This film will make you a satanist
Four reasons to sign up to the Satanic Temple, courtesy of new doc Hail Satan?
1 It’s not evil __
Think of Satanism and depraved rituals, and dark magic and Bedazzled may well come to mind. But the Satanic Temple, a new branch of Satanism founded in 2013, and the subject of riotous new documentary Hail Satan?, could surprise you. “They’re not evil,” says its director Penny Lane. “They’re not sacrificing dogs or whatever. Most people are interested to find out that their preconceptions are wrong.” The Satanic Temple actually has a code of ethics, and encourages compassion and empathy; one scene in the film shows a local chapter of the Temple picking up litter — with pitchforks, natch.
2 __You don’t have to actually believe In satan
The Satanic Temple is nontheistic; most of their members are atheists. But it is very much a religion, recently earning tax-exempt status as a church in the US. “They did force me to recalibrate my working definition of religion,” says Lane. “The thing is, most people who go to church probably don’t believe the Bible literally. But they believe in the power of mythology, art, allegory, ritual, and the community. That’s what people really believe in.”
3__ It’s an extremely political act
The Temple has made a name for itself with high-profile campaigns advocating the separation of church and state; when Oklahoma built a statue of the Ten Commandments at its State Capitol building, the Temple sued, insisting they also erect a statue of a goat demon. Well, fair’s fair. “The Satanic Temple was founded on the principle of rebellion,” says Lane. “Rebellion against arbitrary authority is so central to Satanism, so getting political makes sense.” The film notes that the word ‘Satan’ comes from the Hebrew word for “adversary” — Satan, the film suggests, was the original troll.
4__ It’s an Inclusive, welcoming community
With 100,000 members, the Temple has become a place for many to find their tribe, especially the LGBTQ community. (The Temple has previously performed a ‘Pink Mass’.) “I hadn’t wrapped my mind around how meaningful the religious identity was for the adherents of the Satanic Temple,” says Lane. “I heard many stories of how each one of them had always felt alone, and what an amazing transformation [the Temple] meant for them personally.” The power of Satan compels you? The Temple makes a convincing case. Hail satan? is in cinemas from 23 august