Wicca & Satanism Unveiled - William Schnoebelen

Based on the provided excerpts, both sources offer a critical examination of occult practices and secret societies, focusing on Freemasonry and Wicca from a Christian perspective. The first text, "Masonry Beyond The Light," argues that Freemasonry is an anti-Christian religion with pagan and even Satanic roots, detailing perceived conflicts with biblical teachings, the use of questionable oaths, and alleged connections to groups like the Knights Templar and the Illuminati. The second text, "Wicca," similarly claims that modern Wicca, despite its presentation as harmless, is a deceptive practice ultimately rooted in Satanism, discussing its origins, rituals, symbolism, and perceived negative consequences, such as drug use and association with harmful practices. Both works, written by William Schnoebelen, present personal experiences and research to warn readers, particularly Christians, against involvement in these organizations.

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BRIEFING DOCUMENT: Analysis of William Schnoebelen Excerpts

I. Source Identification and Purpose:

The provided excerpts are taken from three books by William Schnoebelen, specifically "Lucifer Dethroned" (2011), "Masonry Beyond The Light" (1991), and "Wicca" (2011), all published by Chick Publications. The primary stated purpose of "Lucifer Dethroned" is to expose the "fruitless deeds of darkness" in obedience to Ephesians 5:11. This is reinforced by an introductory statement from a police officer who "unravel the intricacies of the worldwide Satanic Conspiracy." "Masonry Beyond The Light" and "Wicca" similarly aim to expose what the author perceives as the dark spiritual realities behind these organizations and practices. Across all three texts, a central theme is the author's personal journey from deep involvement in these "dark" realms to conversion to Christianity.

II. Key Themes and Ideas:

A. The Reality and Power of Satan and Demonic Forces:

A pervasive theme is the belief in a literal, powerful, and malevolent Satan and his legions of demons. The texts emphasize Satan's finite nature in contrast to God's infinite power, but consistently portray him as a formidable adversary.

• Satan as a Conspirator: Satan is depicted as a brilliant strategist and conspirator. "Satan is a brilliant tactician, and he disperses his troops, both demonic and human, with great care! He is like a chess player who plans dozens of moves ahead! It would be foolish to think otherwise." ("Lucifer Dethroned")

• Satan's Limitations: Despite his power, Satan is presented as having limitations. "Satan can only be in one place at one time. He is dependent upon lines of communication with his troops." He also "does not know the future." ("Lucifer Dethroned")

• Satan's Unoriginality: The texts argue that Satan's actions are primarily a perversion of God's creations. "Most of what Satan does is a twisting of the good things which God has given us, whether they be spiritual, physical, intellectual or emotional." ("Lucifer Dethroned")

• Demonic Influence and Possession: The author recounts personal experiences that he attributes to demonic influence, including disturbing urges and physical phenomena. He also discusses how "dabbling in Satanism... can open doorways in anyone’s life and cause their sin nature to erupt." ("Lucifer Dethroned")

B. The Nature and Dangers of Satanism:

The author provides a detailed classification of Satanists and highlights the perceived dangers and negative consequences associated with the practice.

• Typologies of Satanists: A classification is provided based on the model of Dr. Dale Griffis: Dabblers, Religious or Organized Satanists, Rogue or Solitary Satanists, Cultural Spiritists, and Traditional or "hardcore" Satanists. ("Lucifer Dethroned")

• The Dabblers: These are often adolescents drawn in by the "rebellious, Metal culture." The "Pact" is presented as a common way they are drawn deeper, promising power in exchange for their soul. "Although most such juveniles are not dangerous except to themselves, a number of them are led, either by demonic powers or the witches who recruited them, to perform violent and anti-social acts, including murder." ("Lucifer Dethroned")

• Rogue or Solitary Satanists: These are adults who are not connected to organized groups but engage in crimes, often violent, borrowing from Satanism. They are described as "loners who are unable to relate to people in a normal, healthy fashion" and who identify with Satan as the "ultimate outsider." Examples include Ted Bundy and Richard Ramirez. ("Lucifer Dethroned")

• Traditional or Hardcore Satanists: Described as the "elite ‘Special Forces’ officer" of Satan, these are often multi-generational and hereditary, raised within the ideology of the coven. They are portrayed as operating in a world "so utterly different than what most of us experience that they might as well be alien beings." ("Lucifer Dethroned")

• Respectable Servants of the Devil: A key point is the assertion that individuals involved in Satanism can hold seemingly respectable positions in society, such as clergy or police. "It is a mistake to assume that “respectable” people are not likely to be servants of the devil. In fact, it is much closer to the devil’s sense of subtlety to have such people as his servants." ("Lucifer Dethroned")

• Satanism as a Source of Anarchistic, Nihilistic Worldview: Even for those who don't commit crimes, dabbling in Satanism is described as causing significant emotional and spiritual damage, stunting tender emotions and making love "virtually impossible." ("Lucifer Dethroned")

C. The Nature and Dangers of Freemasonry:

Freemasonry is portrayed as a system that is incompatible with Christianity and potentially influenced by demonic forces.

• Oaths and Obligations: A significant concern is the nature of Masonic oaths, particularly those taken on the Bible. The author highlights oaths that involve severe physical penalties for breaking them. The oath in the Knight Templar degree is described as a "blasphemy on the Lord’s Supper" and an "unholy parody." ("Masonry Beyond The Light")

• The "Grand Omnific Royal Arch Word": The combining of names for God (Jah, Bul, On) is seen as creating an "unholy trinity" and demonstrates an attitude where "just about any old god would do for a Mason." ("Masonry Beyond The Light")

• Sexual Symbolism: Masonic rites and symbols are interpreted as having veiled references to human reproductive organs, aimed at increasing sexual desires. The "Two Ball Cane" pin is cited as an example of this and is described as an "all-too-obvious pun on the “god” of Masonry, the male reproductive organ!" ("Masonry Beyond The Light")

• Secret Recognition and Favoritism: The texts claim that Masons use secret phrases and gestures to recognize each other and gain unfair advantages in various situations, including business and court. The "Grand Masonic Hailing Sign of Distress" obligates Masons to assist each other. ("Masonry Beyond The Light")

• Lowering the Authority of the Bible: Masonry's use of any "sacred book" on the altar, not exclusively the Bible, is seen as making "utter hash out of the inerrancy of the scripture." ("Masonry Beyond The Light")

• Historical Connections to Paganism and Occultism: The author draws connections between Masonic rituals and historical pagan and occult practices, citing figures like Pythagoras and Albert Pike, the latter of whom is identified as "Sovereign Pontiff of Lucifer." Pike's view of Lucifer as the true god and Adonay (the Biblical God) as the god of evil is highlighted. ("Masonry Beyond The Light")

• Shriners and Immorality: The Shriners are specifically called out for alleged immorality at their conventions, which the author attributes to an "Islamic spirit" and a view of women as "celestial prostitutes" in their concept of paradise. ("Masonry Beyond The Light")