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5.2. What happens if I change my mind and want to get out of all this
     again?
 
   There are idiots around who propagate such ridiculous and silly
   misinformation as that "there is no possible way to get out of a
   Satanic organization other than death." This only intends to scare
   people. All one has to do to get out of the Church of Satan is to
   _write us a letter_ telling us that they want to resign.
 
   No one's kicked out unless they do something that is blatantly
   against our tenets or unless _they_ request to have their name
   taken from our lists. Unless people let us know in writing that
   they want to resign, we consider them members.
 
5.3. I am not 18 years old yet. Can I still become a member?
 
   You may become a member of the Church of Satan at any age, though
   further participation in the organization is limited to those who
   are eighteen years of age or older. This is not meant as a judgment
   of your maturity; we've received letters from 14-year-olds who had
   a distinct, mature grasp of Satanism. But we must be realistic
   about the world around us. One reason is that we don't want to
   become a haven for the kind of sanctimonious perverts that
   Christian churches and other "Goodguy Badge" forums (such as Big
   Brother/Big Sister, Boy Scouts, etc.) often are. There are a lot of
   sick people out there, and we don't want our vital young Satanists
   to become victims of twisted adults who are more interested in
   contacting young kids than they are in practicing Satanism.
 
   Another reason is because your parents or other adults in your life
   may not understand us or might be hostile toward your exploration
   of this religion. They may try to cause trouble for us, falsely
   accusing us of any number of things, just because they feel
   threatened. So, we simply cannot allow anyone under the legal age
   of consent to participate in any activities directly sponsored by
   the Church of Satan. The _only_ exception to this rule would be the
   _written permission and attendance_ of your parent or legal
   guardian. Some of you may be lucky enough to have a very good
   relationship with your parents and they may be supportive, even
   enthusiastic, about your exploration of the Dark Side. They may be
   willing to go with you to meet a local Grotto Master and decide on
   your level of participation at this point in your magical
   development. If this is the case, let us know.
 
5.4. The Church of Satan charges application fees for membership and
     further involvement and accepts money from people. Sounds like
     your garden-variety tent-show evangelist scam.
 
   First off, you are probably confusing two different terms. The
   Church of Satan is an organization. Satanism is a religion. Since
   we are one of the few (if not the ONLY) religions whose
   organized body REJECTS the tax-exempt status other religions cling
   to, the CoS accepts money to keep it moving, and we pay BACK into
   the economic system. ("Responsibility to the responsible.") Also,
   there seem to be a couple presuppositions hiding under your
   statement. The first is that we should feel "bad" or "humble" about
   money. Why? We are Satanists. Most of us appreciate success in one
   form or another and, in business, we know that money often enough
   helps this along. We lay our cards on the table and have no problem
   with it. If a credible Satanist pays into the CoS, he or she does
   this in support, and does it knowingly because he or she is wise,
   like all good Satanists are. If your average ignoramus throws money
   at the CoS, the organization is happy to take that, too. But, it is
   the idiot, not the CoS, who should be held responsible because,
   quite frankly, we didn't rush up to his house with Uzis, drag him
   to the ATM, and make him empty out his account for us. You don't
   even have to be a member of the CoS to be a Satanist, so no money
   is required, unlike that required by others for tithes, collection
   plates, and holy corn meal. (The monetary fee, by extension, also
   keeps out most of the trend chasers, the occultniks, and the
   terrorists. We don't want them and we won't put up with them.) The
   second presupposition lies in your penchant for equating us with
   the model of religion which Xtianity ostensibly portrays. It has
   been adequately stated and PROVEN that Satanism is not inverse
   Xtianity. It's an old point. Tell the Judeo-Xtian churches to pay
   THEIR taxes and see what they say. The differences are enormous.
 
5.5. I really want to join the Church of Satan... I mean, A LOT! I
     want to be a Priest and be one of you. I want magical powers and
     a direct phone-line to Satan.
 
   Go away.
 
5.6. Do you find most of the membership of the CoS to be 'Xtian
     refugees' or do they come from all sorts of backgrounds?
 
