The Satanic Scriptures

by Peter H. Gilmore

The Satanic Scriptures hands down the wit, wisdom and diabolical perspective of the Church of Satan's High Priest, Magus Peter H. Gilmore. These essays, articles and diatribes have been collected from over twenty years of the High Priest's writings for his infernal cabal, some first issued in the pages of publications available only to insiders. From the magic of toys to techniques of time travel, Magus Gilmore leads the reader down a Left-Hand Path where few will find what they expect. The Devil always has all the best tunes and now you'll hear from a Satanic Maestro how the Dark Lord has influenced composers and musicians long before the advent of electric guitars and stadium concerts. Magus Gilmore reveals principles of Satanic Ritual in a frank discussion of forbidden rites. What is a Satanic Funeral? How do Satanists marry? Find out now, as these unholy ceremonies have never before been disclosed outside of the Church of Satan's Hellish Hierarchy. Here is the philosophy for those

Genres: Philosophy, Religion, Satanism, Nonfiction, Occult, Spirituality

302 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Peter H. Gilmore is High Priest of the Church of Satan since 2001.

Reviews

[Belhor Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I'm done with this one. I didn't read "The Rituals", since I'm only interested in the philosophy of Satanism.
This book builds on the ideas presented in "The Satanic Bible" and is better to some extent since it improves parts of the philosophy of Satanism. It was pretty interesting up to page 80 or so, and after that it did have some good essays, but most of the material became very repetitive.
Satanism is basically an Atheistic, Materialistic, Skeptical, Pragmatical and Epicurean school of thought, which at the same time promotes Elitism and social Darwinism. It was interesting to me that Satanism is very against the notion of Egalitarianism and considers it to be the worst part of "liberal thought".
This is how Mr. Gilmore explains Satanism:

Let us [...] look at satanism for what it is [...] a religion of elitism and social Darwinism that seeks to re-establish the reign of the able over the idiotic, of swift justice over sluggish injustice, and for the wholesale rejection of the Egalitarianism as a myth that has crippled the advancement of the human species for the last two thousand years.

Mr. Gilmore points out that most people today are Satanists in practice (at least to some degree) whether they are aware of the fact or not.

The Satanic code of behavior is based on the human nature as it is and thus comes naturally to most people who have not been deeply indoctrinated in anti-life and anti-rational belief systems. [people] have no clear concept as to what philosophy of their religion truly entails so they generally behave in a Satanic fashion.

It should be noted that contrary to popular belief, Satanism is actually (as was also explained in the Satanic Bible) an Atheistic philosophy and there is no belief in "God" or "Satan" or any other supernatural force, and therefore there is no sacrifice. Such practices are explained to be born out of "Christian values".

Satan is a symbol of man living as his prideful, carnal nature dictates. Some Satanists extend this symbol to encompass the evolutionary force of entropy that permeates all of nature and provide the drive for survival and propagation.

Satanism is not a religion based on faith; everything can be disposed of, changed and replaced or made better; the only thing that should last is the basis of the philosophy which was pointed to in the beginning of this review. There is also no need for a baptism or of an official membership in the Church of Satan; in fact Mr. Gilmore advices against it and instead promotes this idea that if you advance yourself in life, and be the best you can be, and embrace your nature, you are a Satanist.
There is no respect for race, bloodline or nationality in the Satanist philosophy; but there is an enormous amount of stress on personal achievement and mastery of skills and knowledge. Every individual is evaluated based on what he has achieved as a person, and as I explained before there is no Egalitarian idea in Satanic philosophy, so people are not seen as equals.

Satanism is an Elitist religion, so if you desire recognition, you must prove to us that you are a being who excels at something notable. [...] If you choose to live as a satanist choose to satisfy yourfelf. We demand no other obligation. That alone is a challenge few conquer.

There are a few theories here that need to be carefully examined; such as going back to "Lex Talionis" as a method for judiciary system or cutting off welfare altogether. These ideas should be carefully examined, explained and tested. Presenting a short theory (more like a statement of course) is definitely not enough. It seems as if with Satanism dubbed a religion Mr. Gilmore did not see the need to explain his theories!

