Satanism

Satanism is a group of ideological and philosophical beliefs based on the character of Satan. It was estimated that there were 50,000 Satanists in 1990. There may now be as many as 100,000 Satanists in the world.

Although the public practice of Satanism began with the founding of The Church of Satan in 1966, historical precedents exist: a group called the Ophite Cultus Satanas was founded in Ohio by Herbert Arthur Sloane in 1948.

Satanist groups that appeared after the 1960s are widely diverse, but two major trends are theistic Satanism and atheistic Satanism. Theistic Satanists venerate Satan as a supernatural deity, viewing him not as omnipotent but rather as a patriarch. In contrast, atheistic Satanists regard Satan as merely a symbol of certain human traits.

There are signs that Satanistic beliefs have become more socially tolerated. Satanism is now allowed in the Royal Navy of the British Armed Forces, despite opposition from Christians, and in 2005, the Supreme Court of the United States debated over protecting the religious rights of prison inmates after a lawsuit challenging the issue was filed to them.

Satanism (disambiguation)

Satanism is a belief or social phenomenon that features the veneration or admiration of Satan or similar figure.

Satanism may also refer to:

Satanist