Cults, Churches and Organizations that deserve the label "Evil"...

[Eric T. Schuetz]

Ok, so we are Satanists. We are labeled by the media as the evil and vile people that revel in disdain and abhorrence. We are the reason why the world is so horrible. Well, as a Satanist, I know that is a load of bullshit. I know that Satanists are NOT the reason for the worlds woes. We are perhaps the smartest, most enlightened, group of individuals on this planet...minus a few.

However, what groups and religious followings are "evil", and fit the bill of what I said? What would classify these groups as evil and abhorrent?

Well, there are many different criteria we could ramble off all day. Some based on personal opinion, while others are based on statistical facts. Many cases, it boils down to personal feelings and views.

One such religious following that many of our own ranks tend to point the finger at is Christians. We blame them for the problems of the world because of their short sightedness and cherished ignorance. However, I find this group as harmless as a kitten. Certainly, it has its claws and sharp teeth, but they do nothing more than leave scratch and teeth marks after the dust settles. Something we can quite easily walk away from.

"What about the various cults that pop up that use biblical scripture as their weapon that kills people, either through hate crimes, or silly death rituals?" Easily recoverable. These groups are shunned by not only the intelligent, but their own Christian ranks. They are seen as fundamentalist radicals, and are quickly disposed of. Quickly may not mean short term time limits, but perhaps months to a matter of just a couple years. That is actually relatively quick, when you consider how long most main stream religions have existed.

What makes a group of believers of any religion truly dangerous is when they are able to operate on a daily basis without intervention. When they not only operate in broad day light, but under covers of illusion and pack mentality. When their very doctrines are openly viewable to the world, and are simply swept aside as "Harmless and ridiculous." That is how Christianity was able to boom. It was treated as ridiculous. Sure, they hunted them down, but within their own doctrines, they were treated as martyrs. Definitely the wrong way to deal with such a group.

The one true group of religious nutbags that I declare truly dangerous and evil is those of Scientology. Their actions are scrupulous, menacing and devious. Look at various police records. Read their doctrines. Look at the various celebrity nut jobs that go on tv and preach about how grand Scientology is.

Scientology as a name is an oxymoron. Not one ounce of Scientology is based on Science. They believe in some kind of Alien Spirit trying to invade our bodies. Our own bodies are but shells, or vessels, to another alien spirit. They have machines that do nothing, but claim to cleanse the area of these evil alien spirits. They use malicious tactics to gain supporters and indoctrinate new members.

These loony bin escapee's make the worse Christian Fundamentalists look tame on their worst days.

Your thoughts? Do you disagree with me? What group of religious oddities do you feel are evil?

[Leo-Gonzo Satanist]

Had a brush with Scientology when I was a teen. Saw thier bullshit a mile away.I have successfully purged religion from my life over the years. My feelings are that if I can apply critical thinking to religion, so can everyone else. If they choose not to, the hell with them. It's really not that hard once you get the ball rolling. All religion will unravel under critical thought.People are just too mentally lazy or afraid. Hence I have absolutely no sympathy for the herd whatsoever.
To your point, What religions are evil? Each and every one that has an unquestionable authority. Islam, Funamental Christianity, Roman Catholicism, Scientology and right down to the Church of Satan. Anyone that is the "vanguard of the truth". Therein lies the evil.

[Eric T. Schuetz]

Amen brother. A-fuckin-men. Oh so well put.

[Mitokht]

Scientology? They are no more crazy than any other groups of religious nuts. There is something much more evil in the world. . .

Satanists.

That's right.

It seems that being perceived as the "bad guy", when there are other religions that truly are destructive to nature and human beings, is somehow unfair to you. There seems to be a lot of that on this site, ironically - wanting the bad-guy label and yet, never wanting to be seen as "evil" by anyone. I would have to ask, "what the fuck is the point?"

This is simply an observation. I'm not attacking anyone's anxieties.

In my opinion, embracing the essence of the Adversary within oneself is fundamentally where a Satanist begins. I couldn't even begin to understand why any Satanist would think that they have been short changed because of being labeled "evil". That is exactly the reason "Satan" is used, as a metaphorical representation of the Nature of this religion.

Personally, I use the "evil" concept as a tool. I have a lot of fun with it, and take pride in being labeled "evil", by anyone, while getting the respect - and occasionally fear - I deserve from many of those around me. I get what I want through being what I am. Ya know, a Satanist(!).

