Can an atheist be a Satanist. Explain?
612987
The two are mutually exclusive.  Atheism means not believing in an gods or deities.  Satanism (the Christian view) is believing in both God and the devil, and worshiping the latter.  If you're talking about the nutty Church of Satan people, its sort of a grey area.  They believe in evil, sometimes in the form of the devil, but not in God.  But there only a dozen or so of those guys.
1134059
If someone decides he or she is an atheist, is there anything else to do? Meetings? An initiation? If you don't follow the atheist rules can the others kick you out of the club? Disinterest in religion would mean interest in atheism.
841294
Did a quick search by asking what each term meant; Neo-Paganism refers to Paganism-many gods as the Greek with the top god being Zeus and too the Germanic Paganism with gods such as Thor-it is non-christian and mostly occurred befoe Chrisitanity was formed  but todays practicing Wiccas are considered Neo-Paganists for give all the importance to the earth,magic spells and so forth with No Deity(god)as the leader.The worship of trees,thunder-the sun,moon -all are neo-paganism.   A atheist is also a neo-pagan and not a satanist for atheists deny God and Satan.    A Satanist believes that every person can achieve being a god and Satan is a symbolic tool,symbolic actions  but  not looked on as being one real  person  I was able to understand neo-paganism but had some difficulty understanding the principles behind satanism Go to www.en.wikipedia.org and maybe it'll make more sense to you-all I know I have a healthy fear of it and astay away from it and anyone associated from it. Neo-paganism  is more understandable and not threatening(as Satanism clearly is) but simply early man's search,attempts to explain that mere man could not possibly have created this wonderful world that there were powerful and mighty forces that shaped,created and keep things running smoothly. Of course these gods of old also had to be pacified and often toyed with mankind-why human sacrifice and so forth was done-if there was drought or famine  and other tragedies-it was a punishment from the gods,they were somehow displeased and  sacrifice was done to get mankind back into their favor.  And all I have to do is put some money in the offering on Sundays.
310829
It's mainly because Satanists really don't care much about converting.  LaVey never said to actively convert others.  I've had many conversations with Satanists and none of them have ever included the word "convert."  \n\nI wouldn't try, it's simply not worth the hastle.  If it's right for you, it's right for you.  That's pretty much what Satanism is all about to begin with.\n\nOh, and aren't you happy we have such loving, wonderful people here who call us stupid on a continual basis?  There's love and acceptance for you.
751002
Do mean the Church of Satan?  If so, then they believe that God and Satan do not exist.  That may sound odd, but there's a reason for LaVey's decision when he formed the Church of Satan.\n\nThe Church of Satan was not established to worship Satan but to oppose the Christian church.  In fact, since Satan is the Hebrew word for "adversary," LaVey took this name to describe his role in opposing the Christian church.\n\nWhile Christianity (the nice kind) preaches unconditional love and turning the other cheek, the Satanic Bible teaches that only those who earn your love deserve it and that you should let your enemy know that you will not tolerate his incursions.  \n\nNow, as for people who really worship Satan…I'm not sure those people exist.  There are cultists who may claim to worship dark powers, but I think most of those are simply posing.   After all, if you honestly believed in a lord of lies in contrast to a benevolent god, how could you actually worship the lord of lies?  If you believe in Satan, then you have to believe in God.  And belief in Satan means that you know what the afterlife has in store for you if you serve Satan.  No sane person would take that option.  \n\nSo, I doubt you'll get any responses from Satan-worshipers.  At least, not Christian Satanists.
904394
So, from some of YOUR questions, I assume you're a politician, a cartoon (well, at least your avatar is) a homosexual and a philosopher, right? I mean, you posted in all of those categories...\n\nAnyway, atheists don't believe in god, and atheism is not a religion. But we do believe in religions (i.e.: in the fact that they exist, and are here for a particular purpose which some of us don't like). So, on top of being manipulated by churches, we ALSO have to endure it quietly? I DO NOT THINK SO.\n\nBTW, he IS imaginary.
258828
I just wanted to say Yay to the previous poster pointing out the truth on Satanists. I am also not a Satanists, but read up on it. It is misunderstood beyond belief. I wanted to post something similar myself, but they handled it. \n\nHowever, I will add I was also wondering if you meant a true Satanist, or possibly a pagan religion since I know most Christians consider those evil as well. In which case, I also say learn more about it before you judge. Stop being so judgemental and learn about what your husband is doing. Doesn't mean you have to convert or going to hell just because you find out what interests your husband. \n\nFrom another view point though, is he practicing true Satanism where he does not practice animal sacrificing or such? Or is he just calling himself that and honestly being stupid with it, like playing with dark magic, talking about killing, drinking blood, etc. You know the stereotypical Satanist activities that they don't really do? Some ignorant people do that still and call themselves Satanist. In that case, I would say he is an idiot and possibly consider getting him help or leaving personally and I am not even a Christian because, yes, I still have morals and I find it disturbing. But again, these people are NOT true Satanists anyway, they are just using the name because they are ignorant and uninformed. \n\nIn all honesty, it comes down to how you feel. If after trying to work through this, it just does not work, and it upsets you to the point of giving you problems, then why stay? Even though it is nothing you should worry about, your comfort in life is still important. I hope your husband could respect it enough to help you through this, and not push it into your face, but if he doesn't, then that is a reason to leave all on its own. He should respect you and take it slow, letting you learn that he is not turning evil on you. But it all comes down to whether or not this is something you can live with. I always say that as long as you love the person, any problem can be worked through if you try. Once the love is gone, that is the only time you should give up.\n\nI could seriously write a book on this stuff LOL Sorry, I just love learning about all religions.
