April 30 - Darkness Descends: Anton LaVey Founds the Church of Satan

The Danger of Moral Relativism and Subtle False Teachings

This is the day Anton LaVey founded the Church of Satan in San Francisco, California in 1966.

In today's lesson, we explore the founding of the Church of Satan and the irony of believing in Satan while rejecting God. We'll examine the dangers of moral relativism and the importance of discerning and resisting false teachings that can subtly lead us astray.

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"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." - Isaiah 5:20 (NIV)

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Anton LaVey, the controversial founder of the Church of Satan.

This Date in History

On April 30, 1966, Anton Szandor LaVey, a charismatic and controversial figure, founded the Church of Satan in San Francisco, California. This event marked the official establishment of LaVeyan Satanism, a religious philosophy that championed individualism, self-indulgence, and the rejection of traditional moral constraints.

LaVey, born Howard Stanton Levey in 1930, had a colorful background as a circus performer, psychic investigator, and musician. He gained notoriety for his flamboyant appearance, often donning a black cape and shaved head, and his provocative public performances, such as holding a funeral for a sailor and a Satanic wedding ceremony.

The founding of the Church of Satan took place at LaVey's Victorian home, which he named the "Black House." The event attracted media attention and curiosity seekers, as LaVey declared 1966 as "Anno Satanas," the first year of the Age of Satan. He outlined the principles of Satanism in his book, "The Satanic Bible," published in 1969, which became a cornerstone text for the movement.

LaVey's interpretation of Satanism was not centered on the worship of a literal devil but rather on the embrace of human nature, indulgence, and the rejection of self-denial. He advocated for a philosophy of "controlled selfishness," encouraging individuals to prioritize their own desires and needs while respecting the rights of others.

The Church of Satan gained notoriety for its theatrical rituals, which included naked altars, pentagrams, and the use of symbols associated with the occult. These practices, along with LaVey's charisma and media savvy, attracted a following of celebrities, artists, and those disillusioned with mainstream religion.

Throughout its history, the Church of Satan faced criticism and controversy from religious groups and the general public. Many viewed it as a threat to traditional values and morality, while others dismissed it as a publicity stunt or a form of shock value entertainment.

Despite the controversies, the Church of Satan continued to operate and influence various aspects of popular culture. LaVey's ideas and imagery have been referenced in music, literature, and film, often as a symbol of rebellion, individualism, or the rejection of societal norms.

The founding of the Church of Satan by Anton LaVey on April 30, 1966, remains a significant moment in the history of alternative religious movements and counterculture. While its teachings and practices continue to be debated and criticized, the Church of Satan's impact on popular culture and the discourse surrounding religion, morality, and individualism cannot be denied.

Anton LaVey performs a Satanic “baptism.”

Historical Context

The 1960s was a decade of significant social upheaval and cultural change in the United States and around the world. The post-World War II era had given rise to a growing middle class, increased consumerism, and a sense of social conformity. However, by the mid-1960s, a counterculture movement emerged, challenging traditional values and norms.

The Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the rise of feminism and the sexual revolution all contributed to a climate of social and political unrest. Many young people began to question the established institutions, including religion, government, and the nuclear family. The "generation gap" between the young and the old widened, as the youth embraced new forms of music, fashion, and spirituality.

In this context, alternative religious movements and philosophies gained traction, particularly those that emphasized individualism, personal freedom, and the rejection of mainstream society's constraints. The Church of Satan, founded by Anton LaVey in 1966, emerged as one such movement, attracting individuals who were disillusioned with traditional religion and seeking a more individualistic approach to spirituality.

LaVey's Satanic philosophy, which he outlined in "The Satanic Bible," resonated with those who felt oppressed by societal norms and wanted to embrace their own desires and impulses. The Church of Satan's emphasis on self-indulgence, personal responsibility, and the rejection of guilt aligned with the growing sense of individualism and the desire for personal liberation that characterized the counterculture movement.

Moreover, the 1960s saw a resurgence of interest in the occult, mysticism, and alternative forms of spirituality. The popularity of astrology, tarot cards, and Eastern religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, reflected a growing fascination with the esoteric and the unconventional. The Church of Satan, with its theatrical rituals and embrace of taboo subjects, tapped into this broader cultural trend.

