Some of you may know the term satanism, the literal worship or veneration of satan. Satanists are those who self-identify with satan, however they define that.

And that’s the rub: satanism can take on various definitions and iterations. To them, satan can be a person or a philosophy, real or symbolic. There are theistic satanists and atheistic satanists.

What is satanism, then? Well, who better to consult than satan himself? Should he not get to define his own “ism”? What does he preach?

And where better to find the answers than the Bible?

There are two times in Scripture where satan interacts with a human being. In both instances, satan preaches the same message.

In his temptations of Eve and Jesus, satan is a salesman. He offers things. He entices. He pitches things he believes the recipient would want, things most of us would think are good.

To Jesus, he offered relief from hunger, safety from harm, and authority over the kingdoms of the world.

To Eve, he offered life: “You will not surely die.” And he offered equality with God: “You will be like God.”

That’s what satan preached. That, therefore, is satanism.

True satanism teaches not the worship of satan, but the satisfaction and exaltation of self.

True satanism tells us what we should desire, and offers fulfillment of those desires.

True satanism is about pride, ambition and possession. It’s the opposite of the self-denial Jesus calls us to.

There aren’t many self-labeled satanists. But true satanism, that which fits those doctrines, is far more popular. In fact, you will hear it preached in many churches.

• The teaching that we should have whatever we desire is satanism.
• The teaching that our words control God is satanism.
• The teaching that we can have the same power and authority as Christ is satanism.

Prosperity preaching is satanism.

The Word of Faith movement is satanism.

The New Apostolic Reformation is satanism.

Because they preach what he preached.