I see a lot of people who have an interest in Satanism getting concerned when they come to a point of taking the responsibility that comes with the title. To them, I might suggest learning to revel in it, keeping it a secret, or find something new.

As for answering the question, any group of human beings is potentially dangerous on one level or another. When humans herd, it's people who think, not persons.

But people are stupid, and sometimes, the individual is not. Again, Satanism, Satanists, are the most dangerous and evil of all people and religions on the planet. They may not be the cause of all the worlds troubles, but they demand to be scapegoated for it by the title they have taken.

By it's Antinomian Nature, it deserves and demands that title. Any Satanist should know this well.

[Eric T. Schuetz]

Satanism is not about being a scapegoat for anyone. Especially for the self. It seems that your post suggests that you have "given in" to what you have been deemed. Because I personally do not allow others to think for me, and that I pose as an adversary to various ideals and beliefs, does NOT make me "Evil".

By what you stated, you make it sound that thinking for yourself, standing up for yourself, loving/hating opening and freely without restraint, and that just simply beating your own path is "Evil". How is this evil? These traits are what signify greatness. This is the very path many great people through history have done. Yes, some can be seen as "evil", but just as many "good". It is all in how you act.\

I am also insulted at you insinuated that I am a dangerous and evil person. Certainly, I do agree to some extent that Satanism as a whole poses a threat to many religious and philosophical stand points, but will never be considered "dangerous".

I think I will make another post for what I want to go on in regards to this thread....
My initial post may have come off as a "pointing the finger", but more on the lines of point out Scientology. Now, I know that they are old news, but has anyone really looked into them?

[Mitokht]

Fair enough Eric. Allow me to elaborate on what I've said.

To the status quo, the people in power who want all people in line, to old concepts of morality and values, the Satanist/Satanism is very dangerous. Considering that they keep this circus of humanity going in this direction on those things that Satanism opposes, it is dangerous. To varying degrees between individuals, but nevertheless, dangerous.

As for you being a dangerous and 'evil' person, I really don't believe that you are (laughs). In fact, you seem to be a light hearted type of guy who means well. There's nothing wrong with that in my book. I should have been more clear on my point (I didn't have my coffee yet this morning when I posted).

When I said "Satanism, Satanists, are the most dangerous and evil of all people and religions on the planet" I said that because that is the way most people think. Keep in mind what evil is. . .

"Evil" is a subjective term that anyone can use to describe something they don't like. Because of that, because of what most people believe and think, I often find most (but not all) "evil" things to be wonderful. I take what they (RHP) say, and use it against them individually in many ways. I take the poker cards they deal us and win by playing a different game by my own rules. If I'm evil in their eyes, that's fine with me - I honestly prefer it as it is more often than not conducive to my ends. I'm not out to make friends everywhere I go. I prefer them to be my enemy because everything they consider moral, and most of the values they hold up as good, I see as destructive and extremely life hating - what I might actually call evil, were I to use that word in a negative way. That, and enemies can be, when used properly, much more useful than most "friends". (There's that Adversary concept at work again).

As for the scapegoat thing, there's nothing wrong with standing up for yourself if you are wrongly accused of anything personally. I wouldn't stand for it, unless I was enjoying myself or getting something I wanted out of it. However, I understand "Satan" taking blame collectively a bit differently. There is power in that, being the Devil as it were. I never "gave in" to anything but my desires in a constructive and creative manor, I embraced Satanism out of logic and love of life, no one ever put any label on me I simply accepted. I'm not that weak spirited.

I embraced it, and in doing so found a strength with in myself - as I'm sure others have - beyond anything I'd ever known possible. I think we simply have different understandings on this point. LaVey has explained the importance of "evil" and the concept of the Adversary in his works. Understanding the function and nature of "Evil" is par for the course.

As for Scientology, I'm sorry to say, I just don't give a damn about them.

I hope you can appreciate my honesty.

[Leo-Gonzo Satanist]

Perceived as evil yes. Actually evil, no. If you choose to use the term as window dressing for the sake of Lesser Black Magick, fine. That's your choice and you have every right to do so.
I on the other hand use a common understanding of evil as a key to unlock history and current events to show folks how especially the Abrahamic religions have unleashed evil on the world throughout history right up to today. That's how I prefer to use evil as a tool.

