What does satanism entail?
Satanism is a secular ideology about refusing to bend to the rules and beliefs of others. It’s about being an independent thinker. Satanists work to preserve freedom of religion and separation of church and state. Satanism dictates that all prophets are false prophets, and that truth can only be found by seeking it for yourself.
What type of satanist are you?
All true Satanism is atheist in nature. To be otherwise would be to fall under a different name. Ie, those who believe Satan is real would should probably identify as “Luciferian,” or some such.
How long have you been a satanist?
Less than a year, still learning.
Were you part of a different religion before satanism? If so, how did you make the transition?
I was raised Christian. Prayed every night before bed well into my high school years. Became a somewhat resentful atheist. As a homosexual, I was not treated well by my religious family members. Why be a part of a religion that doesn’t want you? Then I became a punk goth Satanist who loves rock music.
What was the moment where you officially decided to be satanist?
There was no specific moment, the more I learned about it, the more I liked it. Eventually I did join the subreddit, r/Satanism, which is how I found this questionnaire.
How did your family react to your decision?
I have yet to tell anyone, although to me it is not a big deal. I may never tell them, just to spare their hearts from thinking I’m going to burn in hell.
Is satanism a religion or an anti-religion?
Anti religion. Satanism is just atheism in disguise. I read somewhere that atheists are actually the most discriminated against religion, satanists are treated better. There are some who believe Satan is real and who call themselves Satanists, but they would be a minority.
Does satanism have any connection to the supernatural?
Satanists almost always carry the aesthetic of demons, but it is only that, an aesthetic. We do not believe the supernatural is real. The reason we embrace demons and evil creatures is because those are the things that Christians tell us to avoid. So we do the opposite, purely out of rebellion and spite.
Is there a physical church or temple that satanists congregate in?
The Satanic Temple has headquarters in the US. One can make donations, which would go towards the political war against Christian fascism, mostly.
Do you believe in a literal Satan or what Satan represents?
Satanists believe in what Lucifer represents, not that he is real. Lucifer denies the Christian God because he told man to be ignorant. To not eat from the divine tree of knowledge. But Lucifer instead chose to rebel. He chose knowledge. Chose science. That is what Satanism represents.
Do you find that people often think that satanists are devil worshipers?
Yes, I believed so myself, before I became an atheist. Personally I find it amusing that others think that I actually worship or commune with devils. The idea that people fear me is somewhat entertaining. But they could easily find the truth, if they merely wanted to. But most people try not to think about such things.
How does one become a satanist?
One must first be an atheist, then educate themselves on the ideals of Satanism. After that, it is a choice of identifying as a Satanist and following those ideals
Are there any rituals you do?
No, any such rituals would be for show, entirely recreational. Nothing of that nature is required.
Do you find it true that satanism is a cult?
Quite the opposite, Satanism is about independent thinking. Christianity is much more of a cult than Satanism.
How’s your daily life different from people who are not satanists?
I do avoid religious people and churches. They might think me the devil, but to me, they are the scary ones. I would not be welcome among them.
Why do you think it’s so difficult for some people to understand satanism?
Because Christianity teaches people to avoid such things. It teaches them to avoid education, science, and knowledge. Just as God forbade man from eating the divine fruit of knowledge. To be a Christian is to be willfully ignorant.
What impact has satanism had on your career, relationships and other aspects of your life?
Being an atheist and then a Satanist have made finding like-minded people more difficult, especially in romantic partners. But it is not a big deal. It does suck that all of my bosses are Christian.
Do you celebrate any traditional holidays from other religions?
We celebrate whatever we like. Satanism is not a religion, nor a cult, we don’t care what people do in their private lives.
Is there an aspect of satanism that you find challenging and difficult to adhere to?
No, I have found atheism and satanism to both be very liberating. No more rules from false gods to adhere to.
Do you come across any forms of discrimination from people who don’t agree with your religion? How do you deal with it?
Religious people must be avoided for obvious reasons. There is always the threat of discrimination, especially from within my own family. Which is why I don’t speak to most of my family members.
How do you interact with christians, and others who openly oppose what you do?
I have nothing against persons who merely have religious beliefs. Most of my friends and coworkers do not identify as atheist. We are all wise enough to simply not discuss such things in very much detail. I have told a few that I am an atheist and they usually don’t care to comment on that.
How would you describe your taste in music?
My favorite artist is Stevie Nicks, I actually have her name tattooed on my arm. Her music is mostly rock, some country. I like rock music. Usually the love songs.
How do you feel about the Satan/darker elements in heavy metal music?
I think it’s cool. I think being rebellious just for the sake of it is cool. I think it’s cool to pretend to be evil just to say, “I’ll do it if I like, you don’t control me.” Of course, Satanism teaches empathy and kindness, not murder or ritual sacrifice. We do not condone actual hatred or crimes against anyone. It is all for show.
What do you think happens after death?
Nothing. Lights out. One simply ceases to exist. You return to how you were before you were born.
What are misconceptions about satanism? Have misconceptions of satanism negatively impacted you in any way?
The misconceptions about Satanism are partially a part of our agenda. We believe in independent thinking. We don’t worship demons, but we dictate that we could if we wanted to. Because we do not bow to the authority of any false gods. It is easier to argue that it is our right to worship demons than it is to argue that demons do not exist.
What do you find is the biggest challenge of being a satanist?
Probably the loneliness. The majority of human society subscribes to the idea of bowing to God’s will. It is exhausting. I am always on the outside looking in.
What are things to NOT say or do to people who are satanists?
Don’t tell us who we can and cannot worship. That is the whole point of Satanism. I will worship even Lucifer himself if I like, you can’t stop me. I don’t care what the Bible says.
How do you feel about how satanism is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation everyone should watch?
I have yet to see any representation of true, atheist Satanism in media. It is always the evil Satanists who sacrifice people and pray for the end times. But I do not mind, I find it amusing that people fear us and think we are actually like that.
Who are your favorite satanist celebrities or characters?
Anything with witches is usually my cup of tea. I have the word tattooed on my neck. I do not believe that magic is real, but I like to think of myself as one anyway. It’s a bit of an obsession, I will admit. The prefix, “wit,” means wise. The word roughly translates from latin to, “the wise one,” in English. I think of myself as the wise one. Knowledge is power.
What would you like to say to people who are satanists or would like to be?
To people who are Satanists: keep up the good fight. Hail Satan. To people considering it? Go for it, we are not evil. Liberate yourself.
What would you like to say to people who are not satanists?
You don’t have to like us, but you must respect us. We’re not going anywhere.
What do you think society could be doing to better understand satanism?
Stop treating it like some taboo secret. Stop hiding from knowledge. If you don’t understand something, hit the books. Study it. Educate yourself. There is no such thing as useless knowledge.
What would you like people to know about satanism?
We are not evil. We are truth seekers.
Tell your story, opinions, experiences.
Jesus was said to be a shepherd. Shepherds heard sheep. So what does that make his followers? Satanists do not follow the heard. We intentionally go against the mainstream. We challenge the status quo. Challenge all authority. Worship only yourself. I am my own God.