Last Update: 14 March 98 c.e.
All correspondence is printed as is, with all of the typographical errors left in for posterity. (Most of these letters are through CompuServe's Religion Forum, for which I was, by default or nay, the Satanic rep; or through AOL correspondence. Keep it in mind when related references pop up.) Some letters are FROM me and some are TO me. I'm sure it's clear which are which, and, yes, I will be adding to this thread when adequate material arises, so check it occasionally. Enjoy. - M. G. P.

ANSWERS TO NOT QUITE INSPIRING QUESTIONS...

Mr. B.
5 June 96 c.e.

Here are the answers to your questions.

Question 1. If you guys don't believe in the devil then why in your guys bible(which I only got to look at for about a minute so that's why I could be mislead) does it have rituals talking about having Lucifer and the power of hell being conjured up?I'm sorry if I misread it or read it out of context.

Answer: Again, this is all for the evocation of imagery, emotion, etc. The Satanic Bible often mentions words and terms such as "symbolic", "archetype," and "by proxy." Ritual is largely psychological... a working psychodrama serving to "exorcise" draining and useless emotions or weighty thoughts. There is a great deal of context concerning The Satanic Bible, but the concept of metaphor can easily be grasped by most people.

Question 2.If Anton LaVey doesn't believe in the Devil then why all the spells, rituals and other Satanic paraphenalia (i.e pentagrams and things like that)?

Answer: (See #1)

Question 3.What do you guys do to try and stop the underground Satan worshippers and other people like that who sacrifice animals and children?

Answer: We've never felt that "stopping" the rare instances of Satan worship activity, particularly that which is criminal, is our responsibility. Police, courts, and prisons serve that purpose, and it's refreshing to see a turnaround since the 1980s Satanic panic days of blaming the scapegoat or adopted label instead of the screwed-up individual. We support and applaud these efforts from the law enforcement field and are happy to see them realizing the distinction, since they've tired of chasing down non-existent conspiracies and outright lies.

Question 4. Do you guys support any of the underground satanic groups?

Answer: Depends on what you mean by the word "support." There are numerous sub-groups of The Church of Satan, known as grottos, that serve as concentrated cores of Satanic principle and action. Grotto members are required to join the CoS, mainly as an act of group loyalty, but moreso to help us weed out the trendchasers, occultniks, and terrorists from the otherwise sincere folks... but we have many methods of freezing out the lunatics, none of which am I authorized to discuss.

Hope that answers your questions. Between the time of our two correspondences, I'd uploaded four more text files on Satanism to the Pagan/Occult library of the Religion Forum (GO RELIGION). I invite you to download and peruse them at your leisure. That's all.

Matt G. Paradise
Representative - CoS

AN INQUISITIVE COP WRITES...

Greetings Matt,

If you haven't heard yet, I am a police officer and a practicing Wiccan. Ironically, my field of expertise is Occult Crimes. Frequently, I come upon groups who commit occult crimes claiming to be Satanists. I was wondering if I could establish a rapport with you regarding Satanistic groups and practices as it would help me in my work and dispel any false misconceptions. Sorting out the "riff-raff" from the "real deal" you might say. I realize that intelligence information can be open to "interpretation" by the speaker and the listener both. I have found that some police intelligence concerning Wiccans was erroneous until I corrected it because I am *one*. If that is a fact, then we'll have to take a look at the other Traditions as well, Satanism included. Perhaps you could enlighten me and my colleagues from a Satanist's point of view of what is real in your religion and what is just speculation and just "bad publicity". Less "occult-savvy" officers attribute anything that looks remotely occult as "Satanic". But you and I both know that there are so many different Traditions out there! Wiccans are mistaken for Satanists alot by those who do not know the difference and vice versa. I can see things from a police perspective and a Wiccan perspective. I'd appreciate your help in dispelling the "myth-conceptions" about Satanism among my peers . I've found some erroneous and biased information given about Wicca. I'm sure that I'll find some erroneous information in our data about Satanism once I've gleaned the correct information from you. I can make the adjustments and corrections to our training so that we don't go barking up the wrong trees and inconvenience the wrong groups. I also understand that you may not be able to divulge some types of information because of the "sanctity" or secrecy of certain things in your religion. Wicca has a few mysteries itself!

