The name Satanism is derived from the name of the Old Testament deity Satan.[1] This title is used to indicate a range of spiritual movements that reject the authority of organized religion and its scriptures, especially in religious contexts. It is used primarily as an accusation by various religious organizations and denominations.

In many of its uses, the word Satanism is interchangeable with the word Satanists, although the latter term usually indicates a more exclusive group of individuals. The Church of Satan was founded in 1966. It is the largest international non-theistic Satanic group, with membership open to people of all religions.

Satanism has been widely associated with a variety of New Age movements in the West, most commonly Neopaganism and Theosophy. These New Age movements use Satanism in the sense of self-identifying as practicing a Satanic religion. In addition, in the 1980s, elements of Satanism were integrated into the counterculture. In the 1990s, Satanism began to be adopted by mainstream culture and society. In recent years, Satanism has become an increasing concern among politicians in Europe and North America.