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Satanists 'would not do that'

2008-08-19 08:37

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Ernst Geyser, News24 User

I feel deeply disturbed by the claims of the recent "Satanic killing" at a school in Krugersdorp.

As sensational as it may seem, claiming that Satan told the child in question to kill his fellow students and school employees seems like such an easy copout for the parents and teachers alike to pass the buck and blame "the devil" instead of taking personal responsibility for their own failure to recognise that the behaviour of this child was screaming out for help and guidance.

It smacks of ignorance and ill-educated conclusions. Now before the inevitable "moral attack" that will soon follow, I need to mention that I have for many years viewed and accepted myself as a Satanist, have owned and studied all available Satanic literature published by the Church Of Satan as founded by Anton Szandor Lavey.

This equips me with the knowledge to give an educated opinion on the views and principles of true Satanists. The fact that this child walked into school and senselessly slaughtered another pupil and then said to the school principle "Wat now meneer?" is a clear sign that this child is emotionally disconnected and has severe psychological problems.

Blame lies elsewhere

I personally lay the blame squarely on the parents and teachers for not intervening when this child was clearly showing signs of emotional and psychological distress. And furthermore that these people are in fact cowards for blaming "Satanic music" instead of taking responsibility for their own ignorance towards this child's emotional plight.

The truth is that Satanism is not a theistic religion and no true Satanist would ever claim that Satan told them to do something stupid for the simple reason that a true Satanist does not believe in the existence of such an "evil deity".

Satanism as a philosophy utilises Satan as a symbol representative of man's own carnal nature and contrary to popular belief, teaches one to take responsibility for one's own actions and to not subscribe to the superstitious "ghosts and ghouls" dreamed up by other religious sectors of society.

Anyone who is educated with regard to satanic views and principles would know that this child acted against what is taught by Satanism by committing the two top "Satanic sins" namely, stupidity and self-sacrifice.

The "power" of the Satanist lies within sound intellect and a powerful untainted mind. Thus any self-destructive behaviour such as drug abuse and self mutilation is completely denounced. The reasoning is simple: Satanism advocates self-adornment and pride separating the weak from the strong; drug abuse is for the weak!

Education

My advice to any parent (religious or not) whose children show occult interest is to buy / borrow / find a copy of the Satanic Bible written by Anton Lavey and educate themselves about the true views and principles practiced by real Satanists as this would most likely prevent the child from pursuing the dangerous and skewed perception of this philosophy painted by the uneducated portions of society.

The child would then most likely lose interest in Satanism as they would be disappointed to find that it does not advocate the worship of ghost and ghouls but instead suggests that man accepts responsibility for himself and embrace his own human nature.

If the child then still chooses to pursue Satanism, at least it would be the true version that teaches personal responsibility and constructive human behaviour and mental stability as apposed to the destructive version of Satanism created by religious perception.

Calling this a "Satanic Killing" is extremely laughable and an irresponsible copout by the parents and teachers who obviously neglected this child's emotional and psychological needs!

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Kay 8/19/2008 8:46:31 AM
I am not a satanist but agree that its being used as a cop-out. Thanks for this well balanced article and putting it into perspective. I agree with a lot of what you have said.

Sam 8/19/2008 8:47:04 AM
I wonder who you will blame when your children do something like this. Please wake up you ignorent fool. This is what Satan does and did for many years and will try to do in future. There is only God and satan - Life and death. With whom do you spend your time with? The fruits are in the roots. Obviously if you knew God you would not wright such rubbish.

Marc 8/19/2008 8:48:26 AM
Well this is something diffrent. But like they say " What ever rocks your boat" Cant wait to see what the people of christ has to say about it.

IceCreamMan 8/19/2008 8:49:04 AM
Quite a confusing religion this satanism thing... the "true" satanists denounce the "pseudo" satanists etc etc. If the child in question believes he was led by satan who the hell are you to argue that? You guys do not even believe in satan but call yourselves satanists... oi vey ...signed confusedly yours, the IceCreamMan

anon 8/19/2008 8:49:32 AM
Didn't Hansie try the same defense?

Sam 8/19/2008 8:53:36 AM
Ef6:12 "...because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against principalities, against authorities, against the universal lords of this darkness, against spiritual {power} of wickedness in the heavenlies". Wake up people or face the consequences.

COS 8/19/2008 8:53:53 AM
There is just not enough space to refute the rubbish written in this column but the point regarding the "top sins" of satanism, one being "self-sacrifice" begs replying to. How is slashing an innocent childs throat "self sacrifice"? Please dont accept this column as anything other than an excuse to worship EVIL. Other religtions (ALL of them, Christian or not) do not need to excuse their behaviour. Get yourself and children to church as quickly and often as possible! Bring them to God!

Kneel 8/19/2008 8:54:17 AM
Being a Satanist myself I must thank you for this article. Hollywood and right wing religious movements have often made us out to be the something to fear and hate. Its time people stop blaming the "devil" and start taking responsibility for themselves and their children. True satanists would condem these actions not find some sort of joy in it. My condolences to the family of the victim.

Oom_Kosie 8/19/2008 8:54:27 AM
So true satanism is being egotistical and ultimately nihilistic? I can see why that might be attractive to some people, but you might be better off just calling yourself followers of Nietzsche then - less prejudice. On another note (pardon the pun), to quote Battery 9: "Een of ander tyd soek almal iets om te blameer: Jou ma, jou pa, jou musiek, die duiwel, die bediende of dié wat die land regeer! Pak die skuld op iemand anders - dit maak minder seer!"

Roberto 8/19/2008 8:55:06 AM
you r correct, parents who cared would have recognised a emotionally troubled child much earlier. Fasinating that there is real moral fibre in satanism, especially how poorly its been recieved for the last thousands of years...(not that i care for it much, it is fasinating though)

Francois 8/19/2008 8:55:16 AM
I have been in a Metal band for 16 years now... STILL kicking it and doing well AND I am also a proud parent. Blame an artform for this attack is beyond me. I am quite capable to see a behaviour change in my child with regards to my actions as a parent. She is wonderfull and YES I do consider myself a GREAT DAD, BUT for the media to slam metal in this sense is truly arrogant and LAME, EVERYTHING on this earth is what we make of it. The blame for this falls SOLELY ON THE PARENTS!

SJB 8/19/2008 8:55:19 AM
Thank-you Jesus, is this scary or what?

I'm a christian 8/19/2008 8:56:22 AM
How can you say that satanism teaches a child personal responsibility.....utter rubbish.. GO BURN IN HELL!!! Because this is where you and your kind belong. You've been clearly brain washed by the devil and his so called "bible". There is only one God and that is our Lord up in heaven... You are a lost soul my friend...

RG 8/19/2008 8:56:57 AM
Why are we such buck passers? Why are people blaming satanism, music, and the parents? Why don't we blame the boy? He did it, not music or his parents. Lets face it, at matric one is able to break away from any bad up bringing by the parents etc etc. I had an abuse father and he never tought me anything but violance. But i still feel that if i do harm someone one day I'm to blame, not my parents, teachers or a rock band. Lets put the blame on him, he is a lunatic period! Leave the others alone.

Malcolm X 8/19/2008 8:57:26 AM
It is a simple lack of discipline & poor immoral upbringing that causes all these problems. For starters, look at the ridiculous hairstyle of the idiot in the photograph. Most of the young men of today spend most of their mornings sitting in front of a mirror putting gel & moose & crap in their hair. They spend the rest of their days trying to look & act like idiots. I suspect their behaviour is patterned on the American Ghetto culture.

rosemary 8/19/2008 8:57:45 AM
The police captain on the SABC TV 2 news last night said that an investigation of the perpertrators home revealed a host of Satanistic parphenalia....what more evidence does a peson require

AJ 8/19/2008 8:58:32 AM
Interesting read, although we are poles apart in belief systems! You're feeling brave this morning aren't you! Dont expect the responses to be as equally measured.

DMC 8/19/2008 8:58:45 AM
Hmmmm....if I were to understand satanism I would more than likely spend time reading objective historical accounts than some contempory philosophers version of satanism. If self-preservation and smartness is the main theme of your religion then it is more than likely that you will downplay any association to an entity which is associated with pure hatred. BTW, the religion you describe in your article is humanism!

Mark T 8/19/2008 8:59:04 AM
Notwithstanding the satan aspect, the parents and teachers should have picked up the behavioural changes of the child- such a change does not happen overnight. To blame music, 'evil' or not is also lame. How many other children and grown up listen to heavy metal and do not go on killing sprees. If it was found out that he watched the Gummi Bears, would they also be to blame? The problem lies with the individual. Until the kid has been assessed, I guess we can only speculate as to what happened.

JJM 8/19/2008 8:59:35 AM
Thanks for teh article. Its always a matter of ignorance of other religions. Interesting read, and fully agree that its an easy excuse for incompatent (sp) parents/teachers.

Thokozani 8/19/2008 8:59:54 AM
What happened in Krugersdorp yesterday surely shocked the whole nation, my sympathies go to the families of the affected parties and the school. However this somewhat teaches us a lesson as the nation , as communities and as parents. The lesson that we will take from this is that we should look after our children. Most parents today are only concerned with thier careers not knowing that they are falling shot of taking care of thier children. It's a lesson to all of us, next time, it's your kid.

Sam 8/19/2008 9:00:19 AM
Some teens and parents are eternally dead because they dont know the ultimate truth, the Word of God, and when such things happen they ask dumb questions of who to blame for this. I feel sad for you. Please keep on trying to minimize God and His word and see more of this.

RA 8/19/2008 9:00:43 AM
I am not a satanist, but through the ages christians have used satanism as an excuse for almost anything. How do you know your religion is the right one? Think of it from the other religions point of few as well. They think their religion is the only true one and that all christians are wrong. Anyway i agree that the child in the article probably have psychological problems. And to Sam...christians have done the exact same thing over the ages...christian crusades, burning of so called witches et.

stella 8/19/2008 9:00:53 AM
Though I am not a satanist, I also don't see myself as a christian. I totally agree with you. This young man probably did it to get attention as his parents does not seem to know anything that went on in their son's life.

Chris 8/19/2008 9:00:57 AM
Ernst, I couldn't agree more: Witnessing how many times people try to find a scapegoat when they themselves are to blame, is shocking. I'm non-religious, so I don't have any "scapegoats": when I screw up, I'm to blame. Easy as that. Thanks for the article, very well written and very informative, I just hope other people see it in the same light.

Bogeyman 8/19/2008 9:01:25 AM
Cannot say that I subscribe to your satanic mumbo jumbo, but I do believe that sicko's out there always use the cop out that "the devil made me do it:. Must also agree that the majority of parents and teachers are not envolved enough in childrens upbringing and it starts from the age when they are able to put a child in front of the television for hours instead of taking an active part in their care giving.

Martin Godfrey 8/19/2008 9:02:12 AM
A well written letter which will of course be bombarded by those who do not embrace your beliefs and will spew forth all their reasons why Satanism is evil etc. Personally I think the kid was psycho and the reasons for that, need to be addressed by his parents & his teachers. Blaming a deity (or any thing else for that matter) is a cop-out!

Craig 8/19/2008 9:02:18 AM
me gets popcorn, props feet up on desk, and gets ready to be entertained.

Metallica Man 8/19/2008 9:02:19 AM
The religious zealots out there are going to love this little piece! I will make sure that I read what they have to say in a couple of hours. Man this will be fun! Apart from that Ernst, you are an educated man and have written a great article.

