Yeah, I know. Heh heh.
It does happen. However, I wouldn't say many people are doing this. The percentage of people that prescribe to atheism or satanism itself is already so small, and the percentage of those atheists and or satanists who have jumped on board just because they want to look cool, I would suspect, has reached rather minimal margins. However, we can't be positive.

But, it does happen, and is apparent. Rather unfortunate. In the end though, I don't think I would go so far as to call either Atheism or Satanism a fad. Maybe Satanism, but definately not Atheism.

I don't people become athiest or satanist because they're jumping on some bandwagon. I think she means that some people do such things because they don't want to be tied down by rules. It's easier to confrom when you don't have rules.

Nu Metal isn't about Satanism you idiot.

Nu Metal is like, rapcore and the other Rock, Rap, Metal hybrid genre's.

Bands such as Linkin Park, would be under Nu Metal.

The bandwagon fallacy is also known as an appeal to popularity or the argument from popularity. The problem here is that neither Satanism nor Atheism is popular. Although she is right, people do sometimes delve into these circles to look "cool." I have met quite a few of them. I have also met those who have no idea what they are talking about and their intentions are highly dubious. However, I have never really met either a Satanist or an Atheist who seems to have simply become such because they do not want to be "tied down by rules." I think such an occurance is amazingly rare as well as a highly unsophisticated argument.

It seems like most believers think atheists are either contumacious, insane, crazy, or possessed by demons. Either way, they can't seem to take us that seriously in most cases. But, I guess alot of atheists don't take theists that seriously either... but, that may be because they think we are skeptical just because we "don't want to be tied down by rules."

Also, I don't exactly see how no rules make it easier to "conform?"
Isn't it exactly the other way around?
More rules, and the stricter the rules the more conformity?
Such as; "Dress this way. Act this way. Do this. Do that."

lol i think any satinist is a poseur. because at least christians, muslims,buddist etc. can say "oh i worship my god because he/she's done so many good things for me and the world and he/she is our creator,yada yada yada." what the hell can you say about satan? satan stands for evil, he's known for evil, so unless you like the evil stuff, what has he done for you? why is he worthy of your praise? sometimes i just think its like an excuse just to be different, or be a rebel because if ya dont wanna believe in a god wouldnt it just be easier to chill and be agnostic? sorry if im being harsh but ill call out anything that makes no sense. whether its christianity or satanism. and if its its about indulging one's self and crap, cant you just do that without having to worship anything? im just confused someone explain to me.

oh well have fun in hell, sounds like you'll have fun.

We're talking about modern LaVeyan Satanism. Or at least, I think so. In which case, no one is actually worshiping Satan or believes in a Satan as a real being. Satan is more of a metaphorical and sometimes satiricle symbol.

Also, Satan was once an Angel known as Lucifer (which means, pretty much, Bringer of Light). In some theologies Lucifer nearly had control and dominion over all of earth, including us. If you look at the whole thing, it's a power stuggle. Very political. They way I have always thought of it is that Satan and God are both fighting for your votes in a divine election of sorts. Now, don't judge too fast, you have only heard God's side of the story.

If Satan was real, I bet he would be a pretty groovy guy. Not anything like his egotistical meglomanic counterpart, God.

I've met people who no longer practice their religion faithfuly (or change religion) because they don't like the rules. But we're both using anecdotes here.



I think atheiests are misguided, but not crazy or posessed. Nor do I think all of those that do not believe in God are motivated by their disdain for His laws. But it's a motivation for some.



That's not conformity, that's obedience.

Having no rules makes it easy to do what others are doing because you are not barred from partaking in a certain activity.



Yet they do his will...

Just a few questions. Satanism is all about pleasing oneself right? What if you indulge yourself in a way that clashes with one of satanims rules? What is the point of Satanism? The way you put it, it seems just like a way to incite anger and rebel. Where do people who disobey the rules of satanism go when they die?




So where's the truth in satanism?



You're definitely joking here.

hm, thats dumb. being agnostic is easier.

i wonder what gets someone interested in that in the first place...

No religion is "easier" which is why there are so many different religions. People have different mindsets and whatever they think is fit for them, they'll choose as their religion. I'm more of the 'other' category because I don't like to be controlled by a single doctrine or rule. But back to Satanism, I agree with Satanists being poseurs, because it's not really a religion... and who would choose to be Satanist? Why isn't there a "Church" for Satanists because it would be bombed in a second and because they pretty much have nothing to practice. Satanists are just wanting to get attention, that's all.

People join up for alot of different reasons. However, it seems that the main reason may be that they dislike organized religon but still enjoy the company of "spiritualy" like-minded individuals.

And... agnosticism? Can we please not go there?




In most cases, sure.



Whoa. Way to do a 180.

First People have different "mindsets" now Satanists aren't those people, but poseurs? Hmmm. Alright?




Uhhhh? Yeah.
I don't exactly like Satanism, and I kind of think it is silly and needless, but you have no idea what you are talking about.
There are Satanist churches. They are called The Church of Satan. And, they do gather, and they do practice a great number of traditions designed to mock catholic faith.

