Eytan Yam: What is Luciferianism?

Question: "What is Luciferianism?"

Answer: Luciferianism is the worship of Lucifer as a deity. The name "Lucifer" comes from the translation of Isaiah 14, which literally means "bright star, shining star, or morning star." It is a description of Satan before his rebellion against God. Passages like Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 teach that Satan was created the highest, most beautiful of the angels, but that his pride and desire for God's own throne resulted in his being cast out of heaven and being given the name "Satan."

Luciferianism, then, is really nothing more than the worship of Satan, albeit as a being of knowledge and light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). The focus is on the "good" that was in Lucifer prior to his rebellion and not the evil and darkness that is associated and connected with the name "Satan." Though Lucifer and Satan are one and the same, Lucifer is portrayed as a god of light, a god of knowledge, and a god of magic. Luciferian worshipers seek to become gods, and this is attained by living a life of goodness, by seeking after knowledge, by practicing magic, and by opening oneself to the cosmic mind of Lucifer in order to become one with that mind.

Groups that adhere to Luciferian teachings are few and far between, though elements of Luciferianism have been attributed to Masonicteachings, Wiccan covens, and New Agegroups. Because there isn't a standard set of dogma, Luciferian beliefs are extremely varied from group to group. For example, some view Lucifer as a god, along with other gods. Some view Lucifer as the god of the universe. This wide variety of beliefs among Luciferian adherents has contributed to the generally held belief that Luciferianism is simply a subset of Satanism, a mini-denomination of sorts. Although adherents would be quick to denounce such a claim, Luciferianism is otherwise difficult to categorize.

One thing is certain, though: Lucifer/Satan is not a being to be worshipped, nor is he anyone to be considered lightly or flippantly. He is a very powerful being and is the enemy of our souls. The Bible describes him as a "the devil [who] prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Those who get involved with him will eventually regret it, as he will devour their souls as a reward for their worship. "Resist him," Peter exhorts us in verse 9, "standing firm in the faith." The faith he means is faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, because He alone can save us from hell, the ultimate destination of all who dabble in Luciferianism.

Recommended Resource: The Serpent of Paradise by Erwin Lutzer.