The Satanic Temple
The Satanic Temple (TST) is a non-theistic religious organization founded in 2013 and headquartered in Salem, Massachusetts. TST was founded by Lucien Greaves (their current spokesperson) and Malcolm Jarry. The group views Satan through the literary lens as a symbol representing “the eternal rebel” against arbitrary authority and social norms and as a metaphor to “promote pragmatic skepticism, rational reciprocity, personal autonomy, and curiosity”. TST is a decidedly political organization, channeling its funds and effort into an array of litigations with mixed merit. On the surface, TST promotes benevolence and empathy, rejects tyrannical authority, advocates practical thinking, and opposes Injustice.
Seven Fundamental Tenets
I
One should strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures in accordance with reason.
II
The struggle for justice is an ongoing and necessary pursuit that should prevail over laws and institutions.
III
One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone.
IV
The freedoms of others should be respected, including the freedom to offend. To willfully and unjustly encroach upon the freedoms of another is to forgo one's own.
V
Beliefs should conform to one's best scientific understanding of the world. One should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one's beliefs.
VI
People are fallible. If one makes a mistake, one should do one's best to rectify it and resolve any harm that might have been caused.
VII
Every tenet is a guiding principle designed to inspire nobility in action and thought. The spirit of compassion, wisdom, and justice should always prevail over the written or spoken word.