[4] They have been the topic of significant controversy for their antisemitic beliefs and a connection to a former chairman of the National Socialist Movement, an American neo-Nazi organization.

[7] Their relation between Satan is also described by professor of religious studies Christopher Partridge as "the core of an esoteric project of transformation, based on a personal or mystical relationship".

JoS believe that Satan and the Demons of the Goetia are sentient and powerful extraterrestrial beings responsible for the creation of humanity,[4][3][11][7] and whose origins pre-date Abrahamic religions.

[11] According to sociologist of religion Massimo Introvigne, "Maxine Dietrich derived from these theories the ideas of a mortal struggle between enlightened aliens and a monstrous extra-terrestrial race, the Reptilians.

"[7] Asbjorn adds that while LaVey was able to suggest the existence of mysterious, occult forces while simultaneously appealing to an atheist viewpoint, which he claimed was supported by modern science, the Joy of Satan tends to use more simplistic, spiritualist language.

[7] Joy of Satan promotes a wide variety of occult practices, such as methods for evocation of demonic entities and guidelines for making pacts with them.

[15] Jesper Petersen notes that practitioners who experiment with the meditation practices of Joy of Satan Ministries may find them useful, and adds that the group's use of magic spans from simple to complex techniques.

[3][1] The JoS also state Satan recognises a lack of funds and does not expect his adherents to have expensive items for ritual in comparison to the ideals of a modern Christian Church.

[1] Initiates begin a "formal commitment" that is signed in blood and burned in order to participate fully in Satan's work upon humanity, to imply a growth in spiritual knowledge and personal power.

[1] Rather than forcefully summoning demons, these rituals aim to facilitate mystical experiences and empower the practitioners in a way that aligns with their expressive concerns.

"[1] In the main part, the Invocation to Satan is recited, establishing a link suitable for prayer and communication in which the practitioner, after concluding his endeavours, will then end the ritual with a close.

[1] Prominent theistic Satanist, Diane Vera, commends Maxine Dietrich, appraising her pioneering efforts as a "vast improvement over the old, disrespectful grimoire methods.

[3] Joy of Satan Ministries became the topic of significant criticism for its close connections to a high-ranking leader of the National Socialist Movement, as well as for its anti-Judaic, anti-Christian, and antisemitic beliefs.

"[7] When the fact that Maxine was the wife of a well-known American neo-Nazi leader became public knowledge, it created serious problems within Joy of Satan itself.

[3] Despite the events, Introvigne notes that the group's beliefs in extraterrestrial life, meditation, and telepathic communication with demons have gained popularity among a broader community of non-LaVeyan "spiritual" or theistic Satanists.

[20] According to Professor Mathieu Colin, a scholar of religious studies, the Joy of Satan group can be regarded as somewhat analogous to the Order of Nine Angles.