[from http://members.gnn.com/ZDervish/cosinfo.htm ] What is the Church of Satan and How Do I Get Involved? The Church of Satan was founded by Dr. Anton Szandor LaVey, April 30th 1966 c.e. It was the first church based on the celebration of carnal indulgences and pursuit of material happiness and success. (In contrast to "spiritual enlightenment" and union with "God"). It was literally meant as an eye-opener for those who would choose to cast out false morality and blind faith, so to see with their own eyes and think with their own minds, so that the human race could grow more aware of itself rather than being clouded in self-righteous, hypocritical deceit. Satanists are driven to be leaders; they are strong and ambitious individuals who are masters of the world and of themselves. Our movement will enlighten those who act as predators, seeking material rewards and victories as their needs meet. Likewise, it will leave passive, non-thinkers to be enslaved in an increasingly demanding world that they would naturally have to face regardlessly. We do not favor trends or popular fanaticism because we can observe for ourselves how those who partake in such behaviors are constantly proven to fall into a mediocre category; always needing to be given detailed instructions on how they should conduct themselves and how to think. Television is their God. Satanists are above that. We represent the minority of free-thinkers and innovators who constantly pop-up in history as leaders, inventors, and "wise-men" of their time. Obviously there are many calling themselves Satanists these days who cannot and will not ever meet this standard. Satanism is a religion enshrouded in mystery, and the arcane aspects of it are indeed to our advantage. However, this sparks a temptation many times in the worst candidates for our elitist movement, a temptation to try joining our ranks and then consequently suffering their own folly while thinking that they are receiving worthwhile attention. One of the most unmistakable ways to recognize a pseudo-Satanist is that they commonly make a self-initiated claim to the position of "Priest", "Magister" or "Magus" long before the subject is suited or capable of handling such a role. These labels represent a high-rank within our meritocracy, and they cannot be misused. The pseudo-Satanist will aspire to this position usually without any experience, credentials, reputation or talent. A real Satanist doesn't concern himself with becoming a Priest. A real Satanist pursues happiness and success, and if they are fortunate enough to be ordained by the Church of Satan, then so be it. Other wise, there are many other achievements to aspire to in life and Satanists in various occupations are just as respected for their own victories. The Church of Satan was, is, and will always be the first above-ground organization ever established in the name of a religion called Satanism. It is advisable to check with any resources or persons what their feelings are for the Church of Satan and the work of Anton LaVey before accepting their authority. There is more inaccurate information on the internet, and in other resources, about Satanism than there is accurate information, and that is probably going to remain a reality for a while, until real Satanists have achieved enough momentum to overpower the reign of falsities, as we most certainly will. Since we let everyone stand or fall on their own merit, we don't get directly in their way. However, we do not tolerate unqualified, self-ordained spokespersons and never will, so this information is an important way of filtering them out. Real Satanists will never become the majority. This is not a world with many leaders and only a couple of followers. Nature's ineffable logic has never made it that way for quite valid reasons. The principles of the Satanic Bible, and the Satanic movement of the Church of Satan DO NOT condone: neo-nazism, racism, child sacrifice, animal sacrifice, child molestation, mandatory sex orgies, kidnapping, or illegal drugs. All of these things either consist of or are in themselves exemplatory of compulsive, irrational behavior which is not desirable for the healthy lifestyle of Satanism. Let Christians who don't know what to do with themselves out of abnormal self-denial and neurosis abuse their altar boys - we don't need them anymore! Church of Satan: PO Box 210666 San Francisco, CA 94121 If you would like to recieve an official information packet on our Church of Satan outpost in Connecticut, (AKA Church of Tiamat) or if you have questions, write to: Curtis M. LeBlanc [zdervish@gnn.com] PO Box 3184 Newtown, CT 06470 _________________________________________________________________ EOF