I recently found a blog entitled "Wolves in Sheep's Clothing," a common enough sentiment from those fearing attack from their enemy, the Devil.

The article proceeded to suggest (on evidence that obviously can never be verified) that these "Luciferians" "play the game to the hilt: they go through the system step by step. They enter into Bible colleges, they graduate, they 'go into ministry', they rise through the ranks. Today there are at least hundreds of these covert occultists strategically positioned all over the landscape of Evangelical leadership." (http://themurkynews.blogspot.com/2008/03/wolves-in-sheeps-clothing-research.html; accessed 11/28/11).

Now, while this must seem fascinating for the Christian conspiracy crowd, what Satanist would go too all the trouble of the above suggested route just to put on a woolly suit and smile pretty at all the foolish hypocrites while, presumably, muttering curses from the pew??

I find it humorous and just a little sick. However, the more they believe we are "strategically positioned" in their church leadership ranks, the more their superstitions will be fed, and the less they will bother with our actual projects.

So, go on searching for your "wolves in sheep's clothing." Meanwhile, we will continue doing the real work of His Defiant Kingdom!

I do agree with your assessment that there is the paranoid element represented by the writings that you reference. That being said, I do not think that they are are totally wrong.

When Doctor LaVey declared this the Age of Satan, I think he meant more than a declaration that he had started a new religion. We are seeing, in more and more ways, the fact that man is carnal. This carnality can only be denied for so long. And, even though I think most seminarians consider themselves Christian, their education, awareness of human need and desire to keep with the times is moving their religions closer to being carnal religions. In my own lifetime, I have witnessed denominations embrace divorce, a move away from being a totally patriarchal system and the ordination of homosexuals.

I think some religious leaders see what Doctor LaVey proclaimed...the embracing of the carnal. That really bothers them.

But...don't call us "Luciferians". (Your quote...not you)

I would heartily agree that carnality is seizing the day. How could it not? We are, after all, carnal beings. As Dr. LaVey has well said, "He no longer can view himself in two parts, the carnal and the spiritual, but sees them merge as one, and then to his abysmal horror, discovers that they are only the carnal—AND ALWAYS WERE!" (The Satanic Bible, Book of Lucifer).

I have found that people can be carnal all by themselves, regardless of whether or not they are Christians, and don't necessarily need a satanist planted in a church to help them along.

Interestingly enough, when I did a Google search for this topic, I found a plethora of cites offering information to "locate" Satanists in your local church.

At first blush, I think most people would have a hard time telling the difference between the actual Satanist and the regular run-of-the-mill carnal person. Perhaps this is why churches have to publish "how to manuals" about searching them out.

Discrimination and discernment is not the strong suit in many churches; while we thrive on such virtues.

I think it actually says more about them, and their deeper motives than it says about anyone else.

Roho's correct that the religion isn't a ghetto to be avoided. After all, I majored in it . You don't need to buy into the message to find history or hermeneutics interesting, or to appreciate the art or general creativity that religion has inspired throughout the ages.

You too, eh? I have a master's degree from a seminary. However, at that point in my life I would not have referred to myself as a Satanist, as I do now. But personal power and fruits of the flesh have always been the major themes of my life. Having been a pastor in several churches fed this want for personal power; however, at that time in my life, it was a sincere professional choice.

After so long in the church leadership, however, one tends to get a belly full of self-righteous hypocrisy. One grows tired with the carnal cover-up and pretensions toward spirituality. Referring to myself now as a Satanist is the most honest thing I can possibly do.

To make clear...I am not supporting the claim that their are Satanist spies.

TrojZyr...just so you know, I took that paragraph out. I meant what you wrote...Satanism is not a hiding place. Looking back at it, I realized it could have been taken to mean something quite different. Words and emoticons are certainly no substitute for a face to face conversation.

Yes, this is more to the point of my original post. However, I still work in a church. But I am no spy. At this point, its just a job (that I still do well) until I can support myself through other means. If anyone found out that I was a Satanist, I would have to find a different way to support myself, and in a hurry.

Oh, whoops! Well, I know what you meant . Sorry I quoted you just as you were editing!

Nothing breeds good atheists better than a seminary. And, a few Satanists have cut their teeth their, too.

Hehe, I was just thinking, the "devil" drove me into chruch, and once I got there, "God" drove me right back out again. How wonderful to stand on my own two feet!!

Shemhamforash! Hail Satan!!

The idea that any true Satanist would deliberately go through all the trouble required to infiltrate the Christian church just to reak havoc, mumble curses and lure "Good Guys" away from their God, is ridiculous. Most likely this is just another manifestation of a desperate attempt to avoid secularization. What keeps the Christian church intact is nothing more than fear - fear of the Devil, fear of being different, fear of those standing outside the lines of propriety. So when they feel like it's starting to slip, they come up with new things to fear or revive the old ones from time to time. After all, as says the ninth Statement: "Satan has been the best friend that the Church has ever had, as He has kept it in business all these years." This here is a perfect example - old nemesis dressed up and presented slightly different and the Christian church is saved for another decade.
Although, I suppose it is possible that some churches have stumbled upon pseudo-Satanists who all undoubtedly are our "Big Black Hope" and as eager little "helpers" actually dilude themselves into thinking that they are helping Satanism by hiding some subliminal messages between the lines when conducting a liturgy, putting curses upon churches and congregations or in extreme cases - Satan forbid - sacrificing (Christian) children to the Devil.

Anyone who has "infiltrated" a church under the guise of a Satanist or Luciferian with the belief that they are intentionally "going against god", is a severely damaged christian.

Anton Lavey codified what legal Satanism is and anything outside of these guidelines is simply not Satanism. It's amazing what you can make a person do once Christianity has scrambled their brains!

Xitan propaganda.

Let's start another Satanic panic.