Overall, I can say it was a fun read. It's interesting to me for many reasons. One being that it's an attempt at creating an all-encompassing philosophy with which you can live, and how can that not be interesting to watch and see how it evolves. I have to I agree with most of what this book has to say; I might agree with all of it if the theories were explained in details, but let's face it MR. Gilmore will have to write quite a few more books to explain all of them!
There is lots to be said about Satanism and about its literature, but I'm gonna end this review here.

[B.J. Swann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ayn Rand-style rants mixed with Satanic pretension. Somehow manages to be even more tedious than LaVey.

[Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minor ( or perhaps mid level) heresy for a Satanist but I believe this book, essay for essay, is even better than the Satanic Bible. That is most likely because I am better able to relate to the material as I was not born when the Satanic Bible was written, and the Church of Satan has evolved since then. Magus Gilmore covers a wide range of topics, from 9/11 to Columbine, all in the precise and polished style we who read his essays on the Church website have become accustomed to. This is a great read for non - satanists, as it doesn't have as much of the esoteric or magic related topics that the Satanic bible had. Not to say that Magus Gilmore isn't capable of writing with flair, more that Anton LaVey's intent when writing TSB was as much showmanship and flair for the dramatic as for content. On the other hand, Magus Gilmore's intent is to accurately analyze the topic at hand. The fourth printing of this book just occurred recently, so they should be available anywhere. Go, purchase! HS!

[Grigori Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

As part of the greater Satanic conversation, this volume stands as a testament to what Peter Gilmore brings to the office of High Priest in the Church of Satan, and indeed Satanism in general. As Peggy Nadramia - Gilmore's wife - describes in the afterword, Gilmore is involved in many creative pursuits, painting and music among them. For the audience who has not been introduced to him through those endeavors, the written pieces in this book allow the reader a glimpse into the mind of a man who is an efficacious communicator, on the front lines of Satanism's defense for decades.

The structure of the pieces is calculated to deliver in such a way that would make reading the essays out of order a mistake. It was for me, anyway. Before I read this from cover to cover, I read most of the essays as their subject drew me. While I agreed with the points Gilmore made in each of them, the weight of the words didn't effectively hit me until I read them in order. Reading the essays in sequence got across overarching points that he couldn't possibly have conveyed in each individual piece. In that sense, there were shades of the effectiveness I saw in LaVey's "Satanic Bible" in terms of conveying what the Satanic perspective concludes.

The timeline stretches from Gilmore's time serving in the Priesthood when LaVey was High Priest, dealing with the Satanic Panic, to where I think he really shines and makes contributions to Satanism that are really exemplary of his current title of Magus. His reflections during the Satanic Panic are valuable for those in the intelligent minority who are inclined to think that there is some way to "get through" to everyone in the (fairly unintelligent) majority - a warning against the unSatanic extensions of solipsism. In "Time Travel - Cheap and Easy," he describes a way for Satanists to effectively use our human penchant for habit to express an entirely different time, and I personally believe it can be used as a method to more efficiently articulate emotions creatively.

There is also a tendency for Gilmore to use cosmological metaphors to make his points. He refers to each Satanist as a sort of black hole, drawing others into his or her center of gravity in a very clever twist on Aleister Crowley's notion that "every man and woman is a star." Similarly, he describes other, more parasitic kinds of individuals as "intellectual black holes," and wisely warns to avoid them, lest time and energy be completely wasted. Be careful not to mix the two, though. The metaphors are being used for very different reasons.

Gilmore also seems to find a lot of value in one of LaVey's essays called, "Satanism is Americanism." At many points in his book, Gilmore references classic American values, freedom and exceptionalism most of all. Perhaps there's a reason the United States has sometimes been called the world's first "Satanic republic." Something I find beautiful about Satanism is that what it opposes is, to a great degree, what Satanists have in common. There are some concepts that we will agree on, but we will all apply them differently in our lives. Gilmore makes several comments on culture, namely in music and art, that discuss possible avenues for the Satanist to express his or her individual creativity. To my mind, this speaks to the way America finds its culture. It came about through rebellion, and the individualistic nature on which it was founded encourages culture to be brought about as the manifestation of individual pursuits.