Christian 8/19/2008 9:03:01 AM
Its high time South Africa shud do something about respecting human life. Everyone, big or small,ugly or nor not, old or young AND MOST OF ALL SATANISTS( yu do weird staff).People here in SA die like chickens, u dont respect life and when these culprits are arrested their sentence in jail is 5 years and they are back in the society.God help SA. As for the above Writter you need Jesus and stop boasting about your Satanism, yu are the very people contributing to this problem. Surely am shocked.

one man 8/19/2008 9:03:07 AM
The biggest lie, satan convinced the world he doesnt exist :)

Tys 8/19/2008 9:03:21 AM
I believe the attack happened because students do not get any assistance on dealing with pressure(stress, but i dont like to call it that). It seems everyone missed the fact that he was about to start writing exams, and having been trough this already these may have seemed to him as his biggest task yet. Everyone who has done matric know that these exams are stressed to the point that you may start believing if you do not pass your life is over!! Total rubbish.

Deena 8/19/2008 9:03:38 AM
I agree. Blaming a religion, no matter how distasteful the religion may be, is very ignorant. I think the parents of the child need to take responsibility.

John 8/19/2008 9:04:22 AM
Jesus said,"If you were blind, you were not guilty of sin; but know that you claim you can see, your guilt remains".

Peter 8/19/2008 9:04:49 AM
I do not believe this type of thing just happens. This child is obviously lost and has probably being threatening to do something radical for a while. Children want love, boundaries and most of all, they want to be heard!

Nick 8/19/2008 9:05:08 AM
At long last a true believer in his religion and a educated person is Ernst. As for the guy who slaughtered a fellow pupil, the parents and teachers should be looking at what they did, or did not do to put this child on the right tracks. The law should hold them resposible for his death. SA Gov Schools must be the worst on the planet these days. Well done Naledi Pandor - Joe Soap

Marc 8/19/2008 9:05:11 AM
Sam, In this day & age, I have to say I can only marvel at people that remain so closed minded as to assume that their beliefs are the one & only...were u to venture outside of ur comfort zone, u would see that everything that is in ur Bible, is also in Greek Mythology, Hinduism, etc. with merely different names...ur words are quite harsh for a "Christian", after all does ur Bible not advocate "Judge not, lest ye be judged."Ernst, thanks for a great article, really puts things in perspective.

Liesel 8/19/2008 9:05:34 AM
I don't know much about satanism, but I do agree that we can't blame this event on satanism or metal music.It still lies within that child to make the decision - don't find other scape goats. And don't be so hasty to blame the parents - some teens retract from society & parents allow them to do this thinking it's just a 'phase'. I'm sure even his parents don't recognize him now. Read the book '19 minutes' by Jodi Picoult (based losely on true events of a school shooting) it'll change your views.

AJ 8/19/2008 9:05:36 AM
Is it insulting or complimentary to tell a Satanist to go to hell? Not sure I got that?

VJ 8/19/2008 9:06:04 AM
I am a Christian but don't really believe that it is so easy.Killing someone obviously comes from a bad place and the devil is at work there but i agree that there is factors more to home that can lead to something like this.I don't think the devil came knocking on his door and told him to do it.It takes i weak mind to snap like this, something not a lot of people can see comming.It's very sad.

KLZ 8/19/2008 9:06:42 AM
.........spoken like a true satanists, Sam - I agree with you completely. This is something beyond ignorance and its sad how people always theorise satan. The fact is there cannot be a Kingdom of Light without the Kingdom of Darkness. It is true parents need to teach their children good values but then again its something else if parents and teachers are themselves inclined to being fooled by satan.

Ernst Geyser 8/19/2008 9:07:03 AM
Thanx for the constructive and condemning comments. To those "christians" here who so quickly condemn me to "hell", thanx for showing expressing your hatred towards me. I am sure it is in exact accordance with your own righteous religion. The point I am trying to make in this article is that if you care about your children and see satanism as such a big threat, then it is your responsibility to EDUCATE yourself about it.

Modibe 8/19/2008 9:07:17 AM
I disagree with what you have indicated that these cannot be the work of Satanism. We have read so many books about Satanism and we have so many testimonies of former Satanists. Satanists do evil practices, human and cats sacrifices, drinking of human blood, and many more. Satanists intent to destroy families, fight against those who believe in God, especially You hate the name Jesus. Do not mislead our people. People can read a book, written by Rebeccah Brown,"I Came to set the captives free"

Heinrich 8/19/2008 9:07:31 AM
Christians screeming: You are brainwashed by the devil and his book!! Evil! Evil!.. Anybody hear of the crusades? During the black plague christians poisened jewish wells because they believed they brought it on them. This dude is just trying to make evrybody understand that true satanist believe in self-control, and not sacrifising cats. Kids do that because their PARENTS ignore them! Satan and Rock music in the same sentence? Sounds like 80's SA.. Now there was real evil!!

L 8/19/2008 9:07:40 AM
Yup, he clearly didn't get the cardinal rule - Lex talionis - thanks Ernst for putting it straight!

konstabel 8/19/2008 9:07:49 AM
is the true beauty of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. As a Christian, I do not agree with Ernst view on religion, but at least I will respect his views and I will certainly not stoop so low as to condemn him for it.

Stefan 8/19/2008 9:07:52 AM
Intersesting,however not entirely complete. We must remember that Satan knows no such thing as law and order, his nature is anarchy and pain. And the one way he can get back at his enemy, God, is to attack those who were made in His image, us. So why would you say this is not how satan works, when satan will use anything at his disposal to harm Gods creation? He will never follow guidlines on how to act. I don't know what caused the kid to do this.But don't sugar coat satans nature & his mission!

rosemary 8/19/2008 9:08:11 AM
With reference to the first paragraph under the heading EDUCATION: does one heve to learn bad english in order to speak good english? Why investigate something parading as good in order to teach a child the difference between good and bad? It does not make sense - but then neither does satn or his followers who disguise themselves as Angels of Light on many occasions... does a spider make its web obvious? or does it disguise it. Think for yourself

Freddy van der Merwe 8/19/2008 9:08:25 AM
Your beloved horned one is obvously the main cause of all destruction and inbalance in this fragile world. Your defence of this foul creature disturbs me deeply. The root of most teenage anger and psyco like disorders are mainly aggrivated by aggresive and evil lyrics in most black metal and comercial metal like Slipknot Korn, etc. It is truly sad to know that there are people like you advertising and motivating them to get a copy of the black book ,are you sick ,not all of us want toBurn like "

Lyndi 8/19/2008 9:08:49 AM
Ah Ernst, do you want war on your hands? dnt you remember even Hansie said th devil made him do it. Christians need a scapegoat for their issues tht they cannot take responsibility for, so Satan is always convenient. when a child is fallin apart as in this case, where were the parents? children today are exposed to a lot more than we were as kids, but tht does not make them any less vulnerable: so yes, where were the parents?

Boerseun 8/19/2008 9:09:01 AM
Ernst Geyser, I can't believe you have the audacity to spew the contents of your twisted little mind in a public forum like this. A whole community is reeling after a senseless murder, that was committed by a boy acting under instructions from the devil (his words, not mine) I also see that news24 will allow anything to be published if ratings go up by 1%. You disgust me. I hope that you find your salvation before you die. What do you have to look forward to when you do?

Person of Christ 8/19/2008 9:10:10 AM
...we will be judged according to how we lived our lives. Each to their own but believe me Jesus is coming back for His own.My prayer goes out to you lost sheep.

No religion 8/19/2008 9:11:31 AM
Any religion where the son of the god that is worshiped advocates that you drink his blood and eat his flesh seems a little weird to me. Lets not forget the other atrocities that are preached by the bible, a book that surely needs a "parental advisory" sticker on the front page.

Friend of Jesus 8/19/2008 9:11:42 AM
Please read the book by Roger Morneau - Deception in the last days.

Bridget 8/19/2008 9:11:48 AM
Firstly, good on you for giving your opinion. But although I am not a satanist in any sense of the term - and there are many - I have also looked into the belief system. And there are other satanistic "cults" for lack of a better word than the one of Anton LaVey. Some of them are indeed "anti-christians" who follow the satan as the antagonist of Christ. Just because you do not recognise them as true Satanists will not make them believe less that they are Satanists. Just a thought.

I love Jesus 8/19/2008 9:12:20 AM
Thank you for this insightful article about satanism. So, you don't actually believe in satan, you just use him as a symbol. What strikes me of the article and all the comments is the lack of compassion and love displayed from both sides of the fence. Our God is a God of love. He despises sins, but he loves people dearly. ALL people. Maybe we should teach that to our children: to love and be loved - thats the greatest gift.

Anno 8/19/2008 9:12:47 AM
I do not believe that someone using this tone "GO BURN IN HELL!!! Because this is where you and your kind belong" and "you are a lost sole my friend" can call him/herself a true Christian... There is no point in attacking the person who wrote the article, try to stick to the point people...and please if you claim to be a Christian try to portray that in your writing!

TR 8/19/2008 9:12:57 AM
If you were as educated as you claim you are, you would know there are basically two types of Satanism. LaVeyan Satanism (the one you are part of), this is more a type of atheism than anything else and Theistic Satanism, also known as Traditional Satanism, this is the belief that Satan is an actual deity or force worthy of reverence or worship. This type of Satanism is linked to various rituals and acts like black mass etc. Hope you discover the love of Jesus soon Ernst! It changed my life!!

kj 8/19/2008 9:13:05 AM
Satanic what? you also have a bible? There is only one true God and He is not found in the 'satanic bible'.May your eyes be opened to the Living God,the great I AM.JESUS IS LORD!!!

cos 8/19/2008 9:15:03 AM
Your opinion of Ernst as being an "intelligent" man is exactly why Satanism is so dangerous - it gets stupid people like you to think it is something to be played with, something to be attracted to. How much easier for a child, especially a lost child, to be influenced by it. God is waiting, accept Him as your Lord and Saviour.

Ndidiniwe 8/19/2008 9:15:13 AM
time ever I've read a total different explanation of Satanism in my life. This is a revelatio. Anyone out there who can testify to this? Sofa sifunda. "Each one teach one, Teach one each one". "Alluta Continua"

Bush Baptist 8/19/2008 9:15:14 AM
Why do we always have to look for other things to blame, should we not just say that this child was a little F... up in the head.And to you so called Christians, go and read your best seller,Christians have done far worse things than this. Christianity is the root to all eval.

emily 8/19/2008 9:15:23 AM
Wonder if anyone have notices that since they removed Bible study from schools the violence amongst children increased......

Warren 8/19/2008 9:15:32 AM
All religions are man-made. So regardless of whether you as this 'Righteous' Satanist who believes that we all have a skewed idea of what 'The Real Satanist' is all about we still have to come down to the basis of good/bad, right/wrong, positive/negative. Religion has been the excuse for all major wars on our planet and continues to cause separation amongst the human race. When people blame Satanism or satanic music they simply blame what they have been taught to believe is evil and wrong.

