Academic paper on the figure of Satan

Abstract

Satan refers to a religious entity present in a number of faith systems. It usually represents evil, being the opposite side of the good and benevolent venerated by those religions. Some of the first representations of Satan are included in Jewish religious texts. In Judaism, Satan is not always regarded as an evil figure. In this religion, Satan appears to be the entity that represents the evil side inside every human. Satan is the figure that tempts humans, trying to persuade them to turn their backs on God. Therefore, the Judaic view of Satan identifies its figure with sinful behavior. A similar depiction of Satan is featured in the Bahai faith, where Satan is referred to as the "evil spirit" (Abdul Baha, 1912), referring more to certain aspects of the human personality than to a particular entity.

These aspects are fully acknowledged by many Satanists, who worship Satan. For Satanists, Satan represents a number of personality traits. These traits, which have been labelled as evil by religions like Christianity, are, in the opinion of many Satanists, the individual's true nature. Despite differences between Satanist beliefs, ranging from those who believe in the existence of Satan, to those who just believe in Satanism as a philosophy or a way of life, like the Church of Satan, Satan embodies certain traits, feelings and sentiments, including lust, vengeance, hedonism, etc. These elements, regarded as sins by many, are encouraged by Satanists: "Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification" (LaVey, 1969).