^{(Disclosure: Left Arrow Tees Are Card Carrying Members of the TST)}

The mention of Satanism might conjure images of ritualistic practices, black robes, and a host of other Gothic imagery. While these stereotypes persist, there exists a modern, non-theistic religious movement that seeks to redefine the way we view Satanism: The Satanic Temple (TST). This post seeks to dispel misconceptions about TST and shed light on its philosophical foundation, focusing on its guiding principles: the Seven Tenets.

What is The Satanic Temple?

Founded in 2013, The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic religious organization that uses the symbol of Satan as a metaphorical construct to advocate for the separation of church and state, religious freedom, and various other social justice issues. Contrary to popular belief, TST doesn’t worship the devil in a supernatural sense. Instead, it uses Satanic imagery to promote enlightenment, reason, and personal sovereignty against arbitrary authority and dogmatic structures.

The Seven Tenets of The Satanic Temple

The foundation of TST’s belief system is encompassed in its Seven Tenets. These tenets, instead of being religious dogmas, are a set of ethical guidelines that resonate deeply with contemporary moral issues.

1. One should strive to act with compassion and empathy towards all creatures in accordance with reason.

• At its core, this tenet promotes kindness, understanding, and rational decision-making. It prioritizes compassion and empathy but ensures that they are not misguided or irrational.

1. The struggle for justice is an ongoing and necessary pursuit that should prevail over laws and institutions.

• This tenet emphasizes the need for continual societal improvement. It acknowledges that laws and institutions can be flawed and that it is our responsibility to challenge and rectify them when they promote injustice.

1. One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone.

• Personal autonomy and freedom are paramount in this tenet. It supports an individual’s right to bodily autonomy and is a strong statement against any form of bodily violation or control.

1. 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.

• This tenet speaks to the importance of free speech and thought. While it emphasizes respect for others’ freedoms, it also acknowledges the right to offend, drawing a line at unjust infringements on others’ freedoms.

1. 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.

• TST prioritizes evidence-based thinking. This tenet stands against pseudoscience and beliefs that distort or deny scientific facts.

1. 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.

• This tenet humanizes the members, acknowledging that everyone can err. It also underscores the importance of accountability and making amends.

1. 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.

• This final tenet serves as a reminder that these guiding principles should be interpreted with wisdom and compassion. It cautions against dogmatic or literal interpretations and promotes flexibility and humaneness.

In Conclusion

The Satanic Temple, with its Seven Tenets, brings a fresh, humanistic perspective to religious thought. Its approach challenges societal norms, highlights the importance of individual autonomy, and emphasizes evidence-based thinking.

While its provocative name and symbolism might cause unease, a closer look at TST and its foundational beliefs reveals a movement committed to reason, justice, and compassion. By championing social issues and standing against arbitrary authority, The Satanic Temple has carved out a unique space in contemporary religious discourse, reminding us that it’s essential to question, think critically, and above all, act with empathy. We encourage you to visit the website of the The Satanic Temple and support them in making the world a better place.

Thank you for reading this Left Arrow Tees blog post. It is supported by our t-shirt store and if you have a few minutes we would love to have you shop around. Thank you!