Warlock Menta levert al een tijdje goed werk in Frankrijk. Getuige o.a. onderstaand interview door Franse journalisten:

Questions to Magus Gilmore

1.Satanism is certainly not a subject that could be explained in 1 hour, as apparently it takes a lifetime study. Aside this youth that you call “Pseudo Satanists” who are not representing more than a chaotic behaviour, it seems that more people, especially in Europe lately, are embracing this ‘religion’ without really knowing that this is called Satanism. What do you think about this natural connexion those people can have with Satanism nowadays ? Can we speak about an awakening from a society which needs a new system of thought, a new chapter?

Satanism was created by Anton LaVey to be a philosophy that accepts human nature as it is, without any idealization. It is meant for people who are carnally inclined - meaning the sort of people who do not have a need to feel connected to anything spiritual or supernatural. So, it is derived from atheism, but each Satanist sees him or herself as the primary value in life and thus each is his or her own god. It takes strength of ego to be self-determined, and that kind of individuality is not suitable for most human beings. Most people by nature are followers who wish to submit to authority figures whether they be mythical gods, living politicians or other leaders. Satanists are naturally loners who determine their own course.

In Europe, there may be a rise of skepticism and free thought as a backlash against those authoritarian religions which preach that this life is to be superseded by some form of afterlife, but simply being an atheist, freethinker and materialist does not mean that a person is a Satanist. In order to actually be a Satanist, one needs to have read our literature and seen that it is a reflection of one’s lifelong deeply held perspective. Thus, Satanists are born to it - it is their very nature. People who believe in God or the supernatural can’t become Satanists, because they do not have the proper nature. Also, it is important to note that there are people who are simply attracted to Satanic imagery who don’t grasp the philosophy. That has become trendy amongst certain young people who are looking for pre-packed rebellion, which in truth is no rebellion at all. These young people are not Satanists, they are just hoping to find a self-image but don’t have the strength of character to create one of their own. Some of them are devil worshippers, who believe in the Christian view of the world, but opt to worship what that religion defines as being evil. These people are Christian heretics, not Satanists.

Satanists are pragmatic when it comes to politics, and so each Satanist looks to change society in a way that will be beneficial to his own life. So what they seek will be determined by their present socio-economic standing. There is no common ground here - it varies from Satanist to Satanist. What Satanists would agree upon is that it would be beneficial if society continued to become more secular and pluralistic, and thus tolerant of differences in religion and philosophy, using reason to determine laws, not moralities dictated by religions which often have anti-human values. So this “chapter” is already being written where enlightened free thought is encouraged. Yet there are still many backwards, primitive places on this globe (some with advanced technology) dominated by superstition - and the beliefs of the Christians and Muslims fit into that category of outmoded ideas which should best be left behind as our species matures into a global culture.

2. Your book, ‘The Satanic Scriptures’, shows many points which targets something important said by Anton LaVey years ago : “Born not made”. Clear and logic, straight and harsh, and if one had the idea to “try Satanism” for a fashion or just like another religion, he would close your book knowing that this is absolutely not for him. Do you think that those kind of people are those who actually create other organizations because this denial they felt, and reinterpreted Satanism in their way ?

Certainly. These “devil fans” are not by nature Satanists, and our literature shows that to them, so they try to appropriate Satanic symbols and seem to enjoy wearing what they are calling Satanism as a mask to get attention and notoriety for themselves. They have not evolved a coherent philosophy, but mix all sorts of conflicting ideas because actual Satanism is beyond their grasp. They don’t have the strength or nature for it. Because the Internet has social networking sites, these types can encounter each other and form groups - and if you see them they are quite amusing! It is as if they watched a low-budget horror film with villainous devil worshippers and then decided to imitate those characters in it. They usually listen to poorly crafted heavy metal music with lyrics that mention Hell and Satan, but only in the most juvenile way. They wear black nail polish and have tattoos and “gothic” clothing that mark them as clownish stereotypes. They have a sub culture that just feeds upon itself, a circle jerk for losers who cannot make their way in life.