Finally, a brief word on the aesthetics. Gilmore's work on Satanic ritual is not to be overlooked, and he paints a picture with each description (not to mention the ritual instructions) that allows the reader to vividly imagine a place of his or her own inside the ritual environment, and compelled me almost to envision the ritual taking place even as I was reading them. That aside, the book itself is a work of beauty. It was designed by members of the Church of Satan, and the excellent design and feel are exemplary of how high the standards of the church's elitism really are. I eagerly anticipate any creative work Gilmore will release in the future.

[Emily Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a wonderful read if you are interested in philosophy and are not scared away by the cover. Lavey's philosophy takes similar ideas of evolution, Civil disobedience, and God is dead to make a tasty philosophy sandwich! The book is great it's essence is a mixture of :Darwin/Henry David Thoreau/Friedrich Nietzsche and a little Crowley. This book is easy to understand and easy read, unfortunately my copy had a few typos. Besides that the book was really wonderful and interesting. A refreshing read!

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gallant, haughty style of writing that made Anton LaVey infamous is very much present in his successor Magus Peter H. Gilmore. The CoS's penchant for showmanship and dramatics makes itself visible in this collection of assorted writings that have brought the Church into the 21st century. When you get past all the pompous vocabulary, you reach the heart of the message of the Church of Satan: Do It Yourself, Asshole. A good read that will enlighten you on many of the misconceptions and misgivings many have about the CoS.

[Paul · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was very disappointed with this one. Just seemed to be page after page of endless complaining and crying about this or that. Just more rehashing about LaVeyan teachings which was already made clear in the books by LaVey. This book just added a lot of whining to it instead of the fun style LaVey was known for. Laveys books speak for themselves and do not need others rehashing the same stuff decades later. Add something new to Laveyan already. Something interesting and fun like the old days of his church

[Michael Shields · Rating 2 out of 5]

If the Satanic Bible is the magnum opus for the Church of Satan, then the Satanic Scriptures is a carelessly worded failure in desperate need to be forgotten.

When asked “are satanists fascist?” what should be a simple “no” is instead answered with a “it depends on your definition of fascism” in a pathetic attempt to appear deeper than it really is. The entire chapter reminded me of the R Kelly interview when he was asked “are you attracted to teenagers?” and responded with “how old are we talkin’?” Or Bill Clinton famously asking for the definition of “is.” So let me write the chapter for you, in case new editions are to be printed: “Are satanists fascist? We answer with a resounding and unequivocal NO.”

In a chapter discussing the Columbine shooters, Gilmore makes the claim that if Harris and Klebold were Satanists, the attacks would’ve never happened. This is outlandish, untestable, and incapable of being proven in any acceptable metric. It’s offensive to the victims to suggest such a thing and is reminiscent of Mark Wahlberg famously claiming that if he were on one of the planes on 9/11, the attack would’ve never happened because he would’ve beat the hijackers to death. It’s self-righteous speculation that the Christian Reich drools over and has no place in Satanism.

The longest chapter in the book, Diabolus in musica, is a constant droning of composers that had nothing to do with the Church of Satan, and in some cases were of religious upbringing, that Peter Gilmore enjoys. There’s nothing wrong with classical music, but what do operas and orchestras have to do with Satanism? Sure, you can argue that ideas such as egoism and “man as god” are utilized to further the stories being told, but why stop at composers? Why not a chapter on painters exhibiting the same practice? Why not a chapter on punk bands with lyrics promoting an atheistic lifestyle? Followed by a chapter of black metal bands that cover anti-religious tones? It just seems wildly out of place and simply an opportunity for Gilmore to remind you that he’s a composer.

The chapter regarding time travel is just a fantasy version of “The Secret”: just say you’re in the era you want to be in over and over until you believe it. It’s not even written as decent science fiction, let alone as an actual practice to be taken seriously. It amazes me that an adult came up with this drivel.