[Mitokht]

I think all magic is black - meaning of a dark nature, the hidden, occult - regardless of it's intentions. This goes back to the "good and evil" mentality. I stand firmly beyond the idea of "good and evil". I call magic "black" simply because, as of yet, it cannot be fully explained (this does not include stage magic). It's in the dark. And darn it all, many call it (witchcraft, sorcery, etc.) "evil".

Perhaps you missed that "good" and "evil" are subjective words?

Evil is what one does NOT like. Good is what one DOES like. I think you know it.

If I am wrong, (and it's happened before :-), then please explain what really is "Actually evil". . .

The answer you, myself, or anyone might give is subjective to their own personal views. EVIL and GOOD are not universal ideas for all human beings. Are they?

The simplicity of this fact makes any discussion regarding it from one persons subjective viewpoint absolutely pointless considering, if one might, the point I assumed I had made in my previous post in response to Mr. Schuetz?

As Satanism is a religion that seeks "Undefiled Wisdom", I hope that my objective point will not be disregarded under subjective views of personal taste of morality and values. Objectivity is paramount to understanding.

It is indeed an open forum, however, a bit of finesse might go a bit further. . .

[Leo-Gonzo Satanist]

I have a very clear definition of Evil: Any deliberate harm placed on anybody or any enviorment for reasons other than preservation of self or loved ones. Yeah, I know, that's me but truth be told that pretty much sums it up.
Our philosophy although having the appearence of "Evil" in a Vincent Price movie kind of way to the masses is anything but.It does call into question the "sacred cows" of society making it threatening. So a (healthy) threat yes, evil no.

[Mitokht]

Thank you for clearing that up for me.

[Andrew]

Oh for Hell's sake.

I've been away from this site for a long while, and frankly pieces like this are the reason why.

Did everybody just fall asleep the day LaVey discussed the "Goodguy Badge" in class? There is absolutely nothing wrong with being labeled "evil." Think about it, people. "Normal" people can laugh at the whacky Wiccans. They can scratch their heads over ceremonial magicians. But ladies and gentlemen, they shit their motherfucking pants when the Satanists come knocking.

Come one, seriously. Think about this. Someone says to the average Joe, "I worship the Great Goddess," or "I follow Ra Hoor Khuit," and they get no reaction or worse--laughed at. But if you say "I am a Satanist," or "I worship the Devil," suddenly they get emotional. Beelzebub has name brand recognition, kiddies. This is Lesser freakin' Magic to the Nth degree.

Scientology is not evil, it's just stupid. Christianity is not "evil." It's just hypocritical. I am a professor of religions--that's my day job--and believe me, used properly being a Satanist gets you currency. I have been in rooms where "alternative religions" are being discussed. The Wiccans get ignored when I am there. Why? Who the fuck cares about Goddess worship when a Satanist is in the room? We push the buttons, we get the ATTENTION. That is the key of Lesser Magic. It is our greatest asset.

The day Satanists are "accepted" by the herd is the day I turn in my membership card.

Some of us, children, know the power of being "bad."

[Eric T. Schuetz]

What my issue here is the fact of the level of ignorance anyone can go around and believe that flashing the "I am more evil than anyone you know" card has some significance. Well, it does. It paints a larger bulls eye on their chest than what was already there.

I won't go into much detail as I feel I made a large enough point in regards to my Fear and Respect thread.

[Eric T. Schuetz]

Well, this has turned a bit heated. I see the return of Andrew in all his vibrant exuberance.

The big issue I am having with this is that people are not necessarily "embracing" evil, but wearing the evil badge. So does the Evil Guy Badge better than the Good Guy Badge? It is the same damned thing, just upside down, turn slightly to the left, and not as polished. Whoohoo!

What I don't like seeing is Satanists being Satanists for the sake of being Satanists. What goal does that provide? What means does it give? What path does it provide the individual? To be a Satanist for the sake of being one is unfulfilling, and will not last long.

So you are seen as "Evil"...so what? Now people will think of you when they hear about some evil Satanist on the news. Have fun with the police knocking on your door.

Now, granted, when the wiccan's don't get the attention, that is a good thing, er....evil thing. Uh, good evil thing? Evil good thing? Fuck it...it is just better that they don't get that much attention. Like giving an annoying kid in the mall attention for being a little brat.