1. Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence!
I agree with this one for the most part, I think there are limits to indulgence where it can become impactful on your life in a negative way. Ultimately I think He does represent indulgence over abstinence and choosing to partake in the things that make you happy.
2. Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual pipe dreams!
This one is interesting to me because of ‘spiritual pipe dreams’. I agree that Satan represents vital existence, intent and independence and will to live. Being intentional in life will be my primary Satanic practice, above all my study and prayer. Spiritual pipe dreams I believe LaVey means Christian beliefs overall and in particular I think he is talking about a belief in Heaven and in a savior figure.
3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom instead of hypocritical self-deceit!
Wisdom and truth are absolutely main tenets of Satanism, I think especially against ‘hypocritical self-deceit’ which I interpret to mean lying to oneself and deluding oneself. It is essential to be true to oneself.
4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates!
I would agree with this one as well, I think there is an idea that Satanism doesn’t encourage kindness but it does, when it’s appropriate. Kindness is often the best way to proceed but not everyone is deserving of kindness. Waste not on those who don’t deserve kindness or who will not give kindness in return.
5. Satan represents vengeance instead of turning the other cheek!
Vengeance is a complicated concept, isn’t it? It’s a bit cliche and comic book. “Retribution.” “Punishment.” I’m not sure I believe in punishment, not like that. LaVey talks later about giving an eye for an eye and I don’t agree there. Giving back what you’re given, though, seems to fit here, rather than just accepting things as they are. If that makes any sense.
6. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires!
Responsibility to the responsible I do really like and agree with, those who are responsible deserve that responsibility given back in turn. Psychic vampires could describe anyone who is draining of energy besides giving of energy. I think there is a lot being said in these tenets about energy exchange and how to treat others as they treat you.
7. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of his “divine spiritual and intellectual development,” has become the most vicious animal of all!
Man is another animal indeed - the most vicious animal of all for sure. I’m not sure if this is what LaVey was talking about but the ruin that mankind has inflicted on the planet is what makes him the most vicious animal of all. He is ruler of the Earth but at what cost?
8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification!
This is another of my main core Satanic tenets, personally. Engaging in ‘sin’ without fear or shame brings true gratification. These so-called sins, as LaVey puts it, are part of the normal spectrum of human thought and behavior and strict abstinence against them leads to ignoring a part of oneself that is engaging in those behaviors, because no man can entirely avoid his nature.
9. Satan has been the best friend the Church has ever had, as He has kept it in business all these years!
I think many things keep the church in business but certainly fear of the devil and fear of sin and fear of eternal damnation instills enough fear in many people’s hearts to keep them returning to church again and again. I also think that certain people within the church have committed horrible acts in the name of their god.