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June 4th, 2011
01:00 AM ET
Study: How Satanists see deathBy Eric Marrapodi, CNN Belief Blog Co-Editor (CNN) - You probably won't hear "Amazing Grace" at a Satanist's funeral, but you just might hear "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. A researcher from Concordia University recently published a journal article with some rare access to high level Satanists exploring what they think about death and dying. Members in the Church of Satan are traced back to Anton LeVey who in 1966 founded the church in San Fransisco. He is also the author of the canon of sorts for the group, The Satanic Bible first published in 1969. Today, the church is based in New York and membership numbers are hard to come by. One of the main tenets of the faith is atheism. Not just a disbelief in God but also in the devil or Satan. Satanists believe God is an invention of man and instead deify themselves.
According to the official website of the Church of Satan: "We Satanists are thus our own 'Gods,' and as beneficent 'deities' we can offer love to those who deserve it and deliver our wrath (within reasonable limits) upon those who seek to cause us—or that which we cherish—harm." Cimminnee Holt, the author of the journal article explains further:
Holt writes that even though the Church of Satan does not believe in a physical afterlife (neither heaven nor hell), their doctrine speaks to a practitioner living on in this world through the life they led.
After a long back and forth between Holt and two high level clergy in the Church of Satan, the two Satanists agreed to speak as official representatives of the church. The Satanists gave the researcher unique insights into how they saw death and their own funerals. Holt writes:
The communications between Holt and the Satanists stretched over four years. Holt said she deliberately left out identifying details, like occupation and geographic location, about the two Satanists. The wall of privacy seems to have helped the Satanists to open up about their thoughts on death. Holt's article appeared in The Journal of Religion and Culture, which is produced by graduate students from the Department of Religion at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec.
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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[7:94] Whenever we sent a prophet to any com-m-unity, we afflicted its people with adversity and hardship, that they may implore.
[7:95] Then we sub-sti-tuted peace and prosperity in place of that hardship. But alas, they turned heedless and said, "It was our parents who experienced that hardship before prosperity." Consequently, we punished them suddenly when they least expected.
[7:96] Had the people of those com-m-unities believed and turned righteous, we would have showered them with blessings from the heaven and the earth. Since they decided to disbelieve, we punished them for what they earned.
[7:97] Did the people of the present com-m-unities guarantee that our retribution will not come to them in the night as they sleep?
[7:98] Did the people of today's com-m-unities guarantee that our retribution will not come to them in the daytime while they play?
[7:99] Have they taken GOD's plans for granted? None takes GOD's plans for granted except the losers.
[7:100] Does it ever occur to those who inherit the earth after previous generations that, if we will, we can punish them for their sins, and seal their hearts, causing them to turn deaf?
[7:101] We narrate to you the history of those com-m-unities: their messengers went to them with clear proofs, but they were not to believe in what they had rejected before. GOD thus seals the hearts of the disbelievers.
[7:102] We found that most of them disregard their covenant; we found most of them wicked.
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[7:142] We summoned Moses for thirty* nights, and completed them by adding ten. Thus, the audience with his Lord lasted forty * nights. Moses said to his brother Aaron, "Stay here with my people, maintain righteousness, and do not follow the ways of the corrupters."
[7:143] When Moses came at our appointed time, and his Lord spoke with him, he said, "My Lord, let me look and see You." He said, "You cannot see Me. Look at that mountain; if it stays in its place, then you can see Me." Then, his Lord manifested Himself to the mountain, and this caused it to crumble. Moses fell unconscious. When he came to, he said, "Be You glorified. I repent to You, and I am the most convinced believer."
[7:144] He said, "O Moses, I have chosen you, out of all the people, with My messages and by speaking to you. Therefore, take what I have given you and be appreciative."
[7:145] We wrote for him on the tablets all kinds of enlightenments and details of everything: "You shall uphold these teachings strongly, and exhort your people to uphold them – these are the best teachings. I will point out for you the fate of the wicked."
[7:146] I will divert from My revelations those who are arrogant on earth, without justification. Consequently, when they see every kind of proof they will not believe. And when they see the path of guidance they will not adopt it as their path, but when they see the path of straying they will adopt it as their path. This is the consequence of their rejecting our proofs, and being totally heedless thereof.