Blessed Be!
Argent-

L.D.!
6 June 96 c.e.

A notice of clarification here: Prior to 1966 (the forming of The Church of Satan, followed by 1969, the publishing of The Satanic Bible), there was no established body of philosophy and religion by the name of Satanism. There were scattered incidents of what could fall under the label of devil worship, but no Satanism. (There were in the past, however, those who we would call "de facto Satanists": Nietzsche, Machiavelli, Mencken, etc, who built the philosophical foundation.) The term Satanism has a definitive meaning, something most are oblivious to, either through misguidance or simple ignorance. Much has happened following 1966: we had created a condition in society that made it now socially acceptable to stand on the position of "God is dead" and non-traditional religious representation (especially of the non- or anti-Xtian sense). Our concepts have been stolen and perverted to either extreme, as any group of significant impact usually incurs, but the fact still remains that there is Satanism and there is not-Satanism. We consider the lunatic fringe and those who need a backdrop or scapegoat for sick behavior to fall into the camp of devil worship, which is completely a reaction to Xtian upbringing than to any of our imagery they might fixate upon, and was largely an overblown paranoia scam of the 1980s via Reagan and his fundamentalist buddies. (Page 89 of TSB: "Under NO circumstances would a Satanist sacrifice an animal or baby.") Even aside from our ethic of "responsibility to the responsible," The Satanic Bible and our other books sum up our disdain for this societal element.

That's all.

Matt G. Paradise
Representative - CoS

Mr. B.!
7 June 96 c.e.

In response to your question, I see Satan and the qualities we take of him to be inextricably bound. Satan iliicits various responses; when one person confuses us with devil worshipers, others ask themselves if the reality they've known is justified and that perhaps there is a more realistic side to the story. Satan evokes this form of thinking, this questioning of all. As for getting more followers, those with the CoS are neither interested in "follower" types nor would such followers be congruent with Satanic principles. Satanism, by its very structure, is an elitist religion: we as Satanists think and act differently from many people on many issues. We've tended to use the term "alignment" instead of the inaccurate "follower" tag to describe our relation to Satanism. I'm not harping on your word usage, believe me, I'm merely clarifying in a non-intrusive manner.

Hope the text files were helpful and that our correspondence aided in clarification. That's all.

Matt G. Paradise
Representative - CoS

A SATANIST ON COMPUSERVE CHECKS IN...

Dearest Mr. Paradise;

All I can really say is...it's about time. I have been coming online now for almost two years and I have not seen any kind of advancement towards Satanism as you yourself have done. I applaud you for this. I would have loved to have constructed a Satanic forum but it is hard for me with the little time I have due to the job I am in. Good luck and please keep me posted on your improvements.

Aloix
The Blackstar Church

ANOTHER COMPUSERVE USER SHOWS HER APPRECIATION...

Matt, I hope you do not mind me contacting you,uninvited, to send you a few words of appreciation. Like most people I was not clear on the difference between such beliefs as Satanism,Wiccan and the other less common(to this part of the world anyway)systems,but since going on-line have began to understand a little.I have downloaded and read many articles in CIS and AOL on a number of topics and feel I have had my eyes opened-unlike some!

The problem would appear to be, in many of the forums, that folks are unwilling to even consider someone elses position or personal views and this is particularly so in the case of the christians.Your uploads certainly seemed to cause a flurry of heated debates in some of the rooms,but unfortunately I think that most of the people shouting the loudest had not actually read the material.I tried to reason with one young born-again,but his mind was so closed to the subject there was no point! I usually just do a spot of lurking in these places but felt compelled to go and join in the fun for a while....fun it was not....frustrating it was!

The one thing that always stands out is that most people(probably because of fear) do not want to take responsibility for their lives and concepts such as xtianity really does provide them with an easy way ahead and out.Now,I don't know anything about anything,but they all seem to be deluded to me...or am I the deluded one :-)

Anyway,back to the appreciation bit! Thank you for taking the time to try and educate the great unwashed in the R forum,and if the they have lost the ability to read and understand plain English then it is their loss! I'm sure many people like myself read your output,had a think,and 'enjoyed' it.So thanks,and any other uploads you have time to send would be well received I'm sure.

