Satanism

by Janet Thomas

The cult of Satanism has evolved over many years. At the present time, symbols related to Satan have become so prevalent that the warning voices of leaders in the Church have again been raised concerning some people's fascination with the power of evil. Latter-day Saints are admonished to avoid any contact with Satanism, even with the good intention of learning about it in order to warn others of its dangers.

The answer that Jesus Christ gave when Satan offered him the glories of the world if he would fall down and worship him could be a guide to Church members when confronted with similar temptations: "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (Matt. 4:10).

Bruce R. McConkie, an apostle, warned, "One of Satan's greatest aims, as he works his nefarious schemes among men, is to get them "to worship him"' (MD, p. 193). From earliest times, many evil things have been done in the name of Satan worship (Moses 6:49). Satanism may claim to offer powers beyond those available to humans through righteous sources, but the worship of Satan leads only to destruction.

The forces of evil cannot overcome a person without some willingness on the part of the individual (1 Cor. 10:13). President Brigham Young said, "You are aware that many think that the Devil has rule and power over both body and spirit. Now, I want to tell you that he does not hold any power over man, only so far as the body overcomes the spirit that is in a man, through yielding to the spirit of evil" (pp. 69-70).

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Bibliography

Cannon, George Q. Gospel Truth, ed. Jerreld L. Newquist. Salt Lake City, 1987.

Young, Brigham. Discourses of Brigham Young, ed. John A. Widtsoe. Salt Lake City, 1946.

Encyclopedia of Mormonism

Satanism

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