Rasputin

    The Russian "starets," or "holy man," Grigory Efimovich Rasputin, has long been maligned by the likes of Disney film makers, hack-historians, and others in the media since the fall of the last Russian monarchy.

     Accused of cursing the royal family, the remains of the female monarchs were actually dug-up several decades later ornamented with lockets which featured the picture of their spiritual leader: Rasputin!

     There are many reports, some even allegedly made by at least one of his own daughters, that Rasputin engaged in heretical -- if not overtly "Satanic" -- religious activities.

     Nevertheless, Rasputin, despite his "healing powers" and reported clairvoyance taught from the teachings of Christianity...modified. Believing that man must first sin to be forgiven and that man as an animal is most apt to sin of the flesh, he espoused a doctrine of pro-sexual and even orgiastic behavior -- conduct which was to later be repented for.

     It may be interesting to note that Rasputin was acknowledged in the original printing of Anton LaVey's book, The Satanic Bible.

For a fairly accurate historical portrayal of events woven into good cinema, view HBO's RASPUTIN:
Dark Servant of Destiny.

Featuring Alan Rickman in the title role, the Los Angeles Times review said it was:
"worth its weight in gold."