[Michael Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man this was a tough one to rate. Probably 60-70% I thoroughly enjoyed. Absolutely brilliant description and defense of what has essentially been my life’s philosophy for as long as I can remember. Apparently a Satanist of heart and mind forever, I just never had a name for it. Perhaps it’s no wonder my experimentation with faith was not meant to be. Study, intelligence, reason, freedom, individualism, etc. This is what life has always been about to me.
But a large chunk of this book seemed completely antithetical to the rest. It detailed rituals and formalities of Satanic weddings, funerals, etc. I don’t really get that, if it’s not simply a show or display to emphasize our differences to others. To me this just didn’t match the simplicity and reality of the foundational aspects of Satanism.
So was it worth knocking it down to 3 stars? Perhaps not. As of right now, it’s probably just a result of my disappointment with the book’s ending section.
You want to know something odd? It will likely become the first book on my Favorites shelf with a 3 Star rating.

[Gennai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting within a historical context. This puts the growth of the religion into perspective as a reaction to 1960s counterculture. And it also shows the weaknesses of LaVeyan Satanism as it struggles to hold onto its original ideals in a our global era that makes many of its tenets irrelevant.

This book clarifies the philosophy of LaVeyan Satanism. But like the Christian Bible, it’s full of contradictions. For example, Gilmore explains that satanists believe they are better than the “the herd” of most people who are merely mediocre and not worth our time. But he also says narcissism is bad. He says that Satanism could have prevented the Columbine shootings. But then he includes a photo of himself and LaVey holding guns. He says that extremist groups are bad. But then he explains the benefits of eugenics and supports isolation from people with different viewpoints (actions that extremist groups employ).

Overall, I’m always glad to learn more about people and the world. But I recommend you read this critically.

[Kale Nickason · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Satanic Scriptures is just another cheap scream into the void. It wants to be chaos but ends up as noise—shallow, brittle, and tired. It’s like watching someone throw a tantrum because they can’t face the real void inside. It doesn't hold up to thought; it crumbles under it. I wouldn't waste more than a page on it (too bad I read it all).Nothing here but empty anger trying to fill a meaningless space.

[Warlock Mike North · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Satanist and a member of the Church of Satan, this is definitely a MUST read for every Satanist or anyone wanting to learn more and Satanism and the Church of Satan! A great book by our High Priest, Magus Peter H. Gilmore!

[Guilherme Soares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Existem dois momentos do Ateu pesquisador sobre o satanismo. Achar a filosofia e se identificar e depois encontrar outros trabalhos vindos da criação de Lavey lte dar um show de conformidade e boa literatura. Realmente amei o que Peter teve a dizer aqui.

[Ign33l · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was lit because it brought me to my senses. I think satanist books would save many people
For suicide.

[Jeremy Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it reread 3 times now

[Trenton Newbury-VanLove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than The Satanic Bible! Love it!

[Dumble · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe biased, but this is just a book written by grown bullies following a crazed man. Never will followers from LaVey have my accord.

[Richelle Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to Satanic theory from Church of Satan High Priest Peter Gilmore, who's been walking the walk and talking the talk for decades.

[Frank Nares · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very condescending and hard to get through. Became a chore after about 50 pages.

[Draconis Blackthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a style reminiscent of a symphony of words resonating with notes in our own minds, this landmark tome includes all those essays printed in The Black Flame which I have had the pleasure to follow all these years, and to have it all in this concise tome is a wonderful compendium to treasure.

I was fortunate to receive The Slipcase edition lavishly embossed with The Baphomet on the front, and the brimstone symbol on the back, emblazoned in silver, glistening majestically in the candlelight, as a veritable Luciferian beacon of undefiled wisdom in the darkness. Being a bibliophile, I also had to possess the hardback version which rests comfortably in My Library, both of which are destined to become heirlooms in The Blackthorne Lair. And so it shall be for the forthcoming paperback version as well, to be released for this October of XLII A.S. by Scapegoat Publishing.

Graciously attached to the spine is no less than a black silken ribbon to act as bookmark, that one may not miss a single paragraph of valuable gnosis herein.

Subject matter covers everything from Satanic Aesthetics, music, personality types, to the fascism question, eugenics, a tribute to Dr. LaVey, time travel, to never-before released potent rituals only previously privy to Church of Satan Hierarchy of passion, compassion, and potency, including The Satanic Wedding Rite, the Funeral rite, and The powerful Rite of Ragnarok; plus so much more.