And, they obviously aren't bombed in seconds?

i never really understood satanism, but i guess il state my opinion from what i know about it.
i think its kinda hypocritical in a way that satanists only believe in the devil and not god. if there is a devil, then there is a god. if there wasnt, why worship satan? and the same goes for every religon i guess.
i dont have a problem with satanism. believe in whatever you want, no one should judge you on it. tho when we see some person walking down the streets wearing all black and a bunch of chains and spikes we automatically think that they worship satan.

I have a friend who's Athiest, but he doesn't go showing off. He's pretty normal actually. And hot :P I do think Satanism is becoming a fad, though. Maybe some people do just want to stand out or rebel, but I think others are just fake.

Not possible, but I do want to get into a fair fist fight with Satan, in a octagonal cage, under MMA rules. Love to see him tap out.

I think if a person wants to worship Satan then it's there choice. I mean I wouldn't want to worship the ruler of everything evil but I was watching a documentary about Satinists and what it means to them. The satanists that they were interviewing said that to them Satanism is all about worshiping yourself and being free to do whatever u feel but they said it's like an alternative to worshiping god because when u worship god he's supposed to be to first priority and you have to live ur life dedicated to him and follow his rules else face eternal damnation.

I thought there was some logic to that but I would never worship the devil because well he's evil but I wouldn't treat someone badly just because of their religious preference. I mean it's their choice.

Basically what you said is like Jedi and Sith.

my opinion of satanism is, its scary to me. very scary. there. i said it.

im christian and i have nothing against buddhists satanists and other. i have friends of all.
being a satanist does not mean you do evil things. it just means that you do evil things. you just have different beliefs.

and look at this which i think is really really f**ked up
http://www.answers.com/satanist

and this:
http://www.answers.com/topic/list-of-satanists?method=22
they list a bunch of satanists like they have to be captured and notified to people.

[quote]
I've met people who no longer practice their religion faithfuly (or change religion) because they don't like the rules. But we're both using anecdotes here.[/quote]

True.

[quote]
That's not conformity, that's obedience.[/quote]

Main Entry: con·for·mi·ty
Pronunciation: k&n-'for-m&-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
1 : correspondence in form, manner, or character : AGREEMENT <behaved in conformity with her beliefs>
2 : an act or instance of conforming
3 : action in accordance with some specified standard or authority <conformity to social custom>

[quote]
Having no rules makes it easy to do what others are doing because you are not barred from partaking in a certain activity.[/quote]

Which leaves you open to any kind of behavior or activity while rules bar you to specific behavior and activities. You just seem to be disproving your point.

[quote]
Yet they [satanists] do his [satan's] will... [/quote]

Even if this was true, it would still be unintentional.

[quote]
Satanism is all about pleasing oneself right?[/quote]

Not exactly. It has alot to do with moral and intellectual responsibility. In no was is it strictly hedonistic. If your pleasure is derived from insulting and hurting innocent people, Satanist docrtine would not condone such behavior just because you gain pleasure from it.

[quote]
What if you indulge yourself in a way that clashes with one of satanims rules?
[/quote]

You're not supposed to. That's why there are rules.
That's why it's not all about indulging in oneself and one's pleasures.

[quote]
What is the point of Satanism?
[/quote]

Satanists would think that they are making the world a better place, or at least, a better place for themselves.

[quote]
The way you put it, it seems just like a way to incite anger and rebel.[/quote]

They may be the motivation for some, but there is existent intellectual motivation.

[quote]
Where do people who disobey the rules of satanism go when they die?
[/quote]

I bet you are always dieing to use Pascal's wager, huh?
I hope you would be more reasonable than that.

[quote]
So where's the truth in satanism?
[/quote]

I don't think Satanism is about "the truth," or making sweeping statements about "the truth" or about the universe as a whole. However, a Satanist would probably talk to you about rationalistic morality, ethics in general, the poison of most organized religion, human responsibility, and human nature. Remember, I'm not a Satanist, and I think alot of it is utterly needless and kind of silly. But, people have been terribly misunderstood on these forums about the whole thing. Even the people posting after I clear up alot of the misrepresentations are still presenting the same false ideas (i.e. they worship Satan).

[quote]
You're definitely joking here.
[/quote]


Actually, I was being totally serious. Heh heh.

EDIT:::: Why the hell does this QUOTE shit always happen to me?!

What I'm trying to say is that Satanism isn't a religion. Therefore, they don't have a religious mindset. Anyone who claims to be a Satanist has no idea what they're talking about.



Okay, this is the definition I got of Satanism on Wikipedia:

Satanism is a religious, semi-religious and/or philosophical movement whose adherents recognize Satan as an archetype, pre-cosmic force, actual living entity, or some aspect of human nature. Although named for Satan, a name associated with evil and temptation, Satanism is more commonly the name given to certain spiritual paths which emphasize the Left-Hand Path, as opposed to the much more common Right-Hand Path. Left-Handers believe in spiritual enrichment through their own work on themselves, and that ultimately they are answerable only to themselves, while Right-Handers believe in spiritual enrichment through the dissolution or submission of the self to (or into) something greater. LaVeyans do not in fact worship a deity called Satan, or necessarily any other deity, nor do they follow a principle of evil. This aspect of their beliefs is very commonly misunderstood due to the presence of theistic Satanists, who revere Satan as a literal being.

