Freethought & Rationalism Archive

BigBadShrubbery · 04-08-2003, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nowhere357
My daughter noticed that each morning, as I stir my coffee, I make the same liitle tune or ditty with the spoon on the cup. Sort of a ritual? Do satanists like coffee?

I was referring to those religious rituals the satanists perform that are used to accomplish something.

From Religious Tolerance:

"Names used include Satan, Lucifer, Belial and Leviathan.

Ceremonies are pageants, which are used to celebrate a person or element of faith.

Magick rituals consist of three types:
1. Sex magic (includes masturbation),
2. Healing or happiness ritual, and
3. Destruction ritual (may include sticking pins in a doll; drawing a picture or writing a description of the victim's death; delivering a soliloquy, etc.). Destruction rituals are best performed by a group. If a person targeted by a destruction ritual is not deserving of it, the ritual will not harm them."

Harumi · 04-08-2003, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigBadShrubbery
I find it hard to believe that they are actually useful. I'd say that 'negative' is a too strong word. I merely dislike the idea of seemingly pointless rituals.

Of course, the possibility exists that these rituals actually work, but that pretty much questions the whole "not believing in a living deity"-part. Or, at least, that's the conclusion I ended up with. I might be wrong.

Are there any actual religious satanists around? I suppose that they would be the persons to ask about this ritual part of satanism.

Personally I just think that rituals can be psychologically beneficial, regardless of whether it works or not. This is why I'm not particularly against prayer. If it calms a person down, creates bonding, or reduces stress, its 'pointlessness' is rather irrelevant, no?

Rituals after all, were created for that sole purpose: the bonding of a community.

BigBadShrubbery · 04-08-2003, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Harumi
Personally I just think that rituals can be psychologically beneficial, regardless of whether it works or not. This is why I'm not particularly against prayer. If it calms a person down, creates bonding, or reduces stress, its 'pointlessness' is rather irrelevant, no?

Rituals after all, were created for that sole purpose: the bonding of a community.

An excellent point. It would appear that I'll have to modify my opinions a bit. Thanks!

(Silly me, blabbering that rituals are pointless even after reading "The Science of Discworld II: The Globe")

Harumi · 04-08-2003, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigBadShrubbery
An excellent point. It would appear that I'll have to modify my opinions a bit. Thanks!

(Silly me, blabbering that rituals are pointless even after reading "The Sience of Discworld II: The Globe")

Yes, the worshipping of Terry Pratchett is definitely an important part of my daily ritual.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.