"Nothing is New: Religions Evolve" by Vexen Crabtree (2007)

Religions evolve over time, with no genuinely new elements. We see how folk-lore can gradually change into a religious story, how movement of stories from one place to another can create seemingly new religious ideas, and how all the elements of world religions pre-dated the religions they are now part of. The implication of so much re-use and human involvement in the propagation of religious memes is that there is no supernatural or divine component to the origin of religion. Religious histories have unfolded as if there are no gods or spirits, but only Human nature, to guide them.

Tags: comparative religion, history, religion, religions
Current Location: Mönchengladbach, Germany

"Categorizing Satanism: Moojan Momen's 8 Pathways to Religious Experience" by Vexen Crabtree (2007). The categories are not designed so that each religion fits one category; most religions cater for multiple types of religious experience. The more successful religions accept more types of religious experience. How does Satanism fit with each mindset?

1. Ritualism
2. Legalism
3. Evangelism
4. Social Reformation
5. Asceticism
6. Monasticism
7. Gnosticism
8. Mysticism

The conclusion reads:

Satanism provides some acceptable elements for those looking for: ritualism (2/5), social reformation reactions (2/5), some philosophical forms of asceticism (2/5) but most of all for those who enjoy the intellectual and counter-cultural side of gnostic forms of religion (4/5). It will be acceptable to only the few mystics (1/5) who can ignore the heavily skeptical and rational theology of Satanism. It provides nothing for those who would seek out, or attempt to justify, legalistic, evangelical or monastic religious experiences as Satanism is highly individual, socially decentralised and world-embracing.

Tags: anton lavey, asceticism, comparative religion, evangelism, gnosticism, legalism, momen, monasticism, moojan momen, mysticism, religion, religions, ritualism, satanism
Current Location: Monchengladbach, Germany
Current Mood: annoyed
Listening To: "Nothing At All" by Lights of Euphoria

"How Does Satanism Fit Into Melton & Moore's 8 Religious Categories?" by Vexen Crabtree (2007)

Tags: church of satan, comparative religion, j. gordon melton, melton, moore, religions, robert moore, satanism, vexen crabtree
Current Location: Starbucks, Camden Town, London
Current Mood: anxious

"Bane Of Monotheism website" by Vexen Crabtree

Tags: anti-religion, atheism, christianity, christians, god, islam, jews, judaism, monotheism, muslims, religion, religions, theism, vexen, vexen crabtree
Current Location: Mönchengladbach, Germany
Listening To: "Angel" by Aerosmith