Ragnar Redbeard, the pseudonym used by the author of the book "Might is Right" was one of the many texts that influenced and inspired Anton LaVey's thoughts and actions.
I myself have a love/hate relationship with Mr. Redbeard's little tome, whoever he may have been. As a woman and a professional I reject Redbeard's written sentiment that women are "silly, lovable baby factories", but I find that I can forgive him since he contradicts himself when he says later in the book: "When their passions are stirred, women have performed deeds of heroism (and of terror) that even a man with nerves of steel would hesitate at. They have fought on sea and land, the bravest of the brave. They have led armies and ruled empires, and have been criminals of the darkest dye".
Redbeard's racial and gender views aside, I feel that several of his quotes from the book really define that Satanic worldview:
Another element of Satanism I see is the an acknowledgement of the cold apathy that natural forces have for all living things:
Satan, then, is an adequete archetype, for he truly is the lord of the earth.
Satanists adopt the label of "Satan" because to do so is inspiring, fun, and accurate to do so. Despite Satanism's inherent atheism, it provides a method of ritualization for those that feel they need it. While outside the ritual chamber, the rituals are seen as a form of applied psychology, used to direct one's will, like a form of focus or meditation. During ritual, disbelief is suspended and a belief in magic is upheld.
It is interesting to note here that there have been studies indicating that some people have a genetically-linked trait to be more inclined towards religious belief than others. (I had originally included links to these studies, but had to remove them because these forums won't let you post URLS until after you have 15 posts to filter out spammers)
So, Satanism provides an ethical system, an identity, and a mode for ritualization for those inclined to do so.
With all this said, Satanism is a religion for doers, for movers and shakers. I am fond of the old Jewish saying "If not me, who? If not now, when?" Equality and the unconditional love of a God not existing, it is up to each individual to find worth and meaning within his or her own life.
Remember, don't sit around "debating and intellectualizing" and living with your head in the clouds. Do something tangible!
Satanism is a Gloria Estefan song verse:
Get on your feet
Get up and make it happen
Get on your feet
Stand up and take some action
Hail Satan! :badger:
I myself have a love/hate relationship with Mr. Redbeard's little tome, whoever he may have been. As a woman and a professional I reject Redbeard's written sentiment that women are "silly, lovable baby factories", but I find that I can forgive him since he contradicts himself when he says later in the book: "When their passions are stirred, women have performed deeds of heroism (and of terror) that even a man with nerves of steel would hesitate at. They have fought on sea and land, the bravest of the brave. They have led armies and ruled empires, and have been criminals of the darkest dye".
Redbeard's racial and gender views aside, I feel that several of his quotes from the book really define that Satanic worldview:
With these two poems, a sense of urgency to accomplish great things before your life ends is established.
Another element of Satanism I see is the an acknowledgement of the cold apathy that natural forces have for all living things:
The "war" more than hinted at is the competetion between all living things for Material Power, for property. Every animal requires food, water, shelter, and fulfillment of desires. All of these things are material.
Satan, then, is an adequete archetype, for he truly is the lord of the earth.
Satanists adopt the label of "Satan" because to do so is inspiring, fun, and accurate to do so. Despite Satanism's inherent atheism, it provides a method of ritualization for those that feel they need it. While outside the ritual chamber, the rituals are seen as a form of applied psychology, used to direct one's will, like a form of focus or meditation. During ritual, disbelief is suspended and a belief in magic is upheld.
It is interesting to note here that there have been studies indicating that some people have a genetically-linked trait to be more inclined towards religious belief than others. (I had originally included links to these studies, but had to remove them because these forums won't let you post URLS until after you have 15 posts to filter out spammers)
So, Satanism provides an ethical system, an identity, and a mode for ritualization for those inclined to do so.
With all this said, Satanism is a religion for doers, for movers and shakers. I am fond of the old Jewish saying "If not me, who? If not now, when?" Equality and the unconditional love of a God not existing, it is up to each individual to find worth and meaning within his or her own life.
I do not know if the above quote from Might is Right inspired LaVey, but it inspired me. I learned from the quote as a young girl that feelings do not mean much in the grand scheme of things. "It's not what you are underneath, but what you do, that defines you" to quote the great Batman.: hamster :
Remember, don't sit around "debating and intellectualizing" and living with your head in the clouds. Do something tangible!
Satanism is a Gloria Estefan song verse:
Get on your feet
Get up and make it happen
Get on your feet
Stand up and take some action
Hail Satan! :badger:
