Question

Satanism & Scientology

1.Is this organization a religion according to the sociological definition? Why or why not?

2.What type of religion is it? (If you decided that it is not a religion, what type does it most closely resemble? Why?

3.How would a functionalist theorist understand and discuss this organization?

4.How would a conflict theorist understand and discuss this organization?

Answer 1

Answer 1 - There is a big debate over whether the organisation 'satanism' can be considered a religion. According to Jenny Reichert (social psychologist) and Dr. James Richardson (sociologist), satanism is a "decentralised subculture" rather than a religion. It is considered as a philosophical view, according to sociology, which adores the figure Satan. According to traditional Christians, Satan is seen as an 'adversary' or an 'opposer' to the Christian beliefs.Satanists use this concept as the foundation of Satanism.

There are two types of Satanism -

1.Atheistic Satanism

2.Theistic Satanism

Atheistic Satanism promotes oneself as God. It promotes individualality, freedom, and upholds selfishness as a virtue and empowerment. They don't believe in God or Satan. Anton Lavey is the founder of the Church of Satan. It is also known as Laveyan Satanism which basically preaches to break free from the shackles of religion and that there is no afterlife. There is only current life which we should be able to enjoy and live to the fullest.

Theistic Satanism - They believe in Satan and worship the devil. They view Satan as a being or a model. They perform rituals and practice black magic.