"Satanism is a World-Affirming Religion, not a World-Renouncing One" by Vexen Crabtree (2007)

Drawing on the useful distinctions Roy Wallis of religions into the mainstream world-accomodating, world-rejecting (think isolation, christian monasteries, nihilism, buddhism) and world-affirming (materialistic religions, some philosophies, daoism), I measure each type against Satanism. I do not just point out that Satanism is a materialistic, world-loving religion, but also examine what points of similarity and difference it has with world-accommodating and world-rejecting ones (surprisingly, there are some areas of agreement).

Roy Wallis' categorisations are based on the reaction of a religion to the environment of the world. I am soon going to a similar category-comparison to J. Gordon Melton and Robert Moore, who grouped new religions into eight 'families', largely based on their internal beliefs.

And finally, a third comparison will be with the categories that Mooman Moojan, William James and Max Weber all came up with.

Tags: comparative religion, nihilism, reality, religion, satanism, world
Current Mood: busy

New: "Devotion to the Beautiful Universe We Live In" by Vexen Crabtree:

"That maths is both an artform, and a beautiful enterprise, is something that is often-repeated by those in-the-know. Likewise, it is a common theme that those who enjoy the sciences - the challenges of scientific theory - often have greater feelings towards their chosen fields than the cold experience of technical number-crunching pitted with moments of inspiration. The ongoing search for truth bestows upons its adherents a glowing satisfaction and awe at the wonder of the universe.

Reality is simultaneously complex and simple, engaging and passive, black and white and colourful. Out of simple laws comes complexity, and out of the chaos of experimentation slowly comes understanding. The scientific methods of understanding the world can involve a person completely and fully; the intellectual and rational commitment to hard work and truth are obvious. Not so obvious is the emotional wonder and adoration that arises within those who seek the truth. Philosophers and scientists, as Dawkins' points out, have had a tendency towards an almost mystical and pantheistic love of the fabrics of reality."

Tags: beauty, complexity, inspiration, love, pantheism, philosophy, reality, richard dawkins, science, universal, universe
Current Location: Mönchengladbach, Germany