   Surely, I couldn't speak for all Satanists, but I would assume that
   many, particularly older Satanists who grew up in an era when
   Xtianity was taken a bit more seriously, had some sort of Xtian
   indoctrination in their childhoods. Oftentimes, teens will approach
   Satanism as a reaction to their growing disdain for Xtianity, and I
   think that's an honest and healthy step, speaking from experience.
   However, once a Satanist (a true Satanist, and not some drugged-out
   devil-worshipping metalhead with a penchant for feline slaughter)
   grows up a bit and experiences some of the outside world, Satanism
   becomes a lot more than a game of shock-the-sheep and the Satanist
   applies himself/herself to attain goals and engage in meaningful
   pursuits. I wouldn't use the phrase "Xtian refugees" to describe
   the situation mentioned above, simply because there is an implied
   idea of victimization riding shotgun with it, and victim is a label
   no Satanist cares to wear - mainly because it's unproductive as
   well as being antithetical to pure Satanic philosophy.
 
6. Satanic Literature
 
6.1. Books by and about Anton Szandor LaVey and the Church of Satan
 
   THE SATANIC BIBLE and THE SATANIC RITUALS
   -- by Anton Szandor LaVey.
   Published in paperback by AVON BOOKS; available in all major
   bookstores, in the Occult or New Age sections.
 
   THE SATANIC WITCH and THE DEVIL'S NOTEBOOK
   -- by Anton Szandor LaVey.
   Published by Feral House, available in all major bookstores. If
   needed, bookseller can order, or copies are available from the
   publisher:
   FERAL HOUSE, 2554 Lincoln Blvd. #1059, Venice, CA 90291, USA.
   Send SASE for info.
 
   SATAN SPEAKS
   -- by Anton Szandor LaVey
   Dr. LaVey's last (and final) book, to be released in late
   1998 by FERAL HOUSE (address above).
 
   THE SECRET LIFE OF A SATANIST
   -- by Blanche Barton.
   The authorized biography of Anton LaVey, published by FERAL HOUSE.
   In the "Biography" section of bookstores (paperback or hardcover),
   or send SASE to FERAL HOUSE (address above) for info.
 
   THE CHURCH OF SATAN
   -- by Blanche Barton.
   Detailed history of the Church, with photos, instructions on
   forming Grottos or groups, lists of Satanic films, music, and
   books. Available in stores, or order from:
   HELL'S KITCHEN PRODUCTIONS,
   P. O. Box 499, Radio City Station, New York, NY 10101-0499.
   Send SASE or 2 IRC for information.
 
   SATAN WANTS YOU
   -- by Arthur Lyons. 
   Published in 1988 by MYSTERIOUS PRESS (paperback and hardcover
   editions). Buy or order in stores.
 
6.1.1. Where can I get a copy of _The Satanic Bible_?
 
   _The Satanic Bible_ can be found (in America) in most chain
   bookstores in the New Age, Philosophy, or Religion sections.
   
   Many non-U.S. readers have written that _The Satanic Bible_ is not
   available in their country for various reasons. I suggest trying
   one of the following methods:
 
   If your local book store does not carry _The Satanic Bible_ or any
   other books mentioned here (or, what would be the correct truth in
   most cases, does not _want_ to hold them in stock), you can mail
   order them from most of the addresses mentioned here without
   problems. (See also the list at the end of this FAQ file.)
 
   They also will be glad to serve inquiries from other countries,
   although you may find the air mail charges rather steep. In Europe,
   you might also try PENTAGRAM, P. O. Box 66, Dewsbury WF12 0XY, UK.
   They carry most of the books mentioned here.
 
   If you have access to the Internet, you could also place an on-line
   order with one of those companies:
 
   http://plaza.satannet.net/
   http://www.psinet.co.uk/pentagram/index.html
   http://www.feralhouse.com/
   http://www.amazon.com/

   A great place for book searches is also

   http://www.abebooks.com/

   and finally you might find a bargain at

   http://www.eBay.com/
 
6.1.2. Where can I get an electronic copy of _The Satanic Bible_?
 
   You cannot; they don't exist, and if such electronic copies would
   exist, they would be a violation of copyright laws.
 
