What has Satanism Done for You?…

by Warlock Robert Leuthold
an article for The Black Flame—June, LI A.S.

Detractors of legitimate Satanism like to pose this question quite frequently. This is seen usually in online forums or other ways of electronic communication, after it’s been seen that their “Devil Fandom” doesn’t fly. Satanism as codified by Anton LaVey, as well as the Church of Satan’s membership, only does what you allow it to do. Allow me to clarify this concept quite bluntly. And, though I am a Warlock, I do not claim to speak for my church’s administration or priesthood—only myself.

You get out of Satanism (and optional Church of Satan membership), what you put into it. If you read The Satanic Bible expecting it to be some sort of arcane grimoire worthy of a classic Hammer Studios horror film, or a manifestation of hokey Death or Black Metal lyrics, you will be sorely disappointed. Satanism, as has been said many times over, champions rationality and individuality, coupled with a total acceptance of the carnal nature of the human animal. And it challenges Satanists to be responsible for their lives.  

As my twentieth year of openly living as a Satanist approaches, I can tell you that Satanism simply enhances the life I already live—it is not my life, nor my identity. I doubt the seventeen year old kid I was would have been able to fathom what would happen about seventeen years later when I got my crimson card, or even before that the long-standing legitimate friendships I would find in other outcasts such as myself, who are also “Not Like Most.” I have earned my wisdom and companions through experience.

I have accomplished many things, and I have stood behind the—as a friend calls it—“brain trust” that is the Church of Satan at all times. The insane and shit disturbers will come and go while the true Satanists will endure. Sure, I’ve done things I am extremely proud of, but to list them would almost make it seem as though I was living on past glories. I’m living my life, progressing with my goals—and very proud.

What has Satanism done for me? Exceeded the expectations I had when I took the name of Satanist all those years ago. The Black Flame burns ever brighter within me to this day.

—Warlock Robert Leuthold