• Deceptichum@quokk.au
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    13 hours ago

    So he’s not religious and doesn’t actually believe in Satan?

    It’s like atheism with extra useless steps.

    • MystikIncarnate@lemmy.ca
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      13 hours ago

      Sort of.

      The satanic Temple chose their name because of the literal meaning of the word “Satan”, which may be the name of the big bad from religious types but actually means “adversary” when directly translated from Hebrew.

      Atheists can take all forms, and by no means do I assume what any individual believes, but by the very definition, atheists can be extremely passive in their belief, or more accurately, non-belief. The atheists I know are usually very live and let live, after a while because they realize that arguing the point with religious folks usually doesn’t get you anywhere.

      TST is dedicated to the fair use and representation of religions in society. They’re obviously based in the USA where there is a separation of church and state, at least, there’s supposed to be. So the state cannot show favoritism to any religion, but they often do. Usually with monuments like a depiction of the ten commandments placed on city owned land. This is a real and fairly recent issue that TST got involved on. They asked that a statue of Baphomet be placed on the same city owned land, forcing the city into a position of either allowing the statue to be placed along side the very Christian ten commandments, or admit that they are favoring Christianity, which they basically cannot do because it’s a violation of their station.

      Satanists are a bit more active, by default, than atheists. Not to say atheists are inactive or lazy, it’s just that Satanists have a very specific target.

      • Deceptichum@quokk.au
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        11 hours ago

        Look it’s cool that you’re in a philosophical moral club, but don’t go around defending religion by calling yourself a religion and saying ‘look at me as an example of a good religion’ when you don’t actually hold religious/supranatural beliefs.

        And if you do hold such beliefs, don’t claim you accept reality.

        • zarkanian@sh.itjust.works
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          4 hours ago

          You know, you can just say “supernaturalism” instead of “religion”. The two are not synonymous. You can have religion without supernaturalism, such as non-theistic Satanism and some forms of Buddhism. You can have supernaturalism without religion, which describes many New-Agers. I’m sure you’ve heard people say “I’m spiritual, but not religious”, and that’s what they mean by that. There are people who believe in souls and reincarnation and stuff like that, but they don’t have a religion built around it.

          In the case of non-theistic Satanism, there is a moral code, a set of beliefs, and a community of people with shared values, as well as holidays and rituals. Just nothing supernatural.

          • Deceptichum@quokk.au
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            17 minutes ago

            You cannot, but please do show this supposedly zero make-believe form of Buddhism.

            In the case of non-theistic Satanism, there is a moral code, a set of beliefs, and a community of people with shared values, as well as holidays and rituals. Just nothing supernatural.

            Exactly, it’s a club not a religion.

        • prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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          6 hours ago

          Look, I actually kind of agree. And this is why I will never call myself a Satanist.

          However, I think it’s foolish to ignore the work that the TST does in fighting for the separation of religion and government.

    • grue@lemmy.world
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      12 hours ago

      Trolling the politicians who try to violate the separation of church and state isn’t useless.

    • Jean-luc Peak-hard@piefed.social
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      13 hours ago

      Being a Satanist while identifying as an atheist is often associated with a specific philosophical stance rather than a belief in a literal Satan or supernatural entities. In this context, Satanism can be seen as a symbolic representation of individualism, self-empowerment, and rebellion against traditional religious norms. Here are some key points to consider:

      • Atheistic Satanism: Many atheistic Satanists do not believe in a literal Satan but use the figure as a symbol of freedom, personal responsibility, and the questioning of authority.
      • Moral Framework: For these individuals, Satanism can serve as a moral compass that emphasizes personal ethics, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge. It often promotes values such as individualism, self-determination, and hedonism, but within a framework that encourages personal responsibility.
      • Philosophical Approach: This form of Satanism is more about philosophy and lifestyle than theology. It focuses on human experience and the material world rather than spiritual or supernatural beliefs.
      • Cultural Critique: Atheistic Satanism can also be a critique of organized religion, particularly Christianity, and may advocate for secularism and the separation of church and state.

      In summary, being a Satanist while being an atheist often reflects a philosophical and ethical stance rather than a theological one, emphasizing personal empowerment and a rejection of traditional religious dogma.

      TL;DR Atheism simply means you don’t believe in a god. It makes no other claims. Satanism encompasses more than that simple perspective.

      • pivot_root@lemmy.world
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        12 hours ago

        It’s pretty commendable that you’re trying to educate that person. I wouldn’t have even bothered since it’s clear that they’re asking questions in bad faith.

        Paraphrasing it:

        So you believe in Satan? That’s stupid.

        And

        So you’re atheist? With useless extra steps, too.