6.2. Satanic Magazines and Publications
 
6.2.1. The Cloven Hoof
 
   The official _Bulletin_ of the Church of Satan. Current news,
   articles, poetry, reviews, and analyses pertaining to all subjects
   Satanic. Includes the latest LaVeyan releases and rip-offs. An
   interactive communique, disseminating information received from our
   vigilant Satanic Forces around the world! Address submissions and
   subscription requests to:
   Blanche Barton, The Cloven Hoof, PMB #365, P.O. Box 390009
   San Diego CA 92149-0009, USA. $35 per year, Sample copy $5 
   (U.S. funds). Make U.S. checks or money order to "Blanche 
   Barton". Foreign orders add $8.00 for subscription or $2.00 
   for single issue.
 
6.2.2. The Black Flame
 
   This _magazine_ is the international forum of the Church of Satan.
   Published once per year, this comprehensive magazine will inform
   you about trends in Satanic happenings and thought. Filled with
   articles, reviews, poetry, and artwork of vital interest to all
   Satanists. Single copy is $6.00 ($8.00 outside U.S.), two-issue
   subscription is $12.00 ($16.00 outside U.S.). Send U.S. funds or
   money order to: HELL'S KITCHEN PRODUCTIONS. (See address above).
 
6.2.3. Not Like Most
 
   A Satanic publication adhering to the philosophies set forth by
   Anton Szandor LaVey, The Church of Satan and directly affiliated
   publications. Its primary audience is comprised of Satanists,
   although it is also written for non-Xtian and anti-Xtian readers.
   _Not Like Most_ is published once per year and is available by
   mail order for $4.00 ($5.00 outside the continental United States.)
   Payment is to be made either by cash or a United States postal
   money order filled out in the publisher's name, not the publishing
   company. NO CHECKS.
   Publisher: Rev. Matt G. Paradise, Priest - Church of Satan
   Not Like Most, P. O. Box 88131, Burlington, Vermont 05402, USA
 
6.2.4. The Raven
 
   "The lighter side of the dark." Empower a vitally important Satanic
   attribute: your sense of humor! Enjoy our insightful and humorous
   take on life, food and wine, religion, culture, current events,
   etc. Issued quarterly (Equinoxes and Solstices). $10.00 per
   year($15.00 outside US), payable to:
   N.B. Smith, Box 163, Stratford CT 06497-0163 USA
 
6.2.5. Others
 
   DIABOLICA - An Independent Forum of Satanic Thought
   Sample copy $6.00 US / $7.00 Foreign, 
   Subscription $11.00 US / $13.00 Foreign
   AZAZEL, P. O. Box 53, Allen Park, MI 488101-0053, USA
 
   The Black Pun-kin
   Canada's Satanic Forum
   $7.00 US American residents, $7.00 CDN Canadian residents,
   $10.00 US Overseas
   All checks and money orders payable to Robert A. Lang
   The Black Pun-kin, P. O. Box 32017, 1386 Richmond R.d.,
   Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2B 1A1
 
6.3. A little Satanically inspired book suggestion
 
   Food for discussion groups or diabolical rumination. Most of these
   have nothing to do with Satanism per se, but the keen reader will
   be able to glean much from them, nevertheless. These works are just
   a small selection from Anton LaVey's bookshelves, but it should
   give you the idea and whet the appetite.
 
   Please note that this is just an arbitrarily shortened and biased
   (by the FAQ maintainer) version of the much longer, albeit still
   only hinting, list on books, music, and films which is given in 
   the appendix of Blanche Barton's book, _The Church of Satan_.
 
