The Official Seal of the Temple of Theistic Satanism
While I define many things I see as messed up in the community and world in general, I have not spent a lot of time on my own beliefs and thoughts on Satanism as a whole. What it truly means to me, and what I am working towards it becoming. My world view, political view, and theological views have changed much over the last several months, and it is about time I put it forward to the world and community.
Take this as personal opinion, not ‘the inspired word of Satan’ as this is not something that I am forcing anyone to believe or share with me.
Satanism
Satanism, I see personally as a many faceted path, for many different people within the community. Some see it as a Theocracy, and others see it is totally independent, while I personally see it as an amalgamation of many different ideologies and thought patterns all rolled into one. This mixture of thought process has given rise to a rather diverse view of Satanism for my own path – and I would like to share it with you.
1. I believe that Satan is a Literal Deity – While this by definition makes me a Theistic Satanist, I am not on the same page as all Theistic Satanists. While I indeed do believe in Satan as a real entity and Deity, I also believe Him to take many forms and aspects, without being confined to one strict characteristic or being. The name ‘Satan’ is something I personally look at more as a Title than an actual name, encompassing any deity that fits the aspect of ‘Satan’ that it is portraying.
While I indeed believe in the existence of Satan, I also am not above the possibility of this someday being proven false by science. The scientific community is always expanding, and some day they may have a description for the Spiritual and all things there in, that makes ‘deities’ and the like nothing more than extra-dimensional entities. Some may claim that this makes me NOT indeed a Theist, however, my belief in the Deity and His/their existence, is not something that I have doubt in. Science may simply explain who they truly are at some point in the future.
I do not believe there to be only one deity that can be called upon or used, as such a monotheistic belief is a product of Zoroastrianism and also Judaism. I have the main deity in my path of Satan, and there are others whom I have no problem using should the need arise. This would encompass any and all of the ancient Gods and Goddesses. Satan is not one whom I feel is the answer to all of our personal problems, as there are other Deities, and even Demons and other spiritual entities that can indeed help us help our selves.
2. I believe Satanism to be a Path of Enlightenment, and advancement, rather than domination – Some may point to this as an idiotic or path specific ideology, however I see it as distinctly devoted to Satanism FOR Humanity. While I do not attempt to back this up through stretched guesses of Ancient texts, I do however use common ground and thought processes to establish this belief.
One thing that I have learned, is that what is Satanic, is very broad and in many areas, applies to what is deemed Satanic by the Mainstream community. Perhaps this is in part because of Satan Himself as a title being born out of Judeo-Christian beliefs, is tied to some things that are deemed as such. Despite what some claim, you cannot have Satan without Christianity and Judaism. This would be only possible through being Pagan, and this would not be Satanic, except of course, by Christian definition.
Following the above mentioned principle, I believe that it is utterly Satanic to have a united planet. Humanity working to better itself, expand its knowledge, its capability, and diminish its ignorance. This would fit the bill as Satanic, and would solve 90% of humanities issues with one another. This will fill in with my later described political ideologies as of recent.
3. Satanic Unity – Some may see this as impossible, and I have even outlined an opinion on how it could be established, however technically it does not need any special pomp and circumstance to be unified. This would mean that regardless of the Sect of Satanism, they would be able to count on their Satanic brethren across the spectrum for support, knowledge and assistance if need be. Our community is exceptionally small, especially compared to other Occult paths. It is made even smaller by the division of the people through dogmas and edicts.
Satanic Unity, would not involve some massive hierarchy that dictates to the entire community anything, but rather the formation of a tight-knit community, that can speak as one voice, one passion, and one meaning. Whether we be Theistic, spiritual, Humanist, Atheist or what have you, we can all work for the betterment of our people in general. Be it freedom from oppression and discrimination, working to solve problems and sharing each other knowledge freely to the community – this is all something we can all benefit from. No dictators would be installed, and there would be no one with more power (physically) than anyone else – we are all Human, and we all bleed red – there is no difference in people. (Spirituality not included in this aspect, I will explain later in this article more on this aspect of spirituality.)
4. It is a personal journey – free from dictation – I tend to think of Satanism as a path of the person, rather than that of the group per se. I do however not think that all groups or organizations of Satanists should be shunned – although there are some that should be. Satanism cannot be forced to conform to the group thoughts or patterns, as Satanism is built by each individual themselves. A temple, or order, regardless of the title or otherwise, should be something that is not created to control others, or bring the founder fame, or fortune. It should be to help the people of the community with things that one cannot do on a personal level.
