Church of Satan (Anton LaVey)
Symbolic-atheist organisation founded by Anton LaVey (1966) in San Francisco. Largely individualistic philosophy of self-empowerment using Satanic imagery; not theistic. Mostly low-control; included as Pagan/Wiccan-spectrum reference point.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
0 — symbolic-atheist organisation; mostly low-control with some moderate hierarchical patterns.
In context
The Church of Satan teaches a symbolic-atheist self-empowerment philosophy using Satanic imagery and ritual aesthetic. LaVey's 'The Satanic Bible' (1969) is the foundational text. Members are mostly individualistic; the organisation has no congregational meetings in most contexts. Distinct from theistic-Satanic groups (Temple of Set, Order of Nine Angles).
Key control doctrines
- LaVey's symbolic-atheist Satanism
- Nine Satanic Statements
- Individual self-empowerment
Evidence by BITE axis
- Voluntary individual practice
- No congregational meetings in most contexts
- LaVey's Satanic Bible authoritative
- Symbolic-atheist Satanism framework
- Mostly individualistic; low emotional control
Timeline
- 1966LaVey founds Church of Satan in San Francisco
- 1969'The Satanic Bible' published
- 1997LaVey dies; Peter Gilmore succeeds
Sources
- Asbjorn Dyrendal academic work
- Anton LaVey publications
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. Search the source title plus the group name to find the original.