However, the Church of Satan also faced significant backlash from conservative religious groups and the mainstream media. The use of Satanic imagery and the perceived threat to traditional moral values led to accusations of devil worship and the corruption of youth. Despite these controversies, the Church of Satan continued to attract followers and generate public interest, reflecting the complex social and cultural dynamics of the 1960s.

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Did You Know?

The Church of Satan established a hierarchy known as the "Nine Satanic Statements," which outlined the core principles of LaVeyan Satanism, including indulgence, vital existence, undefiled wisdom, kindness to those who deserve it, and the belief that Satan represents vengeance instead of turning the other cheek.

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Today’s Reflection

The founding of the Church of Satan in 1966 by Anton LaVey may seem like a shocking and extreme event, but it raises an important question: How can one believe in and worship Satan while rejecting the existence of God?

Ironically, the very idea of Satan originates from the Bible, the same source that teaches us about God's love, truth, and moral standards. Those who follow the Church of Satan's philosophy of self-indulgence and rejection of moral constraints are unknowingly aligning themselves with the very one who first rebelled against God.

This irony highlights the insidious nature of moral relativism. When we start to blur the lines between right and wrong, when we justify our actions based on personal preference rather than God's unchanging standards, we open ourselves up to spiritual deception.

The prophet Isaiah warns us, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." (Isaiah 5:20)

This powerful condemnation of moral relativism is as relevant today as it was in ancient times.

In our modern context, one of the most concerning ways moral relativism infiltrates the Church is through the influence of popular ministers, writers, and pastors who gradually drift away from biblical truth. These leaders may start out teaching sound doctrine, but over time, they begin to compromise their message to appeal to a wider audience or to avoid offending those who claim to be Christian but refuse to obey the parts of scripture that challenge their lifestyle or beliefs.

As these teachers gain popularity, Christians who listen to their messages may not realize how they are being led astray into relativism.

The apostle Paul warned the Galatians, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!" (Galatians 1:8)

We must be discerning, always measuring what we hear against the truth of God's Word, even when it comes from well-known or respected leaders. It is crucial that we develop a strong foundation in biblical truth so that we can recognize and resist the subtle influence of moral relativism.

As Christians, we must be anchored in the truth of God's Word and the moral clarity it provides. We cannot afford to drift with the currents of moral relativism, no matter how subtle or attractive they may seem, or how popular the teacher promoting them may be.

The rise of the Church of Satan in 1966 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of rejecting God's authority and seeking to define good and evil on our own terms.

Let us hold fast to what is good, reject what is evil, and walk in the light of God's unchanging righteousness.

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Practical Application

Take time to reflect on your own beliefs and consider if there are any areas where you may have unknowingly compromised biblical truth for the sake of personal preference or cultural acceptance. Pray for discernment and commit to studying God's Word deeply so that you can recognize and resist false teachings, no matter how subtle or popular they may be. Make a habit of regularly comparing what you hear from teachers and leaders with the truth of scripture and be willing to respectfully challenge or distance yourself from those who consistently promote ideas that contradict God's Word.

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Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the truth of Your Word and the moral clarity it provides. Help us to discern and resist the subtle influences of moral relativism in our lives and in the teachings we encounter. Give us the courage to stand firm in Your truth, even when it is unpopular or challenges our own desires. May we always hold fast to what is good and reject what is evil, walking in the light of Your unchanging righteousness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Final Thoughts

The rise of the Church of Satan in 1966 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of moral relativism and the importance of discernment in our faith. As Christians, we must be vigilant in upholding the truth of God's Word and resisting the subtle influences of false teachings that can lead us astray. By staying anchored in biblical truth and regularly examining our beliefs, we can stand firm in our faith and walk in the light of God's unchanging righteousness.

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Community Engagement

Share your own thoughts or use these questions to get the conversation started.

1. How do you think the cultural and social changes of the 1960s contributed to the emergence of alternative religious movements like the Church of Satan?

2. In what ways have you observed moral relativism influencing the teachings or practices of churches or Christian leaders today?

3. How can we, as Christians, develop a strong foundation in biblical truth that enables us to discern and resist false teachings?

4. Share an example of a time when you had to make a stand for biblical truth, even when it was unpopular or challenging. What did you learn from that experience?

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In tomorrow's lesson, we'll uncover a captivating story from history that will challenge and inspire us to live with unwavering integrity. As we explore this remarkable event, we'll discover powerful lessons about the importance of standing firm in our convictions, even when the world around us tempts us to compromise.