6.3.1 Non-Fiction
 
   Carl Jung: _Man and His Symbols_
 
   Friedrich Nietzsche: esp. _Beyond Good and Evil_, _The Anti-Christ_
                        and _Twilight of the Gods_
 
   _The Johnson, Smith and Company Catalogue: Surprising Novelties,
   Puzzles, Tricks, Jokegoods. Useful Articles, etc._
 
   Ambrose Bierce: _The Devil's Dictionary_
 
   H.L. Mencken: esp. _The American Language_
 
   Jerry Mander: _Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television_
 
6.3.2 Fiction
 
   Charles Finney: _Circus of Dr. Lao_
 
   Fyodor Dostoevsky: _Notes from Underground_
 
   H.G. Wells: esp. _The Island of Dr. Moreau_
 
   Jules Verne: _20,000 Leagues Under the Sea_
 
   Oscar Wilde: _The Picture of Dorian Gray_
 
   Jack London: esp. _The Sea-Wolf_, and books of lycanthropic
                transformation
 
   Fred Saberhagen: _The Dracula Tape_
 
   Macabre stories and poetry of _Weird tales_ and Arkham House
   writers Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard, Frank Belknap, August Derleth,
   et al.
 
7. Satanic Music and Videos
 
7.1. Music by Anton Szandor LaVey
 
   AMARILLO RECORDS [NOTE: now apparently out of business],
   5714 Folsom Blvd., Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95819 USA
   (Send SASE for ordering information.)
   [instead, Chris X says contact:
    REPTILIAN RECORDS
    403 S. Broadway, Baltimore, MD  21231 410-327-6853
    www.reptilianrecords.com -- ADMIN]
   Selections include:
   STRANGE MUSIC (10"),
   SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY (CD), and
   THE SATANIC MASS (CD)--which also includes THE HYMN OF THE SATANIC
   EMPIRE, also known as "Battle Hymn of the Apocalypse", written and
   performed by Anton LaVey).
 
7.2. Other Music of Satanic value
 
   Look out for Franz List (Mephisto Waltz, Faust Symphony), Modest
   Mussorgsky (Night on Bald Mountain), Richard Wagner, Richard
   Strauss (Thus Spoke Zarathustra), Frederic Chopin, Igor
   Stranvinsky, and many more.
 
7.3. Videos
 
   SPEAK OF THE DEVIL: THE CANNON OF ANTON LAVEY
   -- Video interview by Nick Bougas.
   LaVey intersperses musical performances with his unique and
   penetrating commentary, ranging from American pop music to World
   Wars to Whoopie Cushions!
 
   DEATHSCENES
   -- with on-camera introduction and narration by Anton LaVey.
   Extremely graphic morgue shots and crime scene photos. Not for the
   faint of heart!
 
   DEATHSCENES 2 and DEATHSCENES 3
   -- Similar material, but with soundtracks by Peter Gilmore.
 
   For information about all video selections above, write to:
   FERAL HOUSE, 2554 Lincoln Blvd. #1059, Venice, CA 90291, USA.
   Please include a SASE or IRC.
 
   SATANIS, THE DEVIL'S MASS
   -- a 1968 documentary film about the Church of Satan.
   A fascinating documentation about the early days of the Church of
   Satan, giving many philosophical insights and witness to magical
   rituals. This jewel has long been lost, but recently it turned up
   again.
   Send SASE or IRC to:
   Strength Through Joy Prod.,
   P. O. Box 82435, Portland, OR 97282, USA
 
8. The Church of Satan on the Internet
 
   Our online representative is Magistra Peggy Nadramia:
   nadramia@panix.com
 
   http://www.churchofsatan.com/
   The official web site of the Church of Satan
 
   Some selected web sites where you may also find information from
   and about the Church of Satan and Anton LaVey provided by our
   affiliates. This is just a selection and has no intentions of being
   complete in any sense. Use them as starting points for your own
   research. Caveat Emptor!
 
   http://www.purgingtalon.com/
   Purging Talon Publishing Headquarters
 
   http://www.satannet.net/
   The Satanic Network
 
   http://www.HerbertsDarkCorner.com/
   Herbert's Dark Corner of the Web
 
9. Artifacts and where to look for them
 
9.1. Artifacts
 
   THE SATANIC BIBLE and THE SATANIC RITUALS were published briefly in
   hardback editions in the early 1970's by UNIVERSITY BOOKS. They
   turn up very rarely in stacks of used books. Anyone looking for
   these should probably use a book search service.
 
   THE DEVIL'S AVENGER, a 1974 paperback biography of Anton LaVey, is
   long out of print. Rare copies sometimes turn up through book
   search services, however.
 
