Should Satanism Be a Religion?
GEK1045: “Introduction to World Religions”
Semester 1 AY2010-2011
Term Paper COVER PAGE
Name: LIM YU CONG DARRYL
Matric Number: A0086492U
Tutorial Time: THURSDAY, 1000-1200HRS
Question Attempted: 01
Please attach proof of Special Consideration/Extension approved by your tutor
A world religion encapsulates the following: “(1) A worldwide view; (2) The presence of a community of faith” (Schmidt et al 2005, 1). Through the years, religion has also provided “culturally prescribed solutions” for “human social and psychological problems” and naturally became an “essential ingredient in society” (William et al 1979, 36). In other words, for any group to be called a religion, apart from the need for man’s acceptance to qualify the presence of a community of faith, it must also be seen as a provider of answers people sought after in life. That is why religions can be said to be born out of the “real tragedies of human life” (Malinowski 1931, 634-642) – we turned to them in times of anguish. In my opinion, it is also vital that a religion does not create any problems for the country – why would any government condone a “trouble maker”?
Although these definitions are not comprehensive, they are adequate for my use to deny the application of the Church of Satan to be included in the Parliament of World Religions. I will look at aspects of this cult which prevent it from gaining popularity with the masses. These aspects also outline the cult’s misfit in the definitions given above, hence withholding it from becoming a World Religion.
We will first examine the name of Satan. Just as how Christians are followers of Christ and Muslims that of Allah, Satanists follow Satan. This brings about a very negative connotation because Satan, in the Christian context, depicts a figure “associated with sex, pride, non-conformity, rebellion and individualism” (Petersen (ed.) 2009, 2). Most people would even imagine witchcraft and the occult, though it might just be a
Semester 1 AY2010-2011
Term Paper COVER PAGE
Name: LIM YU CONG DARRYL
Matric Number: A0086492U
Tutorial Time: THURSDAY, 1000-1200HRS
Question Attempted: 01
Please attach proof of Special Consideration/Extension approved by your tutor
A world religion encapsulates the following: “(1) A worldwide view; (2) The presence of a community of faith” (Schmidt et al 2005, 1). Through the years, religion has also provided “culturally prescribed solutions” for “human social and psychological problems” and naturally became an “essential ingredient in society” (William et al 1979, 36). In other words, for any group to be called a religion, apart from the need for man’s acceptance to qualify the presence of a community of faith, it must also be seen as a provider of answers people sought after in life. That is why religions can be said to be born out of the “real tragedies of human life” (Malinowski 1931, 634-642) – we turned to them in times of anguish. In my opinion, it is also vital that a religion does not create any problems for the country – why would any government condone a “trouble maker”?
Although these definitions are not comprehensive, they are adequate for my use to deny the application of the Church of Satan to be included in the Parliament of World Religions. I will look at aspects of this cult which prevent it from gaining popularity with the masses. These aspects also outline the cult’s misfit in the definitions given above, hence withholding it from becoming a World Religion.
We will first examine the name of Satan. Just as how Christians are followers of Christ and Muslims that of Allah, Satanists follow Satan. This brings about a very negative connotation because Satan, in the Christian context, depicts a figure “associated with sex, pride, non-conformity, rebellion and individualism” (Petersen (ed.) 2009, 2). Most people would even imagine witchcraft and the occult, though it might just be a
Bibliography: Websites Hays, J, 2009, Aum Shinrokyo Cult and the Tokyo Subway Sarin Gas Attack, viewed 6 September, 2011, Stitt, G, 2001, Effects of Casino Gambling on Crime and Quality of Life in New Casino Jurisdictions, Final Report, U.S. Department of Justice, United States of America, viewed 8 September, 2011, .