A Satanic Introduction

[Saint Frankenstein]

So we removed the androgynous features in fear of the statue being taken down, just because it had female breasts. So we solved the issue by adding a young boy and girl at each side of the seated baphomet. Did we want to do it? No. But there's a good chance it would've been declined if we hadn't changed it slightly

Yeah, I figured that was the reason. No worries. It's not a big deal.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

So for me and basically everyone in the satanic temple, we do not believe in a literal satan. Just a symbolic one. The original hebrew(?) word satan did not necessarily mean the devil. It just meant an opposing force. That's why many people think that the snake in the garden of eden was the Satan. It was not, just a lesser satan. Most of us grew up in Christian backgrounds, so we use the name satan to express that idea of opposing tyranny of any kind. But we mainly focus on the separation of church and state rn. You can almost think of the satanic temple as part political movement, but all religion.

What is the force in opposition to?

 

[Dan From Smithville]

I find the term atheistic Satanist an interesting combination. Can you start with this combination and what you mean by it?

Sort of in the same vein as atheistic Christian maybe. Not sure what that would mean, but interested in finding out what an atheistic Satanist is.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

Hi, welcome to RF, sit back, relax and enjoy the cake
View attachment 43233
Baked just for you.

P.s. im atheist

Devil's Food?

 

[Unveiled Artist]

The Satanic Temple was basically just started to troll fundie Christians who were trying to violate the separation of church and state, and they use shock imagery (well, shocking to a pearl clutching grandma in Idaho, I guess) to make a point. But it's really just secular humanism. They don't have anything to do with the occult, ritual practices, magick, etc. I mean, that's fine but I agree that it's a bit boring. A lot of other Satanists don't like them, honestly.

I was just about to ask without the jargon and history, what was unique about the religion and its core tenants. Hm.

 

[Topaz27]

I was just about to ask without the jargon and history, what was unique about the religion and its core tenants. Hm.

Here's are 7 tenets. All really great, and honestly better then the 10 commandments imo
Link:THERE ARE SEVEN FUNDAMENTAL TENETS

And then the ancient word satan, just meant an opposing force in general. It was eventually adopted by ancient jews to specifically mean opposing their god/religion. And then into an opposing being/spirit. To an evil being. And eventually into the personification of evil, Satan.

Also if such a being did exist that was the literal embodiment of evil. I would not worship it. And I doubt any other members of the satanic temple would either

 

[Topaz27]

Sort of in the same vein as atheistic Christian maybe. Not sure what that would mean, but interested in finding out what an atheistic Satanist is.

It definitely is at first glance. But we don't believe in an actual satan, or any god. So we're atheists

 

[Bear Wild]

Sort of in the same vein as atheistic Christian maybe. Not sure what that would mean, but interested in finding out what an atheistic Satanist is.

I have been recently listening to a podcast for atheistic pagans. They incorporate rituals, holidays, and other practices seen in other pagan groups but without gods or goddesses. They are completely routed in science but find meaning in the rituals and celebrating the natural world. I find it interesting how they feel the need for rituals and celebrations such as the different celestial events equinoxes, solstices, and the four quarter days of the year.
Evidently there is a pagan Quaker group too which is interesting to me since I was raised as a Quaker when I was young.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

View attachment 43286 This guy ?

Ironically, this is the shirt I'm wearing, lol.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

It definitely is at first glance. But we don't believe in an actual satan, or any god. So we're atheists

More of a philosophy of life and not a strict belief system?

 

[Topaz27]

More of a philosophy of life and not a strict belief system?

Yeah I would honestly have to agree. We do have 7 fundamental tenets. But they are intentionally vague

 

[Topaz27]

I have been recently listening to a podcast for atheistic pagans. They incorporate rituals, holidays, and other practices seen in other pagan groups but without gods or goddesses. They are completely routed in science but find meaning in the rituals and celebrating the natural world. I find it interesting how they feel the need for rituals and celebrations such as the different celestial events equinoxes, solstices, and the four quarter days of the year.
Evidently there is a pagan Quaker group too which is interesting to me since I was raised as a Quaker when I was young.

I think the wanting for ritual is partially in the community aspect. Also it just kinda seems to be something that humans like. It's shared across basically all cultures all over the world, and not just for religious/spiritual reasons. Congrats leaving the quakers though, it must not have been easy. Also could I get the name of the podcast?

 

[Sand Dancer]

Thanks for the welcomes, and the surprising amount of cake. While I definitely won't catch all questions in this post, I'll answer more questions tomorrow.
But yeah I don't worship any spiritual/supernatural beings. Hence the atheistic label. I'm specifically part of the satanic temple. So not the church of Satan/LaVayen Satanism. But we are slightly inspired but him.

Also if you ever heard of the baphomet statue, that was us

I have a membership card!

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Is this a subset of the normal Satanic Temples? I ask because normally they do worship the entity called Satan. And if it is a "religion" as you mentioned, how do you synthesize with atheists who say it isn't a religion?

Obviously, if there is a lesser satan, then there is a greater Satan.

How do you define tyranny?

I'm an atheist. It's a religion, but one I find interesting. I don't personally see the need for the religious trappings, but I have commonly at least seen the point behind their positions.

 

[Kenny]

I'm an atheist. It's a religion, but one I find interesting. I don't personally see the need for the religious trappings, but I have commonly at least seen the point behind their positions.

Interesting. I have said in the past it is a religion but have had pushback by other atheists. I suppose that in any religion, there are different viewpoints.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Interesting. I have said in the past it is a religion but have had pushback by other atheists. I suppose that in any religion, there are different viewpoints.

Atheism isn't a religion, so atheists views on almost everything can vary a lot.
It's like thinking about theists. Whilst they all have a belief in God, there is a lot of variance in how they look at the world (whether religious or not).

 

[Topaz27]

Atheism isn't a religion, so atheists views on almost everything can vary a lot.
It's like thinking about theists. Whilst they all have a belief in God, there is a lot of variance in how they look at the world (whether religious or not).

Yeah that's one of the benefits of being in a religion, compared to just being an atheist. As I'm sure you know atheism is just about one belief, but satanism is about several. It includes skepticism, pro-choice, religious pluralism, atheism, etc. So in that way I find it more useful. Of course most people don't really know what the "doctrine" of the satanic temple is. But of course just like any religion, there is variation between satanist to satanist

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Yeah that's one of the benefits of being in a religion, compared to just being an atheist. As I'm sure you know atheism is just about one belief, but satanism is about several. It includes skepticism, pro-choice, religious pluralism, atheism, etc. So in that way I find it more useful. Of course most people don't really know what the "doctrine" of the satanic temple is. But of course just like any religion, there is variation between satanist to satanist

Atheism isn't useful at all, so I see what you mean in terms of positive beliefs on top of atheism being more useful.
That would apply whether those beliefs are religious or not (say...humanism).

And your point about variation between individuals make sense too.

 

[Topaz27]

Atheism isn't useful at all, so I see what you mean in terms of positive beliefs on top of atheism being more useful.
That would apply whether those beliefs are religious or not (say...humanism).

And your point about variation between individuals make sense too.

Yeah I definitely agree with the first paragraph. Funny enough satanists are both religious and humanists.

And by the variation thing I just meant that if you were to go into a church every member of the congregation is going to have slightly different views. The same thing goes for satanists, just to a slightly greater extent.

Oof just realized you said that my point makes sense. Just forget about that last paragraph

 

[danieldemol]

Hi everyone my name's Sean, and I identify as an atheistic satanist. I can't wait to debate/talk about religion here. I know there's a lot of questions/misconceptions about satanism. So if you have any questions, feel free to ask

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