Laura 8/19/2008 9:15:35 AM
I have just sauntered over from iol.co.za after reading another laughable 'THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT' article. I left a note on their forum about what rubbish journalism it was. Though I may not be a serving satanist I certainly am a nilihist and can compeltely relate to your stance. A big hats off to news24.com for posting it knowing it will be a bone of contention. You have my new found respect.

rover 8/19/2008 9:15:36 AM
Hmm. What the main story writer has advocated is nothing more than good old existentialism. Which says there is no divine or magical scaffolding to our lives, and when we accept this truth we can choose to take full responsibility and become truly human. But even so, responsible Christians are invited to become truly human (which also means not judging others' ways of being) by means of God's grace. This awful murder is surely, obviously, simply, a case of a child who is hectically messed up.

colin 8/19/2008 9:16:11 AM
If satanism is such a good thing then why do you people operate in SECRET - were are your churches and meeting places and who are your leaders and what to you and your good satanic religion contribute to our society. Christianity in it self also proclaims that we should not commit adultery but still many Christians today do commit it and that does not mean that they are not Christians and that is the same with this boy ? the possibility that he have been influenced by satan or satanic influences should not be ignored at this point in time

Neil 8/19/2008 9:16:34 AM
Just an excuse for the lazy cop's not to conduct a proper investigation. I personally think the idiot was on drugs or something. Why when people do not have answers do they always turn to religion and blame Satan. The same with that steers ad with the women. Did you see the complaints on hellopeter. Most of them said straight from the Devil or hell. People grow up. There are mental people amongst us. Accept that fact and stop blaming religion. I am not a Satanist but SICK of the religion card.

Martin 8/19/2008 9:16:48 AM
I read all the responses and I must admit that I am ashamed of the so called Christians, who are you to judge, I am a Christian but will always listen to others and endure their views. What Ernest have said was the truth in the sense that it is far easier to point the blame somewhere else than ourselves. The PARENTS and TEACHERS are to blame for this, they should have seen that there was something not right with this boy and acted upon this, however it is far easier to ignore the cries of the youth than to face it. Now a message to all the PARENTS out there??BE RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR KIDS, LOOK FOR SIGNS AND HELP THEM BEFORE IT IS TO LATE.

Point Blank 8/19/2008 9:16:56 AM
Yes I said and will say it again, Christians are the evil ones here, they wish people to a life of eternal damnation, they insult and mock. I truly celebrate that I am not a Christian today by reading the utter disgusting statements by so called Christians. Ernst, thank you for the very interesting article, it was a good read, unlike the embarrassing Chrisitans, I am ashamed of them.

Shirley 8/19/2008 9:17:00 AM
Dont underestimate this. the devil made Hansie take money for information and to throw games.

anon 8/19/2008 9:17:11 AM
You are exactly what's wrong with Christianity and why I despise it's followers. Stop trying to force your opinion down on everyone else. It is arrogant. You judging other people only adds to the joke your religion has become. Open your goddamn eyes and ears for a change.

Gwinya 8/19/2008 9:17:16 AM
This is very interesting point about Satanism, I don't wish to be one but I will do some reading. As always Chrsitian have jumped to stand in the mountain arrogance by quoting their poorly written bible which has been creating division amongst the communities of the world. Christians must learn that there are other source of knowledge beyond the bible. God has given us minds to use to seek more knowledge around and beyond us so that we can understand and appreciate his greatness..Not in bible

GP 8/19/2008 9:17:56 AM
Thanx AJ :-)lol... You just made my morning :-) Hilarious... :-)lol

Mark T 8/19/2008 9:17:59 AM
Youngsters of today that kill have many pretty handy defenses- They play PC games like Doom,they listen to Heavy Metal music, they watch violent movies, satan made me do it- and I am sure there are others. Wow. Handy to have them.

RA 8/19/2008 9:18:17 AM
Once again christians are right and everbody else is wrong i see. Exactly why i stopped going to church and read my bible at home rather. Too many two faces money grabbing people in church trying to buy their way into heaven. Boerseun why can't Ernst have his say? It is a free country. It doesn't make him right , but neither does it make your opinion the right or wrong one

Kings Kid 8/19/2008 9:19:15 AM
All I can say: "Father have mercy on us!". You cannot be half pregnant. You either worshop Jesus our King or the prince of darkness. We are living in a broken world and with opinions like the one of Ernst Geyser how can children not be affected. Demon possesion is as old as the world. It is the worst thing that can happen to a child whether they come from a good or bad home. South Africa should be on their knees before God - not playing "freedom". We lost it a long time ago.

Get Real 8/19/2008 9:19:29 AM
Well said. The real culprit here is DOE, teachers and parents. Since religion was taken out of school all wrong perspectives of the religion was born. To Im Christian, boet you must realy educate yourself further and not just believe what you are taught. You are right, but read up more on satanism. Know your enemy. You might get a reality check. You must remember Lucifer was kicked out of heaven because of his pride he was engulfed in and lead a rebellion. Satanism is all about that.

Sam 8/19/2008 9:19:31 AM
..well he stole two young boy's lifes.. and this is acceptable, you will direct accusations away from satan, I mean he does not exist, he is a mith isnt he. I can tell you one thing, I serve the Lord in Jesus name, He is my protection forever. Still I will go out and help those who dont know Him to get a life that make sence so that they can go out and rejoice forever.

Ray 8/19/2008 9:20:12 AM
If you read between the lines what really caused this kid to do what he did was bullying at school. But then again who wants to stop the crusade?

Kez 8/19/2008 9:20:23 AM
Only the boy knows and i dont think that we as a society can deny the fact that God exists any more than we can deny that satan exists...the proof is in the pudding and a boy was murdered...but as the bible says "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord" so there will come a time when we all acknowledge God for now though looks like ignorance is bliss to most...

Whatever 8/19/2008 9:21:00 AM
If Slipknot's music really drove him to kill, where are all their other fans because no one else has killed because of their music. Oh they must be hiding out under bridges slaughtering cats and drinking their blood! You closed minded christians are what is wrong with the world, you can be as evil as you like during the week as long as you pray about it on Sunday!

Zee 8/19/2008 9:21:04 AM
I am not a Satanist either but found your article absolutely facinating! You see i have been brought up in a christian house and have been taught that 'a true believer does not question the bible!' and i have learnt that it is thus thinking that leads to mans inability to see further than his own toes!

The Horned God 8/19/2008 9:22:15 AM
Nice to get a new perspective on the idea of Satanism as a religion, Its taught me something! As a Pagan, I find we are often confused with Satanists by the god squad, even though we believe in the idea of: 'an harm ye none, do as ye will'. Its funny you?re being accused of being brainwashed, when the accusers actually sound like they?ve been brainwashed by the church! Just as an aside: God wiped out the earth with the flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah (to name a few) ? how many people did the devil kill in the bible?!?

Richard Hipkin 8/19/2008 9:22:45 AM
I'm not sure that your version of Satanism isentirely correct and I agree it sounds more like humanism. But thank you for enlightening us and providing more knowledge then I have had on the subjet thus far. I am off to go get the Satanic Bible because, well it interests me, being a non religious person I am not bound by any oddball religious woobee laws and paranoia. Brave move Sir, good luck with the comments!!

MP3 8/19/2008 9:23:02 AM
my my aren't we just the purveyor of truth and light. u sound a little ignorant if you ask me. the facts are, a kid brought a sword to school killed someone and injured others and then asked the principal "what now?" lol, well now dear ppl, he goes to court gets sentenced and locked up. either in a jail cell or psych ward. either way they shld just keep sharp objects away from the oke. all the mitigating circumstances are purely there for media frenzy purposes...

Goodness Gracious 8/19/2008 9:23:06 AM
I agree completely. Whatever the case is about religious perception or belief in evil whispering voices, the fact is that this child is ill, disturbed, and mostly likely has a mental imbalance which should have been addressed earlier. My sympathies go to the family who have lost a son...

NoG 8/19/2008 9:23:17 AM
The biggest lie, man convinced the world that god exists :)

anna 8/19/2008 9:23:41 AM
Obviously this kid was emotionally disturbed, but there's nothing to say that he had misunderstood something about satanism and taken it literally - just like people in other faiths may misunderstand something and assume that it means they should become suicide bombers or start a crusade. Perhaps this child was seriously unhappy, decided to erase his "enemies" and accepted Crowley's injunction to Do as you will?

Ducks 8/19/2008 9:24:09 AM
Ernst was giving his opinion, he did not force you to read or even glance at his lettr - you decided to read it. Is it not his constitutional right to say/write down his thoughts. I just think that christians in general always have to find a cop out for one of there own being truly evil... as for metal bands being the reason he did it - stated by the father/priest is complete and utter nonsense. Everyone makes a decision to be either good or evil. If there is a hell I hope this child goes there..

Metallica Man 8/19/2008 9:24:09 AM
I have listened to Metal since 1977. My kids (13 and 10) have grown up on it, none of us are devil worshippers. My kids attend church every Sunday and love every minute of it. How lame are you to be influenced by lyrics from a song. Tree63 rock hard but have "christian" words. Are they okay? C'mon people you can't blame a music genre for a sick mind.

norbin 8/19/2008 9:24:13 AM
I have had it with all you religious people- Satanist or Christians: you are all the same. The majority of the world is beginning to view you all as from the same mind set. You form sects, insulate yourselves and throw blame. Stop this partitioning of the world. This has nothing to do with religion.

Ally 8/19/2008 9:25:00 AM
I am not a satanist but I fully agree with this article and I do like, understand and relate with some of the "satanist" views, although I just think it is just a bit of commen sense. To all the Christians etc. don't judge another persons beliefs before you research it and read it and see if you can see the sense in it. This child was deeply disturbed and the parents chose not to see it. It's the parents fault.

Nervous mom 8/19/2008 9:25:04 AM
Having a young child in the house, I can't help but get nervous about what is happening to our youth. Is this kind of thing the result of absentee parents? Lack of discipline and punishment? The violent society we live in? Or maybe just an individual with serious mental issues? We can pass the buck as much as we want, but eventually it will stop with all of us...and no, I don't think the devil made him do it.

The Truth 8/19/2008 9:25:07 AM
I don't even want to so much as even read your crap it sickens me so much! Lucifer was banished to the depths of Hell for a reason boet,and you and your mentally ill kind are going exactly the same way.

NeutralDude 8/19/2008 9:25:24 AM
When are you people going to accept that there are other religions out there with other paths? If you can't respect other people's religions why should we respect yours? Your arguments never provide any valid point, all you do is slate other religions, and how they are wrong, how about some subjective insight onto the actual matter at hand.

rover 8/19/2008 9:25:38 AM
I am really perplexed at how heated and aggressive some fellow Christians get. A crime goes to the courts and maybe also psychiatric assessment. Klaar. My take on my faith is, its about compassion, not yelling at others. Christians are surely called to a gentle strength that does not react and that listens. And leads by example not by aggressive-defensive behaviour.

Francois 8/19/2008 9:25:40 AM
PEOPLE makes religion what is it is today NOT the religion itself... I have just seen how some so called christians curse other people instead of reasoning with them. YIP indeed PEOPLE turns religion into a joke!

Michael 8/19/2008 9:26:08 AM
I find it peculiar how everyone is rushing about trying to hang the blame for this one even on the little horned guy. So far no-one seems to have cottoned on to the fact that we as a nation are fast becoming a truly nasty lot. Regardless of which invisible friend you choose to hold to you cannot deny that the greatest effect on this kid has been living in a land where his own role models have clay feet. Our people are corrupted to the core. And shock, horror it shows in the kids.

LH 8/19/2008 9:26:11 AM
As someone who has zero interest in religion of any kind, I totally agree that this is a 'band aid' excuse. This is the same as Columbine and other similar incidents were there is a deep-rooted cause (such as bullying) but Marilyn Manson and trenchcoats get the the blame.

Pieter 8/19/2008 9:27:14 AM
remember one thing people, this was a child that commited the terrible acts, a clearly confused and disturbed child! The child said it was satan, NOT THE NEWSPAPERS! Yes, according to satanic believe, it was not a satanic attack, but this poor boy might have been possesed by something else, whether it be a deamon, hate, loneliness or whatever, he was confused and something told him to do it.. it might have been his own sub-concience, but he thought it was Satan.

