Abstract: This essay begins with a short historical and sociological outline of the Satanic subculture (or movement), followed by a discussion of the connecting themes, beliefs, and practices in an attempt to systematize them. Some common typologies are addressed to establish a general analytical frame of reference, and the various groups and spokespersons are presented to outline the source material available. Discussions cover Anton Szandor LaVey and the Church of Satan, Michael Aquino and the Temple of Set, Satanic Reds, the 600 Club, and the Satanic Media Watch. It is argued that modern religious Satanism is a combination of positive religious and philosophical aspirations centered on individual, negative, and critical anti-authoritarian conviction. All Satanists have a problem with Western secular Christianity and fundamentalists, but the reactions take different shapes according to time, place, and circumstance.

Keywords: Satanism, Church of Satan, Temple of Set, Stanic Reds, 600 Club, Satanic Media Watch, Christianity,