The Scene staff
Have you ever felt like people misunderstood you because of your interests, hobbies, beliefs or identity? Are you seen as “different,” leading to unfair judgments or stereotypes?
Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or enjoy hobbies such as cosplaying, gaming or dressing up as a furry, or you’re simply an “anime-obsessed” weeaboo and/or otaku, it can be tough when society doesn’t accept you for who you are.
Unfortunately, ideas or practices considered “alternative” often create negative reputations, especially when they seemingly go against certain religious ideologies that are supported by local, state and federal governmental bodies.
But it’s essential to keep an open mind and look beyond the surface to accurately understand what other communities stand for.
One such community is The Satanic Temple, also known as TST. The name and imagery may seem provocative and controversial, but TST members don’t actually worship Satan; most identify as atheists or agnostics. The organization uses Satan as a metaphor to contextualize its members’ lives and work, rather than as a way to promote evil.
Despite the negative attention and criticism it often receives, The Satanic Temple does a lot of good for the community. For example, members have established an educational program called “The After School Satan Club.” Through various activist campaigns, they support LGBTQIA+ people and abortion rights, even taking legal action against those infringing upon these rights.
Moreover, TST advocates for individualism, free thought, empathy and the pursuit of knowledge and provides scholarships based on these principles. Members organize donation drives for shelters and collect items such as menstrual products, toiletries, diapers, clothing and food for both humans and animals.
The primary mission of The Satanic Temple is to foster compassion and empathy among individuals, promote justice and equality and protect freedom of expression and religion. The organization maintains that Satan represents the ultimate rebellion against tyranny and serves as a symbol of personal sovereignty and individualism.
Rather than adhering to an “anti-Christian” belief system, TST promotes equality and aims to differentiate religion from superstition. During a protest against the Ten Commandments Monument in Little Rock, Arkansas, in August 2018, Lucien Greaves, a social activist, spokesperson and TST co-founder, stated, “We have as little interest in forcing our beliefs and symbols upon you as we do in having the beliefs of others forced upon us.”
While the name may be misleading, The Satanic Temple’s beliefs and actions are rooted in humanistic values, social justice and rational inquiry. Members advocate for the separation of church and state, protection of reproductive rights and elimination of discrimination against marginalized communities.
TST holds a number of viewpoints, including its Seven Fundamental Tenets. These include 1) acting with compassion and empathy toward all living beings, 2) prioritizing justice over laws and institutions, 3) recognizing that one’s body is their own and subject to their own will, 4) respecting the freedoms of others, 4) conforming beliefs to scientific understanding, 5) acknowledging fallibility and 6) rectifying mistakes with the intention of resolving any harm caused.
The seventh tenet emphasizes that the other six should inspire noble actions and thoughts and that the spirit of compassion, wisdom and justice should always prevail over simply following rules or spoken words.
In conclusion, it is vital to avoid judging a book by its cover. Although the name and imagery of The Satanic Temple may seem startling and intimidating, consider looking past that and try to comprehend what the organization truly represents.
Having the knowledge to avoid contributing to the further spread of false information is crucial, even if you do not agree or intend to join.