Who was Anton Lavey? If I had to summarize Anton Lavey in one word, I'd call him "trickster". Indeed, Anton's way of tricking people is something that has to be marveled at. "Satanism", by literal definition, means, "one who follows the doctrine of Satan." Let's just accept Anton Lavey for what he is, a colorful character with a brilliant (or maybe sardonic) philosophical outlook on life. Much can be gained by reading his views, but to make a religion out of it is the greatest trick he ever pulled off. For this reason, many a branch-off have been formed from Lavey's work. Some try to combine it with other beliefs, (Sumerian, Egyptian, etc.) Me? I'm just giving you a bunch of options.

Anton LaVey was a primarily a Humanist. Unlike the rather boring humanist that typically comes to mind, he was a good showman, who used the vehicle of "Satanism" as a tongue in cheek, poke-in-the-eye, method of criticism that the hypocritical, self-indulgent, adolescent, and distorted Christian bantering American World could relate to. Indeed, we may find that the ease of which one can relate to Lavey's work has been the source for all the hatred. He was probably a deeply compassionate man, who was appalled by the cruelty and duplicity of humanity. I believe that this is what made him satirize and mock it so much. However, let's look at the facts. Satanism of LaVeyian origin is more of a humanistic philosophy than it is a religion. Religion is supposed to be a "binding" experience. What are Satanists binding with?

Lavey is a big pot of stew; composed of Nietsche, Ayn Rand, Ragnar Redbeard, and Aleister Crowley, watered down and served "sinny" side up. I would place him as a comedian. Maybe more accurately, looking at all the choas he's caused in the World, perhaps my definition of a trickster would be a better definition. Whatever you look at in his life, be it his music, his books, his house, etc., revealed that he was a colorful man, but nothing really shows him as being a religious one. I think that his inability to let himself dissolve into the World of magical practices hindered him more than we'll ever know. In a way, his own sardonic personality wouldn't allow him to fully accept and utilize the magical arts for all they were worth.

However, in hindsight, I look back to Lavey and say, "Thanks for the show, it's been a good one." Though LaVey may have died from a pulmonary edema, his musings, philosophy, and rantings will remain with us. Still though, I think it is invaluable that Satanists don't, "Let the puck stop there." I think that there needs to be a level of motion in Satanism. Christian Churches wouldn't have thrived long if they handed out a Bible and said, "Now go home!" We should constantly be updating our mode of operation, as would any good piece of hardware. LaVey was still writing articles into his late age, so apparently, he thought there were more things that needed to be said.