You have the choice of accepting or rejecting what I have to say. If you find it difficult or impossible to accept, I would advise you dismiss my concepts entirely, if you wish! Why do I say this? My objective adheres to a set of Satanic principles outlined by Aleister Crowley;
”The essence of every missionary message has always been to assimilate the taught to the teacher, and it has always been accompanied by bribes and threats. My message is exactly opposed to any of this. I say to each man and woman, you are unique and sovereign, the center of a universe. However right I may be in thinking as I do, you may be equally right in thinking otherwise. You can only accomplish your object in life by complete disregard of the opinions of other people.“
What am I saying here? As a Satanist, your opinion is the one that matters. You should believe in things that are in the scope of your experience - things you consciously acknowledge as true. This has always been my first and foremost declaration with regards to what it means to be a Satanist.
Satanism is a dynamic force of social change in a society that resists change. What we are, what we have been and what we shall always be are a group of bold, activist freethinkers who will confront the vital issues of spirituality and everyday life.
The Satanist knows that one's True Will is derived from nature, not society. Satan represents the will of nature and the will of nature is inviolate. The issues that plague mankind are nothing more than artificial distortions intended to separate us from our True Will. The answer to issues past, present and future is to create a society that makes allowances for nature rather than trying to subvert the natural force and form of life.
Topics we scrutinize vary, depending on the age in which we live. Here at the turn of a new millennium, we face the following:
* Censorship laws
* Church/state separation
* Sexual enjoyment and expression
* Vivisection or the use of animals in scientific research
* Use and abuse of recreational drugs, tobacco, medication, alcohol
* Gun control
* Rights for gays and non-traditional families.
Stress and conflict exist when there is a divide between our carnal nature and the way we structure our society. The Satanist understands that redressing the balance is necessary but never easy. Efforts will often end up causing pain, temporarily. Some say it is easier to "go with the flow." However, one knows what happens to slow moving or stagnant water - it begins to mold!
Consider the "polite sheep" who advise caution over better judgment. Observe their words very carefully - they are poison words that deny human liberty and defy human progress. Read the following criticisms:
"Lord Egan has made statements that are simply too controversial. They have diminished his effectiveness as a leader."
"Are you sure this is the kind of image we want to project?"
"If we take this course of action it will make us look bad."
The three statements above have actually been leveled at the author more than once. They may be true. Walking this path may ensure fewer friends and more enemies, or so it will seem. Albert Einstein once wrote, "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."
If you are looking for a movement whose leaders have never taken a stand or been controversial, stop reading. If you do not want a leader who forces others to define their positions, Satanism is not for you. If you are that concerned about your image that you care what everyone else is going to think, the left hand path may not be the place for you to seek spirituality. Also, words such as "bad" or "evil" are Christian defined in our society and therefore questionable coming from a Satanic perspective. Political correctness has no place in Satanism. Resist the conformity and group-think of “satanic cliques.” Little groups of sheep that rely on each other for self worth ruin the concept of self awareness that is the cornerstone of Satanism.
We will not hold your hand and lead you to where you should be. You will not be saved, and you will not find a messiah. You will find resources and others who will help you gain the confidence that you need to be the person that can depend on himself in a variety of situations. The decision is yours. Give yourself permission to take risks, explore new opportunities and strive to achieve the highest that is within you!
Satana Vobiscum!
John Allee, founder
First Church of Satan
http://churchofsatan.org
JDA/lca / FCoS ©1994, 2003, 2004