Anton Szandor Lavey (1930-1997) was the founder and High Priest (or “The Black Pope”) of The Church of Satan. It was founded on April 30, 1966, in San Francisco, California. Lavey wrote The Satanic Bible in 1969.

It turns Biblical teachings upside down. Here are a few examples: (1) “Why should I not hate mine enemies … Love your enemies and do good to them that hate and use you – is this not the despicable philosophy of the spaniel that rolls on its back when kicked? Hate your enemies with a whole heart, and if a man smite (sic) you on one cheek, smash him on the other! Smite him hip and thigh, for self-preservation is the highest law!” (2) “Say unto thine own heart, ‘I am mine own redeemer.'” (3) “Blessed are the strong, for they shall possess the earth – cursed are the weak, for they shall inherit the yoke!'” (4) “Blessed are the victorious, for victory is the basis of right – cursed are the vanquished, for they shall be vassals forever!” (Excerpts from The Book of Satan in the Satanic Bible, pp. 30-35).

However, the aim of this article is not to review the teachings of The Church of Satan (Though, I will say that the Satanic Church really seems to be more about the worship of self, than it does the worship of Satan). Instead, it is to explore why Anton Lavey so despised “Christianity.” There may be a few lessons in this for us to consider.

1. Hypocrisy of Behavior

When Lavey was young, he worked in a carnival as an assistant to a magician. We are told by Burton H. Wolfe in the introduction to The Satanic Bible, “‘On Saturday night’ Lavey recalled in one of our long talks, ‘I would see men lusting after half-naked girls dancing at the carnival, and on Sunday morning when I was playing the organ for tent evangelist at the other end of the carnival lot, I would see these same men sitting in the pews with their wives and children, asking God to forgive them and purge them of carnal desires. And the next Saturday night they’d be back at the carnival or some other place of indulgence. I knew then that the Christian church thrives on hypocrisy'” (Introduction in The Satanic Bible, p. 4).

We need to be careful how we live before others. Nathan told David, “The LORD also has put away your sin… However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme” (2 Samuel 12:14). May we be careful (cf. Romans 2:21-24; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:1-5; Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:11-12).

One additional point: God will take care of the real hypocrite who does not repent (Matthew 24:45-51, etc.). Hypocrisy does not please Him. God does not want us to be hypocrites (e.g., Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 1:7). (Note: Hypocrisy is mere pretending, acting, playing a part on stage. It should not be confused with one who is sincerely trying to live up to God’s standard but falling short at times. I point this out to say that not everyone who falls short is actually a hypocrite. A real hypocrite is not genuine or sincere.)

2. Hypocrisy of Love

“There has never been a great ‘love’ movement in the history of the world that hasn’t wound up killing countless numbers of people, we must assume, to prove how much they loved them! Every hypocrite who has ever walked the earth has had pockets bulging with love” (Love and Hate, The Satanic Bible, p. 64).

There certainly has been much blood shed in the name of Christianity, and by those who claim to be followers of Christ. However, The New Testament does not teach this. Do not blame it. The sword by which Christians are to spread and defend the Gospel is the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).

Also, consider this. What does one mean when he charges the Christian with hypocrisy? I believe that he means that the Christian is not living up to the standard which he professes. However, this does not in itself make the standard wrong. Do not blame the standard for man’s sin.

3. Hypocrisy of Doctrine and Church Practices

“Times have changed! If you want proof of this, just look at how liberal churches have become… If many religions are denying their own Scriptures because they are out of date, and are preaching philosophies of Satanism, why not call it by its rightful name – Satanism? Certainly, it would be for less hypocritical…If priest and ministers were to have used the devices to fill their churches one hundred years ago that they use today, they would have been charged with heresy… It is the ‘Devil’ who caused women to show their legs, to titillate men… which are revealed by young nuns as they walk about in their shortened habits… Many churches with some of the largest congregations have the most hand-clapping, sensual music – also Satanically inspired. After all, the Devil has always had the best tunes. Church picnics, despite all of Aunt Martha’s talk about the Lord’s Bountiful Harvest, are nothing more than a good excuse for Sunday gluttony; and everyone knows that lots more than Bible reading goes on in the bushes. The fund-raising adjunct to many church bazaars is commonly known as a carnival, which used to mean the celebration of the flesh; now a carnival is okay because the money goes to the church” (Some Evidence of a New Satanic Age, The Satanic Bible, p. 47-ff).

His point is that many churches seem to be giving the people what they want. The message and practices are crafted to fit what people want. He is correct. Many play a game called Christianity. In some cases, church is more of a social club than a church belonging to Christ. In other cases, church is a business. It is about power and money.

This should not be. We are to preach the word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:1-2). Truth should never be compromised for the sake of popularity (Galatians 1:10 cf. 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:4).

4. Lack of Relevance

“Past religions have always represented the spiritual nature of man, with little or no concern for his carnal or mundane needs” (Some Evidence of A New Satanic Age, The Satanic Bible, p. 48).

This simply is not true concerning the Bible. For example, the book of Proverbs deals with many things in life such as: Work (6:10-12; 13:4; 14:23; 21:5); Money (10:4; 13:11; 14:23 22:7; 22:26-27); Marriage (5:15-19; 12:4; 18:22; 21:19; 31:10-31); Parenting (13:24; 19:18; 20:7; 22:6). The New Testament also speaks of the things of life, such as: Marriage (Ephesians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:18-19); Parenting (Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20-21; Titus 2:4-5); Use of the tongue (James 3), etc. The truth is many reject the Bible because it does have so much to say about how we live in this life; but, it just does not say what they want it to say.

5. No Joy

“Today, as always man needs to enjoy himself here and now, instead of waiting for his reward in heaven” (The Satanic Bible, p. 54).

Some seem to think of Christianity as a life without joy. However, this is not a Biblical view. There is nothing wrong with enjoying life on earth. “God… gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). “Rejoice with the wife your youth” (Proverbs 5:18).

Moreover, the Christian can have joy and peace even when life is difficult (Philippians 4:4-7). Our joy is not wholly or necessarily dependent on earthly circumstances (John 16:33).

6. Evil World

Lavey was for time a photographer for the San Francisco Police Department. He said, “I saw the bloodiest grimiest side of human nature… people shot by nuts, knifed by their friends; little kids splattered in the gutter by hit-and-run drivers. It was disgusting and depressing. I asked myself: ‘Where is God?’ I came to detest the sanctimonious attitude of people toward violence, always saying ‘it’s God’s will.'” (Introduction in The Satanic Bible, p. 5).

The issue of evil, pain, and suffering is vexing. Few (I hope) want to see the innocent suffer.

God allows sin and suffering in this life. He has His reasons (Such is beyond this study. For more information see the following articles: Why? by B.H.; Comfort in Suffering by B.H.). Let’s remember that God allowed Jesus to suffer and die upon a cross.

Consider this: What is wrong with suffering if one follows Lavey’s standard? He said the following: (1) “Death to the weakling, wealth to the strong”; (2) “Are we not all predatory animals by instinct? If humans ceased wholly from preying upon each other, could they continue to exist?” (3) “Is not ‘lust and carnal desire’ a more truthful term to describe ‘love’ when applied to the continuance of the race” (4) “Blessed are the bold, for they shall be masters of the world – cursed are the righteously humble, for they shall be trodden under cloven hoof!” (Excerpt from the Book of Satan, The Satanic Bible, pp. 30-35). Do you think this type thinking will reduce suffering in this world?