[7:147] Those who reject our revelations and the meeting of the Hereafter, their works are nullified. Are they requited only for what they committed?
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[7:156] "And decree for us righteousness in this world, and in the Hereafter. We have repented to You." He said, "My retribution befalls whomever I will. But My mercy encompasses all things. However, I will specify it for those who (1) lead a righteous life, (2) give the obligatory charity (Zakat), (3) believe in our revelations, and
[7:157] "(4) follow the messenger, the gentile prophet (Muhammad), whom they find written in their Torah and Gospel. He exhorts them to be righteous, enjoins them from evil, allows for them all good food, and prohibits that which is bad, and unloads the burdens and the shackles imposed upon them. Those who believe in him, respect him, support him, and follow the light that came with him are the successful ones."
[7:158] Say, "O people, I am GOD's messenger to all of you. To Him belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no god except He. He controls life and death." Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messenger, the gentile prophet, who believes in GOD and His words. Follow him, that you may be guided.
[7:159] Among the followers of Moses there are those who guide in accordance with the truth, and the truth renders them righteous.
Assalamu alaikum
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6quHy6rafZ4&w=640&h=390]
Prof. Wagner: I believe that the Holy God speaks to us in the Quran
Wagner first places the prophet Muhammad, the Qur’an, and the early Muslim community in their historical, geographical, and theological contexts. This background is a basis for interpreting the Qur’an and understanding its role in later Muslim developments as well as for relationships between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. He then looks in detail at specific passages, moving from cherished devotional texts to increasingly difficult and provocative subjects. The selected bibliography serves as a resource for further reading and study. Woven into the discussion are references to Islamic beliefs and practices. Wagner shows great sensitivity toward the risks and opportunities for non-Muslims who attempt to interpret the Qur’an, and sympathy in the long struggle to build bridges of mutual trust and honest appreciation between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Walter H. Wagner is adjunct professor of theology at Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary. He is the author of a number of books, including After the Apostles: Christianity in the Second Century.
http://undpress.nd.edu/book/P01257
http://www3.undpress.nd.edu/tocs/P01257-toc.pdf
Muneef:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6quHy6rafZ4&w=640&h=390]
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I once explored east west religions, because I wanted God to be like the fairy God mother in Cinderella. No contact until I needed something and then poof he saves the day. The bible shows us a God that is seeking people who will make covenants with him, submit to his will, and save the lives of others by spreading the good news. I wonder if others who have decided God doesn't exist aren't just very hurt the God isn't like Cinderella's Fairy God mother Lord God, Please help us to reach people who are hurting and lost. I couldn't bare a life without the sure knowledge of God. When I commit to doing his will he talks to me in my head, and then everything seems to work out just as I need it to more often than before. He is wonderful, but we must come into his kingdow and army.
those are symptoms of mental disorders, btw. narcissism, schitzotypal and whatever the disorder is when you can't stay out of other peoples' business like i dont know religious beliefs or lack of. i dont care what your religious book says, trying to evangelize and proselytize wins you weak minded converts and much ire for irritating people who hold beliefs JUST AS VALID as yours. thank you, and have a wonderful evening. and yes, that is what you get for calling these people lost and whatnot. it isn't for YOU to decide.
if they're just a group of people trying to make their own way, and they don,t believe in God or Satan, then why do they call themselves Satanists ?
Not that I care really, I have a lot of work to do, bye
Equality of Human beings ;
Just wonder if the wicked corruptors to life on Earth and Universe are as Equal to those Good ones who work towards a Clearner/Greener environment and improving human lives?
Could those who are as of Hitler in barbarism are Equal to say "Mother Tereza" or any one similar to her good doings to humanity ?? Or can we say Osama was as good in handling issues as was Ghandi ?? Obvious that people are not equal since they are equal only according their deeds if "Negative or Positive"....
Few example verses about Good & Bad being unequal...surely same you will find written in all Heavenly and even in non Heavenly Books Of World Religions, surely you will even see it in the "Satanic Faith of Atheists" that Good & Bad Deeds or Persons are not Equal in rights...!
Could it be right that the Hands who Build and Pat With Mercy to those who's hands destruct and Kills the innocence of mankind....?!