The benefits of a Temple, are varied, and are not something that should be used as leverage, regardless of the situation. Rooted in ancient culture, and poisoned by the Catholic church and its offspring, a Temple is to be something that is not controlling others, but rather assisting people wherever able and necessary. A collection of people, pursuing common goals and wishing to have each other’s companionship is not something that is necessary, but a Temple can allow the people someplace to go for advice, knowledge of all things Satanic, the benefits of a Priest, and other things of such a nature.
A temple, is not something that controls, monopolizes or controls our people – this is a Christian philosophy. The Temple Priests, are not divine speakers for Satan, nor are they shepherds, they are merely people who are enabled to legally counsel people, marry people, bury people, assist law enforcement and doctors, and other abilities that the average person does not have the ability to do. There are no prophets, or ‘great leaders’ whom are to guide everyone in one direction or another. There is no one whose word is more credible than another (unless a track record shows someone to be an habitual liar, fraud or other things.) and should be looked at as a direct line to Satan. This is not possible nor is it able to be trusted.
I personally have started my own temple, however it is not something that I allow to make myself look like a big grand poo baa of Satanism. I take it as a responsibility to present the option of the Temple to others, and if they do not join it, that is their free will and is respected. No one is ever turned away, nor required to be a member to receive assistance or help should they need it- Nothing is gained by me operating such an organization, as there is no legal paperwork in place to allow it to accept donations, nor will they be required of anyone in the first place. That however, is outlined in other places, and I have no need to dredge on and on about the Temple of Theistic Satanism. If one is interested, all they must do is ask – if not, that is not a problem either.
Final thoughts on Satanism in general – Satanism is a grand and broad path, and should be respected as such. Some have attempted to tie it to illegal activity, and other hate based ideologies. I personally will never ascribe to such a belief, nor will I ever support hatred of innocent and non affiliated people. Such actions are nothing more than following a path I have heard referred to as evilism – and are subjecting themselves and the rest of us to fulfilling the stereotyping of our people as a whole.
Satanism should not focus on Hate, vengeance or anger, as these actions and emotions end up feeding upon themselves, making the person a shell of their intended self. It is not about the domination of one group over another, as all the while we should all be working together to make Satanism and its community stronger.
My opinions on the path of Satanism are varied, and can be flexible, as all of ours should be – Satanism should be about flexible growth, versus stagnate rigidity.
Humanity
I see humanity, not as just another animal species, but rather as a species of life that has the possibility to transcend to so much more. The animal kingdom, is not the ones devising grand technologies, nor is it reaching into the stars – however we are. We as a species are foraging ahead, fighting against chance and division. This is something that many people turn into political and ideological problems. Humanity, as a whole has much potential, and given the right climate we could aspire to great heights.
Unity, on a worldwide scale would push the planet away from many dangers it faces, most caused by petty wars among nations vying for power. World hunger, something that affects every nation on earth, would be able to be dealt with through a united populace working for the same goal – Medicine, science, and exploration of the universe would begin to leap ahead, with the world working as one.
Perhaps, one of the reasons we have not had true encounters with other worldly beings, is the state of our planet. No I am not talking about some form of global warming, but the division of the people. We are not ready for some sort of official first contact, and any advanced life-form that may or may not exist can or would know this. We are an immature planet, working against itself, fighting our own people, over stupid nothings.
Global unity is something that is shunned by people of the Abrahamic paths, regardless of sect. Each Abrahamic faith has pushed the ideology of such being evil, that it is almost ingrained into the human subconscious. Christians believe they will rule the world and that only the Anti-Christ would approve global unification. Islam, on a more radical front, believes in the sane aspect, through their prophecy of the Mahdi. The Jewish people also have similar if not less violent ideas, spawning from their ‘waiting for the messiah.’ All of these billions of people have been taught since childhood, that humanity is to be divided, and that unity is of their paths particular devil.
I personally see this as a reason to pursue, rather the shun human unity. Thus, in part, conforming slightly to the stereotyping of Satan and Satanism, however following a path that would benefit everyone. Not just a slim minority whom are able to grab power. The majority of people would be able to be citizens of the world, and be the same person they are today – just without the day-to-day bull shit that we deal with from warring nations, and squabbling leaders. This would also break down many barriers, within many different communities in my opinion, such as Race, politics, religion, and other cultural issues that bring us so much ignorance.
Now this is not something that could be easy, not in the least. There will always be someone who would be willing to kill to stop such a plan, and this is not limited to a few. The main resistance would be from isolationists within each sector of the world. Satanism would be no different, as there are people within Satanism that have some of the same whacked out political and nationalism ideologies that the Right wing Christian militia people have. I will not name any names, but they indeed know whom they are.