Sinudeity 8/19/2008 9:27:23 AM
The argument isnt against religion. The argument is about passing blame, and not taking responsibility. Basically, just like a murderer, telling the judge, he was high on drugs when committing the murder, as a means of not having to be responsible. But, in all honesty, being 'possessed' is a lame excuse. I have been researching it for yours, and could never 'prove' a spiritual manifestation/miracle etc.

BigBang 8/19/2008 9:27:30 AM
Yip, sometimes people are just evil and they do evil things like this. To blame a non existent ghost is a bit foolish. Good article, good viewpoint. You can't blame music and silly religions for everything.

Joanne 8/19/2008 9:27:45 AM
This tragedy is not an excuse for us all to start posturing on our soap boxes and poking each other in the eyes - our kids are killing each other, so clearly we are all doing something wrong. Everyone's viewpoint would be so much more credible if any of us were involved in youth groups, local sport/recreation/art for kids. Put up or shut up.

The Truth 8/19/2008 9:29:09 AM
is the amount of sickos who actually agree with you and your "religious beliefs" on this forum.

shaka zulu 8/19/2008 9:30:03 AM
Only in Cape Town can you get such nonsense, all the things of the dark start there and come through the country. Your points are positive but not everyone in your religion will view it like that. There is a very thing line here. The music that associates with your religion is not good. You guys need to get your image to be pure as you put it.

Pike 8/19/2008 9:30:33 AM
Nice little bit of hypocrisy ... Don't think Jesus would have used the words "GO BURN IN HELL!!!"

Heavy Metal Music Lover 8/19/2008 9:30:59 AM
Last night on E-News, when covering this tragedy, it was reported that the child was wearing a mask, similar to the ones used by metal band Slipknot. It was implied that the child's actions were heavily influenced by Slipknot and that their music is that of the devil. Why are such ignorant and narrow minded views aired on prime time news? Slipknot are an extremely successful band who were invited to play live on Jay Leno's talk show. Gee, I guess Leno must be spreading the word of the devil...

Maxine 8/19/2008 9:31:12 AM
Hi, I am also not a satanist... but agree 100% with what you say. To blame the music he listened to is also laughable. I am 30, female, work in HR and LOVE heavy metal. But I dont think i will get the urge to murder anyone anytime soon. I take responsibility for my own life and my own choices. p.s Slipknots new album is quite good!

rosemary 8/19/2008 9:31:19 AM
Does a spider make his web obvious?...would you try to lure someone by making it OBVIOUS what your intentions are? Satn keeps transforming himsef into an angel of light to sometimesn add to the confusion. After all he is the total OPPOSITE of God...confusion and disorder...hence the fruits of this unfortunate young man's actions yesterday.

Get Real 8/19/2008 9:33:10 AM
Below is what true satanist believe: Some of their beliefs and practices are: They do not worship a living deity. Major emphasis is placed on the power and authority of the individual Satanist, rather than on a god or goddess. They believe that "no redeemer liveth" - that each person is their own redeemer, fully responsible for the direction of their own life. "Satanism respects and exalts life. Children and animals are the purest expressions of that life force. The rest is sects of this

John 7:7 8/19/2008 9:34:00 AM
The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.

Point Blank 8/19/2008 9:34:40 AM
True words my friend!!

Cynthia 8/19/2008 9:35:37 AM
Ernst, i commend you for the guts you have! I've read some of the comments by christians and they are truly shocking(and it's just not the bad spelling).How can they be so intolerant? I am Christian but i respect other people and the religion they chose to follow is their decision. Christians has been blaming others for their faults and problems from the dark ages.People stop looking for scapegoats and get a wake up call. Why did his parents not notice anything?

JB 8/19/2008 9:36:07 AM
can make you do anything, our youth of today are trying anything just to be in.

celery 8/19/2008 9:36:30 AM
Boereseun, judge not lest ye be judged. Voltaire said: "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." This is a very well written piece. While I may not subscribe to the church of Satan (Im Athiest), I do believe that the media has jumped on the sensationalist "Satan made me do it" bandwagon.

j 8/19/2008 9:36:41 AM
Wait you all jumping up and down im sure. God is good, Devil is evil. This is an act of evil, sin crime only the devil is to blame. A man is allowed to sin we all have the weakness, yet to fall to temtation to kill is a sin that is truely cruel and work of the devil. Stop trying to paint a rosey picture on satan. You can't change the image of evil to good. I am not a regular church goer and belive that god represents good and this aint the work of God..

Len van Heerden 8/19/2008 9:37:03 AM
You sound like the ignorant fool you claim others to be. How the hell do you know what Satan is capable of telling kids? Do not agree with the assessment that teachers are to blame either. The parents are the one to blame. Teachers have to deal with lots of kids, while parents only have their kids to assess, but agree with most of your comments.

anon 8/19/2008 9:37:59 AM
Everybody has freedom of choice no matter what the religion. This child was just deeply disturbed and tried to show off. It was premediated murder. Made his mom coffee the morning etc etc Hello parents and teachers must wake up and know what their children are up to.

VG 8/19/2008 9:38:23 AM
To the lay person, satan/satanism is synonymous with evil and has been for centuries - the fact that this Lavey character went on to re-invent the religion as something else - but chose to stick with the name "satanism" is clearly provocative. If you then choose to affiliate yourself with this religion, don't cry foul and claim you're misunderstood.

Andrew 8/19/2008 9:38:31 AM
We all have sinful natures but those only manifest themselves in action when we give in to them. Each person must give an account for how they have lived. That being said their is great forgiveness to be found through Jesus for all. Were it not for the grace of God we would all be equally depraved. Let justice be done but do not harden your hearts. While I greive with the family of the slain boy I also pray for the salvation of his attacker. Hell is too much to wish on anyone.

Outraged! 8/19/2008 9:38:42 AM
excuse! He was under the influence of "the devil"; was acting as an automatom - what utter hogwash! I sat through the trial; I heard the drivel he spouted to the judge who was ultimately fooled and gave him a paltry 16yrs for strangling and setting my sister alight to die a horrible death. No, I do not believe it was satan - it was him and his evil self. I thought your article was balanced Ernst and agree that the family circumstances should be closely examined before blame is laid anywhere.

Bridget 8/19/2008 9:38:46 AM
If I remember correctly, Anton LaVey was born in the 20th century. His satanic bible promotes hedonism, nihilsm and has existentialist influences, which he assimilated from contemporary intellectuals. Satanism in its other forms have been around for a much, much longer time. I'm not hating, I'm just saying.

LvH 8/19/2008 9:39:02 AM
Oddly enough, despite our rotten role models, we do have many more good role models that many kids adopt. If all the kids behaved in this manner, then I would agree with you, but more than 99% of school kids behave like school kids should. So, are you saying that 1% of kids define who we are? Stop being melodramatic

Keith Pyper 8/19/2008 9:39:08 AM
Lets not forget the many murders humans have committed in the name of little baby Jesus... We must avoid the religious and political oppertunists out there. The murder was committed by an adult male, other than that we no evidence for the reason for this murder.

Anonymous 8/19/2008 9:39:20 AM
I am truly flabbergasted by the article written by the satanist. To send a letter stating that satanism is not an evil religion and it is based on knowledge and educating yourself is utter rubbish! I knew a man who was once a satanist, but later repented and turned toward God. While he was in this occult, his "duty" was to impregnate another member of this occult and then sacrifice the baby to Satan when it was born. And this is exactly what they did. That is satanism!!!

j 8/19/2008 9:39:22 AM
Also do you think the child will enter heaven with out the right amount of forgiveness and he'll have to earn that through his remainder of his life. So Accept that all the crime evils wrong doings and etc are Satans work, I agree can't use that to escape prison or gain respect. Who can respect a criminal? ..

TJB 8/19/2008 9:39:33 AM
Interesting article Ernst. Hope some christians do some research instead of just believing their uneducated pastors, or the usual "knee-jerk" reaction. All the christians I know are nasty, self centred, racist and dishonest. Who do you think supported the previous government - and would have them back in an instant? Atheists? Buddhists? Hindus? Satanists? No. It was those upstanding christians who sit in chuch every Sunday. Popcorn - you're a hoot! Thanks for the laugh.

Tina 8/19/2008 9:39:49 AM
You may say that you are not a satanist, but there are only two option. Either you are for or against Christ. If you do not believe in Jesus, you believe in Satan. There is no middle ground. I believe that Satan is the root of ALL evil. I truely do believe that Satan made him do it. It surely was not my loving God. I pray constantly that God will open the eyes and hearts of the lost. I do not condem or judge, I just know what God has put in my heart.

M 8/19/2008 9:40:25 AM
One murder where a kid has supposed links with Satanism and people howl about "seek light through Christianity", but so many other instances where supposedly Christian people kill, then ... nothing about religeous affiliations. I will bet you that the W/Kloof 4 and their families are all church going Christians and there were so many comments here about God being with them. As far as I can remember infamous Gert van Rooyen (how evil can you get?) always carried his Bible around.

TruthBeTold 8/19/2008 9:40:27 AM
Ernst's well written article, then reading the venomous replies from the so-called christians, I would defintely pick Satanism as a religion. The christian replies on here go against EVERYTHING they supposedly stand for. Ernst, I will be picking up a copy of the Satanic Bible soon, and following that. To hell with the "christians" They are the biggest hypocrites of all.

Ronnie 8/19/2008 9:40:33 AM
Satanism is Christianity's excuse for it's people to do wrong in this world...and Christians DO do a lot of wrong...especially, not recognising nor respecting the existence of other belief systems and their peoples. The same is true of Islam!! Be Human and practice Human values with LOVE and not hatred and war-cries. And please do not comment that there are "true" and "untrue" Christians etc. That's a load of rubbish!

J Cilliers 8/19/2008 9:40:45 AM
Yes I weep for the species of man, especially those who think they are so righteous to cry out that it's Satan's work, and still wants to argue with a man that offered a true explanation of Satanism. Both Satan and Satanism have been blamed for ages now by exactly those who deny the real ills of our society, namely poor education & guidance, ignorance and self-righteousness. May this be a wake-up call for all parents out there to educate themselves.

Point Blank 8/19/2008 9:41:10 AM
Give it a rest bro, you don't see Satanists hurling abuse and insults and reciting passages out of their Bibles do you? They are as free to practise their religion as you do, leave them alone they are NOT the cause of evil in this world.

L 8/19/2008 9:42:36 AM
A religous nut case in the USA murdered a doctor who performed abortions in the name of Jesus. The media did not go flying with that one. A bunch of fundamental muslims explode themselves and kill millions of people in the process and yet both religions have the temerity to claim that other religions are bad. Pot calling the kttle black (or whatever)

TB 8/19/2008 9:43:55 AM
You people really are a charming lot. Mix a few drugs with unhappiness, dubious upbringing, obsessive "religion" of any kind and BOOM goes the mind! Thats all there is to it.

