Can someone with true knowledge of La Veyan Satanism explain it to me?

I find it interesting and was trying to explain it to someone yesterday, but I think I failed miserably.
Garth, call me a rebel and nonconformist then. Those compliments won't steer me away from learning.

It's all about living for yourself and your loved ones. It encourages happiness and fulfillment in this life, because it is the only life you get. It teaches that it's a waste of time to live your life in hopes of some of religious pipe-dream.

Well I do not know why anyone can find it interesting. But to each his own. The little I know it is designed to upset
Christians.

The principles that are presented in the Bible are turned inside out. Example, "Do unto others as they would do unto you." It promotes a self-indulgent atheistic lifestyle.

Satanism always seems to appeal to the rebellious individualistic type who tend to think anarchy is the way to go. "Satan" is just a Hebrew name which means "op poser". How fitting that a demented non-conformist would turn to such a controversial character for inspiration.

Atheist Humanism, but with WAY better hats.

The facts about "Anton LaVey" (not his real name) and his sham "church of Satan" may be found at http://www.thefirewithin.dk/library/anton.htm

Hippie gave a good answer. If I may expand upon his and add that:

Satanism stresses being responsible and accountable to not only your SELF but to those you are important to. I find that some young teenagers and maladjusted young adults mistake being a Satanist to being a sociopath. They are very different and being a Satanist is not about being a rude obnoxious jerk.

The other part about Satanism that many do not address is the Magic. Satanism allows for ritual and dogma that many humans need but does not demand a belief in a supernatural entity to provide it. A Christian must believe in a God to answer any prayers they make. A Satanist can step into the ritual chamber and perform a cathartic set of readings, ritualistic actions, and employ magical symbolism and completely 100% believe in them fiercely. They can then blow out the candles, step outside the door, and return to their natural atheistic state.

While I hear some argue that magic is not real, I have worked with and been successful with both Lesser and Greater Magic and they are both real to each Satanist that uses them. What must be remembered is that we employ a technique called Suspension of Disbelief when we work with them.

These are just my words. For specifics on the actual rules and statements and such, Wikipedia has a pretty good summery of it on their site.

LaVeyan Satanism is about living life to the fullest extent that you can. It states that you should indulge in all the "deadly sins" that the Christians deem inappropriate in that they provide mental and or physical gratification. You are to appreciate children and animals as a gift, and hold them in highest respect. With that being said, anything you hear about ritualistic sacrifices of babies, or animals is not done by anyone practicing LaVayen Satanism. Also, we do not worship "Satan" as a anthropomorphic being, but as an idea. "Satan" is basically the essence of complete freedom, and love. The Satan you read about in Christian mythology is taken out of context, they play him off as the bad guy, but Lucifer is a Roman name that means bringer of light. Christianity has taken all the old gods and made them all into the "bad guy." If you have any more questions about the philosophy borrow a copy from your local library, buy one from a book store, or read it on line at http://www.scribd.com

Thank you for reading this

the golden rule:
"Do to others as they do to you."
"Hedenism," it's an atheistic religion, you, yourself are the only god you need, I have also had trouble explaining it to others... I know it but I can't explain it to people easily
the ten commandments reversed, sexual freedom, freedom to live with our carnal instincts because it's how we, as humans are "made" to be and it's wrong to go against it because we only have one life we need to live.

Theres alto more to it but those are the basics described as well as my sick, tired and ADHD mind can say right now

It is very simple. They are nothing more than hedonistic atheists, that just abuse the titles of Satanism and Satanist to look cool and rebellious.

Hippie, Josephin...and Duttin all got it down perfectly.
and not many understand the magic part of it.
but it's all about living your life to the fullest and taking responsibility for yourself and others.

those "sins" of Christianity are something that is an unnecessary limitation on you. indulge in yourself.
and yes Satan is not a Deity, but an idea. a representation. not god. nothing like god.

you are your own god in LeVeyan Satanism. you dint look up to some false Deity to rule you.
also NO HARMING OF ANIMALS OR CHILDREN. that's a common misconception among everyone who hears about satanism.

they only hear about people from sects like the "Joy of Satan" where they do all that radical bullshit. dint believe them, because they are Miss- interpreting the meaning of satanism.