I do not believe how some people think or talk? How will peace find a way , how will love replace hatred if the viruses were given rights on this planet ?? Does that sound Logical to you that "Good & Bad" have equal rights ? If it does then guess terrorists have rights that protects them and therefore they have to be listened to rather than flaming wars on them,blowing them up with the human shields they had them selves surrounded with ??
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[4:95] Not equal are the sedentary among the believers who are not handicapped, and those who strive in the cause of GOD with their money and their lives. GOD exalts the strivers with their money and their lives above the sedentary. For both, GOD promises salvation, but GOD exalts the strivers over the sedentary with a great recompense.
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[5:100] Proclaim: "The bad and the good are not the same, even if the abundance of the bad may impress you. You shall reverence GOD, (even if you are in the minority) O you who possess intelligence, that you may succeed."
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[57:10] Why do you not spend in the cause of GOD, when GOD possesses all wealth in the heavens and the earth?
Distinguished from the rest are those among you who spend before the victory and strive. They attain a greater rank than those who spend after the victory and strive. For each, GOD promises salvation. GOD is Cognizant of everything you do.
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[59:18] O you who believe, you shall reverence GOD, and let every soul examine what it has sent ahead for tomorrow. You shall reverence GOD; GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.
[59:19] Do not be like those who forgot GOD, so He made them forget themselves. These are the wicked.
[59:20] Not equal are the dwellers of the Hellfire and the dwellers of Paradise; the dwellers of Paradise are the winners.
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Oh, and as long as everyone keeps treating Satanists with an almost reverent tone, they can play their games. They are the same as any religion simple as that.
Many are just as ignorant. They cannot be Atheists. Sure, they will use semantic juggling usually sounding something like "We believe that the real power lies in man" and "We don't believe in a red skinned guy with horns" but in fact they still support a supernatural power and celebrate it with ridiculous ritual – just like Catholics.
So everyone please calm down, they are not some all powerful religion that can turn you into a toad and eat your children. Just like every other religion they have broken down into various orders and sects that hate each other- just like Jews. They also interpret their holy writings in many different ways- just like Evangelicals and Muslims.
It is so nice to be Atheist. I don't have to waste time with any ritual or read books that can't even be consistent with dogma.
Plus I get to sleep in on Sunday (or start a fire on Friday night).
Have you read the Satanic Bible? I have. There is no deification of a biblical Satan. They took the name as a slap-in-the-face to the established religious doctrines. Most of their literature is simple self-help/self-empowerment basics wrapped in distinct ritual. Nothing more, nothing less. Do what thou wilt.
Satanist are exactly the same as every other religion. They use some supernatural force as an excuse and to point a finger. They really are even more hypocritical than those who follow the "light".
Just another bunch of idiots who like that they don't need to take responsibility for their actions or don't want to just come out and say "I am doing what I want".
Satanist, Jew, Catholic, whatever. They all do the same thing and pin it on something else.
Well I may not know anything much about religions but I do know that jew is not a religion. Judaism is the religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish people. But I do find your statement correct.
"One of the main tenets of the faith is atheism"......i guess the writer has no idea of what an atheist is.
Muneef, I hear about all the trouble where you are... Please be safe! Keep yourself out of violent crowds..... take care of yourself and your family! 🙂
PRISM 1234.
Hi friend hope all fine at your side of the world...
As to here where I am things were terrible at the capital city Sanaa and at another city called Taiz...guess both had the worst of time in some areas of those cities...
But tell you the joke was last night our time at nearly 10 pm when I was still in my office finalizing some work when suddenly have heard gun firing from every where and nearly every house so had to drive home in a hurry thinking war started...when reached home I made phone calls to check what is going on...only then was told that all that was a celebration like by the people showing their happiness that our injured president had a successful operation and was fine...so in the end I had as well to shoot to the air some shots in celebration as well although first time when I did not know what it was there was a different feeling that I wish never to experience in my life time.
Hi, Muneef, I'm glad to hear from you! .....I too hope that you will never have to feel such dread again..... it is good that it was only a celebration of the people! I have a feeling that everyone there is so jittery about everything, that any little thing could cause a confusion, the kind that create stampedes... So do be careful, and I will pray God's protection over you and your loved ones, also for all innocent people of Yemen!
Peace to you, my friend!
PRISM 1234.
Thank you friend for your kindness. But the unknown yet to come whether to worry about if he came back and if he is not coming back since the country population are divided as with him and against him....