James 8/19/2008 9:44:00 AM
If it's a non-theistic religion, why bother with calling it satanism unless you are looking to get into bar (OK, church) fights? It's a bit like calling everything other than the mish pozish 'sodomy' isn't it? Oh, and MalcolmX, you will find that there is a difference between putting mousse in your hair and putting mousse in your hair. Although you are right - you can judge everything that there is to know about a person from one photograph. That's why you don't need to read the whole book.

the truth will set you free 8/19/2008 9:44:23 AM
I'm sadened by how easily people are put of the path that gives life. Ernst you call it Satanism which is a biblical concept yet you don't believe in Satan? The devil is the father of lies and he doesn't have to make you believe in him he only needs to convince you not to believe in Jesus. This guy didn't wear a gummy bear suit nor did he listen to clasical music whilst comiting the crime. To say it had no influence is as laughable as saying it was the only infuence

lauren 8/19/2008 9:44:50 AM
Very interesting column. I'd have to agree about it being a cop-out. I don't, however, agree that the blame is soley on the parents and teachers. At the boy's age he should know the difference between right and wrong - and he was the one who said Satan made him do it. I think the whole thing is a tragedy, but we need to look at how to prevent it from happening again instead of finding someone else to blame. It's the student's fault - he should pay for his crimes.

Tina 8/19/2008 9:45:04 AM
You may say that you are not a satanist, but there are only two option. Either you are for or against Christ. If you do not believe in Jesus, you believe in Satan. There is no middle ground. I believe that Satan is the root of ALL evil. I truely do believe that he was influenced by demonic powers to do it. It surely was not my loving God. I pray constantly that God will open the eyes and hearts of the lost. I do not condem or judge, I just know what God has put in my heart.

kane 8/19/2008 9:45:08 AM
First of all, Sam you make me laugh... May the ignorant and blind be lead by lies. There is plenty of confusion within the general masses as to what Satanism is, some people think it involves killing animals too. GO GET EDUCATED! There is a huge difference between 'devil worship' and Satanism, The one is more of a cult with violent teachings. Satanism just teaches you to to be your own god (Pretty much how most atheists live). RE: living in secret: cause 90% of people are ignorant

BT 8/19/2008 9:45:37 AM
You have a very narrow minded point of view - it's by no means either God or Satan. Personally I'm open minded to the existence or non existence of either one of them. I used to be a firm beliver in God, until I realised all I was getting in return was the finger. I'm happy for those out there who find peace and happiness with their respective faiths but let the rest of us be.

TheDark 8/19/2008 9:46:36 AM
I was a christian, now athiest, soon satanist. There one thing though I can bet. His parents are Christians. Christianity is the cancer in human society, the proof lies in some of these un-educated comments posted here. According to LAW, the kid is to blame.

KJ 8/19/2008 9:46:52 AM
I'm a Christian and get so GATVOL of people and fellow Christians blaming Satan (and rock music) for mistakes. Yes, he tempts but the choice to act lies solely with you as person!!! I listen to rock music and never had any urge to kill. This child was apparently disturbed and on drugs, where's the parents? Children is the product of their parents ... don't blame satan or rock music! It's time people take responsibility for their actions and stop finding scapegoats!

Tina 8/19/2008 9:47:05 AM
You may say that you are not a Satanist, but there are only two option. Either you are for or against Christ. If you do not believe in Jesus, you believe in Satan. There is no middle ground. I believe that Satan is the root of ALL evil. I truly do believe that he was influenced by demonic powers to do it. It surely was not my loving God. I pray constantly that God will open the eyes and hearts of the lost. I do not condemn or judge, I just know what God has put in my heart.

Blaise Pascal 8/19/2008 9:48:11 AM
A person must put up a wager for his conduct in this life, the ultimate payoff in the gamble is the fate of his soul in the afterlife. Reason cannot decide the probability of God's existence. Either He exists or He does not. I believe God gave us each free will to make this choice. Just remember, ETERNITY IS A LONG TIME TO BE WRONG!!!!

cassuis 8/19/2008 9:48:15 AM
Interesting article, personally I'm a Christian and quite relaxed about that vibe. What bothers me are all these so called " Christian" replying to the article with such anger and contempt. " burn in hell" -- wowwhee, don't know which church you attend, doubt I have ever seen the passage in the Bible giving a mere mortal the right to condemn someone else to go to Hell! Don't judge because you sit in church every sunday morning.

I 8/19/2008 9:48:22 AM
Even satan believes in Jesus. That is why an atheist is an idiot because he is to stupid to see the truth but a satanist is beyond stupid as they know that Jesus exist but they choose to serve a lying deceiver that have so many times stabbed the human race in the back. I just pitty you because lucifer is deceiving your frail little minds. Kevin Spacey said in "The Usual Suspects" : "the greatest trick that the devil ever pulled was making the world believe that he does not exist".Think a bit pls

MorseCode 8/19/2008 9:48:22 AM
Your comments are real dumb. So if i kill someone & say Jesus made me do it - will that make me a christian? Idiot.

Sharon 8/19/2008 9:48:50 AM
I don't understand. People are slating christians for slating others? Comments are made that christians should open their eyes to other religions. Should others not then also open their eyes that christianity could just be right too? Non-christians are just as hypocritical.

Daxrsa 8/19/2008 9:48:58 AM
You are exactly the reason so many people have turned there back on Christianity. What happened to respecting other people? You clearly don't. Who the hell do you think you are to condemn people to hell? God? Get a life you holier than thou idiot.

Inertia 8/19/2008 9:49:00 AM
It is the narrow minded arrogance of most christian followers that sometimes makes me doubt my own belief. I don't care a rat's behind what Ernst's beliefs are, that is not the point. The point is that the kid (and parents) should take responsibility for their own actions and not play the blame game ( a point well brought across by Ernst). Christians so often do like blaming forces of evil and all other usual targets when they err of the wrong side....

Bron 8/19/2008 9:49:17 AM
This entire forum is full of people again, giving labels and handing out judgement? A Boy is dead. Another's life is over and two families are devestated and you people are going on about crap?? The bottom line is: Nobody was there for this boy, nobody cared enough to ask if he was okay. Stop trying to justify what is right and what is wrong with religion. His community failed him. end of story.

veritas 8/19/2008 9:49:27 AM
Most people seem to find it easier to blame (insert excuse here) than to just admit that sometimes you just get bad people.

bj 8/19/2008 9:50:17 AM
Nothing like insulting a persons religious beliefs to get the anger going. Suppose thats because deep down they know its all rubbish. Satan or God or whoever you choose to worship just makes you a gullible fool. RELIGION IS THE BIGGEST LIE EVER TOLD

Blaise Pascal 8/19/2008 9:50:32 AM
A person must put up a wager for his conduct in this life, the ultimate payoff in the gamble is the fate of his soul in the afterlife. Reason cannot decide the probability of God's existence. Either He exists or He does not. I believe God gave us each free will to make this choice. Just remember, ETERNITY IS A LONG TIME TO BE WRONG!!!!

Len Anderson 8/19/2008 9:50:50 AM
NU 25:4 (KJV) "And the Lord said unto Moses, take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the Lord against the sun ...." JG 21:10-12 "... Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword and; also the women and little ones.... every male and every woman that has lain with a male you shall utterly destroy." What a loving god!!!

Al 8/19/2008 9:51:05 AM
Well, if the author of this column is happy with the writings of Anton Szandor Lavey, then he most certainly is happy with eating faeces, having sex on an altar with a human sacrifice and doing all kinds of things normal people would be totally ashamed of admitting, whether you are a christian or not. Any decent person will know not to get involved with such things and practices. The feeling you get when you read about Lavey is: "How bad can people be?". As bad as satan convinces them to be.

SM 8/19/2008 9:51:13 AM
Those who are evil at heart will see evil in everything they do. To me, music such as Slipknot is just music, any literature on "satanism" is just that, literature. Just like the Bible its a very creative story but a story none the less. The 1st great science fiction book ever written. If a disturbed kid is going to see evil signs in music/literature then its because he's in need of psychological help from parents and teachers, and not because "satan" or the music told him to do it.

kane 8/19/2008 9:52:10 AM
#1. Possession is not old, they used to think people having seizures was possession.It's not 1650 anymore. #2. They would burn people born with disfigurments claiming they were witches. #3. There is only ones brain, religion is a fake concept you trick your brain into believing and 'seeing' miracles. #4. People believe what they are told. And are too scared to see they are alone. There is no God. #5. Christians have killed more people cause of their 'religion' through-out times than anyone

Riaan 8/19/2008 9:52:10 AM
Thanks for a very enlightening article. I at least enjoyed reading something other that the usual political nonsense thats usually on here. I feel sorry for some people that cannot accept something other that their own beliefs. It saddens me to know that being different is wrong in the eyes of some. Shame.

Gino 8/19/2008 9:52:35 AM
seek help... the lot of you.

Dude 8/19/2008 9:52:40 AM
I pity you guys who worship the devil & actually believe that you doing the right thing. Your puppet master hates you & you love it!!! I think you guys just need attention and don?t know how to get it. But wait, eternity is a very long time to spend on your side of the fence. God gave you freedom of choice, and you have the right to do with it what you want. Such a shame you to cowardice to do the right thing. Satan will break you :-) over & over & over... Again!!! I will pray for you.

Patriot 8/19/2008 9:52:45 AM
Thank you , as A parent I like to keep a opened mind, about everything, thanks for the education

Shane Steenkamp 8/19/2008 9:53:01 AM
This is the type of incident that will occur more during end times. Sometimes people can harbour evil spirits inside them which can at times take control of the host. The devil is testing the strength of his army with acts like these.

Christian 8/19/2008 9:53:42 AM
Please people take GOD as your saviour and you WILL be saved. Have anybody been to Angus preaches yet. Your hole life will be changed. MAY GOD SAVE YOU ALL

Krantz 8/19/2008 9:53:42 AM
Now all of a sudden everyone is a satanist. I blame the parents and teachers.

mark 8/19/2008 9:53:54 AM
What a load of nonsense, i have prayed for a lady and a man's voice came out of it, her eyes rolled back in her head and she tried to strangle herself to death in front of myself and several other people...Satan is a liar and a killer...for all those who speak of this as some pure, non violent teaching are the biggest fools of all!

j 8/19/2008 9:54:19 AM
now thats not what Christianity is about..the acts of crime that so called christians do are not acts of God they temptations by Satan on weak beings who are tempted. Not everyone is strong and can stay away from temtation yet.Well for a religion to recognise another is not to recognise there own as the only God. Every religion has good and evil. Its the two opposites no middle ground the religion is the path.

Christiaan 8/19/2008 9:54:55 AM
Ernst, Yes, La Vey Satanism is probably a bit more of a directional form of Atheism. But I have seen to many signs to denounce the existence of the Occult and there are very dark forces in it. Possesion do occur and people do things which they may not even remember afterwards. But the easiest to understand is hypnosis. Subliminal messages in music and elsewhere can aid an individual that is succeptable to suggestion to do things without having enough control over it. Drugs will definitely enhance

SuperDave 8/19/2008 9:55:11 AM
I agree 100% with you. People are shunting their own blame to fast these days. Like you said, I dont blame the kid but the parents and teachers. He's a confused teenager.

L 8/19/2008 9:55:15 AM
If I understand you well, Christianity and Islam have such good associations that Satanists can learn from them?

rosemary 8/19/2008 9:55:26 AM
Well said Stefan..........

Brad 8/19/2008 9:56:46 AM
I think in this day and age it is imperative that people remain open to ACCEPT different beliefs and cultures than their own. No-one can outrightly prove their religion, and therefore no-one has the right to impose their religion on others. Many of these comments are written with such anger and hate which we all know is contrary to any form of religion. Ernst has written this article to inform others of his belief, and I commend him on his courage to do so. Thanks Ernst, very informative!!

Inertia 8/19/2008 9:56:48 AM
B.T.W. christianity has been responsible for the most loss of life, bloodshed, torture etc. (evil?) than any other religion, belief, dictatorship etc. All in the name of religion. Crusades, holy wars, 30 year war in Germany wiping out half the population, Catholics vs Protestants (ever heard of being hung, drawn and quartered?), missionaries....list is endless. So Sam, get off your high horse!!

