Part I
And no marvel; for Satan himself is
transformed into an angel of light.
II Corinthians 11:14
Sometimes I will receive a letter from a stranger. My criminal past, combined with my story of redemption, somehow draws people to me. So it was of no surprise when I received a letter from a man who, while acknowledging what Christ has done in my life, has taken issue with what I wrote in past journal entries concerning THE SATANIC BIBLE.
I think many would be surprised to know such a book exists. And quite frankly, I am not comfortable even mentioning it. I fear it may stir someone’s curiosity, and they would try to obtain a copy for themselves, but there are times when as a Christian I must face the Devil head-on, and this is such a time.
The Satanic Bible was authored by celebrity satanist, Anton Zandor LaVey. LaVey, now deceased, was the founder of the official church of Satan in America. Yes, there really is such an organization. LaVey started it during the “hippy” era of the 1960s. His bible was first published in 1967, I believe. While my own contact with it was in the 1970s.
As one who had become entangled in satanic things in the past, in addition to telling others about the life-changing gospel of my Lord Jesus Christ, I have also sensed the call to warn those who may be involved in various forms of the occult. This includes those who worship Lucifer and seek to promote his teachings.
Interestingly, there are as many variations of satanism as there are denominations in Christendom. Not all satanists are the same. Some say it’s only a lifestyle. While others state they do not believe in a literal Devil, but many of satanism’s practitioners do believe in his existence. Yet the power that lurks behind the occult in all its forms, including witchcraft and satanism, is real. It is deceptive and deadly. Practicing such things, even in ignorance, can bring harm to a person.
The writer of the letter, however, which I have since replied to, claims to like Anton LaVey’s publication. He says the Satanic Bible has helped with his emotional and intellectual development. He believes himself to be a better person because of it.
But not withstanding his glowing views about the Devil’s bible, my Christian Bible clearly warns its readers that Satan can disguise himself as an “angel of light.” In other words, he is the proverbial “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
The Devil is devious. He’s an expert at making bad things appear to be good, and dangerous things as being harmless. As it clearly states in the Holy Bible, Satan’s ultimate agenda is to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). In the Scriptures, he’s portrayed as a “roaring lion.” God’s word warns the reader, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8).
D. B.
transformed into an angel of light.
II Corinthians 11:14
Sometimes I will receive a letter from a stranger. My criminal past, combined with my story of redemption, somehow draws people to me. So it was of no surprise when I received a letter from a man who, while acknowledging what Christ has done in my life, has taken issue with what I wrote in past journal entries concerning THE SATANIC BIBLE.
I think many would be surprised to know such a book exists. And quite frankly, I am not comfortable even mentioning it. I fear it may stir someone’s curiosity, and they would try to obtain a copy for themselves, but there are times when as a Christian I must face the Devil head-on, and this is such a time.
The Satanic Bible was authored by celebrity satanist, Anton Zandor LaVey. LaVey, now deceased, was the founder of the official church of Satan in America. Yes, there really is such an organization. LaVey started it during the “hippy” era of the 1960s. His bible was first published in 1967, I believe. While my own contact with it was in the 1970s.
As one who had become entangled in satanic things in the past, in addition to telling others about the life-changing gospel of my Lord Jesus Christ, I have also sensed the call to warn those who may be involved in various forms of the occult. This includes those who worship Lucifer and seek to promote his teachings.
Interestingly, there are as many variations of satanism as there are denominations in Christendom. Not all satanists are the same. Some say it’s only a lifestyle. While others state they do not believe in a literal Devil, but many of satanism’s practitioners do believe in his existence. Yet the power that lurks behind the occult in all its forms, including witchcraft and satanism, is real. It is deceptive and deadly. Practicing such things, even in ignorance, can bring harm to a person.
The writer of the letter, however, which I have since replied to, claims to like Anton LaVey’s publication. He says the Satanic Bible has helped with his emotional and intellectual development. He believes himself to be a better person because of it.
But not withstanding his glowing views about the Devil’s bible, my Christian Bible clearly warns its readers that Satan can disguise himself as an “angel of light.” In other words, he is the proverbial “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
The Devil is devious. He’s an expert at making bad things appear to be good, and dangerous things as being harmless. As it clearly states in the Holy Bible, Satan’s ultimate agenda is to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). In the Scriptures, he’s portrayed as a “roaring lion.” God’s word warns the reader, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8).
D. B.
Part II
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds
of them which believe not...