728372
Yes, you would. There are other Satanists on here who do.
582817
Satan doesn't exist, therefore he cannot be chained in heaven, nor can he be loose on earth.  Sorry to disillusion you.
963157
I'm not a Satanist, but I know a little about the Church of Satan (LaVey's group).\n\nThe Satanic Bible teaches that all men (and women) are their own gods.  Since you are a god, there can be no greater holiday than your own birthday!  They also celebrate the various solstices and equinoxes (or, actually, holidays related to them).  Hallowe'en (October 31) and Walpurgisnacht (April 30) are the two biggies here.\nSatan does not exist per se.  They believe in worshipping the flesh and its desires.  Since the churches have always attacked them, and exist to keep power in the hands of priests, they worship the enemy of the church, Satan.\n\nYes, they have "churches" (there used to be one in San Francisco at one time, I assume it is still there).  \n\nWebsite of the official church below.  Enjoy your quest!
1014340
"Mainstream Satanism is more or less a philosophy than a religion. It is believing in being your own god of sorts, of going out and changing the world yourself rather than waiting for spiritual aid or instruction. "\n\nThis is exactly what humanity MUST do if it is to come out of the intellectual darkness of religion--however, I see no need to attach the label of "Satanism" to it (yet another non-existent deity), when "humanism" works just fine.  There is no invisible, all-powerful deity who will hear humanity's pathetic prayers and solve all our problems for us. If the world is to be improved, it will be improved through the efforts of HUMANS, not GODS.  \n\nWe have historical evidence for this. It is people, not God, who developed the medical profession to where it is today. In times past, people died of many diseases that we can now treat, cure, or at least curtail--influenza, polio, smallpox, cancer, heart attack, strokes, malaria, chicken pox, mumps, measles, etc.  God never cured or eliminated a single disease and never responded to a single prayer, but when HUMANS began developing cures, improving sanitation, and figuring out the causes of illnesses, then health began to improve for millions all over the world. This is just one example of the superiority of the intellectual mind over belief in an imaginary entity.
269865
don't worry. its actually satanist for people to say all these hurtful words.. god (regardless of your religion) don't teach ppl to talk bad about others. whatever you believe.. rest assured this, you don't do bad.. you don't go to hell. guess i won't be seeing you after i die.. tata.
375128
First off...Paganish, Wicca...they do not worship a devil.  They are a peaceful religion and a earth religion.  Everything is alive ans sacred.  Second.  The devil is a christan invention...they used that to convert thousands of pagans.\n\nHigh Magick is all ceremony and full of cr*p.  All you do is wave you freaking arm around and pretend it happened...\n\nYou know, after reading what you said...I would have thought you would know more...especially if you are practicing "High magick"....  But then again there are little kids out there thinking they know everything about everything and think that their form of "religion" is right even if they made it up and are fooling only themselves.\n\nBTW I practice Paganism...so don't think that you can fool me for one second.  You need to do research...or find a new website to base your beliefs on because the one you're using now is leading you on.
539167
Considering 'satan' is the xtians view of one of the pagan gods, sure, why not? It's a phony religion like all the others, just an excuse to be 'evil' and a need to worship something better than themselves due to the servile nature of humans.\n\nso there! :)
399928
Only according to the Christians. Therefore as an Atheist, I would be classed as a disciple of the Devil, which would be difficult because I don't believe in God or the Devil in the first place. So how can I be classed as something that I believe doesn't exist? Obviously the Christians are a bunch of f**king liars :)
639599
Let me take a moment to go on record as saying that the majority of the responses above more than adequately show the lack of respect and hypocracy that is rampant in the Christian community (see the "Why do Christian's Bash Everyone?" question, where everyone says "we don't bash - other's bash *us*!" mmhmm.)\n\nAnyways, Just to let you know I've seen a steady Satanist community over on beliefnet.  While I may not practice your beliefs (or the Christian's beliefs either) I do respect your right as an individual to believe and practice as you will, to whatever brings joy to your life.\n\nIf everyone could bring an ounce of compassion to thier lives, and perhaps act like civilized human beings (and not a torch wielding mob) the world would be a much safer and happier place.\n\nGood luck in your search :)
945911
Atheist is someone who doesn't believe in God, I have never heard the term anti-theist but I would imagine it is someone who believes in God, but is against God, a non-theist is probably the same as an atheist.