Given that there are multiple groups that call themselves "Satanists", and some of them don't believe in a literal Satan, or engage in practices associated with Satanism (e.x. human or animal sacrifice), can there be said to be one cohesive definition of Satanism.

I'd personally argue that "true" Satanists would be cults or sects that practice human sacrifice, black magic, and so forth (e.x. ONA), and that atheistic sects such as the LaVeyan Church of Satan are "pseudo-Satanists". I've also heard of individuals who promote immoral behaviors (e.x. the Marquis de Sade) described as Satanists, despite being nominally atheist. But since these are just my opinions, and Satanism doesn't seem like a particularly well-recognized form of "religion", it's hard to say.

Edited October 22, 20241 yr by Night FM

13 minutes ago, Night FM said:

What is Satanism?

Something basically nobody here cares about in any way whatsoever. 

It is my guess that the vast majority of "satanists", are more interested in rebelling against the mainstream, than truly following satan.

On 10/21/2024 at 7:53 PM, Night FM said:

What is Satanism?

Something that would be more meaningful if discussed with actual participants who knew more about it.

On 10/22/2024 at 2:53 AM, Night FM said:

Given that there are multiple groups that call themselves "Satanists", and some of them don't believe in a literal Satan, or engage in practices associated with Satanism (e.x. human or animal sacrifice), can there be said to be one cohesive definition of Satanism.

I'd personally argue that "true" Satanists would be cults or sects that practice human sacrifice, black magic, and so forth (e.x. ONA), and that atheistic sects such as the LaVeyan Church of Satan are "pseudo-Satanists". I've also heard of individuals who promote immoral behaviors (e.x. the Marquis de Sade) described as Satanists, despite being nominally atheist. But since these are just my opinions, and Satanism doesn't seem like a particularly well-recognized form of "religion", it's hard to say.

This being a science forum, it is unlikely there will be experts on this subject here. Have you tried a religious forum? There seem to be plenty of them around. 

On 10/22/2024 at 4:53 AM, Night FM said:

Given that there are multiple groups that call themselves "Satanists", and some of them don't believe in a literal Satan, or engage in practices associated with Satanism (e.x. human or animal sacrifice), can there be said to be one cohesive definition of Satanism.

I'd personally argue that "true" Satanists would be cults or sects that practice human sacrifice, black magic, and so forth (e.x. ONA), and that atheistic sects such as the LaVeyan Church of Satan are "pseudo-Satanists". I've also heard of individuals who promote immoral behaviors (e.x. the Marquis de Sade) described as Satanists, despite being nominally atheist. But since these are just my opinions, and Satanism doesn't seem like a particularly well-recognized form of "religion", it's hard to say.

I believe that sacrificing and worshipping a “demon” or “dæmon” or other entity is mistakenly called Satanism, as it is more related to paganism. In the old days, when Christianity was just emerging, people worshipped the spirits of a bucket, water, sun, stone, wood, etc. That is, they were pagans. 
Accordingly, they made sacrifices to these spirits, from a handful of grain to a gutted cow or a human being. 
Modern Satanism, if it can be called that, is more related to people who prefer to believe in themselves and in their own strength. Not in a deity imposed for thousands of years. In case of disobedience to which you will all be punished. 
But those groups of people who perform rituals and offer sacrifices are the prototype of pagans with mental disorders. Nothing more. Basically, like most Christians or Catholics, depending on their religion. They just replaced several spirits, gods or idols with one.

Edited December 31, 2024Dec 31 by Jason_Dix

1 hour ago, Jason_Dix said:

I believe that sacrificing and worshipping a “demon” or “dæmon” or other entity is mistakenly called Satanism, as it is more related to paganism. In the old days, when Christianity was just emerging, people worshipped the spirits of a bucket, water, sun, stone, wood, etc. That is, they were pagans. 
Accordingly, they made sacrifices to these spirits, from a handful of grain to a gutted cow or a human being. 
Modern Satanism, if it can be called that, is more related to people who prefer to believe in themselves and in their own strength. Not in a deity imposed for thousands of years. In case of disobedience to which you will all be punished. 
But those groups of people who perform rituals and offer sacrifices are the prototype of pagans with mental disorders. Nothing more. Basically, like most Christians or Catholics, depending on their religion. They just replaced several spirits, gods or idols with one.

Just to correct you on on one point of fact, Catholics are Christians of course. Catholicism is by far the largest Christian denomination: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations_by_number_of_members

Edited December 31, 2024Dec 31 by exchemist

Anton LeVay created a satanist church to mock organized religion. I'm not sure he was ready for the reception it got.