II Corinthians 4:4-5
What I am writing here is serious business. The Devil is a murderer who searches for souls to steal. In Saint John’s gospel account, Jesus is quoted as saying with regard to the Devil, “He was a murderer from the beginning... He is the father of lies” (John 8:44).
In his defense of the Satanic Bible, this man quotes author Anton LaVey, who wrote, “You cannot love everyone; It is ridiculous to think you can.” And, “The Satanist believes you should love strongly and completely those who deserve your love,” which I believe is a summation of the letter writer himself on LaVey’s teaching about love.
The Christian Bible, however, states that “God is love.” It reads, “Beloved, let us love one another: for God is love; and everyone that loves is born of God. He that loves not does not know God; for God is love” (I John 4:7-8). In addition, the Bible also declares that “God so loved the world” (John 3:16). This meaning, Creator God loves all humankind. Christ Himself teaches we are to love our neighbors and to do good, even to those who mean us harm (Matthew 5:43-48).
My question, therefore, to the letter writer is, How do you determine who deserves your love, and who does not? How, along the same line, can you determine who has earned the right to be loved by you? If my love has to be earned by doing right by you, what would happen if at some point I did you wrong? Would your love turn to hate?
Under LaVey’s concept of human love, I would have to work at not only earning your love, but keeping it, as well. Such a love would then be reduced to performance. Whereas, a Christian’s love for another is to continue even if a brother or friend sins against him, and even if he sins and messes up more than once.
In the Holy Bible, the apostle Peter wondered about this very same thing. He asked Jesus, “How often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Seven times?” Then Christ replied, "I say not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22).
D. B.
in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds
of them which believe not...
II Corinthians 4:4-5
What I am writing here is serious business. The Devil is a murderer who searches for souls to steal. In Saint John’s gospel account, Jesus is quoted as saying with regard to the Devil, “He was a murderer from the beginning... He is the father of lies” (John 8:44).
In his defense of the Satanic Bible, this man quotes author Anton LaVey, who wrote, “You cannot love everyone; It is ridiculous to think you can.” And, “The Satanist believes you should love strongly and completely those who deserve your love,” which I believe is a summation of the letter writer himself on LaVey’s teaching about love.
The Christian Bible, however, states that “God is love.” It reads, “Beloved, let us love one another: for God is love; and everyone that loves is born of God. He that loves not does not know God; for God is love” (I John 4:7-8). In addition, the Bible also declares that “God so loved the world” (John 3:16). This meaning, Creator God loves all humankind. Christ Himself teaches we are to love our neighbors and to do good, even to those who mean us harm (Matthew 5:43-48).
My question, therefore, to the letter writer is, How do you determine who deserves your love, and who does not? How, along the same line, can you determine who has earned the right to be loved by you? If my love has to be earned by doing right by you, what would happen if at some point I did you wrong? Would your love turn to hate?
Under LaVey’s concept of human love, I would have to work at not only earning your love, but keeping it, as well. Such a love would then be reduced to performance. Whereas, a Christian’s love for another is to continue even if a brother or friend sins against him, and even if he sins and messes up more than once.
In the Holy Bible, the apostle Peter wondered about this very same thing. He asked Jesus, “How often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Seven times?” Then Christ replied, "I say not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22).
D. B.
Part III
Lest Satan should get an advantage
of us: for we are not ignorant of
his devices. . .
II Corinthians 2:11
Moving along, the letter writer quotes from page 46 of The Satanic Bible. “The Satanist knows there is nothing
wrong with being greedy, as it means he only wants more than he already has. Envy means to look with favor upon the possessions of others, and to be desirous of obtaining similar things for oneself. Envy and greed are the motivating forces of ambition, and without ambition, very little of any importance would be accomplished.”
The writer also says that gluttony is also okay. That it goes along with greed. Analyzing Anton LaVey’s premise that both greed and gluttony are good, the Holy Bible teaches otherwise. It warns that greed, along with the sins of envy and covetousness, which are related to it, are the cause of much evil. That when these things are practiced, harm can come.
Greed and lust for more may cause someone to steal from others, and swindle them. It can even lead to murder. In the Webster’s New College Dictionary, greed is described as, “An overwhelming desire to acquire or have, as wealth or power, in excess of what one requires or deserves.”
We know from human experience that a person overcome with greed will often stop at nothing to obtain what he wants. The Holy Bible teaches that one who loves silver and gold in abundance will never be satisfied (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
While the apostle Paul, in a letter to his spiritual son Timothy, warns: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” The apostle then adds, “For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Timothy 6:9-10).