Regards,
Dawn H.

MAINSTREAM MEDIA CATCHES UP, ONE PERSON AT A TIME...

Dear Matt, Thank you very much on the information on Satanism... I have only looked at it briefly thus far but if what I've already read is any indication, I'm sure that it will help me out greatly. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to you, but as I am sure you are aware, life in the 90's can be hectic and the days can oftentimes be too short. I had not forgotten about you.

Let me introduce myself a little bit better... my name is Tim K. and I am a independent writer for magazines and off and on I create and write ideas and stories for news programs (such as 20/20). The information I requested is not for a story, in particular. Satanism seems to come up a LOT in the work I do and it seems like a lot of times I can't intelligently talk about it. Satanism bashing seems to come up a lot and I just want to get an "inside look", if you will, at its principles and inner-workings.

Doing research on the net, I came accross your E-mail on the bottom of one of the web pages. I thought that there would be no one wiser and with more potential for information than a representative from the Church itself.

So in short; No one sent me, I appreciate the info very much, and I would be interested in getting any more info that I can. So, once again, thanks a million and if I can ever return the favor in some other way, just let me know.

Tim K.

SOMEONE WHO GOT MORE THAN THEY ASKED FOR...

Mr. L.!
9 October 96 c.e.

As head of Purging Talon Publishing, I handle/ contribute/ distribute/ produce/ edit/ DTP a few titles for my publishing company: Poo Poo Magazine, Not Like Most, DeSade, and a few currently in the works. However, Not Like Most, the publication on Satanism, is the one I am most involved with and personally oversee virtually every step of, so I'll discuss my relationship to that publication for the sake of your questions... if that's okay.

1. Why did you begin publishing your Zine?

Not Like Most, a publication of Satanism in action, was bankrolled by the growing success of Poo Poo Magazine (est. 1993), the first title released by Purging Talon Publishing, my independent publishing company. (NLM is Purging Talon's second title, and DeSade, being the third.) NLM's purpose on Earth is three-fold: 1) to exercise my Satanic Will via my main strength, writing; 2) to stand as a vehicle for true Satanic representation, one responsibility of mine as a media representative/ Grotto Master of The Church of Satan; and 3) to save me the trouble of having to explain concepts one at a time to individuals when the publication serves the purpose of educating many at one time instead. This is an encapsulated explanation, of course.

2. How would you describe yourself as an individual?

By its very definition, Satanism champions the individual over the collective, and strongly encourages creative alienation, rejection of useless herd amusements, and rising above the inherent incompetence, unproductiveness, and all-out paraticism of the masses by the Satanist imposing his/ her Will to gain his/ her desires and deserved position in life. Getting as close to individualism as humanly possible is far easier than it seems, it merely appears obscured by a hallucination wall by those who either don't want to work for it or who are easily frightened or discouraged; in short, the weak herd masses. In contrast, striving for individualism is a pleasure to the Satanist, and comes with little difficultly by comparison.

If the question posed is referring to "individual" as more of what comprises my inherent personality (instead of merely the aforementioned), I'm fairly misanthropic, seeing the human race as being largely useless herd animals whose only potentially useful purpose is to be consumers and labor, although, that potential is dwindling. It's evident that the masses serve more deleterious purposes than viable ones, with the weight of balance preferring the former these days since needed obedience hasn't been so strictly encouraged in the last so many decades. I mean, let's be brutally frank: the majority of people need their slavery, in whatever form is preferred, be it television, drugs, abusive relationships, pity, politics and political-correctness, group "superiority" based on extraneous qualities (such as race, gender, nationality, sexual preference, etc.). Let them have it! It's what they truly need, and practically cry for, anyway. The culmination of this, combined with the crumbling facade of democracy, suggests that, in the next 50 to 100 years, the American citizenry will crave (or need) the imposition of a dictatorship as a replacement. Think about it. In the next century, I wouldn't be surprised if the people of the United States dropped to their knees and beg for another Hitler. This can be traced to their core needs, entangled with various fixations: collectivity over individuality. That is my position.

