an as an anthropomorphic (real) being.Satan is used to promote atheism because the very image of satan conjures up images of the opposer.There is NO satan.it is an idea...he is all.La Vey chose to use it because he understood the power of symbols.The christians, being the superstitious lot that they are, are easily riled when confronted with their devil guy.La Vey used satan to get under their ski