LvH 8/19/2008 9:57:00 AM
Actually, the people that brought him to this earth and raised him failed him. The community cannot be entirely responsible for what happens in your home unless you are in China. even there, the community can nly police how many children you have, now how you raise them. BLAME THE PARENTS and FAMILY

Anon 8/19/2008 9:57:24 AM
Thank you for a well balanced article. I think more people should take the time to understand each other's beliefs and not condemn them outright. There is always more to a subject than what the media portrays. I'm Pagan myself and some of my friends are Satanists, Atheists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, etc and we can all get along because we speak to each other about our beliefs and do not expect to other to change. My condolences to the families involved in this tragedy.

bj 8/19/2008 9:57:37 AM
If humans were made in GODS he is one screwed up individual. So this kid who killed another pupil was made in God's image. So logically it follows that God is a killer? I mean he did allow his own son to be killed and if you read the old testament he loved having people killed or brutalised willy nilly. What a sick entity lol.

Anon 8/19/2008 9:58:20 AM
Just a quick statement on the music point running through this tragic event....... to everyone generalising, that music was the root of this evil act. please take a step back into history and ask yourself if hitler was listening to so called "satanistic" heavy metal when he slaughtered 16 000 000. jews. To My knowledge he wasnt the biggest Slipknot fan....... Classical music was his preference.

EP 8/19/2008 9:58:30 AM
As a child of our Heavenly Father, I know for sure if God live in you for real and God's love is in your life, you will and shall not commit such actions. Satan is also real and if you are not connected to GOD and walking His way, Satan will use you to commit his actions.

RD 8/19/2008 9:59:40 AM
As the author wrote 'emotionally disconnected and with severe psychological problems'. It doesn't take a psychiatrist to realise that this child is disturbed. The boy calls his voices Satan's because he knows no better. Just like the millions of psychotic christians who claim to hear their god's voice are psychotic and don't realise it. Well written article. Good to see there are some Saffers that do think, unlike the hordes of religious zealots that just jumped on the bandwagon again.

VG 8/19/2008 9:59:45 AM
Ernst, ask yourself why people are so quick to lump evil and satanism together? why are buddhists not perceived as evil? clearly this boy was/is deeply disturbed and people like this tend to gravitate towards violence. Where there's smoke, there's fire. could it be that your version of satanism is not the dominant one?

Creationist 8/19/2008 9:59:55 AM
It's funny how we are always ready to blame Jesus Christ for Bush's war antics. Or we can easily blame Mohammed for Sadam's dictatorship, but Satan is never at fault. Satan's greatest trick...need I remind you?

Child of God 8/19/2008 9:59:55 AM
It's shocking to see that people are actually saying "Thank you" to the writerr of this article. To all the people attacking Christians, please note that there is a difference in being a Christian and being a child of God. Please stop attacking God/Jesus/Holy Spirit/the Bible. And please remember that God still loves all, including those thatt have attacked Him and/or His word. I pray that those will see the ligght and come to know the Lord.

Len van Heerden 8/19/2008 10:00:06 AM
You misunderstand Pascal's wager. It simply means choosing Christianity (not because you believe, but because you are hedging your bets and fear) in case Christianity is the true religion and god exists. You would then be in good standing. If Christianity is a waste of time, at least you lived your life "well" There is hardly any free will in this concept, rather FEAR.

SJB 8/19/2008 10:00:14 AM
People remember there is only ONE TRUE GOD, so you guys can go on and on and defend satanism all you like, well said Sam I am with you all the way on this debate, have you people ever read the Book of Revelations....JESUS ROCKS!!!!

AnonyMoose 8/19/2008 10:00:23 AM
*La Veyan* satanism is in reality simply atheism cloaked in satanic symbolism (similar to pantheism that views "god" as only a symbolic concept to describe natural laws, but is in fact an atheistic belief system). It is however not the authoritative or only cult that is known as satanism. Other versions of satanism do exist where an entity called Satan is viewed as very real and influential.

morena 8/19/2008 10:00:26 AM
we do not need a lecture on what satanism is ok Geyser and why on hell did news 24 publish this rubbish article or is it maybe they are also market satanism, people get possesed, people do stupid things, to say the kid was possessed or not is not up to me, to all the families hurt be healed in GOD's name

L 8/19/2008 10:01:00 AM
I think you need help!!!

Michael 8/19/2008 10:01:08 AM
If you pay attention to them you will notice the youngsters of today have a much different world view than twenty years ago. While they are certainly not all going off the rails, the apathy, cynicism and aggression is well worth noting. Part of that is an almost complete disconnect between many kids and parents and family.

BigBang 8/19/2008 10:01:18 AM
What drugs are you on boet?

Eben 8/19/2008 10:02:35 AM
Satanism is a religion, as explained above. I am a Christian, and agree that no religion can be blamed for what happened. It is amazing to see how people can?t understand what Ernst Geyser is trying to say. Satanism is misunderstood. I?m not saying it is the morals and principles that I base my life on, but that is exactly what it is: a different set of morals and principles. AND, these satanic principles of the ?Church of Satan? do not agree with the actions of this individual. What Ernst is saying, is that people of the Church of Satan are also in mourning about the loss of life.

Stinkbug 8/19/2008 10:02:44 AM
People who are moaning at the Christians writing bad things about other religions on here pls note that it is not the work of Jesus or our God but some followers just get too heated up about this stuff, Chrisstianity is my way and i don't worry about what people say so maybe satanists should do the same!

Justin 8/19/2008 10:02:50 AM
I don't know if this is the right forum or time to be promoting your views, which is what you're doing by the way. This isn't going to console any of the affected parties and is thus unnecessary. Take religion out of it, and get to the core of the matter, a life is lost, very unnecessarily ...

Jann 8/19/2008 10:04:07 AM
Throughtout history, man has killed in God's name. Be it the crusades, inquisition etc., all claimed to be killing for God. It still happens today. "God told me to" or "the devil made me do it" are cop-outs for fanatics.

morena 8/19/2008 10:04:09 AM
to qoute "ANYONE" who is educated with regard to satanic views and principles would know that this child acted against what is taught by Satanism" you must be out of your mind

L 8/19/2008 10:04:21 AM
1SA 15:3, 7-8 "This is what the Lord says: Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have; do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass ....' And Saul ... utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword." This is the actions inspired by your lord. Think before you make a fool of yourself

HVR 8/19/2008 10:04:41 AM
Here is a quick summary of the themes of the bands being talked about: Slipknot - anti-religous(including satanism)/anti-conformity Korn - against child abuse (very evil indeed) AC/DC - generally life (love, having a good time, most of the songs are just fun) FYI - There is multiple versions of Satanism, some worship Lucifer, some Satan and some themselves (as described above). PS - I'm a activly practising Christian that likes my heavy music (although not a fan of Slipknot).

Sam 8/19/2008 10:05:27 AM
I think the real issue is being diverted by the "Satanism angle". The boy killed a schoolmate,whether he was influenced by the devil or not is irrelevant. How was he able to get his hands on a sword and bring it onto school property? The real issue is saftey at our schools.

ghost 8/19/2008 10:05:30 AM
But please do not judge Christianity based on the rants of some of the bigots here. They are the religion?s worst enemies, I?m afraid.

Vamp 8/19/2008 10:06:34 AM
It amazes me the type of personal attacks certain "Christians" spew forth and then still preach to others about "loving thy neighbour". It's time you people stop being so close-minded and respect other people's views, even if you don't agree with them. Some pretty sick things have been done in the past under the guise of Christianity, so stop pointing your judgemental fingers at others. Good article Ernst. Thanx for your views.

Joe 8/19/2008 10:06:42 AM
The Child that blamed satan for this has opened some of the people living in this world/country eyes to see that satanism is on the increase and there are people living all around us protecting the fallen angel of lies. Please take note that satan is not a god and only one thirds of Gods Angels followed him. I believe the end time is close and you need to decide who would save you...

gentlemanjim 8/19/2008 10:07:27 AM
Sam please try expressing your own opinion and stop spewing the religious retoric we keep hearing from the fanatical religious leaders and express a thought based on your own logical assessment of the world. How many millions of deaths have been committed in the name of some god that is supposed to represent good!

Gee PMB 8/19/2008 10:07:41 AM
George Bush & Tony Blair professes to be Christians yet send troops to kill in Iraq, Bush has sentenced a soldier to death for his crimes and both are prepared to kill musims in their "war on terror". Should they not forgive all and embrace them or is that somnething different? There have been more religious wars since the dawn of man than any other kind pf war!! Hypocrites!

morena 8/19/2008 10:07:44 AM
now satanic books will help our kids, thank GOD almight JEHOVA that i don't know you or the likes of you and to be honest freedom of speech is what is killing the society, look at the vernom this guy is spitting. i hope you rot in hell with your satanic views and your boss

Jim 8/19/2008 10:07:57 AM
There are some very sick puppies out there today. Bring back parental discipline, bring back corporal punishment and start calling school children pupils insted of learners. Then they will know their position in life.

rian schoeman 8/19/2008 10:08:56 AM
By the way, who appointed old Ant as the writer of the Satanic bible, if he doesn't even acknowledge the existence of Satan in it. I think it should be renamed the new age bible, which is a very powerful tool of a very real Satan. The joke is that the so-called professing satanist is the deceived one. who cares what the boy said. Even if Satan did not speak to him, Satan was still very involved in the act.

Myself 8/19/2008 10:09:02 AM
Wow......"This equips me with the knowledge to give an educated opinion on the views and principles of true Satanists".Every Cristan wil agree with me here, we don't need Satanic book wrote by whoever to teach us about satan, we are not interested, what we no so far is enough. Satan is the master of all evil, finish en Klaar?And again, how can you advice parent (religious or not)to buy the book of Satanisim?FYI:We have Bibles. R U recruting new Satans?

Godfrey 8/19/2008 10:09:24 AM
I urge people to buy a book by, i think the editor is Cindy Jacobs,'Deliver us from evil' and you'll know the chilling truth about satanism.

Michael 8/19/2008 10:10:12 AM
Looking at some of the oh so loving posts some people have put up here I would wonder if being in the company of said people would not be all it takes to send a child screaming off into Satan's arms? While there are some nice folks here, some of you Christians are scarier than Rob Zombie.

morena 8/19/2008 10:10:17 AM
to qoute "Calling this a "Satanic Killing" is extremely laughable and an irresponsible copout by the parents and teachers who obviously neglected this child's emotional and psychological needs" the parents only said this after the boy told them the devil send him to kill, whose father are you, who calls you daddy i feel sorry for them,

morena 8/19/2008 10:10:50 AM
you guys stood low on this article sis

Neville 8/19/2008 10:11:14 AM
Funny how Christianity teaches us not to judge our fellow man. You all obviously missed that class in Sunday school! I'm a Christian, and happy to be, and I hope Ernst Geyser is happy to be who he is. It's not for me to judge. Although most were amusing, I found a funny comment amungst this from IceCreamMan - Quite a confusing religion this satanism thing... the "true" satanists denounce the "pseudo" satanists etc.....Don't 'Us Christians' do this all the time? HAHAHA!

HorseRaddish 8/19/2008 10:11:34 AM
Hell? Him? Bunch of cr*p that has been handed down through the centuries. What a waste of brain cells. Good article Ernst.

wil thompson 8/19/2008 10:11:39 AM
As a practising Satanist, I would like to thank you for this piece. A Satanist accepts responsibility for his/her actions unlike the religious nutcases who expect a 'god' to clear them of 'sin'. We don't harm children or animals either as they represent the ideal of purity and ego satisfaction.

