Contemporary Religious Satanism: A Critical Anthology

The Church of Satan was founded by Anton LaVey on April 30, 1966. In his hands, Satan became a provocative symbol for indulgence, vital existence, natural wisdom and the human being's 'true' animal nature. Because of its iconoclasm, Satanism has always held particular appeal for rebellious adolescents. At present, religious Satanism exists primarily as a decentralized subculture with a strong internet presence. Though inspired by LaVey, the great majority of contemporary Satanists are not members of the Church of Satan.Despite the fascinating nature of religious Satanism, it has attracted little scholarship until relatively recently. This book brings together a group of international scholars to produce the first serious book-length study of religious Satanism, presenting a collection that will have wide appeal to specialists and non-specialists alike.