Most people heard about this little book and most people also have an opinion about it, but how many actually read it? Well, quite a lot, that’s for sure and that’s becoming more and more as well, because it’s actually quite well obtainable nowadays. I -for example- got my copy in a new-age shop in my hometown.
“The Satanic Bible” is divided in four parts:
1. (fire) -Book Of Satan- the infernal diatribe
2. (air) -Book Of Lucifer- the enlightenment
3. (earth) -Book Of Belial- the mastery of the earth
4. (water) -Book Of Leviathan- the raging sea
After an introduction, a preface, the book opens with The Nine Satanic Statements which are as follows:
1. Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence!
2. Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual pipedreams!
3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom instead of hypocritical self-deceit!
4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates!
5. Satan represents vengeance instead of turning the other cheek!
6. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires!
7. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of this “divine spiritual and intellectual development,” has become the most vicious animal of all!
8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification!
9. Satan has been the best friend the church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years!
These statements actually explain the book quite well and they already show that the philosophy of LaVey is more (self)humanitarian than anti-Christian or (worse) the typical way that people think Satanism is (the medieval view).
The Book of Satan is actually written by Redbeard and it isn’t the most lucky opener for a book that was supposed to deal with the usual prejudices against Satanism, since it’s of a very anti-Christian nature.
The other books are of the hand of LaVey himself and deal with subjects such as ‘satanic sex’, ‘love and hate’, ‘satanic holidays’ and ‘the black mass’ (Book of Lucifer), which are quite provocative subjects, but really not very provocative when you read what LaVey actually has to say about the subject. Nothing against the will of the other, everything on equallity and with the most care for animals and children (who are best left out of any Satanic activity.
The ‘Book of Belial’ deals with Satanic rituals.
The ‘Book of Leviathan’ with ‘Satanic lifestyle’ so to say. It ends with the famous and often quoted ’19 Enochian keys’.
The writing style of LaVey is very light and simple. He has a great sence of humour and a brilliant way of describing what he means (for example the ‘psychic vampires’). Reading the ‘Satanic Bible’ will wipe away most of your prejudices. It may not be all that groundbreaking, but LaVey sure had some points and original ideas about certain subject. And since the book isn’t very expensive, it’s a nice thing to read on a rainy sunday-afternoon. -3/10/00-
good review…
this book was also thrown together in an attempt to save a publishing company