Jason 8/19/2008 10:11:51 AM
Excellent article. Strange that christians blame satanists for murder when infact if you look at history, its in the name of God that most people are killed. Has anyone asked Satan if he did say it? Has anyone asked the parents if they also heard Satan telling the son to commit these acts? I'm pretty sure the answer will be no. So how was this conclusion reached?

TruthBeTold 8/19/2008 10:12:20 AM
The only one who is going to burn in hell, is you, you hypocrite!!! You cannot even string together a coherent sentence. Another brainwashed idiot is what you are.

morne 8/19/2008 10:13:18 AM
I saw the topic and without reading past comment 10 I already picked up how my dear fellow, hypocritical so-called Christians condemns the author of this article just because the word "Satanism" is attached to him. Immediately he is judged, and if most had their way, he would probably be executed too. Well done my fellow 'Christians', you are exactly the reason why I denounced the church for promoting this very same hypocritical behaviour and forgetting what the Word of the Lord has taught us.

Anon 8/19/2008 10:14:11 AM
I see that a lot of blame here gets shifted to the teachers. It seems that parents love to blame teachers for the shortcomings of there own parenting. Morals and values are learnt from your parents. Children receive no discipline from there parents, and expect teachers to do this for them, how is this possible? Clearly if the parents were involved in this case they would have known that there precious little boy is a bit whacky. The parents of this boy should stand trial next to him.

j 8/19/2008 10:14:45 AM
no wars are holy no act is Christian that harms another. Those are Leaders who use the belief of followers to do acts of their own gain. the Romans Used the church to control Europe. If you look its not the christian way. the christian way is to love protect and forgive. Every religion has those that have used it for a purpose other than to grow their religion. Its Human weakness to follow. Stop blame the killings and wars on God its not his way to kill his own.

Lisl 8/19/2008 10:14:46 AM
This Satan chap sure gets a lot of blame doesn't he? Too bad. People make their own choices in life, they should take responsibility for their actions. This kid definitely has a psychological problem and should be incarcerated.

L 8/19/2008 10:14:47 AM
So, if this 16 year old had blamed Jesus, you would now be disassociating yourself with Jesus, or is this a convenient excuse to advertise your religion? Compare the number of those killed as a result of Christian influence versus Satanistic influences and I can safely say that Christianity has killed more people.

Martin 8/19/2008 10:15:05 AM
Till resently a friend of mine was convinced that doing yoga was evil, brainwashing has been perfected in the churches.

LMR 8/19/2008 10:15:29 AM
Your attempt to "inform" the "uninformed" about satanism is misleading, disturbing and amounts to misinformation to say the least. How do you explain the evidence found in his home, material of satanism and all things satanistic and his claim that "satan made him do it" ,What does it say about satanism."for a tree is recognized by its fruit".Mat:12,v33

Bizkit 8/19/2008 10:15:41 AM
To qoute a famous comedian.... "Whatever happened to just being crazy?"Stop blaming music, stop blaming religion, this guy clearly just went crazy...

San 8/19/2008 10:15:47 AM
There is only god and man. There is no person called satan. It's man that becomes satan. It's man that becomes arrogant and thinks he is better than god and goes aginst god hence evil is borne. That's when god comes down to earth to put things right example: Rama (Hindusism) and Jesus Christ.

Ronnie 8/19/2008 10:16:08 AM
When are we all going to understand that there is only one GOD? You call Him Jesus?, others call Him Jaweh, some call Him Allah and I can very well keep any name for Him as I please, for it is my relationship with that special Character that is important. In fact, there should be as many religions as there are people on Earth...because one's relationship with the Almighty is private and personal...

Sean 8/19/2008 10:16:39 AM
Satan-Shmatan - this predisposition to blame everything on the devil is just another reason for the church to justify its existence.That kid has a seriosly screwed up mind and THATS why he diced on slice n dice.Unfortunately its a great source of ammo for the churches to repeat their 1984 like mindset. Anton la Vey would be spinning in his grave

Andrew 8/19/2008 10:16:53 AM
When a christian commits a crime in the name of god, no one raises an eyebrow if the rest of the religious community distances themselves from him/her. But now, you condemn Ernst from doing so. If I understand him correctly his view is that satanism is more of a philosophy than religion. It was a brave article aimed at clarification, stop seeing it as an attack on your own religious views.

Godfrey 8/19/2008 10:19:57 AM
How do you know the right religion? Good question, but the answer is not hard to find if you SERIOUSLY seek the truth.A time will come sooner than most people realise, when people will know the truth,hope it won't be late.You see, a lot of things are happening in the spiritual realm that people can't see in their natural state,you've got to be at a certain spiritual level to see these things.

Shaz 8/19/2008 10:20:16 AM
Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord of all

fizzpop 8/19/2008 10:20:46 AM
Why should people give blames to other religious group(especially satan),to all these believe are the same and competing just like picknpay,checkers etc.it just chriastian who like to prove themself as they are better religous than other and pushing that it is satan who caused that..

Carin 8/19/2008 10:23:42 AM
I am very proud to be a Cristian to go on my knees and praise God for all he does for me. But the same God tells me every day not to condome other people. I won't condome you Ernest but pray that you will meet God one day and feel his wonderful presence around you. God bless everyone.

Why so serious? 8/19/2008 10:25:02 AM
Firstly, this is a well written article, great read. To all the so called "Christians" that have completely blown this out of proportion, have you ever stopped to think about your beliefs and worships? Probably not, because it has been passed down from your parents, and without even thinking you have this fixation with jesus. GOD was created so that the mass population has something to believe in, to carry on with their mundane existence. Amitoufu.

Mac D 8/19/2008 10:25:07 AM
STOP BELIEVING YOUR OWN LIES.THEIR IS AN EMPTINESS WITHIN US , LONGING TO BE FILLED.THE ONLY WAY IS TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST , THE SAVIOUR OT THE WORLD , TO FILL THAT EMPTINESS WITHIN.WATCH THE MOVIE , ANOTHER PERFECT STRANGER , WILL GIVE INSIGHT

Jeff 8/19/2008 10:25:46 AM
He simply said that Satan wanted him to do it. Strangely, I can see Christians are already being blamed as if they had said this instead of the boy in question. Sure he may or may not be lying but he certainly never claimed to be motivated by Anton LaVey. There are various forms of satanism that all claim to be the correct version. Problem is that satan never teaches the true picture about himself i.e. don't learn about Satan from Satan!

Jason 8/19/2008 10:26:27 AM
Did the Devil make this child do it? Was he possessed? If anything make up your own mind. Let me tell you what the devil has done though, turned this into a great advertisement for himself, i have never heard so much good things spoken of an inherent evil being. Be careful where this article takes you. Jesus is the truth and the light and says come as you are. PS. The End of the devil will come and then light will exist without Darkness.

morena 8/19/2008 10:27:09 AM
you asked how do you know your religion in this Christianity is the right one, ooh boy i quote so many staff till kingdom comes of how TRUE JEHOVA IS TO HIS WORD and followers, you have to accept Jesus in your life and believe not in GOD but GOD JEHOVA to see his

pookie 8/19/2008 10:27:49 AM
This is an issue of neglegence from all parts. Especially from the parents of the child! How can you blame a deity for YOUR action?? This is not a place to bash religions, go to church or whatever for that!, This is a serious social issue affecting this school and child! If the religious folk could stop trying to push their veiws on each other and actually use their brains, then maybe this issue can be resolved

LoudP 8/19/2008 10:28:25 AM
I reckon even if he was listening to Bles Bridges he would still have committed this atrocious act.

unquiet 8/19/2008 10:29:26 AM
A very well written and informative article. I do believe that the answer to this boys mental instability lies in his home environment. I do not prescribe to the belief that an evil deity is responsible for this act. What I do find very interesting is that the Christian response to this article has been largely arrogant , ignorant , self righteous and at times verbally abusive. A brilliant testimony to their religion.

AS 8/19/2008 10:29:43 AM
Please don't misunderstand me,the victim's family and friends do have my genuine heartfelt condolences,they are in my thoughts and prayers constantly.On the other hand why is everyone trying to avoide the topic at hand?The point is not whether or not the kid went to Sunday School,the point is that something in his mind made him think it was okay to do this.This scares me, not slipknot.

Richard Hipkin 8/19/2008 10:30:45 AM
I disagree mate, this is the perfect forum. This forum is for anyone to write on. My condolences to the families affected.

B 8/19/2008 10:31:32 AM
I think this was a great article, and agree wholeheartedly that blaming music and Satan for this child's actions is a desperate attempt to shift the blame away from the people who knew the child and who were in a position to notice his deterioration, and do something about it.

Andrew 8/19/2008 10:33:05 AM
And what would make her, or any other writer an authority on "truth"? Truth and belief go hand in hand. Take evolution and creation.

AS 8/19/2008 10:33:18 AM
In closing,please let it be known that I am Christian,I am not phased by what anyone says or thinks about that,I was raised in a family with no religious input whatsoever,and guess what,none of us have walked this road.I listen to metal,I have "angry music" I even say some pretty harsh things but I would not delude myself by believing that this kid was influenced by anything other than his on psychisisSon of Sam was instructed by a dog,what did we all think of him?At least the dog was real.

Jaco Wium 8/19/2008 10:33:27 AM
Ernst Geyser told you a few things about satanism in an even-handed and balanced way. He didn't ask anybody to agree or side with him, he just stated his case without offense to anyone. Your response? "Go burn in hell!" Well bow christian boy, would Jesus have responded that way? If your answer is "yes", that would tell us everything and more about the nature of your own religion. And boy, is that ugly.

Vernon 8/19/2008 10:36:42 AM
Matt 4:10 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" (NKJ) 2 Cor 2:11 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. (NKJ) II Th 2:9 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, (NKJ) Rev 12:9 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (NKJ)

Balanced 8/19/2008 10:37:52 AM
Many responses have attacked Ernst, ridiculing his chosen religion and proclaiming to follow the only true path. Ernst was neither promoting Satanism nor denouncing Christianity. He was defending claims that the killing was Satanic and to do so needed to base his argument on facts about Satanism. This is done in the same way as if the child had said he was told by God to kill. Christians would have denounced this correctly as rubbish and blaimed the parents and teachers.

M Wale 8/19/2008 10:39:48 AM
There is a Supreme Creator and satan - accept these facts and get over it. The children involved should be the main focus right now as well as violence and aggressiveness in schools. These children have families and friends - they need support and love. They are our future and yes, they need discipline, guidelines and boundaries - all of which have been removed from parents and schools by a government not accountable to anyone - how can you expect it not to filter down into society? MT

The Truth 8/19/2008 10:41:04 AM
"The fruit salts kid".ENO'S everything about everything (or at least he thinks that he does).

CB57 8/19/2008 10:41:42 AM
Thank you for the great belly laugh!

Martin 8/19/2008 10:42:25 AM
Christians are going on and on about the bible, so is the muslims and the Judists and the buddists etc etc, who and what makes what is written real, can anyone tell me that what is written on paper is real, the bible has been rewritten over and over to suit ourselves and the churches are brianwashing the people to belive in what is written in a blcak book, i do believe in GOD but not always what the bible says.

