Foundations of The Satanic Temple
The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic religious organization with its roots firmly planted in principles of compassion and reason.
It uses Satan as a metaphorical figure to promote empathy, freedom, and practical common sense within a community-driven framework.
Origins and Beliefs
The Satanic Temple was established in 2013, headquartered in Salem, Massachusetts.
It is recognized as a new religious movement that adheres to a non-theistic philosophy, rejecting the supernatural belief in Satan in favor of rational inquiry and science.
The mission of the group is to encourage benevolence and empathy among all people, and it does not subscribe to any belief in the paranormal.
The Seven Tenets
Central to The Satanic Temple’s philosophy are The Seven Tenets, which espouse values such as the inviolability of one’s body, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of acting with compassion and empathy.
These fundamental principles guide members in their personal lives and the organization’s community work, resembling a set of ethical guidelines rather than traditional religious rules.
Symbolism and Baphomet
Symbolism plays a significant role within The Satanic Temple.
The figure of Satan is used symbolically, representing a rebellion against arbitrary authority and championing personal sovereignty.
The Temple is also known for the iconic statue of Baphomet, a winged, goat-headed idol symbolizing the reconciliation of opposites and the embrace of noble pursuits.
Lucien Greaves and Malcolm Jarry
The organization was co-founded by Lucien Greaves and Malcolm Jarry, two individuals with a shared goal of advocating for secularism and social justice.
Greaves, serving as the spokesperson, is particularly active in the community and media, representing the Temple’s fight for religious freedom and separation of church and state.
The Satanic Temple in Society
The Satanic Temple, or TST, is active in the United States and beyond, engaging in political activism and legal battles to advocate for religious freedom and separation of church and state.
It has grown into a community focusing on issues like reproductive rights and civil liberties.
Religious and Political Activism
The Satanic Temple is known for its activism in the realm of religious rights and political advocacy.
Its members assert their presence in public dialogue and work toward preserving the separation of church and state, often directly challenging Christian influence in government.
TST’s tenets include values like compassion, bodily autonomy, and rejecting tyrannical authority, and these guide their political actions.
Legal Battles and Public Monuments
TST has been involved in numerous legal battles, particularly those surrounding public monuments and religious freedom.
A well-known example is its claim to place a statue of Baphomet next to a monument of the Ten Commandments at the Oklahoma State Capitol, representing equal representation under the First Amendment.
Their efforts often put them at the center of discussions about religious discrimination and the interpretation of justice.
Membership and Community Efforts
Community efforts and membership within TST have surged as their initiatives resonate with a broader audience.
They support reproductive rights through campaigns against waiting periods for abortions and restrictions on abortion pills, like mifepristone and misoprostol.
The After School Satan program is another of their novel community outreach efforts, designed to counteract religiously motivated after-school programs.
Cultural Impact and Media
The cultural impact of The Satanic Temple is significant, with documentaries like “Hail Satan?” by Penny Lane amplifying their message.
TST challenges preconceived notions about satanists by promoting benevolence and empathy rather than the stereotypes often associated with satanism.
They remain a topic of intrigue and controversy in the media, molding the cultural discourse on what constitutes religious expression in America.