Rating: 
Summary: Not a Rich Book
Review: The most interesting prose in the book are poor imitation of Nietzsche's work. Unless you're interested in Satanism, this book will be a waste of money.
Rating: 
Summary: Objectivism + Christian Hate + "Black Magic"
Review: Perhaps I should begin this review by saying i'm an Atheist, not a Christian. With that out of the way, let me tell you a bit about LeVay's book.Here you have the primer for those interested in pursuing Religious Satanism. Religious Satanism is not Gothic Satanism - that is to say it's not the pretend Satanism you hear the media talking about. Nor is it Biblical Satanism... LeVay named it Satanism because of the sharp contrasts between it and the teachings of Christianity. LeVay feels that the only things that are really important are pursuing pleasure in the here and now. He talks about how restrictive Christianity is, and spends some time speaking of pursuit of the "Seven Deadly Sins" with other consenting adults. Not a bad idea. I loved it when I read it in highschool, but shortly after I was exposed to another author... one who published a bit before LeVay. Ayn Rand. And after reading Ayn Rand's works I went back and reread some parts of LeVays works. He speaks of his respect for Ayn Rand and her ideas within the Satanic Bible - and well he should, for many of "his" ideas are rewritten Objectivism (Ayn Rand's Philosophy). Those ideas, combined with some - unnecessary - Christian hate comprise about two thirds of the book. The last portion is mostly "black magic". I found this especially strange as most Satanists are atheists or agnostics themselves (worshiping Satan as a concept, not as an actual creature) and I would think this portion fo the book to be totally unnecessary. Perhaps LeVay included it to make his book appealing to an even wider audience - I don't know. It doesn't add anything to the philosophy and you can skip over it without missing a thing. In summation, the book isn't half bad. There are a lot of good ideas presented within, and the "questing" the book has many people do is excellent. However, the unnecessary elements and borrowed ideas force me to rate the book lower than it could have been.
Rating: 
Summary: The Satanic Bible
Review: My study of Satanism (I started when I was about 13, I'm 17 now)has influenced and improved my life over the past few years. Of course, I was the one who had to put forth thought and effort, and I was the one who had to strive and mature. But, the SB gave me initial food for thought, and I learned and developed independently from there, both as a Satanist and as a general human being. I was initially impressed with how I much I agreed with the opinions expressed in the SB, as well as other Satanic texts I found on the Internet. Here was a book that examined society and human nature with honesty and intelligence. Here, human nature is seen as natural, rather than "evil" or "depraved." Instead of being told to repress desires and put on a stiff mask, Satanists are encouraged to explore, learn about, and experience life, and to respect themselves as important individuals and worthy creatures. This is a very liberated mindset that has the potential to promote high self esteem and good mental health. Of course, with liberty comes responsibility, so Satanists are advised to use logic, intelligence, and discretion before diving in to certain things. Satan is seen as an archetype, rather than an actual being. Rather, Satan is seen as a force in nature that represents values like intelligence, creativity, self-reliance, self-respect, and individuality. Instead of cowtowing to a dull, rigid Jehovah archetype, people can indulge (wisely) in the pleasures of life, seek to mature and grow as people, and revel in their alive-ness and their humanity. I suspect many people gave such bitter reviews of the SB because they were expecting a grotesque, bloody tale of devil-worship. Rather than enjoying the SB for what it was and what it had to offer, they lamented about what it wasn't. And yes, LaVey did take parts from the philosophies and writings of people like Nietzsche, Rand, Redbeard, and Crowley. Yet, rather than act bitter about this, I choose to be intruiged by it. The SB has sparked my interest in these writers and their ideas, and I can now increase my learning. And of course, LaVey was not a flawless person. His ideas and writings aren't flawless. I don't agree with every last thing he has to say but then, I realize that I am my own Satanist, and I must fulfill my own Satanic potential and seize my own Satanic destiny. The SB was not intended to be a Holy Bible to be followed to the letter, nor is it supposed to be a crutch for around-the-clock support. Ideally, it was intended to act as a springboard for new thought and new development. And, to those of you who agree with it, yet claim not to be Satanists, I daresay you are incorrect. If you agree with the core messages of the Satanic Bible, you are a budding Satanist. Instead of fretting over or fearing this label, examine it and enjoy it. If it fulfills you and describes you, embrace it and revel in it. Celebrate yourself and sing yourself. In conclusion, I highly recommend the Satanic Bible, and I recommend other writings like it, such as Leaves of Grass (Whitman), Self-Reliance (Emerson), or any number of things written by Rand or Nietzsche, such as the Fountainhead or Beyond Good and Evil.
