The Satanic Temple
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| Abbreviation | TST |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Malcolm Jarry, Lucien Greaves |
| Type | Satanic religion, social movement, advocacy group, protest group |
| Headquarters | Salem, Massachusetts |
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Region
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International |
| Methods | Activism, protest, lobbying |
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Spokesperson
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Lucien Greaves |
| Website | thesatanictemple |
The Satanic Temple is an American political activist group based in Salem, Massachusetts. The Temple has several chapter groups throughout the country, the largest of which is in Detroit, Michigan. The group uses Satanic imagery to promote egalitarianism, social justice and the separation of church and state. Their stated mission is "to encourage benevolence and empathy among all people". The group was co-founded by Lucien Greaves, the organization's spokesperson, and Malcolm Jarry (both of which are pseudonyms).
The organization actively participates in public affairs that have manifested in several public political actions and efforts at lobbying, with a focus on the separation of church and state and using satire against Christian groups that it believes interfere with personal freedom.
The organization has been the focus of controversy due to several religious challenges, causing some critics to question whether or not The Satanic Temple is a prank, satire, or a genuine Satanic organization. Members do not necessarily identify as Satanists, rather may consider themselves strong allies who believes in the organization's political and secular actions. It considers same-sex marriage a religious sacrament, and therefore argues that bans on the practice violate Satanists' freedom of religion. Because the group regards inviolability of the body as a key doctrine, it also views all restrictions on abortion, including mandatory waiting periods, as an infringement on the rights of Satanists to practice their religion.
The Satanic Temple does not believe in a supernatural Satan. The Temple uses the literary Satan as metaphor to construct a cultural narrative which promotes pragmatic skepticism, rational reciprocity, personal autonomy, and curiosity. Satan is thus used as a symbol representing "the eternal rebel" against arbitrary authority and social norms.
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Wikipedia