The issue is not IF this happens, but rather when. The world will eventually progress to appoint when the age-old stupidity is cast aside, and the world moves into the dawn of the new age – taking us into the future. I am hoping that this will be within my lifetime, as I am eager to see a brighter world for my children to grow up in – free from the terrorism, pain, ignorance, and twisted Dark Ages ideologies that I grew up with.
Religion in General
Religion, is essentially any path that one follows as a faith or spiritual/philosophical belief. This ranges from Satanism to Christianity, Islam to Judaism, Buddhism to Hinduism, Wicca to Pastafarianism. (I threw in the last one merely for the example it provides.) Religion is anything anyone wants to follow for any reason. Simple and to the point, however is it something that should be the answer to everything and the only thing that encompasses our life? NO…
Religion should be something that compliments our life not conquers it. As we follow our path of choosing, it should not become some violent weapon we use to force people into thinking our way. It should be something that brings us our happiness and power, through our own means. We can most definitely share it with others whom may be interested, but we should not be out to push it in others faces.
While some may see their life goal, as becoming the Billy Graham of Satanism, I see this as part of the problem on a greater scale than part of the solution. As people pursue Evangelical Satanism, or any other path for that matter, the become pawns for the religion, and take it into a slave hold position. Let us take Satanism as an example..
When talking to the average person on the street, what would happen if we attempted to talk them into becoming a Satanist, the same way a Christian (you pick the sect) converted people to their following? Most likely we would become someone whom is avoided by all who hear of the situation, and would lose the ability to be credible in the eyes of not only the general public, but also within the Satanic community, as we would be labeled as a Christian.. There are however effective ways to display our path, without becoming evangelical nut jobs.
Living our lives publicly, and not hiding who we are. That is all there is to do – being a normal, decent person, all the while people knowing what you are, and you are perfectly showing others Satanism. By doing such, you are dispelling the myths about our dark and evil lifestyles, and taking the path to them in a non threatening way. This will have more success than trying to convince people to become a Satanist – as the human curiosity is something that would have them eventually asking questions.
Acting like the average person, all the while being a Satanist, may sound like a pointless experiment, as it takes the rebellion out of Satanism. However, being that being a rebellious Satanist is merely a lopsided stereotype, then it is something that we should be willing to do. We must not be part of the religious fanatics whom stand on the corner, or the neighbors porch proclaiming that ‘Satan is King!’ or that ‘Satan is coming back to _____’ – These are false ‘flags’ if you will, as they mean nothing to Satanism in the least.
Religion has generally one thing in common with everyone within it, the concept of fluidity between the paths. This is seen in the crossing over of Judaic, Pagan, and other smaller beliefs, into one massive theocracy known as Christianity/Catholicism. There are even people now, within Satanism itself, taking Christian philosophies into the path, and twisting it into their own brand of Satanism. While this is part of Satanism, and even religion in general, it is something that is funny to watch, as the deity takes on such strange forms, as people make new thought forms.
Satan, as some would now like to claim, has assumed the role of the Messiah and returning king in some places, and mimics Christianity in many different ways. Suddenly becoming something that one must ‘accept into their heart’ and other Christian principles, and losing His status as the proponent of Free will and enlightenment. This is pure and expected religion at its finest (sarcastically speaking of course) as it is merely using the age-old cult tactics that Christianity used from the beginning, and we see how WONDERFUL that has worked out.
Religion should not be something that is a tool to frighten people, goad people into accepting or anything of the sort – It should be something that is chosen freely. As I have stated several times, we must not use these things to destroy, but rather build up that which the ‘others’ have torn down.
Good And Evil
While some may say that this is tied to the path we follow, and the place in which we live, I contend it to be more subjective to standards that we set personally, in tune with those imposed by society.While some things, in the respect to morals, (as in sexuality, reproduction, etc) are not matters that should be set or determined by Society, some things are not necessarily bad to have set for us. These are generally things such as rape, murder, stealing and the like. Things that are not merely personal choices, but also subject others to forms of suffering. These are the sort of things that I would label as evil – Some may say that this is not Satanic, however what could be more Satanic than respecting the rights of others? Perhaps the ideologies of Christianity and the like have infiltrated your psyche too much for you to see.