Point Blank 8/19/2008 10:43:03 AM
My word but I think you need to go speak to your priest bro, you are one angry and twisted individual. So much hatred and judgement.... becareful Satan is taking you over.. look at what your religion is doing to you!!

morema 8/19/2008 10:43:39 AM
my 2 cent advise is do not read up on things like satanism, books nowdays are written to brainwash people make you on judgement on this i would like to see what the 1990s bord again Emmanuel Ellie would say about you article but thank GOD Jehova he found GOD, look at all that is happening today eg, wars, famine, deases,roumours of war,technology beyond imaginations. all the above mention were prophesied in the bible i wonder what satanising gives u maybe love you never got from your parents

ANON2 8/19/2008 10:45:26 AM
All the bible bashing dudes and pro-satanist... the kid had a problem, now he's got a bigger one... Stop standing up or quoting from a book that were written by mankind!! And satanists... do you know someone whom knows someone whom have actualy seen the devil or had a close encounter (without drugs) That goes for the bible bashers 2! Good grief...

okkie 8/19/2008 10:46:30 AM
So all you have to do is blame the devil and you are then (somehow,magically) not responsible for your own(free will?)actions, & then the next step is to accept Jesus and you are forgiven. Go figure.

Me 8/19/2008 10:48:08 AM
I really enjoyed this article as well as a few of the others relating to heavy metal music. Being a heavy metal fan (yes including Slipknot) and a parent to almost 3 children I find it absolutely disgusting that people blame music and "supposed" Satanism for this act. Satanists would not do this type of thing. After the Columbine killings, Marilyn Manson said, "the one thing I would have done that no one else did was LISTEN to these children" Has anybody done that?

charlie 8/19/2008 10:49:30 AM
Good to see someone who know what he talk about wrote a response to "Satan told me to do it".I want to know why they blame Satanism and Rock music.This guy is clearly watching too much Karate/Kung fu movies, We should ban movies that teach people to kill! ;p

Hayley 8/19/2008 10:51:17 AM
According to the Bible God gave people the ability to choose between right and wrong. Now if the truth be told a person can only be influenced by the so-called devil if that person allows the devil to influence him/her. If that child was controled by the devil (I think not!). Then it is because he made a conscious decision to allow the devil to control him. Oh, and by the way the boy is reported to be 18 years old which means that technically, even though he is still at school, he is an adult

Warren 8/19/2008 10:51:23 AM
While I have been raised as a Catholic I have developed my own beliefs. I believe in a higher power. Who that power is I have no idea. I cherish everyday and I recognise the beauty that surronds me. To place you belief in any single deity is questionable and nobody can prove their version of their story. I feel truely sorry for all of the closed minded people commenting on and comdemming this article. Life is a gift and everyone should cherish their moments, rather than condeming peoples beliefs.

morena 8/19/2008 10:54:47 AM
well english is my nineth langauage lol no wonder i can't make up a coherent sentence ....:-(, as for me going to hell between me and geyser we will have to wait and see hahahahaaaaa

Len Anderson 8/19/2008 10:54:55 AM
Where can I find the verse about God instructing the Israelites to rip open pregnant women and bash their babies against the rocks?

H 8/19/2008 10:56:20 AM
Wow, the word Satan really clouds the mind! Ernst, I think you should have called yourself a Nietzsche-ist and you would have attracted probably twenty comments. I think Satanism is a misnomer for what you practice. You should accept that Satanism is seen by the masses as the religion and not the philosophy as practiced by you. The people who blamed Satanism were not blaming you and your brethren.

MorseCode 8/19/2008 10:56:52 AM
It's funny how christians can say "oh god had nothing to do with the atrocities commited in his name" c'mon people? And "Satan" had? Please. & if god is so peaceloving, why doesnt he stop his followers? Why does he ORDER them to wipe out nations with no offer of redemption?

Elbie 8/19/2008 10:56:55 AM
This is our chance to show our Lord Jesus that we will stand up for him. Work even harder to teach your childrend the way and to be able to defend themselves against Satan who is clearly at work here! Elbie

Point Blank 8/19/2008 10:57:53 AM
Dude you cannot argue objectively by selecting a few sentences from the bible! Satan was created by Christians so that they would fear turning their backs on Christianity, there is no hell there is no heaven there is no god there is no devil. Read the Old Testament very carefully and see what a devastating and evil god your god really was!! Then let's sit down again and debate this more objectively ok. You been had my friend, taken for a fool, practising pagan rituals, believing in previously Greeko-Roman gods. Have you only ever read the Bible? If so then you have no right to comment on a topic you actually have no knowledge on, go and read and educate yourself in other religions and beliefs, you may be in for a huge suprise.

T.A.I.M. S.O.D.S. 8/19/2008 11:05:14 AM
Stop pointing the finger and acknowledge this country has no moral fiber any more. Once 'democracy' came in and corpral punishment fell away...what were we left with? The devil responsible for all of it?? Get real...people problems caused by people who just dont care any more. Surviving day to day is a full time job...parenting and discipline just dont fit in our schedules. Besides how come Mapansoola is not held accountalbe for the black on white student stabbings???

Freetinker 8/19/2008 11:07:08 AM
Dear Ernst Geyser. Your comments I believe are to no avail. The world, let alone S.Africans, are simply not ready to think for themselves. Human society is still too brainwashed by dogmas of their respective religions. Looking back at our history, I can't help but deny that it is perhaps needed, and needed for for a few decades more. Human society is but a child in the cradle of the name of Jesus/Allah etc. But in the future, alas, people like yourselves will have their time...

dissatisfied 8/19/2008 11:11:40 AM
Its concerning that people hide their opinions behind quotes of a book, written by a human, which was never written to be used in rage. For those that do,it help to sit down, in a quiet room and for once use your own mind to 'attempt' to understand human nature. A simple question...."Would you rather be a pig satisfied or Socrates dissatisfied?" J.S. Mill

Oom_Kosie 8/19/2008 11:12:36 AM
Sorry man, these people are missing your point. However, it is not surprising because of the negative connotations (just or unjust) that are ascribed to the word "satanism". That is why I would say you should rather call yourself Egoists, Nihilists or Nietzsche-ists, as it seems that your ideas are compatible with those frameworks. (Although Nietzsche-ist might not be a good idea because of his equally misunderstood "God is dead." statement.)

Dewald 8/19/2008 11:15:31 AM
Great article. The ignorance of the journalist on this matter really made me mad. The sources of this childs instability comes from the abusing of drugs, abuse or some sort of other psychological problem. It is people that do evil, not the scapegoats they use. Majority Christians fill up our jails, so don't blaim satanism out of ignorance. IN any religion including Satanism you will find majority Good people, but there will always be exception.

RE 8/19/2008 11:16:53 AM
Mate you are so right. If they were so right and trying to help the world, why do they kick people out of church when they find out they are on drugs? I know, I have proof as it happened to someone I know. This was a very good letter, not just looking at it through the narrowminded views of most people. Every action bears consequesnces and you must suffer the consequesnces of your actions.

Believer 8/19/2008 11:19:48 AM
ernst geyser u r so proud 2 b a satanist and to advertise it, why disguise your face on your news24user id? u r grey and the things u believe in and do are also very very grey & dark!!! I am a proud CHRISTIAN and will show my face to the world!

The Truth 8/19/2008 11:22:11 AM
That's a new one.Christ was origionally a "Greeko Roman god" (the word is actually "Greco" by the way,idiot).Its amazing how the weirdo's come out all at once to display their hatred of all things religious or Christian.Guilty conscience or fear perhaps?

toe 8/19/2008 11:24:41 AM
Hey fellas satan is alive period and he will make you do all sorts of things. Not believing in God or that he is there will not make him just go away be careful not to be used by him to destruct other pple from wakingup to his reality.Music is very influential and there are spririts behind them some might not be open about it and that does not mean they are not. Parents guide your children teach them moral values you will not go wrong. I blame the boy's parents this is not about judging anyone.

The Truth 8/19/2008 11:33:05 AM
then He died of a broken heart because of people like Nietzche and the other Atheists and Satanists who stopped believing in Him.

Futile 8/19/2008 11:37:44 AM
Pointless, what people believe is believed on a deeper level than logic and consciousness. Satanists would or not do X Christians would or not do Y People are people, we think,feel,react differently. Some Christians molest their kids (you all say "then he's not a christian", but thats through your own interpretation of what you believe) should we blame the sexual repressive core of Christianity... NO, of course not. So congruently, you can't blame music, because PEOPLE are screwed up.

high 8/19/2008 11:39:16 AM
I read this and remember an old saying...take care when pointing your finger at someone because there are always three pointing back at you. Hating the other person be it a Muslim, Jew, Satanist or Christian is defying everything that is important. Being considerate and tolerant goes much further. Just try it for once.

Russell 8/19/2008 11:41:53 AM
Isn't it interesting how vitriolic and violent the so-called "men and women of God" become when they're faced with something that's different to their strict, structured views? It's, frankly, just what you'd expect really... shouting at people that they will burn in hell etc just because they don't hold the same views that you do, that's hardly in the gentle, forgiving, and loving image that Christians project. Not that I'm a Satanist either, but it's nevertheless an interesting trend to note..

Al 8/19/2008 11:43:55 AM
As every christian know, everything happens according to the will of god. He has power over the devil so he must have allowed the devil to corrupt this boy. As all good christians know god has his reasons. It may be to test them or strengthen their faith or to punish somebody like the boy's family as he punished many people in the bible for trivial offences. Or perhaps as part of a bet like he allowed the devil to kill all Job's children. Which one is really the sick religion?

Tash 8/19/2008 11:45:41 AM
I commend Ernst on his letter and on trying to clarify the issue of "Satan" being blamed. Has everyone got blinkers on - you ppl are so concerned whether it was the Devil, drugs or whatever could have possessed this boy to do it, and don't accept that this boy clearly has issues. It has been discussed so much that this boy is almost pitied!! Who is thinking about the poor 16 yr old that was killed and his family??? Religion should not be brought into this!!

Oom_Kosie 8/19/2008 11:48:39 AM
Hehehe, it's almost exactly one of Nietzsche's arguments that you have used there, except that Nietzsche said it was "Christians" who "practise religion" (as opposed to believing) who "killed God". A bit like the Pharisees who only made lots of laws and forgot to love. Nietzsche said that so-called Christian society had "killed" God and hadn't realised it yet. I'm ashamed of referring you to wikipedia, but check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_is_dead

Point Blank 8/19/2008 11:49:49 AM
Dude show me where I display hatred and the fact that you and other "christians" insult in your comments make me rejoice the fact that I don't belong to your little club. Your whole religion is a farce, I believe that and that is my right to say that, I am not insulting your belief I am merely expressing mine. The whole virgin birth is a farce, research that for a start.

The Truth 8/19/2008 11:55:20 AM
The fact that there are actually flesh and blood individuals with dangerous beliefs,thoughts and ideas like you have out there,scares me more than Satan ever will.

kris 8/19/2008 11:55:24 AM
please people just watch zeitgeist and lets debate that may the soul of the departed rest in peace

JACO 8/19/2008 12:04:16 PM
Your message is good, yet you couch it in hysterical rhetoric which is surely designed to irritate reasonable people.I believe in a higher power and I believe that evil exists.I also believe we all have choices and I believe our upbringing and life experiences influence what and how we choose.This boy chose to kill but what influenced his actions could be a host of issues. Something happened to this boy, we should be eager to find out what.This is not an isolated incident.Our children are at risk

What would Jesus do 8/19/2008 12:09:45 PM
Father forgive them they don't know what they do!Prayer Jesus said for those who denied and mocked Him whilst hanging on the Cross dying so we including Jaques Pretorius and his killer can be saved. His body and life was taken but his soul belongs to God. - God please guide us to live our lives according to your will. Thank you for dying a brutal death on the cross so we can live even after the process of death. In Jesus name - Amen

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