She already answered this

i only read page 4, quote please

for fg ok

she specified what satanism is about, didn't say anything about the devil, so why is it actually called satanism?

I already explained this earlier in the thread. There is no connection with the devil except in his symbolism as an opposer of the law of religious doctrine. He is a symbol of free thinking and worldly pleasure. It's also a part of the drama that comes with the rituals and the philosophy. Satanists won't deny being sensationalist or dramatic. After all it's nice to live in a fantasy - that's why organised religion is so attractive. But they recognise their rituals as just that - fantasies. Acting out our frustrations during a ritual in a dramatic setting is an effective way to release and deal with pent up emotions without physically harming anyone.

how long ago did it start? in which region?

Modern Satanism began in the US with the philosophy of Anton Szandor LaVey. Officially the Church of Satanism was founded in April 1966 by LaVey. I believe he was in San Francisco at the time... though I may be wrong.

This post was edited by Vivienne on Jun 23 2013 01:41pm

image googling 'satanism' brings up dark and scary images
was your church dark and scary?

I guess my question is, what is the point of it? If it teaches there is no higher power, then it's all knowledge accessible intuitively to the common man. Plainly, it's a bunch of ideas you could figure out or come to on your own. It doesn't seem to really offer anything. Unless is it primarily a social thing? Or like... a big club basically? If this is the case, is the group better organized than it seems to be? It would seem odd to have a social club where the members are all secretive, but I never hear anything about satanist rallies or anything.

What percent is theatrics as opposed to actually believing in "Satan" and rituals having actual supernatural powers?