While some may agree that these things are true, they insist on playing the part of the ‘evil’ outcast, and this is something I cannot truly do – Satanism, as I see it, and Humanity in general is neither composed of good or evil – it is a matter of light and dark energies, and what people twist them into. Light, which is generally associated (by pop-culture and mainstream religion) with ‘good’ and Darkness, which is associated in the same ways with evil. These conceptions are rather contrived, and extremely stretched to fit people’s opinions –
Darkness has never been much different from Light, as they are merely two sides of the Same power, working for similar goals through multiple avenues. While some may see this as meaning that one side must fight the other, in some major battle for the souls of men, I see this as directly opposite. While I DO NOT believe Christianity, Islam, or Judaism (or anything close to those three) as being Light OR Dark, there are light aspects of the Occult that would be able to fit into that category.
This would also apply to the appearance of the person, as most of those who feel they must overly portray an appearance of Light or Dark, are merely playing into pop-culture and fads. These include everything from vampires to Satanists, pagans, to Celts – It is not about the look, but the actions of the person and the energy/deities they use. For example, someone whom is devout in their path, would not need to be displaying themselves in overt manners, all the time. This is something that can be done, but should be done carefully, as to not play into stereotyping and ignorance.
There are many Satanists, who do great and wonderful things for others, and do Good things within their community. These people however are labeled as ‘evil’ by the mainstream – not based upon their actions, but upon their beliefs. Such a thing is the result of Zoroastrianism being used today, in the essence of almost every religion in the mainstream. This indoctrination, skews the views of the general person, and takes them from being looked at as equal humans, to being sub-human or worse. This is why good and evil is not something as being proper or even valid. Perhaps, something along the lines of simple Social Justice, and what is able to be tolerated would suffice.
This would remove many issues we face from society, whether it be abortion, gay rights, and religious freedom. Three key issues that seem to be consolidating the forces of Christendom into action today. They care not for the freedom of the normal and average homosexual couple (of either gender) nor do they care for the woman who cannot carry her child for health reasons — People who make such choices, are considered evil – merely because a religion has deemed them as such.
Do not people have the right to eat, live and behave as they wish? Can these things be defined as anything more than that which does not harm or infringe upon the rights of others to do the same? I say NO – IT can not and it SHOULD not be so. We are all equal, and we should all be free to pursue our lives as we see it without fear of repression, oppression or persecution.
NOTE - I personally do not support needless abortion of a potentially healthy child by an apparently healthy mother. Abortion should not be used to remove an ‘accident’ or shirk responsibility, but rather as a ‘last ditch’ necessity to save the life and/or health of the mother. This is however, why it is called freedom of Choice – the mother then has the choice to either commit potential medical suicide for her baby, or live to try another day – There is nothing evil in this statement, although the religious right-wing fundamentalist would attempt to destroy such a person, or such a right – it is not their place to force a woman to murder herself for her unborn baby, nor is it anyone’s place to force her NOT to do so -
Some Final Thoughts -
Although I have been writing this article on and off for a couple of weeks, I seem to start seeing these exact same items being discussed by others within the community – As I am not one to really care if I get ‘notoriety’ for such things, or being fist on something, I do find it curious that such things are suddenly being released by others – I agree with their statements nonetheless, although I had to change all of my website passwords — (Hackers are annoying, especially when they are idiotic enough to not mask themselves) -
You may ask, who in fact wold have taken the time to hack little ol’ me? I can tell you this much, it is someone who is incapable of originality and ideals – who knows nothing but what is already available. No it’s not a ‘Muslim’, nor is it Joy of Satan – I will not however say whom it is, as they know whom they are. Their repeated stupidity has not only been discovered but countered – I am not as novice as I seem, and will not allow myself to fall victim to such ignorance.
I will, starting at some point next week, begin releasing a somewhat regular voice blog, and working on setting up a ‘internet radio’ system – along with hopefully being able to do some videos that contain me, as I am, not with smoke and mirrors. I have nothing to hide from our people, and am willing to do what I can for them – No lies, and no false flags – Just me, doing what I can for Satan and His Kingdom.
I am looking forward to continuing the work for Satanism, with all of my colleagues (at least, those who are willing to acknowledge such) regardless of who they are and what they believe. The time has come to be all we can be for Satanism, and for our people – without such an effort, we will never move forward, and will ALWAYS be nothing more than the scapegoat of the mainstream. Perhaps that is what you wish us to be, and that is your choice, but I would rather see Humanity move to a point where Satanism is respected, people are treated equally and there is NO MORE IGNORANCE straddling the fence of Politics, Religion, Social issues and Human rights.
We are all Citizens of Satan’s world, (OR the planet, earth, or whatever you wish to call it – I wish not to offend my Atheist friends in any way I can keep from it) and we should learn to be there for each other -
Break down the Barriers -
HAIL SATAN
DE ORTU POPULI SATANAE!
James L. Nicholson II
Temple of Theistic Satanism
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