The Infernal Gospel is the world's leading book for the faith of theistic Satanism – it has been celebrated by thousands of practitioners upon the Left-Hand Path as the go-to introductory text for those interested in the faith of theistic Satanism.With The Infernal Gospel, novice and experienced occultists alike shall enjoy a powerful yet easy to digest exploration of theistic Satanism and the dynamic nature of this religion – from celebrations, the Infernal Tenets, and altar construction, to ritual etiquettes, the stages of possession, and the world's first theistic Satanic scriptures, The Infernal Gospel offers the reader a staggering wealth of insight and wisdom for those bewitched by the faith of theistic Satanism.
There was once a time I considered myself a Satanist. I adore animals and nature but did not consider myself a Pagan, as the only exposure I had to Paganism was the books written by the likes of Silver Ravenwolf etc. Saturated in white light and purged of anything historically accurate which the modern politically correct reader might disapprove or be frightened of. Satanism was in contrast unvarnished, if it had a rule at all it was simply don't behave cruelly towards children or animals. Other than that you forged your own path from bits and pieces of folklore and occultism. Since that time I have realized I am indeed a Pagan, I just needed to dump the false trappings of the late 20th and 21st century authors and read pre conversion historical accounts instead.
Now for the review proper.
I purchased this volume after reading the Book of Kings by the same author, I remember enjoying the style in which that text was written. I felt let down by this volume. It's a good example of why I don't like organized religion. Firstly the dogma and codification. I found the addition of a list of Satanic sins to be both half-hearted and unnecessary. And yet actual description of these 'sins' is so vague and open to interpretation as to be useless to anyone actually needing moral clarification. It seems as though Rev Cain wishes to form a kind of Satanic Rede, and for political rather than theological reasons. Secondly the entire book is based upon UPG - unverified personal gnosis. I can accept this but I was hoping to be shown by the author how historical and folkloric sources lead him to form this theology and to be given his reasoning for reaching his religious conclusions. Thirdly does a single paragraph of very basic information really warrant having its own chapter heading and separate page? This is done over and over again and falsely inflates the size of the book.
I suppose I feel that Satanism should remain a personal, independent journey unique to the Practitioner. The kind of step by step formula given here will stifle the serious student and they will quickly outgrow it. On the good side, I still did enjoy the poetic styling of the Book of Kings which is the last portion of the book.
The best introduction to modern Theistic Satanism. This book carries it's weight when laying out a practical system on this path. It allows you to go in many different directions with where you want to explore in your own practice
Good introduction to Theistic Satanism. Poetic, an easy read and I appreciate the collection of prayers towards the end. Take what you want from this book... with a grain of salt. No sources.
I have read other 'beginners' books to the LHP but this is the most reasonable and empathetic. It doesn't assume you are ready to begin casting curses against God but takes your hand and instructs you on why they believe what they believe and what you can expect if you do too.
This is the better book about Satanism. Not to pit it against LaVey, since that's an atheistic book about Satanism and this is the theistic brand, but I much prefer this.
The Infernal Gospel is an excellent book for those curious, interested or already practicing Satanism. It is a quick, easy, fun and straight to the point read. I highly recommend it and I myself will be referring to it often as it provides great information. The book is a combination of three separate manuscripts: 'Unholy Bible (the Book of Descent)', the 'Book of Kings' and 'Book of Hymns', that have been rewritten and united together into 'The Infernal Gospel'. In more detail the book is divided into brief chapters for each manuscript, such things it covers is Preparation, History, The Five Appetites and The Three Infernal Sins (Much like the Seven Heavenly Virtues and Seven Deadly sins but from a Satanic view), Celebrations, Magical Events, Orisons (Prayers), Alignment & Possession, and much more. While I enjoyed the book as a whole, my favorite part was the 'Book of Kings' manuscript as it gave a brief cover of the origins and dominion of Hell while introducing you to the Nine Kings of Hell alongside Lord Satan.