Actual Satanists don’t require such a “uniform” - as individualists, Satanists dress in whatever clothing styles and colors they find to be pleasing. They aren’t trapped in a sub culture, but are gourmands moving through all strata of human culture, partaking of whatever is found to be pleasing, enjoying whatever people they find to be interesting. Often, “normal” people might be shocked to find who around them is a Satanist, because there is no dress code, or mandated attitude common to all. If you know some very intelligent, free-thinking and creative person, that one might actually smile and show you his Church of Satan membership card, if he trusts that you are not a bigot.

3. Your esoterical studies and practices, what we call “magic”, is indeed linked to the core of Satanism,meaning that this one belongs to the natural balance of life,no “black and white magic”, no hypocrisy as you could say I guess. Is this what the name “Satan” is for, meaning that “he”represents a knowledge that has been hidden to societies under controlling religions ?

Satan symbolizes first and foremost an external projection of our best talents realized to their highest degree, and as such being unfettered from repression. Since Satanists want to understand the deepest truths of existence, Satan does then stand as an avatar of “freedom of information,” wanting access to data which authoritarians might want to keep hidden for fear that intelligent people would then no longer be fooled into submitting to their agenda of dominion. Indeed, magic is neither black or white for us, but is a way of moving people and circumstances to our will, but we are always realistic about probable outcomes. That sensibility is called “The Balance Factor.” It is important to note that our concept of freedom also includes that of being responsible for our actions, maintaining a social contract with equitable behavior. We enjoy an ordered, stable society which allows us to attain great pleasures both mental and physical. We are epicureans, in control of our indulgences, not hedonists compelled to mindlessly seek base gratification.

4. Besides the pentagonal revisionism, does the Church Of Satan have other goals today ?

The main goal of the Church itself is to make certain that our philosophy is globally transmitted to people in a pure, accurate and coherent format. To that end, our literature continues to be translated and we have representatives around the globe who speak many languages and thus they can assure that our philosophy is not being distorted. Thus, when people who are by nature Satanists read our literature, especially when it is translated into their native tongues, they see themselves reflected in it as if it were a mirror, and so they realize that they are part of a unique meta-tribe of carnal individuals who spring forth from many different cultures. It doesn’t matter what race or sexual orientation they are or what socio-political system they have experienced. When they read our works, they KNOW that they are Satanists and are glad to have found an accurate label for themselves, as they often have felt that they are outsiders from most of the herd surrounding them. Now they have found like-minded individualists, and that enhances their lives.

5. The Church of Satan is not an organization based on beliefs. What are its view about science ?

Since we are based on reason, Science is the method we employ to explore the Universe around us. Non-dogmatic, rigorous examination of all the facts, and then forming non-contradictory hypotheses that explain all the evidence would be our approach to building theories that model the structure of existence. Sometimes science can be hampered when a theory becomes dogma and evidence that doesn’t easily fit in is ignored. Satanists abhor such closed-mindedness as should most scientists, but that field has its own academic culture with vested interests which can blockade certain research. For us, we question all things and seek answers that are reasonable.

6. One of your representatives in France, has lately gone against the Mivilude which was warning our country about “the danger of Satanism”, and showed that there was an obvious difference between the codified Satanism and the pseudo Satanism, by demonstrating that (I cite): “the Miviludes has provided unfounded statements based on the old clichés and
has taken its source into adolescent’s forums of devil worshiping. Such thing is indeed alarming when we know that the Mivilude belongs to the government and is supposed to properly inform the French citizen families..” This reaction has raised many questions to different areas like Sociology and journalism, which invited to know more about this
huge study which isn’t so easy for the profane. After different “Satanic Panics” in different countries through the years, can we speak now about a new “rise of Satan” by an international organization more present nowadays, which would target to finally open its door ?

The Church of Satan has been an international organization since shortly after being founded in 1966. We have always been open about our philosophy and practices - we have no secrets. Our literature makes this clear. But it is the responsibility of scholars and journalists to do the research and then tell the truth about Satanism, and it is easy for them to learn this truth. Unfortunately, many are lazy and don’t want to do any work. It is far easier to simply repeat clichés or accept propaganda issued by Christians who have clear agendas. We would have to ask these journalists, “Would you ask a Nazi to offer his opinions about Jews, and then publish them as the facts? Would you ask a white racist to describe the nature of people who are not white and then publish his words as truth?” That kind of behavior is precisely what they are doing, and indeed the Mivilude has done the same thing by confusing Satanism with teen age devil worship for rebellion’s sake, and then condemning our rational, life enhancing philosophy. Satanists have a “live and let live” attitude. We do not want to convert people, we do not care what they believe so long as they don’t force us into their beliefs or make their morality into law that all must follow. We want a stable society full of opportunities for advancement.

