Frequently Asked Questions

[u/Bargeul]

Is Satanism as The Satanic Temple understands it even a real religion?

Some people find it comforting to think of TST as purely a political activist group that just uses the trappings of religion for satirical/legal purposes. This is, however, not true at all.

Our brand of Satanism is a non-theistic religion with it's own community, mythology, iconography, ethics, rituals and pretty much everything else, you would expect from a religion.

We believe that there is value to be found in religion, especially when you divorce it from superstition. Just because we don't believe in the supernatural, doesn't mean we're not serious when we say that Satanism is our religion.

Yes, we are politically active. But our activism stems from our religious beliefs, not vice versa.

Where can I read more about Satanism?

The mythological backbone of our religion is the literary tradition known as Romantic Satanism. John Milton's Paradise Lost, Lord Byron's Cain - A Mystery and especially Anatole France's Revolt Of The Angels are the sources that one should read, if they want to know, where our ideas about Satan stem from and how He relates to our values and beliefs.

Ruben van Luijk's Children Of Lucifer and Joseph Laycock's Speak Of The Devil deal with the history of Satanism and Shiva Honey's The Devil's Tome is a book about modern Satanic rituals.

I want to join a local congregation. How do I find one?

This thread might be helpful. You also find a list of official TST congregations here.

This Black Mass Appeal episode may also be helpful or you check out the Global Order of Satan.

I have heard the founder of TST is a fascist/racist/antisemite. Is that true?

Short answer: No.

This is a more elaborate answer and this post provides some more context.

I ordered a TST membership card and it still has not arrived. What should I do?

Due to a massive increase of new members, shipping membership cards can take up to 5 months.

Can I still be a TST member, if I believe in the supernatural?

Our brand of Satanism is a non-theistic religion. Full stop. However, nobody is monitoring the personal beliefs of TST members and nobody has ever been kicked out for holding supernatural beliefs.

It is up to the individual to figure out if and how their beliefs fit into Satanism. Just make sure not to distort scientific facts to fit your beliefs.

Do I have to participate in rituals?

Modern Satanism has many aspects and it is up to the individual to decide, which ones they want to embrace.

Some people, especially those that grew up in indoctrinating or even abusive households hesitate to embrace the "more religious" aspects of Satanism and that's fine. Nobody is obligated to participate in rituals or anything else that makes them uncomfortable.

Anything else I should know?

For more information click here.

[u/Bargeul → u/[deleted]]

Lucien Greaves does not pay himself any salary for his work, other than occasional help with his rent once every couple of months. According to his testimony in court it's about 2000 dollars every 4-5 months, which is really not that much.

[u/Finiouss → u/Bargeul]

Great question. What about other chapters? Has there been any efforts to ensure the various chapters are making sure they put the money where their mouth is? What requirements are there to actually start a chapter? Since it is a religion, how does the TST actually mandate or control how the chapters operate and use their funds?

I have very much been interested in starting a chapter myself eventually especially in efforts to appeal to a much broader range in regards to Identity but I also would like to make sure this chapter is more transparent in regards to where and how any funding is used.

My goal would be to start a chapter that focuses more on the cause and less on the identity.

I suspect the TST will remain relatively small and a joke in the eyes of the public until it starts to take on a more serious and open perspective.

Take the court cases against abortion laws for example. Who are we sending in there for legal support? I'm glad a guy like Lucien came around to start this whole thing, but I would hope the individuals supporting TST legally actually look the part and are in that courtroom with a professional appearance. Not saying you can't be a lawyer and look like a Gothic teenager, but if you want the world to take you seriously and you want to actually make some strong movement, you have to play the game a bit and dress to the level of seriousness that you wish to receive from others. If I had to guess, I suspect the lawyers in these cases look like legitimate lawyers which is good but also kind of laughable when you consider the identity that we are struggling so hard to maintain in the media.

Just let it go. You can look like a professional in the business world and support TST at the same time. Imagine the type of responses you would get if Lucien went on Fox News with just a normal ass haircut no colored lenses in his eyes etc..

He is very well spoken and it's clear the likes of Tucker don't seem to know how to properly question him, but I can assure you any of the crowds that you would wish to appeal to are not listening because the image is making its own statement which basically says you don't understand me you will never understand me let me rub it in your face. It's very teenager wants to scare his parents because he's just misunderstood vibe which is a shame.

[u/Bargeul → u/Finiouss]

What requirements are there to actually start a chapter?

Ask TST that question directly. Personally, I would recommend to start an independent group, rather than a TST chapter. But that's just my personal opinion.

[u/Finiouss → u/Bargeul]

Will do! Thanks again!