The only thing that we have is to have faith in God that only the waste and worst would go for the faithful to prevail saved. Amen.
Glad to see our post again, Muneef.
There is so much unrest in this world no matter where we are now days.... If there was ever time of uncertainty, its' now, friend! It;'s like the whole world is like a treacherous sea, with dark thick clouds approaching from the horizon.... Only our faith in God is what will sustain us. He knows His own, and He will lead His people through the dark valleys we're going to face in the future!
Please take care.... I will keep reading what's happening over there where you and your people are!
P.S. Meant to say "Glad to see YOUR post again"
PRISM 1234.
Yes my friend it is a strange time that we are in as if all the world going to fall on it's knees any time now financially,economically where all systems will be earthed for new ones to take place that is if wiser ones found immediate solutions otherwise the whole world will become as Somalian country only warlords ruling territories....very sensitive stage and if not handled with wisdom while it can be repaired or become a total loss for decades for come...It is them who have plenty of money are now using it in politics and terror acts for some of their vasted interests driving it into such times of crises....
Where I am employed at (600 dollars job which is making me tired and driving me crazy due to what I perceive as lack of proper on-place organization, not that anyone would actually care anyways) in the past few weeks there were several times customers who couldn't find the button on the e-scales for the fruit they wanted to buy. Their reactions in that situation, either
"I can't find the proper button. Could you please help me?"
or
"The button for these apples isn't there." Me: "Should be there." Customer: "No, it isn't. I looked." Of course, the button was there.
I think you've got the wrong article.
[wp] Hadith on obedience to the parents & intention.
'Abdullah ibn 'Umar related that Rasulullah (SAW) said:
Obey your parents and treat them kindly, for if you do so then your own children will be obedient and kind to you.
(Tabari)
It is narrated by Anas that Rasulullah (SAW) said:
If anyone intends to seek blessings of the Hereafter, Allah gives contentment to his heart, takes care of his affairs and the world comes to him submissively. But if someone intends to seek the pleasures of this world, Allah puts poverty before him and disorders his affairs, yet only so much of worldly things as have already been ordained for him come to him.
(Abu Daud, Tirmidhi)
A relevant Ayat related to the above hadith is worthy to mention in this regard:
Whosoever desires the life of the world and its glitter, to them We shall pay in full (the wages of) their deeds therein, and they will have no diminution therein. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but Fire, and vain are the deeds they did therein. And of no effect is that which they used to do. [Surah Al-Hud, Ayat: 15-16]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGSvqMBj-ig
^^
What ever the case is here is the True Religion;
2:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
[2:130] Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous.
[2:131] When his Lord said to him, "Submit," he said, "I submit to the Lord of the universe."
[2:132] Moreover, Abraham exhorted his children to do the same, and so did Jacob: "O my children, GOD has pointed out the religion for you; do not die except as submitters."
[2:133] Had you witnessed Jacob on his death bed; he said to his children, "What will you worship after I die?" They said, "We will worship your god; the god of your fathers Abraham, Ismail, and Isaac; the one god. To Him we are submitters."
[2:134] Such is a com-m-unity from the past. They are responsible for what they earned, and you are responsible for what you earned. You are not answerable for anything they have done.
[2:135] They said, "You have to be Jewish or Christian, to be guided." Say, "We follow the religion of Abraham – monotheism – he never was an idol worshiper."
[2:136] Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters."
[2:137] If they believe as you do, then they are guided. But if they turn away, then they are in opposition. GOD will spare you their opposition; He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.
[2:138] Such is GOD's sys-tem, and whose sys-tem is better than GOD's? "Him alone we worship."
[2:139] Say, "Do you argue with us about GOD, when He is our Lord and your Lord? We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. To Him alone we are devoted."
[2:140] Do you say that Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs were Jewish or Christian? Say, "Do you know better than GOD? Who is more evil than one who conceals a testimony he has learned from GOD? GOD is never unaware of anything you do."
[2:141] That was a com-m-unity from the past. They are responsible for what they earned, and you are responsible for what you earned. You are not answerable for anything they did.
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Gabriel never existed!!!!!! No Gabriel, no communiques from heaven and therefore Islam has no foundation and no validity.