And James, the brother of the Lord Jesus, echoes similar words. “Where do wars and fighting among you come from? They come from your lusts. You lust, and have not. You kill, and desire to have, but cannot obtain it. You fight and war, yet you have not” (James 4:1-2). This is my loose translation of the passage.
The Bible teaches that honest work has its rewards. While it is not a sin to be rich and to possess material things, it is wrong and harmful to chase after them. The Bible also instructs us to learn to be content and at peace with what we have.
Yet, The Satanic Bible gives approval to greed. But greed has driven many to steal and kill. It has driven some to insanity, and others to suicide. The Satanic Bible makes no mention of the negative side to greed and the lust for more and more.
D. B.
of us: for we are not ignorant of
his devices. . .
II Corinthians 2:11
Moving along, the letter writer quotes from page 46 of The Satanic Bible. “The Satanist knows there is nothing
wrong with being greedy, as it means he only wants more than he already has. Envy means to look with favor upon the possessions of others, and to be desirous of obtaining similar things for oneself. Envy and greed are the motivating forces of ambition, and without ambition, very little of any importance would be accomplished.”
The writer also says that gluttony is also okay. That it goes along with greed. Analyzing Anton LaVey’s premise that both greed and gluttony are good, the Holy Bible teaches otherwise. It warns that greed, along with the sins of envy and covetousness, which are related to it, are the cause of much evil. That when these things are practiced, harm can come.
Greed and lust for more may cause someone to steal from others, and swindle them. It can even lead to murder. In the Webster’s New College Dictionary, greed is described as, “An overwhelming desire to acquire or have, as wealth or power, in excess of what one requires or deserves.”
We know from human experience that a person overcome with greed will often stop at nothing to obtain what he wants. The Holy Bible teaches that one who loves silver and gold in abundance will never be satisfied (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
While the apostle Paul, in a letter to his spiritual son Timothy, warns: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” The apostle then adds, “For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Timothy 6:9-10).
And James, the brother of the Lord Jesus, echoes similar words. “Where do wars and fighting among you come from? They come from your lusts. You lust, and have not. You kill, and desire to have, but cannot obtain it. You fight and war, yet you have not” (James 4:1-2). This is my loose translation of the passage.
The Bible teaches that honest work has its rewards. While it is not a sin to be rich and to possess material things, it is wrong and harmful to chase after them. The Bible also instructs us to learn to be content and at peace with what we have.
Yet, The Satanic Bible gives approval to greed. But greed has driven many to steal and kill. It has driven some to insanity, and others to suicide. The Satanic Bible makes no mention of the negative side to greed and the lust for more and more.
D. B.
Part IV
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits
whether they are from God: because many false prophets
are gone out into the world.
I John 4:4
It appears that everything God declares to be bad and harmful is just fine according to The Satanic Bible. Even on the subject of gluttony, the man who sent his letter in the defense of satanism wrote, “Gluttony is simply eating more than you need to keep yourself alive. When you have overeaten to the point of obesity, another sin - pride - will motivate you to regain an appearance that will renew your self-respect.” Really?
Obesity is a serious health issue. It leads to all kinds of physical and medical problems. Millions have challenges with eating properly, including myself. For many, losing weight and watching what one eats has been a lifelong battle.
But The Satanic Bible treats gluttony as no big deal. It’s as if the author is saying, “Go ahead and eat all you want. Get fat. It's not a big deal. When you’ve eaten to the point where you’re obese, your human pride will cause you to lose all that excess weight, and you’ll regain your self-respect.”
Any expert on health and nutrition would surely say that such logic is insane.
With God’s help and the support and assistance of caring friends and family, and with one’s learning self-control, I believe that gluttony can be overcome. I don’t need Satan to tell me to keep eating.
D. B.
whether they are from God: because many false prophets
are gone out into the world.
I John 4:4
It appears that everything God declares to be bad and harmful is just fine according to The Satanic Bible. Even on the subject of gluttony, the man who sent his letter in the defense of satanism wrote, “Gluttony is simply eating more than you need to keep yourself alive. When you have overeaten to the point of obesity, another sin - pride - will motivate you to regain an appearance that will renew your self-respect.” Really?
Obesity is a serious health issue. It leads to all kinds of physical and medical problems. Millions have challenges with eating properly, including myself. For many, losing weight and watching what one eats has been a lifelong battle.
But The Satanic Bible treats gluttony as no big deal. It’s as if the author is saying, “Go ahead and eat all you want. Get fat. It's not a big deal. When you’ve eaten to the point where you’re obese, your human pride will cause you to lose all that excess weight, and you’ll regain your self-respect.”
