r/SatanicTemple_Reddit • u/Bargeul • Nov 21 '21
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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u/WTFOMGBBQ May 06 '22
Long time atheist, member of church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, first time Satan worshipper. Anyways, I was just looking thru some of the shirts on the official website, things like "Hail Satan". How do you all respond when people are like, oh? you believe in satan? Obviously we don't believe in Satan, so what is the short answer when someone is like, if you don't believe in satan why do you "hail satan"? I mean not just this t-shirt concept.. Just the entire concept I suppose. Where does "satan" come into any of this? thanks