Satanism

Followers of Satan existed long before Christ. Modern Satanists however, bear little resemblance to the myths of the early Satan worshipers, they and their philosophies are closer kin to pagans and atheists than they are to the baby-mutilating goblins of popular lore.

Satanism as a modern organized religion did not exist before 1966. In that year, Anton LaVey and several of his associates organized a religion based on the principles expressed in the many stories of Satan, God's nemesis. In 1967 LaVey published a book, The Satanic Bible, and the Church of Satan was born.

Modern Satanism is a somewhat broad term used to describe all of the sects of Satanism. In reality, Satanism is a religion made up of many different churches and philosophies. The Church of Satan and the Temple of Set are the two largest branches. Many of these churches or orders are at odds with one another over differences in belief and practice.

Their main beliefs are outlined in the "Nine Satanic Statements" from The Satanic Bible, and the "Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth".