A Christian Viewpoint on Satanism

Hey guys! I received this e-mail just now and I feel that I need to place it on this site, just incase you or someone you know is involved with something like this.
I know some people who would just laugh at this matter saying that it is nonsence because they don't believe in a spiritual realm, etc. but I can testify that there is one and that occultic activities is not a laughing matter. It ensnares and destroys lives.
Lets just say that I love everyone as a brother to tell them about this. You may know about this already but it won't hurt to read through this. It really showed me some things I didn't know.
Even if you're not in South-Africa, this is of major concern world-wide!
Here is the message I got:

More and more youth in our schools are exposed to the destructive practices of Satanism. Schools and parents are uninformed and mostly unaware of satanic activities that their children engage in. Satanism has become an issue of great concern in our society. It is a phenomena that crosses the city limits into the rural areas of our nation. The primary goal of Satanism is to alter people's values and turn them against themselves, their beliefs, family, God, and society. The news wires carry story after story about young children being kidnapped, only to be found later as victims of some bizarre ritualistic crime. It is the responsibility of the church of Jesus Christ to warn and educate people in our communities. Col 1:28 GNB says “So we preach Christ to everyone, with all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one in to God’s presence as a mature individual in union with Christ”.

There are two equal and opposite errors into which we can fall about devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe and to feel an unhealthy interest in them. It does affect us, it is staring us in the face. We can either choose to run away out of fear, or face the agents of Satanism head-on through Christ.

Defining the Occult

Cult

A “cult” is a group of people polarized around an individual with a magnetic personality, who deviates from orthodox Christianity by distorting the central message of the Bible by additional revelation or by introducing their personal understanding of primary biblical doctrines such as the person of Jesus Christ, heaven, hell, salvation, atonement, the virgin birth, etc.

Occult

Secret or hidden knowledge. This knowledge is not discerned by the five senses and is therefore, supernaturally received through the practice of divination.

Witchcraft

The use of scripturally forbidden supernatural powers to manipulate people and events. Commonly known as the "craft of the wise" or "Wicca", the worship of nature and feminine energies mother nature. Witchcraft is manifested in two opposing views: white magic, and black magic or witchcraft (see Deut. 18:10)

Wicca practitioners believe in a balanced polarities, especially that of the feminine and masculine. These two aspects of nature are embodied in two deities, known as the Goddess and God. Traditionally most Pagan gods such as Diana, Hecate, Pan and Zeus are considered to represent the different aspects of the Goddess and God. Most traditions worship the two deities as equals where none deserves more importance than the other. This usually translates into a balance between the feminine and masculine forces in a coven, although men tend to be a minority in the Wicca religion (Adler, 108; Matthews, 344). However a few branches, such as Dianic, give more (or sole) importance to the feminine aspect (Lewis, 280).

Many regard the gods as real, not simply as aspects of a male or female deity. Hence, the gods are worshipped as themselves. According to Wicca tradition, the Goddess is the immanent existing force and the origin of all creation as in the Earth, nature and life itself. Evidence of Goddess worship since the pre-Christian era exists in the form of small statues and carvings of voluptuous female figures that have been found throughout Europe (Cabot, 21-22). The Goddess has three faces: the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone (Lewis, 19-20). These faces correspond to the many different cycles in nature: the waxing, full and waning phases of the moon; the menstrual cycle and the cycle of life in birth, life and death.

Three main beliefs guide practitioners through their actions and beliefs. The first law is known as the Wicca Rede, which states: "An ye harm none, do what ye will." The basic meaning is that members are allowed to follow whatever path they choose so long as no harm befalls others, including themselves. The Wicca rede also serves as an ethical guideline for magical practices in everyday life and ritual. The Wicca Rede is closely related to the writing of Aleister Crowley who said, "Do what you will is the whole of the law." The second law that Wiccans follow is the Threefold Law, which simply states that a person's deeds return to him/her three times over. The Threefold Law has large implications in governing one's behavior because due to its meaning, the repercussions of both good and evil behavior return to their originator three times over (Matthews, 341). The final belief is that of Reincarnation. Wicca’s do not believe in heaven or hell since death is considered to be another form of existence.

The main tools utilized by members during rituals are the wand, cup, pentacle and athame, which is a type of black-handled dagger. These objects represent fire, water, earth and air, respectively. There are three types of Wicca gatherings: Sabbats, Esbats and special purpose. In a special purpose gathering, a coven meets to deal with a common goal or issue that needs immediate attention, such as casting a health spell to aid a sickly friend. Most magical rites are performed at Esbats, which are small gatherings that correspond to the phases of the moon. Covens usually celebrate the Esbats alone, a practice which helps to reaffirm the bonds within a coven (Adler, 110). Larger and more tribal festivals also take place during the year.

White Magic

The use of supernatural power to manipulate a person or an event to bring about good. The practice of divination is used to bring about "positive" results such as knowledge, healing, etc.

Black Magic

The use of supernatural power to manipulate a person or an event to bring about evil or destruction. Manipulation is achieved by use of rituals and the casting of spells.

Satanism

Unlike Witchcraft, Satanism is the worship of Satan, formerly known as Lucifer, and the practice of Black Magic. Satanism is a reaction against the Christian church and the Word of God in particular. Satanism promotes a do-what-you-want attitude and is ultimately the worship of oneself.

Categories of Involvement

1. Multi-generational international organization
2. National organizations
3. Independent self-styled groups
4. Individual dabblers

The greatest increase in involvement is among the latter group; the dabbler. The dabbler is, in most cases, from a middle to upper-middle class Caucasian home and is a user of drugs and other substances and are sexually promiscuous. In most cases they are bright and do well in school; however, they are often bored and are not challenged to meet their full potential. They tend to have a low self-worth and are unable to distinguish between right and wrong because of their relative ethical system. They often have problems in the home and in relating to other people around them. Abuse, both physically and emotionally, is another aspect of this mix. Young Satanists are often abused children who know no other way to relate to people. Some are a part of a multi-generational family involved in worshiping Satan as savior. The larger concern is not in the number of young people involved in satanic activity but what they are capable of doing when they become absorbed in the worship of Satan. Satanism centers around involvement in animal sacrifice, blood ritual, sex, the use of drugs and sometimes murder. According to "The Addiction Letter" (1/89), Most Satanism revolves around a drug and alcohol dependent lifestyle which glorifies violence, hate, lying, stealing, and vandalism. The involved youngster craves a higher power to validate . . . chemical dependence and Satan fills the spiritual void.

Satan's Goal

According to scripture (Matt. 4:9, 2 Cor. 4:4, Rev. 12:9), Satan's goal is to deceive man by blinding him to the truth of the gospel and to receive worship for himself (Isa. 14:12-14). On a more practical level Satan desires to alter an individual's values and turn them against themselves, their beliefs, family, God and society.

Secret things

Another common denominator in satanic groups is secrecy. Individuals keep a journal of activity, rituals, charms, or messages in a notebook, blank book and sometimes even a floppy disc. This information is often written in an alphabet that is not widely known. Alphabets commonly used by occultists are: the Witches' alphabet, the Celtic alphabet used by the Druids, the Enochian alphabet, the Egyptian and others.

Personal Initiation

Initiation plays a major role in group activity. Through initiation an individual is given a chance to declare total allegiance to Satan by participation. Often one will sever a portion of a finger or a toe to indicate their commitment to the unholy one. Other acts include being a participant in a ritual where mutilation of an animal or human is a part of the activity. These acts are usually videotaped to be used at a later time to keep the individual in line if need be. In some cases a criminal act is perpetrated where the initiate is involved in a key role. An unholy communion of sorts is taken during initiatory rituals where a cup or chalice (usually stolen from a church) is used containing a mixture of wine, blood (human or animal) and urine. Satanism is not for the faint-hearted. Other methods of initiation include body markings. An inverted cross may be burned into one's forearm or chest, etc.

Body Markings

It is important to note that body markings can be used for the preparation of a sacrifice, as well as initiation into a group.

Satanic Murders

Satanism requires blood and murder. As Aleister Crowley wrote in the Book of the Law: "The best blood is of the moon, monthly: then the fresh blood of a child, or dropping from the host of heaven: then of enemies; then of the priest or of the worshippers: last of some beast, no matter what." This is one philosophy carried over directly into Satanism.

It is not strange, as the Word of God also clearly condemn these practices: Deut. 18:10 says: “There shall not be found with thee any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one that useth divination, one that practiseth augury, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer,”

Anton LaVey of the First Church of Satan in San Francisco, California, says that Satanism is a blatantly selfish, brutal religion. It is based on the belief that man is inherently a selfish, violent creature... that the earth will be ruled by those who fight to win. Satanism challenges the biblical teaching regarding man's relationship to others. We are to esteem others better than ourselves, and we are to be team players. In 1 Corinthians we read about being a part of the body of Christ, whereas, Satanism esteems the "self" over others. Young Satanists believe that the strong will rule with Satan. Once they are sufficiently involved, they often make a pact with Satan. They commit themselves to a future date when they will take their own lives by suicide. They believe that if they submit themselves to Satan in death, they will come back in another life as a stronger being and rule with him forever. According to recent statistics, fourteen young people a day take their own lives.

The Power that Entices

Power has become an obsession with young Satanists. It is sought after on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels. According to one former occultist, the greatest lure into the occult is "power" and "knowledge." Not just corporate power but personal power. Likewise, Satanism offers its lure to the youth in our society. Drugs and sex have become the bait that so often ensnare the unsuspecting. With the increase of satanic activity, a profile of those involved in Satanism has emerged.

Music

Music has always been at the center of the youth culture. The problem arises when the lyrics promote barbaric behavior. The Night Stalker, Richard Ramirez of Los Angeles, believed that Satan made him invincible. Police say the style of the brutal rapes and 16 murders Ramirez committed resembled the lyrics of the song "Night Prowler" on AC/DC's LP "Highway to Hell." Along with Ramirez' fascination with AC/DC, he used cocaine and PCP in conjunction with a deep interest in Satan worship.

Rock and roll is turning too often to sex, Satanism, drugs and violence for its major themes and corrupting the values and views of unwary young people. The music that causes the greatest concern is the various types of "metal" music. Metal has been classified into three types. First, is party metal, and it represents the most popular style of music. Groups like Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, and Def Leppard are representative of party metal. They tend to glorify sexuality and the party spirit. The second type is "trash metal" represented by groups like Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth. The primary focus of "trash metal" is violence and death. The third type is known as "black metal" and is overtly satanic. The lyrics encourage such activities as incest, necrophilia, rape, torture, and human sacrifice. Black metal is represented by groups like Venom and Slayer. King Diamond is perhaps the most satanic of all "black metal" groups. He openly professes Satan and incorporates a large amount of satanic activity into his performances.

As Christians we should be especially concerned about the lyrics in the music of the youth culture. We cannot afford to allow another generation to become polluted with the immoral themes found in today's music. As parents it is imperative that we maintain open communication lines with our young people. Without open communication it becomes improbable that we can affect the listening habits of our children. Second, we cannot be hypocritical in our personal listening habits. Third, we need to become familiar with the type of music our children listen to and be willing to acknowledge the good and be prepared to positively criticize that which is not appropriate within our household. Last, we as parents need to recognize that if our child is involved in rebellious music, we must attempt to understand what unmet need in his life is being met by his musical diet. Galatians 5:19-21 says that the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery . . . those who practice such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. Therefore, it is imperative for us as adults and youth to only listen to and think upon those lyrics that would honor God and His principles.

The Games of Destruction

Satan has used a number of tools over the centuries to ensnare the naive. The Ouija Board has proven to be particularly useful. According to the Dictionary of Mysticism the Ouija Board is "an instrument for communication with the spirits of the dead." The Ouija Board is an open door into the world of the occult and demonic activity. Disembodied spirits speak to the living through the medium of the Ouija Board. The greatest danger of the Ouija Board is that individuals begin to place their trust and future hope in the message the board brings. Other dangerous games or movies include: DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS (fantasy/magic/dangerous quests), Pokemon (short for POCKEt MONster) (magic/violence/murder), Harry Potter (fantasy/witchcraft/wizards), Hellraiser & Hellboy, DIABLO – Playing with the Devil (Computer game with Occult spells, magic and blatant satanic symbols and Game "Magic" that is similar to that of Dungeons and Dragons and Rune Quest. It is a card game, but with strong occult practices embedded in the game. Magic spells, encounters with demons and satanic forces forms the core elements of the game.

As a Christian our only source of revelation regarding future things is to be God's Word. We are to look to Jesus Christ and His teachings to properly understand our problems and seek a solution. Deuteronomy 18 tells us to beware of mediums and those who practice divination. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, . . . and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)

Characteristics that may indicate satanic involvement

• Avoiding family members
• A change in friends
• Becoming secretive about activities
• Loss of interest in extra-curricular activities
• Personality changes
• An unusual interest in books, movies, videos, etc. with an occult theme
• Use of drugs and alcohol
• Lack of attendance of worship with family
• Supernatural powers
• Music interest into heavy metal
• Extraordinary Rebelliousness
• Extreme aggressive outbursts
• Cutting and bruising of self
• Experiencing sleeplessness and nightmares

Individuals are recruited into satanic groups by any number or combination of the following:

• Free drugs and/or sex
• Companionship
• Power
• Money
• Pornography
• Personal choice

It is sometimes very clear when children are involved in the way they live and talk. Many a parent has been completely ignorant of the signs mentioned above and have not realized that their children were actually involved in the occult. What does happen is that most children simply start off by dabbling with the occult. This includes the playing of the well-known "Glasie-glasie". What sometimes starts off as an innocent game ends in complete involvement in Satanism.

Conclusion

Let us not be ignorant any longer. The Word of God is very clear, people that engage in Satanism and related practices will be cut off from God and face eternal torture in hell. The answer to combat Satanism and its effects is through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Only He can set people free (“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.") John 8:36. God does promise protection for His children according to 2 Thess. 3:3, Ps 91:10-11, Ps 121:7, Luke 10:19, Ps 18:1-2. The time has come to unite as one and fight our enemy as one. Schools and Organizations that need more information or want to arrange a workshop relating to Satanism, the occult, substance abuse or child abuse can contact Famcare Ministries on 011-955 6795/97 or send an e-mail to info@famcareministries.co.za

Research and article content prepared by Pastor Pierre Eksteen