There's this custody case that may hinge on whether Satanism is a religion or not.
In Satanist's custody battle, law may play devil's advocate
"Satanism is the world's first carnal religion," said Peter Gilmore, high priest of the Manhattan-based organization founded four decades ago. "Satanists are thus atheists—not devil worshipers—and we see Satan as being a symbol of pride, liberty and individualism, not a deity."
Meyer embraced the Church of Satan when an ex-girlfriend introduced him to the "The Satanic Bible" shortly after his second divorce about two years ago. The book, written by the Church of Satan's founder, Anton LaVey, spoke to Meyer more than any scripture ever had. It proclaimed no God, no heaven and no hell. It said Satanism had nothing to do with the devil.
Then why do you call it that?