This sermon is about Blasphemy. I was reading one of the many
Satanic websites to be found on the internet, and came across an
argument that blasphemy was a childish practice and not one to
be undertaken by mature Satanists. Although I usually make a
point in these sermons of not criticising other "Left Hand"
paths, I find so much to disagree with in this case, that I wish
to expand on my own views here. Hopefully, also, each point
raised has a wider application.

Firstly, I am always nervous about any attempt to prohibit or
denigrate certain behaviour. To me, the Satanic viewpoint is one
that opens up experience, not closes it down. Of course,
everyone has a different view on things, but the danger comes
when attempts are made to dismiss particular views out of hand.
Saying something is childish is very akin to saying that it is
not worth thinking about, and I do not see that as a Satanic
viewpoint.

Secondly, the subtext of the original statement very much
appeared to be something like "don't be childish, because that
loses the respect of the outside world". Again, I find this
contrary to my own view of Satanism, which has no respect for
the opinions of the outside world.

Thirdly, and underlying both the above, I get a sense of what I
will call "Satanic Utopianism". This seems to view Satanism as a
supremely rational faith and that, somehow, once *everybody* has
thrown off conventional attitudes and accepted the wisdom of
enlightened self-interest, the world will become a better place.
This does not conform with my experience of people who, I believe, 
would continue to be just the same as before, only now living without 
the conventional to protect them. The image of sheep without their 
shepherd comes to my mind; and they still continue to be sheep.

No, my view of Satanism is that the Satanist is the "wolf at the
gate". A solo animal and a pack animal, but with no interest in
there being too many other wolves about.


Returning to the theme of blasphemy, the article did make the
very sensible point that in some ways blasphemy accords too much
respect to the thing that is being blasphemed against. If you
wish to reject the Christian god and all he stands for, then why
not just ignore Him - why take the trouble to insult what should
have no importance to you. I am happy with this, and am pleased
to repeat the idea here. On the other hand, I do feel that blasphemy 
can still be a very useful tool within Satanic worship. I do feel 
that it is a form of worship - I don't see there is much practical 
distinction to be made between words praising the Devil and those 
cursing God. But the meaning of Satanic worship itself requires 
further consideration.

I think, within my view of Satanism, actual worship of the Devil
has a dual nature. In Christian worship, you are supposed to
selflessly offer your devotion to the Lord, and are definitely
not supposed to feel "holy" about it afterwards. I feel that
Satanism is more pragmatic. If you kneel before the Devil, or
curse against God, I imagine some impact is made on those mighty
powers; but for the Satanist, the greater impact is upon the
worshipper his or herself. In this light, the act of worship
becomes partly a selfish thing - a truly Satanic thing, therefore -
that is used to move the worshipper in some way. It becomes a tool 
used upon oneself.

The nature of such tools will naturally vary between people. For
some, including myself, blasphemy is a key part of my worship.
The very prayer that I quoted at the opening of this group is
obviously modelled on the Christian Lord's prayer, and so blasphemy 
is deeply ingrained within it. Other people may not require this tool, 
and may find other ways to worship, but the tool will always be there 
to be used by those who wish.


I have been corresponding with a small number of people about my
views and the sermons included within this meetup group. This week, 
one asked whether I had ever taken part in a Black Mass, which 
(as I am sure is generally known) is a particularly sexual, and 
particularly blasphemous, rite. I didn't actually answer that question,
more by oversight than for any reason. The simple answer is that I 
have taken part in such a rite, but that does not tell the whole story.
The whole story is that I was young, ignorant, and very very arrogant 
at the time. The tool (and it is a brilliant tool) had no effect on me. 
I may as well have not been there.