Church of Satan
The Church of Satan is a philosophical/cultural organization which draws its name from the Islamic-Christian concept of Satan, and claims that every Man and Woman is their own God and responsible for their own destiny ("Satan" is used as a symbol and metaphor rather than as an actual deity).
It was established in San Francisco in 1966 by Anton Szandor LaVey, who was the Church's High Priest until his death in 1997. People who practice this belief are called "Satanists".
The Church of Satan does not have or desire tax-exempt status. As part of what it refers to as Pentagonal Revisionism the Church is actively working towards taxation of all Churches, and tries to put forth a policy of "responsibility to the responsible". It neither solicits membership, nor offers a set course of degrees, and it limits the active participation of members to those members over 18 years of age, unless parental consent is given. Members are expected to follow the laws and statutes of their country and municipality.
Since the death of Anton Szandor LaVey, Peter H. Gilmore has been appointed to his current position as High Priest of the Church. The 'headquarters' have also since moved to New York City.
Many prominent figures have at one time or another been associated with the Church of Satan, including musicians Marilyn Manson, Boyd Rice and Marc Almond and journalist Michael Moynihan.
See also
Further reading
- The Church of Satan by Blanche Barton ASIN: 0962328626
Books by Anton S. LaVey
- The Devil's Notebook by Anton Szandor LaVey, ISBN 0922915113
- The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey, ISBN 0380015390
- The Satanic Rituals by Anton LaVey, ISBN 0380013924
- The Satanic Witch by Anton Szandor LaVey, ISBN 0922915849
- Satan Speaks! by Anton Szandor LaVey, ISBN 0922915660
External link
- Official Church of Satan homepage (http://churchofsatan.com)
- Interview with High Priest Peter H. Gilmore (http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/ENDEMONIADA/peterhgilmore.html)