Hopefully, this is of service to your project. If you need additional exposition, feel free to contact me and I'll try to find the time somewhere between college, my paycheck job and the publishing company.

That's all.

Matt G. Paradise
Print Gestapo - Purging Talon Publishing
Publisher - Not Like Most
Representative - CoS

MORE REDUNDANT Q AND A...

Mr. S.! 9 October 96 c.e.

The following are the responses to your inquiry:

Question: yet, concerning the obvious religion at hand, yes, i do have a few questions. First and foremost, i know there are many forms of satanism (i.e. temple of set) i would like to know the exact standpoint of the church your affiliated with.

Answer: The presupposition of there being many "forms" of Satanism is grossly false. The Temple of Set, and Michael Aquino, specifically, is a blantant rip-off group of the Church of Satan that wants to play the devil worship game under the auspices of Satanism. Devil worship and Satanism are TWO distinct animals. The fact of the matter is that The Church of Satan is the first organization in world history to take the title of Satanism and make a religion/ philosophy out of it. It is autonomous and, by its implications and definition, does not allow for factionalization. In my opinion, the ToS are Setians, and should knock off all of the appropriation and, Hell forbid, come up with their own tenets, philosophy, and archetypes without syphoning from an already established religion. Satanism ISN'T like Christianity, and many people lose sight of this (although the ToS is quite like Christianity in various ways on points that they DIDN'T steal from us). If anything, we could be considered an un-religion, in concept. If in any of the Satanic websites, please locate the essay "Pretenders To The Throne" by Peter Gilmore (of The Black Flame magazine) for the final word on this topic. It should adequately straighten things out.

Question: Second, it has come to rumor, and even public telecasting that singer Glenn Danzig has achieved a high standing with the church of satan. Is there any truth in this?

Answer: This is the first thing I've heard of this, though I have wondered in the past as to what stance Mr. Danzig takes on Satanism. Where did you come to this knowledge/ rumor? I'd certainly like to know in detail what you know about this.

Question: Thirdly, i have read Mr.Levay's first satanic bible print. Interesting to say the least. How would one go about joining such a church? This may sound like a stupid question, but could someone join if they were baptised at birth?

Answer: Previous baptism is irrelevant. Membership in The Church of Satan is as easy as sending a request and a self-addressed stamped envelope to: The Church of Satan (or CoS), P.O. Box 210666, San Francisco, CA 94121. I would suggest, however, that you check into the essays, books, and other writings found or listed on my website (in the Not Like Most section, of course) before you make a decision. When I decided to align myself with Satanism almost 13 years ago, it was a very serious choice, as I'm a stickler for accurate self-representation. Membership is certainly not required to be a Satanist, but I think that largely goes without saying. I hope this was of productive use to you and enjoy the PTP website. That's all.

Matt G. Paradise
Representative - CoS

SATANISM AS A SEPARATE SECTION IN COMPUSERVE'S RELIGION FORUM? MANY DO WANT IT, AND FOR MANY MOTIVES...

Sysop Tom, and All:
I know this isn't the first time this has been mentioned, but.....CAN WE PLEASE GET THE SATANISTS THEIR OWN FORUM SECTION???

I have nothing against Satanists, personally....but it's rather difficult when we tell a pagan-curious person "Wicca isn't Satanism, go look in the library for details"....only for that person to open that library and get a look at the first several satanism-related posts.

I mean absolutely no disrespect to Satanism, and I know that more than one Satanist has made the same request.

Satanism is not part of paganism, in that Satanism is not earth/nature-based. (correct me if I'm wrong here, folks....I don't want to sound strident) Satanism is also no more occultist than the Mormons, who allow only the initiated into their sacred space, or the Christian Scientists. If there's room in the forum for "Youth Line" and "Miracle Studies"....there's got to be room for one of the established religions of our time.

Please.

--R

DESPERATE WHITE MALES SEEK QUICK IDENTITY EXCUSE TO BE WEIRD...

[NLM]:
[Posted] 9 November 96
Is that XXX as in sex rated? So somen [sic] women really get off on demonic art. My girlfriend is one of them. But good pornographic demonic art is hard to find. Am I looking in the right place? Something like a studly devil dog banging a young nymph or women and snake. Maybe you know of a source?

