Why do so many people see Satanism as a bad, evil cult?

I researched Satanism on my quest to know absolutely everything (or, hey, as much as I can) and I'd really like to know why people believe Satanists are a bunch of animal-sacrificing, child-murdering evil cult members. What's the deal? That's not what it is at all - what Satanism stands for is actually pretty intriguing.
A lot of people are responding with "Satan is evil" or "God said Satan is evil" - how about you take the time to even Google "Satanism" and enlighten yourself about what it really is? Being narrow and close-minded will get you nowhere.

Because Hollywood said so.
Sad but true. The few Satanist I am privileged to know have wicked senses of humor and are strong intelligent people. If I were to ever "go atheist" again, I would look into Satanism. I like a lot of their philosophies.


Plus it would make it easier to stalk...er....admire Grim Jack.

green: God forbid you actually LEARN about it instead of believing what people tell you. *gasp*

Satan's a much nicer guy than that jackass Yahweh.

Because some people are just SO judgmental!

God told me that Satan is evil. I believe Him.

What's in a name?


Of course it seems nice and fuzzy on the outside.

Because Satan is evil- DUH!!!

Because it's just not popular like Christianity.
It's just not the social norm.
It's different; it deviates from the status quot.
Normally we wouldn't refer to a Christian as being part of a "cult", but it is the same ideology.