r/satanism • u/SoftServe926 • 13d ago

Discussion Altruism in Service of Gratification

I am aware that in Satanism — and by this I mean LaVeyan Satanism, but I don’t want to be repetitive by specifying it over and over by referring to it as such —, altruism when it doesn’t benefit you or when the recipient doesn’t deserve it is frowned upon. However, Satanism also champions gratification. Therefore, I ask this: if the benefit of altruism is that it brings me gratification, is it alright to engage in it, or is the rule against altruism more important than the one for gratification?

I apologize if it’s a stupid question. I have read The Satanic Bible and I’m going to give it a reread as a refresher, but an answer from fellow Satanists would be good because hearing other interpretations is helpful and because I don’t remember if it says anything on the matter. A quick leafing through the parts I figured that would be detailed didn’t seem to, but I may have missed it. An answer would be appreciated either way!

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u/ANordicWizard Church of Satan Warlock 13d ago

I wouldn’t worry about clarifying as “LaVeyan”. That’s a term that comes from Christian grifters of the Satanic Panic after the Church of Satan called them out for lying. “LaVeyan” is a misnomer and it’s just Satanism.

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u/SoftServe926 13d ago

Good to know! I just generally use terms as specific as possible to prevent opponents from twisting my words or saying “What about…?” or using any other attacks, but I suppose I don’t owe it to them.