D. McCormick
Torrance, CA

P.S.: Don't know what happens at Satanic rituals but from what we have heard about Voo Doo sex rituals it sounds sexually exciting.

[Posted] 15 January 97
hi, i need your help! my wife has received the honor of being named the altar for her grotto and to recognize her achievement i would like to get her a special gift she has been wanting. i do not belong to her group and therefore am unable to ask for help from other members. please assist me. This required considerable work, study, acquiring several arrests for being available on the streets, and public display of Satanic devotion. She was competeing against 2 other experienced women. i congratulate her efforts. More than anything i know of she would like to have a wooden crucifix dildo with her name and status engraved in it. i can not find one anywhere. for the past three years she has used at home a regular wooden cross that i planed round for her. Now she is to provide hers for the Mass. Where can i get it for her? Also, she practices many acts of christian defilement at home but, i know she would appreciate being able to expand. currently she (i assist) celebrates a home version of the mass, afterwards she pisses into the wine wipes her vagina with the host and dumps them into the toilet shitting on them praising Satan. She uses the bible as toilet paper. Has written the infernal names on the attic ridgeboard in our house. placed her confirmation cross into a jar of her urine. and one of her favorites every year is celebrating shitmas on dec25. She places a nativity set into a bucket then shits on it. We are both 40 years old so her devotion is not a teenage fancy or college prank. We would be grateful for additional rituals and source of her dildo. we are new to the internet only signing on last month so we also are in need of site addresses.

PentaCasa@aol.com

A CHANGE OF PUBLISHING FOR ToV

December 27, 1996
Dear Editor:
Thank you for the courtesy exchange copy of your magazine. The quality and care you put into your production is obvious and I congratulate you on your professionalism...

No further subscriptions to "Lifeforce" are currently being accepted. While we intend to continue to promote your magazine to our membership, the Temple is phasing out our old newsletter... Again, congratulations on the excellence of your publication.

In the Temple's Service,
Lucas Martel
Temple of the Vampire
Box 3582, Lacey, WA 98509

Ave Satanas! Loved your stuff in the Satanism folder. As a church member myself its nice to see someone with intelligence speak to the morons of the world. What do I need to do to get the "Not Like Most" magazine? Enjoy!

satanist1@aol.com

Greetings Matt,
First of all, I want to congratulate you on your web site; it offers readers an impressive wealth of information in an interesting and visually appealing form -- you should be proud of your efforts, indeed.

Secondly, and I hope this doesn't warrant a "What do I look like... an information booth?" response, but I'm wondering if you know of any publications/organizations that would be of specific interest to gay Satanists.

As a gay man, I would like to embrace Satanism in the full context of my sexuality but, unfortunately, much of what I've come across to date has a decidedly heterosexual bent. Moreover, while there are numerous xtian groups seemingly flourishing within Toronto's gay community (MCC, Dignity, Integrity, to name a few), I have yet to meet a single gay Satanist in this town. Surely, I'm going about this wrong....

Any thoughts or advice? Many thanks in advance.

Yours in Satanic Brotherhood,
Paul

Hell-O Matt,
Thanks for the copy of NLM. It looks good and I appreciated the interview. Glad to see you're expanding in distribution, etc.

All my best for the future!

Michael Moynihan

Matt,
Hello again. Just wanted to let you know that the latest N.L.M. was as entertaining and informative as always. Even though I'm not a card carrying Satanist, I find that a lot of your own ideologies and those of C.O.S., are right on the money, and a breath of fresh air in a world that is all to eager to sheepishly gravitate towards the current P.C. way of thinking. Definitely one of my favorite "non-music" publications... Keep up the fight. It shall be reviewed in Worm Gear #5 (due out in summer '97), which will be sent to you upon its completion. Enough with the ass kissing... I hope to hear from you soon.

-Marty Rytkonen & Worm Gear

A POSSIBLE PLACE TO PURCHASE THE FILM, "SATANIS" FROM?

