Expert: Joe Norman - 7/21/2008

Question
hi there...

What are satanic symbols for?! are there really such things?!

is it ok to use these symbols using your own interpretation, like the horned hand... m/, for me it simply means Rock On!, or the _/-they say its a moon salute but for me, its just like saying Yeah!,

what do you think?! tnx...

Answer
Thank you for choosing to ask me these questions regarding Satanic symbols. There are really such things. As to what the symbols are for, that depends upon who you talk to about them. Wiccans will give different answers than theistic satanists. Also there are many varieties of Satan worshippers just as there are many denominations among what is called "Christianity". I honestly need to admit that I am not very knowledgeable about the different symbols. There are a great many of different symbols.

You asked if it is okay to use these symbols using your own interpretation and I think that is a great question. If a symbol had a certain meaning many centuries ago, but no one living today really remembers the origin and meaning behind the symbol, does it still mean what it once did? I would say no. But most all of the symbols attributed to Satanism and or the illuminati still hold the same meaning they did originally. They are recognized as satanic in nature by many in the world and even here in the United States.

Please consider these passages of scripture. I think they will help you to know whether or not God wants us to use any of those symbols.

Gal.5:19-21
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

3 John 1:11  Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

1 Thess.5:22, 23
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The last passage is the one that really answers your question to me. As Christians, we need to avoid even the appearance of evil. We are to be the light of the world. We are ambassadors of Christ Jesus. It is my opinion that no one who is seeking to be the best Christian they can be and please God in all they do should ever use symbols that have satanic meanings regardless of whether or not WE think of them the same way that pagans and satanists think of them. Those people are out there. There are many out there who are aware of many of the satanic symbols as well who are offended by them and would not see you as a Christian if they saw you making those symbols.

I know that many who are into rock music think the same way you do about that hand symbol. But there are some who know the true meaning as well. Also many in heavy metal or other forms of hard rock are involved in some way with paganism and satanism. My recommendation is to avoid all such symbols. But study your Bible and consider what I shared and decide for yourself. I do hope that I have been of help to you. If you have any follow-up questions I am more than happy to answer them as well. Please just let me know.

  May God bless you in your Christian walk.

                    In Christ, Joe Norman