Rating: 
Summary: well its like this
Review: well i should start by not biting anyones heads off, as ive seen people do when reviewing this book, however this book asks many questions and makes you think about your spirituality. I did in fact enjoy this book as it validated itself very well. This book is surely misunderstood but without it what would christianity be- nothing, I think that all christians should read this book. also Mr. LaVey reveals how christianity warped the identity of many pagan gods making them out to be evil when thats just nonsense-----This is a great read!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: If God is for us...
Review: No one can be against us? Is that what you said a few spaces down? Huh. Funny. You forgot remedial syntax in the translation, and it spells out one thing: stupidity. Try pulling your head out of the bible and take a look around you- what do you see? Do you see a God that cares about the starving children? Do you see a God that prevents murder and rape? Your God supposedly loves us. Yeah, right. If he existed, what reason would we have to love HIM? This is a forum for the review of the item listed, not a morality play. We all have opinions. We are all entitled to share them. My review is listed already. The author doesn't believe in Satan. Satan is a metaphor, as the Amazon.com editor noted, a concept which clearly eluded your devolved pre-cambrian brain. Hence, the reason you couldn't understand the metaphorical context of the material contained with this book. I don't think you read it. Christians rarely read what they critisize, much less understand it. Perhaps I'm being steriotypical; prove to me why I should not be. Just make sure to go back to school before you try, or you'll give Christianity a worse name than it already has (if that's possible). Read the book. Judge for yourself, and have a great day.
Rating:
Summary: Ho hum
Review: The book is very disjointed and lacks a real depth of information. It runs on and on about the same basic theme. I could sum up the philosophy of this book in one phrase "If it feels good, do it". Now you don't have to read it. But if you still feel you have to read it, put it in the bathroom. That's really where it belongs!
Rating:
Summary: What a silly, silly book by a silly silly man...
Review: First of all, like others have said, its about humanism and materialism and whatnot....it isnt satanism or any real left-hand path. Secondly, it seems he twists around a buch of Aleister Crowley's ideas. And to top it all of he takes the Enochian keys and basicly replaces the word god with satan. A silly book. If you have the money to waste, buy it just to get a laugh...because to any real occultist it could be nothing but.
Rating:
Summary: A classic book for free spirits
Review: I would highly recommend this book to intelligent people who choose not to follow the herd. This book has great commentary on the nature of humans, society, religion, and the self-imposed oppression of modern man. Strong,confident, women might really enjoy LaVey's writings (in any of his books) on feminism and sexuality. However, if you don't have the mental capasity to look at different philosophies in an objective manor, or if you want to hurt animals or children in some sort of sick tribute to Ozzy, this book is not for you. Occult students who can't laugh off a little bit of cheese now and then should probably save themselves the pain this book causes on the terminally hip.
Rating:
Summary: You know you like it!
Review: If you're interested in Satanic philosophy, then this is the place to find it. Regardless of what you've heard on the media, you're not going to read about virgin sacrifices, black cats, bloody alters, et al, or any of the other silly crap the media loves to purport in its everlasting campaign of subjugation as to the true content of this highly controversial book. So, here's what you will find: essays about social darwinism, indulging in the happiness of love, self-improvement, independance. Doesn't sound very Satanic to me, you say? It is. As far as I can see, this is one of the most misunderstood books ever written, maybe even more misunderstood than the "Holy Bible" itself (and that's saying a lot). Today, LaVey's Satanic philosophy of hedanism and self-discipline (admittedly a curious combination) is more prevelant than ever before, which is good for Satanists, bad for Christians. Contrary to popular (i.e. false) belief, the Satanic religion, or, philosophy, is not about worshipping some idiot with horns and cloven feet.... What is"Satan" to a Satanist? For most, he's simply a symbol ofpower, lust, and genteel romanticism. The reason their philosophy iscalled Satanism, when they don't even recognise any supernaturaldeities, such as god or the devil, is because Satan is a representation of the powerful concept of stratification and elitism- hence, the "productive outcast". Just read this book if you have not. Whether you are Satanist or not, it is enlightening and always interesting. PS: keep an eye out for LaVey's outrageously comical humor- this guy could have done standup!...
Rating:
Summary: A true cornerstone for the crushing of religion
Review: This is a must read for all who believe that mainstream religion's for those minds who've waved bye-bye to reality a long time ago. It has helped changed my life around for a long time to come. However, it isn't for everyone. In fact, I believe that it was only meant for a few. I wouldn't suggest this get in the hands of children. And if you're familiar with Redbeard's "Might is Right," you might recognize a couple of passages from the beginning chapter.
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