Dear Matt:

Thank you for your prompt response to my order. I enjoyed Issue #4. It is both professionally formatted and well written. I especially enjoyed your interview with the prisoner. I will be sending you (via snail-mail) a copy of an article I have written in regard to the similar cases which the courts have dealt with through the years. Hopefully you will deem it printworthy for your 'zine.

Also, in regard to Satanis, I obtained a copy of it for $25 from Aes-Nihil around 1992. The most current address I have on file is: 7210 Jordan Avenue, #B-1, Canoga Park, California 91303. They also have a pretty extensive collection of back issues of The Cloven Hoof. I believe they are only offering duplicates of the film (at least they were in 1992) so the quality may not be the greatest, but the film itself is worth it.

Keep up the good work.

-- J

Matt, yours is truly a state-of-the-art site -- literate and aesthetically pleasing. I was particularly impressed with how much you were able to do using AOL's primitive web publication software.

Hasta la Beasta,
Charles Nemo

A VALID CONCERN...

Greetings!

I have just visited your web site and I must say I was impressed. I not only hold a Priesthood in the Church of Satan, but I have the privilege of friendship with both Dr. LaVey and Miss Barton and see them often.

My comment here is regarding the Satanic Bunco Sheet and other materials on your site. Happy as I am to see this material readily available, I was more than a little chagrined to see no byline on the material. Of course I know who wrote that (as well as all the other material), but don't you think the selections should say "By Blanche Barton" or "By Anton LaVey" to avoid people quoting "you" on such matters?

Just wondering. All in all, as I said, I was very favorably impressed with how much information you had available as well as just what that information was.

Is your magazine available in Los Angeles, and if so, can you tell me where I can purchase a copy?

Thank you.

HAIL SATAN!

M

hi my name is steve im 13 and have been a satanist for 2 years. i need some help. i belive that satanism isnt just a philosophy. i belive there is a being that is satan and that there are lots of demons. i have asked satan to help me with things that are pretty hard to help with but without a doubt he was there and helped me. now i have 2 questions. am i a satanist??? and could you give me some directions on how to make conntact with a demon?????

thank you
steve

hi-
i was wondering if you could help me out...
my younger sister called me yesterday (i'm away at college) and informed me that her boyfriend (*KEVEN*) and she were married in a satanic ritual in which they cut their wrists and drank the blood from each other... I was just curious as to any thoughts you may have on this... (Being wiccan myself, hopefully i can better understand any explaination you can offer)...
Thanks for your time and attention :)
Heather

[Received 28 Feb 1997]
Greets;

I was wandering the internet when I came across the FAQ that you supplied to many websites. I must say I am rather impressed. This may seem shocking because I happen to be the HPs of a Native American/Wiccan Coven located in Montgomery Alabama. However, I feel that the man who finds faith in himself, is a man who will walk his road easily. As Wiccans, we ourselves (though some forget) that in our own Charge of the Goddess are the words, "he who can not find the mysteries within himself, shall surely not find them without himself". I felt that applause was in order for a man standing for his convictions. I may not always agree with Satanism, but I recognize the diversity and the strength that lies within understanding of self. I wish you blessings, and your convictions always be strong no matter what they be.

*Rev. Kat Steingraber (Mystic), HPS
* Ray Larose (Graewolfe), HP

27 Feb 97
Hail Satan!

thank you very much for your work on this webpage (nlm.htm) at AOL. it is exemplary in its depth and expansiveness. I will be networking this URL (http://users.aol.com/boysatan/ptp/nlm.htm) to interested affiliates (and am thankful for your link to CoEuthanasia, of which I am the Satanic Outreach Director!) and wish you luck in your future endeavors.

blessed beast!

tyagi@houseofkaos.abyss.com

This is my 1st week on the net. Scouting the Satanic sites. Yours is one of the best. Keep up the good work.
HAIL SATAN
James Sass, Priest~Church of Satan

[21 April 1997]
Mr. Paradise,

Your interview with prisoner Darrin Field was stirring and revelatory. An outrage! I naively assumed that this sort of blatant religious discrimination - perpetrated by our own government, no less - was a thing of the past. Usually civil rights organizations jump at the opportunity to expose such injustice; the ACLU's and ICLU's refusal to take on Mr. Field's case is a testament to their own cowardice and impotence.