Any expert on health and nutrition would surely say that such logic is insane.
With God’s help and the support and assistance of caring friends and family, and with one’s learning self-control, I believe that gluttony can be overcome. I don’t need Satan to tell me to keep eating.
D. B.
Part V
Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth:
for I am God, and there is none else.
Isaiah 45:22
Another deception is that there are two Gods. He writes, “I believe there are two Gods. One is a very good God, and the other is a very bad God.” Such a belief is not uncommon. Several major religions believe there are at least two or more Gods. If this is the case, we’d better hope they get along well. Because if they begin to argue and fight amongst themselves, what will happen to the universe?
Surely such a situation where Gods are fighting and competing would leave them too busy to answer our prayers. And if the bad God were to get the upper hand in his match with the good God, it would spell our doom. Scary!
Incidentally, one of the basic tenets of an organization that was once known as THE PROCESS CHURCH OF FINAL JUDGMENT
believed this. For a while, so did I. That Jesus and Satan are really brothers who had a falling out in heaven, even before the world began, and have been warring ever since. Therefore, the Process thought it would be a good thing to help fulfill Bible prophecy by doing what it could to bring about a state of anarchy in the world, That once anarchy ran its course, world peace would come.
The Process Church, which was more occultic in nature than what one would think of as an actual church, taught that once their “Christ” returns to earth during a yet future time of anarchy and chaos, He would put an end to what is occurring. Once done, He and His brother Satan will shake hands and call for a truce. There would be no more fighting between them.
There is nothing in the Christian Bible to support this idea. According to the Scriptures, Christ will one day return to earth to save the planet from total destruction at the battle of Armageddon. Once done, He will establish one thousand years of peace.
As for Satan, his doom is clearly foretold. His next stop on the prophetic calendar will be a place the Bible calls the “Bottomless Pit.” He will be confined to this prison-like environment for the entire millennium as the real Messiah reigns from His seat in Jerusalem.
But Satan’s final destination will be what the Bible refers to as the “Lake of Fire.” The Devil and his demons, and all his foolish followers, will go to this place of endless torment. How tragic it will be for them.
I will continue to pray for this dear man who wrote to me in defense of The Satanic Bible. Jesus loves him, and so do I. I hope he will one day be set free from Satan’s deceptions.
D. B.
See "A Letter to a Satanist" (includes video interviews).
for I am God, and there is none else.
Isaiah 45:22
Another deception is that there are two Gods. He writes, “I believe there are two Gods. One is a very good God, and the other is a very bad God.” Such a belief is not uncommon. Several major religions believe there are at least two or more Gods. If this is the case, we’d better hope they get along well. Because if they begin to argue and fight amongst themselves, what will happen to the universe?
Surely such a situation where Gods are fighting and competing would leave them too busy to answer our prayers. And if the bad God were to get the upper hand in his match with the good God, it would spell our doom. Scary!
Incidentally, one of the basic tenets of an organization that was once known as THE PROCESS CHURCH OF FINAL JUDGMENT
believed this. For a while, so did I. That Jesus and Satan are really brothers who had a falling out in heaven, even before the world began, and have been warring ever since. Therefore, the Process thought it would be a good thing to help fulfill Bible prophecy by doing what it could to bring about a state of anarchy in the world, That once anarchy ran its course, world peace would come.
The Process Church, which was more occultic in nature than what one would think of as an actual church, taught that once their “Christ” returns to earth during a yet future time of anarchy and chaos, He would put an end to what is occurring. Once done, He and His brother Satan will shake hands and call for a truce. There would be no more fighting between them.
There is nothing in the Christian Bible to support this idea. According to the Scriptures, Christ will one day return to earth to save the planet from total destruction at the battle of Armageddon. Once done, He will establish one thousand years of peace.
As for Satan, his doom is clearly foretold. His next stop on the prophetic calendar will be a place the Bible calls the “Bottomless Pit.” He will be confined to this prison-like environment for the entire millennium as the real Messiah reigns from His seat in Jerusalem.
But Satan’s final destination will be what the Bible refers to as the “Lake of Fire.” The Devil and his demons, and all his foolish followers, will go to this place of endless torment. How tragic it will be for them.
I will continue to pray for this dear man who wrote to me in defense of The Satanic Bible. Jesus loves him, and so do I. I hope he will one day be set free from Satan’s deceptions.
D. B.
See "A Letter to a Satanist" (includes video interviews).