Never in my LIFE have I ever run into a Satanist that knew what they were talking about.

I've only seen these Churches of Satan as online forums with a bunch of angsty, rebellious teens complaining about Christanity and talking about their dark lives. I'm sure there wouldn't be a lot of people attending or seriously practicing Satanism in a Church of Satan. And really, they would have to HIDE because no one likes a crazy, angsty Satanist.

Satanism is so subliminal and ambiguous, it can't even really be considered a religion. Or at least no one takes it seriously. It's probably the most controversial of "religions". And before you call me a hypocrite, what I mean by mindsets for religions are like the real, official religions: Judaism, Buddhism, Christanity, Islamic...

Uhhh...

Main Entry: re·li·gion
Pronunciation: ri-'li-j&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English religioun, from Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back -- more at RELY
1 a : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion> b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

Alright, that clears that up. By definition, Satanism is a religion.



Well, I just disproved your premise that Satanism isn't a religion, so... moving on.



Seems like a very wide generalization and sweeping statement, however... in what respect do you mean?



What you have, for the most part, demonstrated to me is that, as you seem to have no idea what you are talking about, you may come across much difficultly in understanding what a Satanist may be talking about in the first place. I do suspect a great amount of psychological noise involving your preconceptions on this issue. Nonetheless, such a piece of evidence does not much prove anything.




That's unfortunate for you. I have had the pleasure to speak with practicing Laveyan Satanists who have visited "Grottos" (Or Churches of Satan). They may complain about Christianity, but I never heard them talk much about their "dark lives." Infact, they seemed to have been enjoying their lives rather throughly.

They even have a priesthood and qualify for tax exemption (Although, they do not seek it.)!

*gasp*



I wish I could find you a number representing practicing Laveyan Satanists, cause you would be painfully surprised.



Satanism is a protected religious institution. Just as any other in the United States.




Try reading the Satanic Bible by Dr. Anton Szandor LaVey. It is a very detailed, unambiguous, and explicit detailing of the philosophies which govern the Church of Satan.




Plenty of people take it seriously. Actually, tons of people do. There was moral hysteria that crossed nationwide during the early 80's concerning the Church of Satan. The church has recieved a great amount of media attention. Many books have been written, seriously, on the subject. The Church exists and has many practicing members today, an active priesthood, an on-going "blackmass" (Much like Catholic mass), and an increasing membership.

I happen to know some of them.



"Real, official religions."



Alright, read about Laveyan Satanism before you start to talk again. This is pathetic.

I gotta bring you guys into the Subways and Staten Island Ferry's. You can probably counter those "prophets".

just another religion....

I'm talking connotation here. Conformity is more associated with de facto standards and expectations, such as clothing, hairstyles, etc. It is done in order to fit in. Obedience is done out of respect for a higher authority.



Disproving my own point? Perhaps you're misunderstanding. Having a moral guideline prevents one from participating in immoral activities, therefore, hindering one's ability to conform.



Yet the practice is in Satan's namesake.



So exactly what is the point of Satanism?



What about selfless people? Do satanists condemn them? Sounds contradictory to me.



What if making the world a better place for yourself comes at the expense of someone else?



So why not study human psychology instead of subscribing to a cult that doesn't even believe in the being it is named after?



Pascal's Wager is one of the weaker arguements when trying to get someone to believe in God.

I was trying to point out how ridiculous Satanism is. Where do you go after you die if you don't subscribe to Satanist beliefs? Heaven?




It happens when you overuse the quote tag. Or, you're forgetting to close.

So, your argument was just based on a vast generalization that nonbelievers don't respect higher authority, and that believers do? Silly.



Not all people living under a moral guideline abstain from "immoral activities."
On top of that, many of these people have adopted their moral guidelines in an act of conformity in the first place.



It might as well be satiricle.



I already answered that. Refer to previous posts.



They do not condemn, they merely have pitty for them. In many cases, I would imgaine a satanist finding a selfless person to be very foolish.




I already explained that Satanism does not follow a hedonistic philosophy. In general, Satanists abstain from causing harm to others.



Uhhhh? There are alot of reasons, but at this point I just don't think you are willing to or able to listen to them.

Not to mention, Satanism is not a cult. Heck, Catholicism much more closely resembles the definition of a cult.



Weaker arguments? It's a fallacious argument.



This in no way points out how ridiculous Satanism may or may not be. Satanists, generally, do not believe in an afterlife. So, if you don't believe or subscribe to Satanist doctrine, you will rot in the ground just like anyone else.

Hmm... Ive been raised with cristian morals and i have a very open mind the two together are a very good combination so i guess that everyone should just choose who and what they wish to follow and should never have anything impossed upon them... Yes its true that religion is highly frowned upon but you as an american citizen (im guessing you are) have the right to follow whatever religion you want.