While I am not a Satanist, knowing little about the details of your religious beliefs and practices, I am a practicing heathen and proudly so. As a consequence, I have a personal stake in the outcome of Mr. Field's ongoing struggle to practice his religion freely. If Satanists in prision are not allowed to practice their religion or even to obtain Satanic literature, it may well turn out that Satanists under noncriminal forms of governmental control - e.g. in hospitals, schools, and the military - will likewise be denied these rights. And if that were come to pass, of course, then it is likely that all "pagan" or non-J/C/I practitioners would be threatened with losing their religious freedom. (After all, if the government isn't even concerned to protect our religious freedom from within its own quarters, what is to prevent employers, local officials and magistrates, etc. from openly discriminating on the basis of religion?)

It is pointless just to vent feelings. The question is: What can be done to help those like Mr. Field? Is the Church of Satan pursuing all the relevant legal and media avenues? Usually, when something of this nature is exposed and made widely known, the oppressors forebear and hide - not wanting to elicit too much scrutiny. This is particularly true of those working in the penal system; if it is known that injustice is being committed against one, you can safely assume that it is being committed against quite a few more. I expect that the Church of Satan is openly and intelligently pursuing all the available means of redress and countercontrol. I can assure you that at least some of us in the non-Satanist heathen community would contribute to this end.

Alex

[23 June 97]
I must say, I have read ALL of your postings on all of the Satanic Message boards, and as I did so, my respect for you has grown immensely. You are an eloquent speaker, and make your points vividly and pointedly. However, what I respect the most is your activity in the Satanic community. Your web page, your messages on various boards, and your Magazine give testament to this. Also, you DO respond to mail, I have noticed, something many "upper and ups" in Satanism refuse to do.

AVE SATANAS,
Phil Marfuta

[from alt.satanism, June 97]
<>

Although I don't have any suggestions off-hand, I can tell you that screwing with many die-hard Xtians is about as challenging as shooting crabs in a bucket and, hence, oftentimes not worth it (unless you need to feel like a king over accomplishing small goals, but then you wouldn't be much of a Satanist). Besides, it often empowers their martyr complex because it's quite evident that many of them really get off on being picked on, it makes them feel "holy" or as important of a martyr as their original, elevated martyr: the dead Jew nailed to a stick that they wear as jewelry. You know who he is.

My only advice is, if you do decide to go Xtian hunting (droll as it sounds), it's best to avoid getting into theological attacks, because their "belief" is incapable of accepting anything outside of its consideration. Question actions instead, deeds done by human hands and, hence, things more vulnerable to scrutiny and things that can't hide behind the shield of belief. For instance, consider the following:

>>>Whether or not the Red Sea was parted is irrelevant. >>>Abortion clinic bombings aren't.

This is, of course, entertaining the notion that you really want to bother with them in the first place.

That's all.

Rev. Matt G. Paradise
Priest - Church of Satan
http://users.aol.com/boysatan/ptp/nlm.htm

[Oct 19, 1997]
Rev. Paradise,
Hello, I just received in the mail a copy of Not Like Most Issue 5. I must say that I am extremely impressed by the quality of your publication. It is good to see publications that advocate TRUE Satanism for what it is, not for what the media and white-lighters have made it out to be. Keep up the good work and I can not wait for Issue 6 to come out.

HAIL SATAN!

Craig Thighe

[5 January 1998]
Wow, man, your work is absolutely amazing! It is no wonder why you are the 3rd largest magazine in and around the CoS. I am absolutely and utterly impressed. So, in this, I have a proposition for you, if you care to take it up. Besides our now affiliation with each other, I would like to either work a column ( in each issue ) for you, or at least submit as many essays as possible! I am so extremely proud to be published in your mag... Well, I thought we could help each other out like so, I am extremely experienced as it comes to Satanic magick ( I am actually brainstorming material for a book ) and I have a lot of political views as well ( if you feel like interjecting such opinionated articles in there... e.g. CoE support, humans right to suicide, anti-racist views, etc, etc. ) Well, please get back to me with what you think. Ave!