   THE SATANIC MASS (an LP) was the first recording of authentic
   Satanic rituals, made in 1968. It has been re-released on CD by
   Amarillo Records ([Chris X now says that it is licensed to
   Adversary Recordings at Reptilian Records]). A rendition by 
   Anton LaVey of his HYMN OF THE SATANIC EMPIRE has been added, 
   making this album a real treasure!
 
   THE COMPLEAT WITCH (which originally had U.S. hardcover and
   paperback editions as well as an Italian hardcover edition) has
   been re-released as THE SATANIC WITCH.
 
9.2. Societies
 
   THE LADY O SOCIETY,
   BCM 3406, London, WC1N 3XX England
   (The society for submissive ladies.)
 
   TEMPLE OF THE VAMPIRE,
   P. O. Box 3582, Lacy, WA 98509
   http://temple.home.netcom.com/
   (The only organization for those who share a vampire aesthetic.)
 
9.3. Shops
 
   (Please send SASE or IRC for ordering info.)
 
   ABYSS,
   48 Chester Road, Chester MA 01011, USA
 
   DESIGN TOSCANO, INC.,
   17 East Campbell Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA
   (Gargoyles, etc.)
 
   THE DEVIL'S BOOKSHELF,
   P. O. Box 666, Daytona Beach, FL 32115-0666, USA
   (send $5 for catalogue.)
 
   EDMUND SCIENTIFIC COMPANY,
   101 East Gloucester Pike, Bradenton, FL 08007-1380, USA
 
   HELL'S KITCHEN PRODUCTIONS,
   P. O. Box 499, Radio City Station, New York, NY 10101-0499, USA
 
   INFERNACULA,
   c/o Dave Martinez,
   P. O. Box 792666, San Antonio, TX 78279-2666, USA
 
   INNER SANCTUM,
   180-1 Elm Street, Suite 112, Pittsfield, MA 01201, USA
 
   INTERNATIONAL IMPORTS,
   236 West Manchester, Los Angeles, CA 90003, USA
   (Send $3.00 for a big catalog.)
 
   JOHNSON SMITH COMPANY,
   4514 19th Street Court East,
   P. O. Box 25500, Bradenton, FL 34206-5500, USA
 
   MUSEUM REPLICAS LIMITED,
   2143 Gees Mill Road, Box 840, Conyers, GA 30207, USA
   (Not strictly occult-oriented, but GREAT daggers, swords, capes,
   etc..)
 
   NETHERWORLD,
   701 N. MacQueston Parkway, Crypt 122, Mt. Vernon, NY 10552, USA
 
   PENDRAGON, GIDEON, MEPHISTO AND SCRATCH,
   P. O. Box 163, Stratford, CT 06497-0163, USA
   (Send $1.00 and SASE for your very own personal standard
   sell-your-soul contract!)
 
   SATANIC BAPHOMETS, beautiful and exclusive! Authentic 1 1/4 inch
   diameter fire-enameled medallions, in black, white, or crimson.
   THE CHURCH OF SATAN, P. O. Box 210666, San Francisco, CA 94121,
   USA. ($44 in U.S. funds, check, or money order, including postage
   and handling. $5 extra for overseas orders.)
 
   SEXY SHOES,
   Leslie Shoe Co.,
   480 N. 2nd St., P. O. Box 48, Rogers City, MI 49779-0048, USA
   (A purveyor of excellent witches' shoes!)
 
   PENTAGRAM,
   P. O. Box 66, Dewsbury WF12 0XY, UK

=====================================================================

CREDITS/COPYRIGHTS

posted originally as "Church of Satan commonly asked questions" to alt.satanism

	Copyright: (c)2001 Church of Satan, PMB #365, P.O.Box 390009
                   San Diego CA 92149-0009, USA
 
	* This document is considered invalid without PGP signature!        
 
	Authors who contributed to this document:
	(in alphabetic order)
		 
	Blanche Barton
	Peggy Nadramia
	Matt G. Paradise
	Herbert Paulis
 
Special thanks for correction and improvement suggestions:
 
	Phil Marfuta
	Lestat Ventrue

[Note:
     this document substitutes for the previous FAQ by Matt Paradise.]

EOF 418

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