Satanism

Satanism (also called Satanismadda) is a general term describing movements, groups, and individuals who use the name or symbol of Satan. The term does not refer to a single unified organization. There are two major categories: one atheistic (which does not believe in Satan as a real person) and uses Satan to symbolize personal freedom and opposition to the authority of organized religion, and one theistic, which believes in the existence of a being or power to be worshipped.

Throughout history, the term "Satanism" has been used by religious groups to accuse those who differ from them. For this reason, many early reports of "worship of Satan" were unverified accusations rather than accounts from the groups themselves. The distinction between accusation and self-identified practice is important when analyzing this subject.

Atheistic Satanism

This category does not accept Satan as a real being, but sees him as a symbol representing personal freedom, the desire to live, and rejection of religious morality. Groups of this kind generally emphasize rational thought, self-advancement, and humanist principles. Generally they distance themselves from anything considered harmful or damaging to people and animals.

Theistic Satanism

Groups in this category believe that Satan is a real being or power that can be worshipped or worked with. It is a small and varied category with no single text or shared leadership. Some combine it with other spiritual beliefs, while others have their own specific practices.

Views of major religions

Islam, Christianity, and Judaism view Satan as an enemy of humanity and divinity. In Islam, worshipping anything other than God is idolatry, with Satan being something to be protected from and to seek refuge in God against. For this reason, all these religions reject Satanism in all its forms.