Typically, the central focus is on a glorification of the self. However, you would find better answers by looking for yourself. If you are that interested, then look into Anton S. Levay and Aleister Crowley for starters.
In Christian Mythology, Lucifer defied God because he believed he had a better plan for man's salvation. He believed that he didn't need God to be saved and saw himself as the Lord's equal.
Satanists believe the same about themselves. They see themselves equal to God and believe they are responsible for their own salvation. It's actually a really interesting religion and I'm glad you are able to look past the false impressions and be genuinely curious.
Seems like radical individualist Ayn Rand-type crap dressed up with spooky imagery and symbols that appeal to rebellious types with a penchant for shocking people. Having said that it also seems vastly more appealing and sane than any of the Abrahamic religions (although I guess that's not saying much).
If you check out an answer to one of my resolved questions from 6 days ago you will find that a lady gave a great exposition of Satanism which had nothing to do with the Hollywood stereotype of sacrificing virgins and black masses where every one speaks backwards.
The question was "What religious beliefs do you adhere to. ?"She didn't get best answer but later I regretted not giving it to her because she was really thorough and thoughtful in her explanation. Maybe you could email her.
I assume you mean LaVey Satanism. In that case you want ChurchOfSatan.com (check sources).
But if you mean "Not the worship ping Satan one" as in the reverse Christians. then there is another type of Satanism.
Theistic/Spiritual Satanism- I'm going to say check JoyOfStan.Org (check sources) knowing full well that it is going to get allot of arrogant grumpy people saying that it is all Bull shit. Don't listen to these people, they have not looked deep enough into it to have a proper opinion of it. ("Don't judge a book by its cover"). I have not herd of one bad experience from Spiritual Satanism except for those who leave, and cannot come back.
Satanism is nihilistic and one dimensional, even though people into it will tell you what a profound philosophy it is. It's a personality cult centered around Anton Lavey who was a high school drop out, liar, wife beater, pimp, and self-admitted cannibal who died bankrupt.
Christianity is about ones relationship with God and his fellow man. It's actually produced some rather extraordinary people, not just the snake oil televangelist or the the priest that gets in trouble.
http://usminc.org/awful.html
can anybody explain satanism (not the worshipping satan one)?
