I have heard it rumoured (in several circles, many versions) that there is some unspoken connection between the CoS & Thelemic groups like the A.'.A.'. or the O.T.O. The gossip proceeds to the effect that: There is a parent gnostic-illuminati type- group operating as an "inner circle," while the CoS "dumbs down" the more esoteric aspects of the resultant secret philosophy for a broader audience- essentially running a vulgate facade. Could someone of authority please effectively debunk/respond to this?

>> I have heard it rumoured <<

You shouldn't listen to rumours.

>> The gossip proceeds to the effect that...<<

Gossip?

Can't you think for yourself?

Or at least take the time to study?

Read first The Satanic Bible and the move on to our other literature.

Then you will be informed.

I recommend you read The Satanic Scriptures by our High Priest Peter H. Gilmore. This book will provide you with a thorough oversight on where The CoS stands.

With all due respect, assumptions as to my literacy & study habits are unnecessary. I did not approach this topic with a caustic tone; & I expect the same courtesy. You seem to have infered that these are my personal beliefs. That is false. I presented an extreme example (of a much varied theme) to provide this administration with an opportunity to contend against a popular misconception. Like it or not, rumour is a powerful & often crippling aspect of society. When confronted with these rumours again, I would appreciate having an authoritive statement to which I may direct inquirers. The Satanic Bible is an excellent information source; but it states philosophy, ritual, procedure, etc. It does not detail the specifics of institutional hierarchy or associations. I would appreciate a more detailed (less condescending) response.

Satanism is a materialistic Religion emphasizing the carnal.

Why would we associate with otherworldly, mystical, spiritual, or so-called transcendental religions?

They have NOTHING to offer us and we have NO use for them.

So the answer to your question is NO.

>> I presented an extreme example (of a much varied theme) to provide this administration with an opportunity to contend against a popular misconception.<<

Well, thank you so much for kindly offering us such a grand opportunity.

Not that we are in any way concerned with what the herd thinks.


>> Like it or not, rumour is a powerful & often crippling aspect of society. <<

I could not care less how much society cripples itself with rumours.

The Church of Satan fully expects those who resonate with our tenets to possess the guille to sort the wheat from the chaff by themselves.

>> I would appreciate having an authoritive statement to which I may direct inquirers.<<

Then direct them to www.churchofsatan.com

>> The Satanic Bible is an excellent information source; but it states philosophy, ritual, procedure, etc. <<

Yes. The contents of which is the very basis of what separates us from the mystical organisations you state the rumours pair us with.

For further clarification I pointed you towards our wider literature.

Once again, thank you for making available this wonderful opportunity to "contend against this popular misconception." But the fact is, if people can't work it out for themselves we don't care.

Excellent. Thank you for that more thorough (albeit sarcastic) & expedient response. I look forward to future participation in this forum.

http://www.churchofsatan.com/Pages/LaVeyPastOccultism.html

I would happily debunk your rumor except that it is quite impossible to prove that one is not involved with a conspiracy!

After all, David Ickes will tell you that the Queen of England is a reptile masquerading as a human being, and any attempt to dispute that only "proves" that you are in league with the reptiles!

Rumors abound about just about everything and anything but in this one case, Satanism. the answers are all right there. Just read the literature which is all publicly available without first assuming we are lying to you.

You might just find something very fulfilling and useful as a consequence.

Most truly effective secrets are "open" secrets. They are in plain view but require some effort to be useful.

That is certainly true here.