# Anton LaVerga

> founder of the Church of Satan; author of the Satanic Bible (1930-1997)

**Wikidata**: [Q26168](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26168)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_LaVey)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/anton-laverga

## Summary
Anton LaVey, born Howard Stanton Levey, was an American philosopher, writer, and occultist best known as the founder of the Church of Satan and the author of *The Satanic Bible*. He played a defining role in the development of modern Satanism as a religious and philosophical movement.

## Biography
- Born: April 11, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, United States  
- Nationality: United States  
- Education: Attended City College of San Francisco and Columbia University (non-degree studies)  
- Known for: Founding the Church of Satan and authoring *The Satanic Bible*  
- Employer(s): Church of Satan (founder and High Priest until his death)  
- Field(s): Philosophy, religion, literature  

## Contributions
Anton LaVey is most notably recognized for founding the Church of Satan in 1966 and authoring *The Satanic Bible* in 1969, which became the central text of LaVeyan Satanism. He also authored other key texts including *The Satanic Rituals* (1970) and *The Satanic Scriptures* (1970). His works redefined the role of Satan not as a literal deity but as a symbol of individualism, self-indulgence, and rebellion against traditional religious norms. He also performed as a psychological counselor and musician, and was known for incorporating theatrical elements into his philosophy and public persona.

## FAQs
### What is Anton LaVey most known for?
Anton LaVey is most known for founding the Church of Satan and writing *The Satanic Bible*, which established the philosophical and ritualistic framework of LaVeyan Satanism. He positioned Satanism as a non-theistic religion that emphasizes individualism, self-will, and ethical egoism.

### Did Anton LaVey have any formal religious or academic training?
While Anton LaVey did not hold a formal degree in theology or religious studies, he was self-educated in philosophy, literature, and the occult. He studied at City College of San Francisco and Columbia University, though he did not complete a degree at either institution.

### What is LaVeyan Satanism?
LaVeyan Satanism is an atheistic belief system founded by Anton LaVey that treats Satan as a symbol of human freedom and self-indulgence, rather than a literal deity. It emphasizes rationality, individualism, and a rejection of traditional religious morality.

### What organizations was Anton LaVey involved with?
Anton LaVey founded the Church of Satan in 1966, which remains the most prominent organization associated with his teachings. He served as its High Priest until his death in 1997.

### What books did Anton LaVey write?
Anton LaVey authored several foundational texts, including:
- *The Satanic Bible* (1970)
- *The Satanic Rituals* (1970)
- *The Satanic Scriptures* (1970)
- *The Devil's Notebook* (1992)
- *Satan Speaks!* (1998)

### What was Anton LaVey's impact on religion and culture?
Anton LaVey transformed the perception of Satanism by creating a structured, atheistic religious philosophy that challenged traditional religious norms. His work influenced not only religious thought but also countercultural movements, literature, and music, particularly in the heavy metal and horror genres.

## Why They Matter
Anton LaVey's creation of the Church of Satan and authorship of *The Satanic Bible* redefined Satanism as a philosophical and cultural movement rather than a supernatural belief system. His work influenced the development of modern Satanism, secular humanism, and alternative spiritualities. LaVey's ideas have had a lasting impact on religious criticism, counterculture, and artistic expression, inspiring countless individuals and groups to explore non-theistic religious frameworks. His legacy continues through the Church of Satan, which remains active, and his writings are studied in academic and cultural contexts.

## Notable For
- Founding the Church of Satan in 1966, the first organized church of Satanism  
- Authoring *The Satanic Bible* (1969), the foundational text of LaVeyan Satanism  
- Establishing the philosophical framework of LaVeyan Satanism as a non-theistic, humanistic religion  
- Serving as the High Priest of the Church of Satan until his death in 1997  
- Influencing counterculture, music, and literature with his radical reinterpretation of Satanism  
- Being featured in global media, including *Time* magazine and *The Phil Donahue Show*, which brought attention to his Church of Satan  
- Incorporating theatricality and media savvy into religious and philosophical discourse  
- Advocating for the separation of church and state through his writings and public appearances  

## Body
### Early Life and Identity
Anton LaVey, born Howard Stanton Levey on April 11, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, was the son of Jennie and Boris Levey. He later legally changed his name to Anton Szandor LaVey. Raised in Los Angeles, California, he developed an early interest in music, philosophy, and the occult. He attended City College of San Francisco and studied briefly at Columbia University, though he did not complete a formal degree.

### Founding the Church of Satan
In 1966, Anton LaVey founded the Church of Satan in San Francisco, California, and ordained it as a religious organization with himself as the High Priest. The Church of Satan was officially registered as a non-profit organization in California and became internationally recognized. LaVey's Satanism positioned itself in contrast to traditional religious institutions, advocating for self-will, personal freedom, and rationality.

### The Satanic Bible and Literary Works
In 1969, LaVey published *The Satanic Bible*, which became the central text of LaVeyan Satanism. The book combined elements of philosophy, psychology, and ritualistic practices, presenting Satan not as a literal deity but as a symbol of rebellion and self-determination. He followed up with *The Satanic Rituals* (1970) and *The Satanic Scriptures* (1970), which expanded on the ritual and ethical dimensions of his philosophy.

### Philosophy and Influence
LaVey's Satanism emphasized individualism, pride, and self-reliance, rejecting traditional religious doctrines in favor of a humanistic, self-centered worldview. His teachings attracted attention from scholars, journalists, and countercultural figures, and his church became a subject of fascination in the media. He was featured in *Time* magazine in 1971 and appeared on *The Phil Donahue Show*, where he discussed his views on religion, morality, and society.

### Public Persona and Cultural Impact
Anton LaVey was known for his theatricality, often performing in public as the "High Priest" of the Church of Satan. He used his persona to challenge societal norms and religious institutions, positioning himself as a cultural provocateur. His influence extended into music, literature, and film, where his ideas resonated with artists exploring themes of rebellion and individualism.

### Legacy and Death
Anton LaVey died on October 29, 1997. His legacy continues through the Church of Satan, which remains active, and his writings are still studied and referenced in academic and cultural contexts. His daughter, Zeena Schreck, and other successors have continued to develop and represent his teachings posthumously.

### Personal Life and Identity
LaVey was married multiple times and had one daughter, Zeena, who later became involved in the Church of Satan. He was known for his musical talents, playing the organ and composing music that accompanied his rituals and public performances. His life and work remain a subject of academic and cultural interest, with his writings and the Church of Satan continuing to influence modern Satanism and alternative spiritual movements.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. datos.bne.es
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. Find a Grave
7. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
10. Internet Philosophy Ontology project
11. Babelio
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb145315929)
15. CONOR.SI
16. Quora
17. The Movie Database