I think you brought across your point well, I'm just afraid people might misunderstand your post due to the labels put on Satanism versus what the true intent of it is.

Anton LaVey merely named his following Satanism for the reasons of drawing attention to it and making it immediately known that it was an antithesis of Christianity.

The original intent of Satanism, however, isn't to worship "the dark lord." Satanism was created as a means of gathering people who realized the hypocrisies of the Christian religion into one group, so they could expand their philosophies and enlighten people who were being oppressed by the religion.

Unlike you, I don't readily embrace Satanism, mainly for the reason that I don't agree with what it's become. I think the idea, however, was originally a noble one at that.

Unfortunately, something so controversial with a possible backbone of truth is rarely easily embraced by the masses. Over time, it's become something it wasn't meant to be. But I suppose the same has happened to Christianity, as well.

I think, if nothing else, Satanism is a great grounds for discussion.

If you know, I'm interested in hearing what Aliester Crowly's original philosophies were. I'm wondering how well LaVey sustained Crowly's beliefs.

Thanks.