundless claims. Many of the victims were not even Satanists, and all were accused of behavior inconsistent with Satanism.
What caused these things to happen in the first place? Here are some examples:
Irresponsible counselors and other mental health professionals: Some so called "professionals" literally brainwashed people in to believing they were victims of SRA or Satanic Ritual Abuse, something now known to be an Urban Legend. Many children and teenagers have been victims of these irresponsible individuals. In some cases, children were seperated from their parents for years before the parent’s innocence could be proven.
Individuals seeking financial gain and/or attention: Some individuals have made up tales of Satanic abuse and "cult" involvement, ranging from absurd to outright impossible. Most of them later retracted their stories, or were later proven to be lying, in many cases after they have made a sizable profit through books and interviews, and many at the expense of innocent people.
Irresponsible media: Unfortunately, some members of the media will exaggerate, report stories they know are untrue, or even fabricate their own in the interest of having a story people will read. Many have retracted their stories, and publicly apologized for their past behavior.
The unexplainable: When something happens people cannot explain, Satanism is often an easy scapegoat, especially when dealing with paranoid individuals or those wanting an easy answer. Crimes that occur in areas where insufficient funding/ investigating capabilities exist are sometimes blamed on satanism for lack of a reasonable answer.
Hate groups: many hate groups propagate lies about Satanism the same way they propagate lies about other non-mainstream religions and groups.

What Satanism Really Is:
A few basic concepts of Satanism
Satanists do not necessarily worship "Satan" as "he" is represented in the Christian beliefs. Satanism is more regarded as a concept. Satanism recognizes human beings as another animal, and encourages embracing human nature rather than denying or trying to overcome it. Responsibility to the Responsible is an important concept in Satanism. Satanism discourages self effacing practices and encourages people to defend themselves, and to take responsibility for their own lives and survival, rather than blaming others for their shortcomings.
Myths and facts about Satanism:
Myth: Satanists sacrifice animals/people in their rituals.
Fact: Satanists do not sacrifice anything. Satanism strictly forbids harming any animal except for food or in self defense. From the Eleven Satanic rules of the earth:
" Do not kill non-human animals unless attacked or for your food. "
This was written by Anton Szandor LaVey, Founder of the Church of Satan. The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth can be read in their entirety Here
Myth: Satanists Abuse Children
Fact: Again, from the Eleven Satanic Rules of the earth:
Do not harm little children
Myth: Satanists force people to participate in cult activities
Fact: The Church of Satan is not a "cult",does not force anyone to join and they do not solicit members. Members join of their own free will, and must pay a fee in order to join.
Myth: People have committed crimes in the name of Satan. they have confessed to doing things because they are Satanists, therefore, these things are a part of Satanism
Fact: Satanism does not encourage illegal activities. There may have been cases where someone did something and claimed they did it due to Satanism, however these individuals were not practicing true Satanism. There have also been cases of people claiming to have committed crimes in the names of Christianity and other mainstream religions. It would be illogical to hold all Christians responsible for the actions of a few, and it is equally illogical to hold Satanists responsible for the actions of a few mentally unbalanced individuals who are looking for an excuse for their crimes.

The Bottom Line:
Satanists are just as human as the rest of is. For the most part, they are intelligent, nonmalignant individuals who follow a belief system many do not agree with. It is fine to disagree with their religious beliefs, as you may disagree with any beliefs, but it is not OK to spread rumors, lies and misconceptions. Please educate yourself before you form an opinion and especially before you pass on information that may be incorrect. Those who don't often destroy lives and are far more "evil" in my opinion than those they attempt to persecute.


Useful Links

Satanism 101: A straightforward look at the Satanic religion This is one of my favorite sites for information on Satanism
Official Church of Satan Website
The Church of SatanBy the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance.
Satanic Panic A collection of links and essays on Satanic Panic
Satanic groups Debunking
Geraldo Rivera's Influence on the Satanic Ritual Abuse and Recovered Memory Hoaxes
Does Satanic Ritual Abuse Exist?

FBI Study of Child Ritual Abuse Part 6

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