In satan,
~Thamuz~

10. Jan XXXIII
Rev. Paradise!

Just wanted to say "Thank You" as I found NLM 6 in my box today. You did a tremendous job again; although it was widely believed that the standards had already reached the top, you just pushed them up again (Some people just hate to always repair the roof, you see ). The large format is also fine and gives the zine the final "touch".

Hail Satan!

Herbert Paulis

[15 January 98]
Rev. Paradise----

Thank you. There is no other way of saying it.

I can't tell you how much of an honor it was to be published in Not Like Most. I didn't really appreciate how important it was until I actually read the magazine. Then it hit me. You know, it is rare to find those who will go out of their way to acknowledge the works of others, even among Satanists. That you selected my work is a thing I do not take lightly. It is a quality magazine, and holds one great importance to me---it is the first time I have ever been published. As small as it was, it will always remain one of the few highlights in my life...

Hail Satan!

----Luis

[15 January 98]
Cool web page.........I HATE GOD......

CHF

12 March 98

Mr. [name deleted]

In a message dated 3/4/98 6:19:45 AM, Mr. [name deleted] wrote:

[I believe that, for Satanism to flourish, for Satanism to take root in people's hearts and in their sinews, we must educate those who see Satanism as a Religion of Hate]

...And I wrote...

If you wish to do this, it is your prerogative. But do realize that there are Satanists who do not wish to change the minds of the masses. There is power in fear and mystery or, as Grotto ODM like to say, "Let them hate, so long as they fear." It's a matter of taste.

<>

A society of bright, creative and productive humans is an ideal. And, with that, there will always be plenty of humans who will resent that. Open and intelligent discussion will fall on deaf ears in the case of these folks. Also, many Satanists will argue that the stupid and fearful deserve their lot. It's only when they intrude their stupidity upon our lives that they must be dealt with viciously.

<>

And, most likely, many of them always will. If you wish to educate those in your intimate circle, that's your judgment call. However, don't EXPECT them to listen. Most people do not like their preconceptions questioned and will react defensively and with hostility. Oftentimes, it's best to leave them behind. But, again, that's a personal judgment call.

[I feel that it is the duty of all Satanists to confront those of our own way, and those who claim to be of our stock, who propogate the image of Satanists as hate mongers, and publicly call them what they are: LUNATICS]

Careful with the "it is the duty of all Satanists" thing. Remember this Redbeard/LaVeyism: "He who saith 'Thou Shalt' to me is my mortal foe." You may feel empassioned to let the faux-Satanic feel the bulk of your wrath, but not every Satanist is going to concern himself with the posers. Many Satanists don't have time to waste smacking little Johnny Devilworshiper's hand and saying "bad boy!" because these Satanists are busy working on their goals and success; let alone the fact that these Satanists simply don't care. The wannabes are only a threat to some contrived, bleach-white image that some try too hard to effect. Confront them if you will, but don't expect everyone to jump on the wagon of this "cause."

< does the CoS have a plan or a method for spreading the word of our truth to those who unduly fear us? >>

The Church of Satan disseminates information to those who care enough to seek it out. For those who do not care to know the truth, to Hell with them! There is no point in shoving the proverbial crowbar between their eyelids unless you wish to indulge a masochistic fetish and then there's the danger of complusion. As I said before, sometimes their fear is useful or entertaining, if you are resourceful and smart enough to know what to do with it. The Germans call it Schadenfreude. Since devilworshipers, Xtians, and stupidos will always exist, use them or ignore them. No Satanist wishes to play Sisyphus.

<>

Idealistically, yes. I'd rather someone hate me for all of the very valid reasons to hate me instead of concocting ones or culling examples of stoned-out teenage catkillers to equate me with. But, again, that's an idealistic stance and, empirical evidence lending, not grounded in wholly realistic thought. Whether they fear us, love us, hate us, pity us, laugh at us, or wish to hide their delicate children from our books, websites and bands is their concern. Make the best out of each circumstance. Try evoking Lesser Magic.

Ever Forward!
Rev. Matt G. Paradise
Priest - Church of Satan
http://users.aol.com/boysatan/ptp/nlm.htm