Over the past couple years, I have met a vast array of "Satanists" lurking about on the Internet. Many of them are very well intentioned... they've done their homework, and understand most Satanic tenets. But, I've also noticed something about some of them. They often cannot see the forest for the trees, so to speak.

So, lets bring in an archetypal example (any resemblance to anyone is unintentional). Joe has discovered Satanism. He read all of Dr. LaVey's literature, thinks he's a pretty swell guy, and proceeds to march about the Internet professing his undying belief and faith in Dr. LaVey's philosophy. Joe is very well intentioned, however, like many others he fails to question WHY these beliefs exist. He just knows that this swell guy LaVey wrote them, and they make sense at face value, so he should go around upholding them. Take for example "Death to the weakling, wealth to the strong!" Many Joes take this great phrase from the Book of Satan, and wield it around chat rooms and message boards, often for shock value. Did he ever stop and consider what it truly embodies? It isn't meant to be taken literally, it is a proclamation that explains an entire perspective the Satanist has of the world.

Another example that inspired this post was the former post on the subject of charity and volunteering. A lot of "Satanists" would sneer at the subject of charity. This is all well and fine, BUT, one should consider why the Satanist would do this. It isn't because Dr. LaVey "ordered" us to, it's because he had a very specific reason in mind. To allow yourself to become victim to guilt and obligatory feelings bestowed upon you by charitable organizations makes you just that: a victim. It takes the strings out of your hands, and lets them have easier access to the money. HOWEVER, if you feel you wish to contribute to an animal shelter, organization against child abuse, neglect, hunger, etc., you should be able to make that decision on your own, NOT because you feel guilty, and NOT because you take "death to the weakling" literally. The beauty of LaVey's literature is that all the points he makes intertwine with a foundation that has very specific reasons for being the way they are. Please take the time to understand that foundation, and keep it in mind always, especially when presenting Satanic thoughts, perspectives, and beliefs.

Don't let yourself become blind; a Satanist at only face value. Don't forget to question... if you don't understand why you uphold a specific belief, ask yourself WHY. If you get an answer you don't like, change that answer, or change the belief! There's nothing worse than a stale Satanist, or someone who thinks they're a Satanist but really only wanted a subscription to the title.