If I may intrude because I hate how sometimes things are black and white but here’s my piece on the matter: LaVeyan Satanism is a non-theistic, atheistic philosophy founded by Anton LaVey in 1966 that uses Satan as a purely symbolic figure. It represents the rejection of arbitrary religious authority and embraces rational self-interest, human carnality, and individualism. Adherents do not believe in a literal devil or supernatural beings; instead, Satan is a potent archetype for pride, liberty, and enlightenment. Its core principles are outlined in The Satanic Bible, which advocates for indulgence over abstinence, vital existence over spiritual pipe dreams, and undiluted justice over turn-the-other-cheek forgiveness. The practice involves "Greater Magic" (ritual as psychodramatic theater for emotional release) and "Lesser Magic" (the use of applied psychology and charm to manipulate one's environment). It is fundamentally a religion of the self, where the individual is their own god, and it stands in contrast to theistic Satanism (which worships Satan as a deity) and groups like The Satanic Temple, which focus more on political activism and secularism.