So, we are here to speak up for any who really want to know, as we always have been. But one can lead an idiot to facts but you can’t make him think. A bigot can be given information, but if his mind is closed those ideas simply cannot enter his world view and change it towards a more realistic view. Those are the barriers towards a broader public understanding.

7. Satanism seems to be based on empirism and focus on all aspect of life without any belief. But are there some pending questions about an eventual afterlife which would open the Satanist to agnosticism ?

Most Satanists do not believe in any form of afterlife, certainly not any of the fairy tales offered by Christians or other spiritual religions. Satanists work to extend their lives, as life to us is a wonderful party which we do not wish to leave. We look to biological sciences for techniques to accomplish this. Also, many Satanists research the paranormal to see if in nature there is any way a consciousness can survive death, or perhaps if it can leave a form of residue after it dissolves. We are not agnostics, we are atheists, and we do not believe that there is anything outside of nature, but we do not claim that our species knows everything about the scope of the Universe. Many mysteries in nature await answers. We will keep asking the questions, remaining skeptical and demanding demonstrable facts. Satanists do not fear death, since it is a natural conclusion to life, but we will try to stave it off so long as we can maintain a quality of life which we find acceptable.

Questions to Warlock Menta ( Assabrah )

What has brought you to Satanism, and why is this your choice of ‘religion’ ?

> Life and my receptivity to it, without to have the need to blindfold my eyes toward the harsh aspect of nature. I didn’t choose anything.

Many people still think that Satanism is a “religion of hate”. What could you say about it ?

> My love is boundless, and life must be lived to the fullest in all indulgence through hedonism. I walk hand in hand with the natural balance itself : this love to no end is for my family,friends and my animals. Hate would be toward any enemy threatening or parasiting my own life or the one of those I care. Let us face reality and let’s put aside those “sentences of hope” like people saying “if all people in the world would hold their hands..”.What people call “mean” or “hate” is only their refusal in facing the reality of life as it is really. if we don’t trust in universal love there is no reason to believe in universal hate. Once again, Satanism is aware about the balance of nature making this world.

You have lately showed a deep passion about Satanism, leading yourself to face some authorities which were spreading a bad name to Satanism. Please tell us a bit more.

> The thing is very simple. I have a “phobia” about something very precise : I cannot tolerate when one person or an organization takes the right to speak about a subject freely and feel so righteous, while they obviously ignore where they put their feet, going on in total ignorance without problem. Especially when it is about to speak to a nation. If today the Mivilude or else is stating that Satanism is noxious and criminal, so by theory they define my own life as being noxious and criminal. Notice that I do not defend this organization only, but both : Satanism is the way my whole self is living and thinking, the Church of Satan is the only church of MAN who has been made for people like me, each member is a stone to that Church, so I cannot permit anyone to speak this way about my life. Life is wonderful and its mysteries should invite the people to always dig deeper, but not blaming those who do because they feel they won’t be able. The more some organizations will spit venom blindly, the more I will stand and show they are wrong.

Is Metal music the common kind of music in Satanism ?

> Each individual cannot listen to the same kind of music, it is logic. A kind of music is just another proposed taste among many other ones, just like different kind of aesthetic for houses, clothes etc. All is yours,presented on a giant plate for you to pick. Let us take a good example : Our High Priest Peter Gilmore is a talented musician having a great knowledge about classical music and its theory. In his book, “The Satanic Scriptures”, there is a very interesting chapter about this. Actually, there is all answer that people would need, this is up to them to finally break the clichés or not.

Could we speak about the war against Christianity being a myth ?

>Absolutely. People make choices according to their way to be, this is not our problem. Satanism is the religion of the self facing the whole laws of nature, so why would we care about other people’s choices, while what only counts is to make our own lives happy and balanced thanks to the direction we take ? There is no need to make a war to another religion. The difference between us and them, is that we don’t look to gain power by converting people to a religion. You do not convert people to Satanism, a Satanist is “Born not made”.

Hail Satan!