12.
Dogma is something we throw about…that we reject it. Where do you think we may fall short as Luciferians/Satanists when it comes to dogma? Do you think dogma has certain value?
Definition of dogma
plural dogmas also dogmata
1a : something held as an established opinion; especially a definite authoritative tenet
b : a code of such tenets
- pedagogical dogma
c : a point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds
2:a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church
(From Miriam Webster)
I think this is a good question because dogma does get thrown around as a buzzword far too often, to the point where anyone who has or expresses an opinion about anything at call could get called “dogmatic” by some ignorant jerk on the internet.
Dogmas are beliefs handed down from higher authorities, and it is a term deriving from the Catholic church. “Authoritative” really is the key word to understanding what “dogma” means.
I recognize no higher authority within Luciferianism/Satanism, including Lucifer/Satan himself. So I’m leery when some guy like Anton LaVey or Michael W. Ford tries to set himself up as an authority. Satanic/Luciferian churches, organizations, cults, orders, etc. usually leave a bad taste in my mouth– because it seems like all of them end up being goddamn hierarchical! A bunch of followers repeating “I will not bow” and then proceeding to kiss the ass of the Grand Poobah– and often paying membership dues for the privilege!
Someday it would be lovely to stumble across a Satanic/Luciferian church, temple, order, or whatever that I felt comfortable with, because I do long for community. But so far I have yet to find anything of the sort that wasn’t ultimately controlled by some dude on an ego trip (usually with a pretentious assumed name).
So given that I reject the Satanic/Luciferian churches, orders, etc. that I know of, and also feel under no obligation to uncritically accept even the messages I seem to receive from Lucifer himself, there is no source of “dogma” for me that I find valid.
As far as I can tell, it appears that Lucifer appreciates it when we think for ourselves with our own brains. That’s the whole point of the exercise.
There is also an emphasis in my practice on maintaining doubt and mental flexibility about “facts” that I hold to be true. I recognize that, with new information, even strongly held beliefs may be subject to change.
Now, does this mean we should isolate ourselves and reject all knowledge that comes from outside ourselves? Of course not! Does it mean we should be disrespectful to older and more experienced practitioners, and dismiss what they may have to teach us? Not at all! Valid knowledge can come from almost anywhere.
But Luciferianism, in my view, is about doing your own mental work, not simply accepting a ready-made set of beliefs handed down by someone or something that is presumed to “know better.”
So no, I don’t think dogma has a place in this community.
Call me dogmatic for that if you like (but you’d probably be using the word wrong).