Church of Satan

The Church of Satan is an organization that promotes Satanism as strictly defined by The Satanic Bible, written in 1969 by Anton Szandor LaVey. It draws its name from the Islamic-Christian concept of Satan, and claims that every individual can be his or her own god and is responsible for his or her own destiny. ("Satan" in their usage denotes a and rather than a anthropomorphic deity.) People who follow this belief system are called "Satanists".

Related Topics:
Satanism - The Satanic Bible - 1969 - Anton Szandor LaVey - Islam - Christian - Satan - God - Destiny - Anthropomorphic - Deity

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It was established in San Francisco on Walpurgisnacht, 1966 by Anton Szandor LaVey, who was the Church's High Priest until his death in 1997.

Related Topics:
San Francisco - Walpurgisnacht - 1966 - High Priest - 1997

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The Church of Satan does not have or desire tax-exempt status. As part of what it refers to as Pentagonal Revisionism the Church of Satan is actively working towards taxation of all churches, and tries to put forth a policy of "responsibility to the responsible". It neither solicits membership nor offers a set course of degrees. Individuals seeking membership must be legally defined as adults by the laws of their nation of residence. The only exception made is for children of members who demonstrate an understanding of the Church philosophy and practices who wish to join. Their participation is limited until they reach legal adulthood. Members are instructed to follow the laws and statutes of their country and municipality.

Related Topics:
Tax-exempt - Pentagonal Revisionism - Church

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After the death of Anton Szandor LaVey, his position as head of the Church of Satan passed on to his common law wife, Blanche Barton. To this day, Barton remains involved in the Church; however, in 2001 she ceded her position to long-time members Peter H. Gilmore and Peggy Nadramia, the current High Priest and High Priestess who also publish The Black Flame, the official magazine of The Church of Satan. The Central Office of the Church of Satan has also moved from San Francisco to New York City's "Hell's Kitchen" neighborhood, where the couple resides. The Church of Satan does not recognize any other organizations as holding legitimate claim to Satanism and its practice, though it does recognize that one need not be a member of the Church of Satan to be a Satanist.

Related Topics:
Common law - Wife - Blanche Barton - 2001 - Peter H. Gilmore - Peggy Nadramia - San Francisco - New York City - Hell's Kitchen

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Many famous figures have at one time or another been associated with the Church of Satan, including; Jayne Mansfield, Sammy Davis Jr., King Diamond, Marilyn Manson, Boyd Rice, Marc Almond, Alkaline Trio vocalist Matt Skiba, professional wrestler Balls Mahoney, and journalist Michael Moynihan and the artist Coop. As the Church of Satan does not publicly release membership information, it is not known how many members belong to the Church.

Related Topics:
Jayne Mansfield - Sammy Davis Jr. - King Diamond - Marilyn Manson - Boyd Rice - Marc Almond - Alkaline Trio - Matt Skiba - Professional wrestler - Balls Mahoney - Journalist - Michael Moynihan

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