Hi, I love you! 😉 😀
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzetqYev_AI&w=640&h=390]
Some people are idiots which is nothing new of course. Read the article people and understand that Satanist do not worship Satan. That has it's own religious sect which is usually displayed by the term Luciferianism. This too hard for you people to understand?
Then why call themselves Satanists? I understand by the article they don't worship Satan, but the name makes no sense.
I could barely read this because the idea of people worshiping Satan is so scary to me. I really feel that Satanists are angry people... angry at God and the world and so they want to go as far away from Him as possible. But even in their Satanic beliefs, they are looking for someone to guide them... someone to look to for answers. These people are sick and are in need of intense prayer and counseling.
@ Lori
"I could barely read this because the idea of people worshiping Satan is so scary to me" That much is clear. If you had read it, you would have realized they aren't worshipping satan at all. They are self-proclaimed atheists, however I'd put them more in the column of deists. In any case, they aren't worshipping satan at any point. The only reason why they call themselves satanists are because, like the original term says, they are opposed to any theism. They take it a step further than atheists in that they are very much against religion and have made a practice out of it.
@ Lori – I could barely read this because the idea of people worshiping Satan is so scary to me. I really feel that Satanists are angry people... angry at God and the world and so they want to go as far away from Him as possible. But even in their Satanic beliefs, they are looking for someone to guide them... someone to look to for answers. These people are sick and are in need of intense prayer and counseling."
=-=-=
Give me a break, u feel sorry for people and think they are angry at god? u mean at your god or one of the thousands of others? the only people I know that need counseling are those who think the voices in their head is from supernatural mystical thing that has taken time out in a apparently very busy day, to chose that one person to talk to.
Angry at God? That makes no sense......how can you be angry at something you do not believe in? Satanist are no more scary than Christians or Baptists or Muslims.
FairGarden
Those who do not worship the one true God end up worshipping Satan.
-–
People I present to you a schizophrenic
FairGarden said: "Those who do not worship the one true God end up worshipping Satan"
And the fool responded: "People I present to you a schizophrenic:"....
.......Because the fool has no discernment when the truth is spoken to him, so he trashes it, and insults those who speak it ... Yet he pretends himself to be wise!
Now that points out who is really schizophrenic!
Your posts are beggarly, and are a waste of time!
Hmmm... based on the odds then it would be better to not worship anyone, right?
Oh and also:
"And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell." Matt 5:22
And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell." Matt 5:22
You err in your understanding...
He who mocks God and throws belittling words at those who love Him IS NOT MY BROTHER! GOD HaS ALREADY DECLERED HIM TO BE A FOOL!
PRISM 1234
FairGarden said: "Those who do not worship the one true God end up worshipping Satan"
And the fool responded: "People I present to you a schizophrenic:"....
.......Because the fool has no discernment when the truth is spoken to him, so he trashes it, and insults those who speak it ... Yet he pretends himself to be wise!
Now that points out who is really schizophrenic!
Your posts are beggarly, and are a waste of time!
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I never said or implied I was wise. One man's truth is a lie to another. Your truth is a matter of persepctive. You have sand in your rear because people do not buy your line of manmade garble.
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I am not sure you are grasping the definition of schizophrenia
.
My post might be a waste of time, but yet you still feel the need to comment on it.
"but yet you still feel the need to comment on it."
WOW! You really think so ! ! ! If you were not in the shape you are, you would make me laugh, but I don't laugh at people who are in your condition!
Suit yourself, buster! You'll see soon enough where you are heading.....
I do believe in Satan but not the Christian or Islamic god, Satan is a pagan god, our true creator, Satan means eternal truth in sansrit, the church of Satan is fakers. I am a Spiritual Satanist.
http://www.joyofsatan.com
I got to aboput the third paragraph when I read " One of the main tenents of Satanism( The belief and worship of satan which would also mean belief in god) is Athiesm (The ideology in which one dose not believe in god(s)- which is at least what what it is being used for in this article) I do not understand your logic sir. To worship satan you must believe he dose not exist which dosnt make any sense!
All religions make no sense
I think you mistake their beliefs and worship for the traditional movie version of satanism. They really would be more akin to a group of people who don't believe in the Islamic faith starting up a "Muhammad Art Class" where everyone draws pictures of Muhammad not because they believe in him but because it's taboo and they are trying to point out that you won't be struck down by any divine power no matter how much you blaspheme.