Church of Satan vs. Satanic Temple

Attribute	Church of Satan	Satanic Temple
Founding Year	1966	2013
Founder	Anton LaVey	Lucien Greaves
Beliefs	LaVeyan Satanism	Secular humanism
Symbol	Sigil of Baphomet	Sigil of Baphomet
Headquarters	New York City	Salem, Massachusetts

History

The Church of Satan was founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey. It was established in San Francisco, California, and gained attention for its controversial beliefs and practices. LaVey's book, The Satanic Bible, outlined the core tenets of the Church of Satan, which include individualism, self-indulgence, and the pursuit of personal desires. The Satanic Temple, on the other hand, was founded in 2013 by Lucien Greaves and Malcolm Jarry. It was established in Salem, Massachusetts, and has gained popularity for its activism and advocacy for secularism and social justice.

Beliefs

The Church of Satan believes in the philosophy of Satanism as outlined by Anton LaVey. They embrace the idea of Satan as a symbol of rebellion against societal norms and authority. The Church of Satan promotes individualism, self-empowerment, and the pursuit of personal happiness. In contrast, the Satanic Temple does not worship Satan as a deity but rather uses Satan as a symbol of personal sovereignty and free will. The Satanic Temple advocates for the separation of church and state, equality, and social justice.

Practices

The Church of Satan practices rituals and ceremonies that are designed to celebrate the individual and promote self-empowerment. These rituals often involve the use of symbolism, such as the pentagram and the Baphomet. Members of the Church of Satan may participate in rituals to mark significant events or milestones in their lives. The Satanic Temple, on the other hand, focuses more on activism and community engagement. They are known for their public demonstrations, such as erecting statues of Baphomet in response to displays of religious symbols on public property.

Membership

The Church of Satan has a formal membership process that involves filling out an application and paying a membership fee. Members of the Church of Satan are expected to adhere to the philosophy outlined in The Satanic Bible and participate in the activities of the organization. The Satanic Temple, on the other hand, has a more open and inclusive membership policy. They do not require formal membership or adherence to specific beliefs. The Satanic Temple welcomes individuals of all backgrounds who support their mission of promoting secularism and social justice.

Legal Status

The Church of Satan is recognized as a religious organization in the United States and has tax-exempt status. They have established chapters and congregations in various cities around the world. The Satanic Temple, on the other hand, has faced legal challenges in their efforts to be recognized as a religious organization. They have been involved in lawsuits to defend their right to display religious symbols and participate in public events. The Satanic Temple continues to advocate for the separation of church and state and equal treatment under the law.

Conclusion

While both the Church of Satan and the Satanic Temple share some common beliefs and values, they differ in their approach to Satanism and their focus on activism. The Church of Satan emphasizes individualism and self-empowerment through rituals and ceremonies, while the Satanic Temple focuses on advocacy for secularism and social justice. Both organizations have attracted followers who are drawn to their unique interpretations of Satanism and their efforts to challenge societal norms and promote personal freedom.