In 1966 CE Anton Szandor LaVey founded his Church of Satan. Worldwide, the influence of the imagery and philosophy of the Church of Satan permeates Satanic thinking.

Satanism is a group of ideological and philosophical beliefs based on Satan. The contemporary religious practice of Satanism began with the founding of the Church of Satan in 1966, although a few historical precedents exist. Prior to the public practice, Satanism existed primarily as an accusation by various Christian groups toward perceived ideological opponents, rather than a self-identity.