I e-mailed the administration at the Church of Satan for my interview. I asked them several questions about their beliefs about afterlife and realized that they are Atheist Satanists. The interview was extremely informative.

After e-mailing the administration, I learned their beliefs about afterlife are the same as atheists’ beliefs (Administration). This means that they do not think that there is evidence to prove that there is life after death. Many people think that all Satanists’ worship Satan, a ruler of hell, and look forward to eternity there with him. When in fact Satan, also known as the Dark Force or Prince of Darkness by those who resonate with him, is just a force and a symbol of certain human traits (Administration). He is a representation of “indulgence instead of abstinence, undefiled wisdom instead of hypocritical self-deceit, kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates, vengeance instead of turning the other cheek, vital existence instead of spiritual pipe dreams, and responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires (Administration).” Satan also represents “all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification (Administration).” They believe that man, because of his development, needs the satisfaction of an afterlife and therefore are followers of the Right-Hand Path. While Satanists follow the Left-Hand Path; they value the advancement and preservation of the self, as well as the pursuit of terrestrial goals (Administration). The Church of Satan believes that they are their own gods and do not bow to “myths and fictions” (Administration).

I choose not to believe any of this. I did think it was neat how Satan was just a representation of many things, but that quickly changed once I read what he actually represents. All of the things he represents are just “silly” and are ways to put other people down. Many of the things he represents are opposite of the way many religious groups say people should live their lives. To me, some people would “claim” this religion to be different or to have a reason to do things other people think are wrong or immoral.

Church of Satan Administration. Personal Interview. 12 April 2009.