The book cover itself features Magus Gilmore's rendition of The Sabbatic Baphomet of Mendes, seated imperiously in the vastness of space, serving as a worthy frame to exhault this archetypal daemonic deity representative of carnal joy and might. Marvelously detailed and invoking the element of strength and Lust, the portrait will no doubt find itself within many a diabolical Inner Sanctum. On the back of the cover itself is a classic photograph of Magus Gilmore himself, the black flame burning from behind that noble gaze.

Now accompanying The Satanic Bible by Our Founder, The Satanic Scriptures easily takes its place besides Dr. LaVey's literary masterpieces, complimenting them quite well. The Satanic Scriptures is optimum in both quality of content and materials used, which could be no less to preserve the wisdom of the High Priest.

[Michael Kalb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Peter H. Gilmore's collection of essays from various Church of Satan publications and periodicals brought together in a wonderful compendium of epicurean erudition offering wonderful insight and pragmatism from the leader of the C.o.S.
I will not go into his position within the organization as I feel if you've purchased this book and you've read the other components that make up the Basic Satanism and you grasp the intent. Now onto the book, Peter H. Gilmore's essays in this book are phenomenal and more than topical in this climate of enforced politically correct posturing.
This book along with Essays in Satanism, Infernalia, Iron Youth Reader and Bearing the Devil's Mark represent the strides towards Stratification as discussed in The Devils Notebook*. Reading Satanic Scriptures was exciting to me just as much as it was a learning experience, with valuable lessons to be had with every turn of the page. Satanic Scriptures is also yet another monument on the trail being blazed by true productive misfits. We truly are seeing another strata of Satanists and Peter H. Gilmore, James D. Sass, Mathew G. Paradise, Michael Rose, Kevin Slaughter and Jack Donovan are shining examples of how to conduct oneself in all arenas of life.

M. Kalb

*In the Devils Notebook (Feral House , Page 33) Pentagonal Revisionism
In Essays in Satanism (The Devil's Bookshelf, Pages 50+51) Deep Satanism

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essentially, this is a collection of articles from the Black Flame, A CoS newsletter.
Peter espouses the same philosophy that the late Anton LaVey penned under the Satanic Bible in 1969. It has nothing at all to do with Satan, Magic(k) or spirituality. Instead, Pete's book confirms that elitism is modern Satanism. The rituals (such as they are), the dress and the very name "Satanist" are adopted out of a bizarre desire to shock those that are knee jerk reactionaries. It is unfortunate, since Anton's and Peter's philosophy is not all together bad; many good things can be extracted and molded into your current belief system.
If only they would do away with the Satanic motif, they might gain a much larger following.

Hail Santa

[Jessica Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine essays on the workings of Satanism. Also information on the workings of the church and the moving forward since the passing of Mr.Lavey. If you are curious about the basis of Satanism, read The Satanic Bible. For Satanism-in-a-nutshell so to speak, I highly recommend reading Mr. Gilmore's short essay "What, The Devil?"
Here is a link for it from the Church Of Satan website:
http://www.churchofsatan.com/what-the...

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't be happier to have a the hardback edition of this in our collection. When we received it in the mail, I couldn't put it down. This IS the follow-up to Dr. LaVey's, "The Satanic Bible". It takes the philosophy and furthers it through to the present time through a series of incredible essays covering a number of subjects.

[Jimmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of reprints. Gilmore lacks the certain charm that La Vey had.

[Countchaos666 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright. Had some thought provoking essays yet, the overall product lacks that LaVey charm that I love. Some of his essays come off as pretentious.

[Jorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two words: Time travel.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book

[Shadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

An expansion to the satanic Bible written by Anton Szandor Lavey, it presents new insights into the church of Satan keeping the view in line with Lavey's original teachings.

[Adrian Vino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written like a symphony by a virtuoso of music and the English language. I exhaled not just in peace for feeling like Mr. Gilmore had done LaVey proud, but also with a sense of divine pride in being able to call this opus part of the diabolical canon.

Hail Gilmore!