Satan is fact-checking a source. Satan is asking questions when it is frowned upon to do so. Satan is protesting corrupt laws and politicians. Satan is giving strength to those who have little. Satan is the accuser. Satan is the adversary. The example of Satan from the holy bible and Romantic literature (such as Anatole France’s Revolt of the Angels) points us towards seeking knowledge, equality, and personal accountability. We use the character of Satan to encourage rational, empathetic thoughts and deeds.

There is practical use of Satanic imagery in political/religious protest, forcing deeper conversations about society, and promoting open-minded engagement with those of opposing beliefs. As Satan represents rebellion against arbitrary authority, simply evoking demonic ideas is enough to be rebellious against certain theistic doctrines. That being said, most demonic & occult imagery is rooted in romantic, gothic, Victorian, and medieval art. It has already become a popular style in the heavy metal scene, and many people just think it looks cool. Satanic imagery has form & function; however, enjoying demonic symbols, art, & fashion are by no means mandatory in order to embody Satanic ideals.

Depends on your definition of “official.” Nontheistic Satanism is as real of a religion as any other. As stated by TST among others, religion does not necessitate supernatural ideas. We gather, we share ideas, we engage in charity & volunteer work, we engage in activism when necessary, and we perform rituals. Anyone who would disqualify us as a religion because we do not pray to an invisible being is someone we would deem laughably exclusive. As far as being recognized by the U.S. government, TST has achieved tax-exempt church status, but Hub City Satan has yet to do so.

There are rules official TST chapters must abide by. One of these rules is a limit on official public works a chapter can host during specific periods. In the spirit of other independent congregations like Satanic Delco, we wish to utilize our freedom to help people and express our ideals as much as our bodies and wallets will allow. We will not have the recognizable logo or reputation, but we also will not have anything stopping us from practicing how we wish. By remaining independent, we fight against arbitrary authority.

Satanic Delco has a website devoted to Outsider Satanism. As for the Church and TST, the Satanic Temple website has a lengthy article going into detail about the differences between their beliefs. You can also find the seven tenets here. Many independent organizations, such as the Global Order of Satan, have their own variation on the tenets, reflecting a commitment to similar values no matter which group you belong to.

There are a thousand different answers to this question. A ritual can be any series of actions performed according to a prescribed order. Brushing your teeth is a ritual. For us Satanists, a religious ritual can be anything that reaffirms our ideals or beliefs. The unbaptism, for example, can be performed any number of ways according to the needs of the individual, but the goal is to act out the rejection of religious indoctrination. The unbaptism can include a simple declaration of freedom between two individuals, lighting a candle and holding a “funeral” for your old faith, burning a bible and marking your forehead with the ashes, etc. We use rituals to help us embody our satanic ideals. You’ll find no demon-summoning and blood baths here, unless you get consent from the donors for such use.