A Great Book From the High Priest Gilmore!January 8, 2008 3 out of 4 found this review helpful
This Book is a great eye opener from the current high priest. This book brings out every once of what satanism is, true satanism. Its a must have, Hardcover.
to busy complainingDecember 19, 2007 3 out of 21 found this review helpful
As of book on what it says is nothing new. only the Ritual of Ragnorak.
Personally he is to freemasonic and pissed off at the world and people. He is b BASICALLY A COMPLAINER.
Lavey ArticulatedDecember 19, 2007 7 out of 9 found this review helpful
A long overdue release from the CoS! Many of the essays can be found in The Black FLame or on the CoS website. When compiled together in this relevant and readable sequence of relevance they become an indelible mark in the CoS's evolution. The words of The Satanic Bible resonated deeply for me in the beginnings of my adolecsence and to this day retains the basis for my Lesser Black Magic(k)al workings. The outright refutation of the more esoteric and still LHP aspects of the western Left Hand Path tradition by Gilmore is disappointing but not surprising... leaving no abundance of fertile ground for real personal development aside from epicurean materialism and psychodrama. The rest is capitalist atheism. The world's indigenous LHP traditions are worth more attention than the CoS is willing to acknoweledge. So don't expect anything arcane or of an insight in to what's REALLY possible for the aspiring Black Magician. At least THIS functioning High Priest actually WROTE both halves of his bible (or scriptures, as it were)!
Welcome to the Philosophy of Self RelianceNovember 21, 2007 16 out of 18 found this review helpful
Like most people who were raised in the Catholic Church, I had many preconceived notions about Satanism prior to reading this (and the other Anton LaVey books). First, members of the Church of Satan do not worship "The Devil" as understood by Christian Scripture. They worship their inner spirit, their own power and confidence. This perhaps makes them even more "evil" and threatening to by the book Christians. Christianity demands that you take no responsibility for your own actions, that the "Devil" made you commit your wrong actions, and that by becoming Christian, you are "saved" and bear no responsiblity for your actions. Satanism demands the opposite. You and only you are responsible for yourself. You are to treate others as they treate you: return kindness with the same, stand up and defend yourself against those who harm you and your family. Satanists are called to be strong wolves and not passive sheep. All in all, I think the philosophy of Satanism in its true form is much more positive and empowering tham that of conventional religion. This book also contains some of the more interesting rituals of Satanism which, while they may be indeed empowering, will most likely freak out any Christians still sitting on the fence and give their pastors something to rant about when they become "born again" and need something to blame their drug addictions on (drug use very much goes against Satanic philosophy as it takes power away from the individual and renders him helpless). I am not a Satanist, but I liked much of what I had read in this book and I wish that more people would read it with an open mind.
Absolutely Perfect TimingNovember 16, 2007 10 out of 13 found this review helpful
The Satanic Scriptures is a wonderful addition to the fundamental writings of Satanism. Clear, intelligent, and fun, it provides a wealth of insight. The publishing quality is excellent, and it is quite professionally edited.
This book would make a fine contribution to any library of the philosophically-minded, regardless of one's level of agreement with Satanism. Topics discussed within vary across a broad spectrum of daily life, presenting ideas which, if they don't have you nodding your head in agreement, will at the very least make you think and examine your own perspectives.
While remaining consistent in its tenants, Satanism has subtlety refocused itself through time, and many of the essays herein prove an excellent guide through recent years. The book clarifies Satanic perspective and gives an official update on "the world's most notorious religion".
A solid, thorough, and masterfully crafted book which I am certain will stand for many years as a flame of philosophical literature. Great care was obviously taken in its production. It was done right.
