So I found what I view as the epitome of counter culture: Sinagogue of Satan ( SoS)
This is the blurb on the home page of the website for this group written by the creator of this new religion:
Welcome to The Sinagogue of Satan founded on 1-29-99. A religion based on the Ancient and Accepted Rite of Free Masonry’s definition of Satanism, as described in Albert Pike’s work “Morals and Dogma“.This religion is not based on those of the popular Satanists of our day, Hollywood or Christian propaganda, except for Aleister Crowley.
As members you have the right to believe in whatever you like as long as you don’t push your beliefs on others. The aim of this religion is the ultimate destruction of religions through the advancement of individual freedom and social responsibility. The philosophy of SoS undermines all existing religions including our own. Thus the SoS Philosophy is based on a paradox, much like the Tao.
By not having any set reality or belief you are not trapped by their rules, and are free to start making your own. This is freedom, the breaking away from the status quo, much like when Satan broke ranks from God and became the first revolutionist. It’s funny how governments promote god worship when most modern governments owe their existence to Freemasonry and revolution, the dream of freedom, the spirit of Satan. It’s no wonder governments and religions, actively partake in propaganda against Satanism for they truly fear being overthrown. As for America, Satanism is Americanism, for America supports freedom of religion in the same Masonic context that SoS does. Though certain religions in America attempt to combat this, our wonderful constitution, (written by Freemasons) prevents them from achieving their goals. Enslavement in any form religious or otherwise is un-American. Therefore I declare any and all religious groups that do not support freedom of religion, un-American. Also certain fads or movements that harass people for their personal choices such as hairstyle, piercing, sex, tattoos, music and much more are also un-American. Yes SoS reaches far past the United States boarders. And no, unlike my government, I’m not trying spread the American culture to other countries. But I am trying to spread the Light of Phosphor, the light of freedom throughout the world.
I obtained legal recognition for this mass manipulation scheme From the State of California and The Federal government of the United States of America, by utilizing my authority as an Ordained Minister of Universal Life Church Ministries (U.L.C.M). U.L.C.M., the Unitarians and the new Satanic unity movement, accept most faiths, but are predominately Christian or stylized Satanist in nature and actually exist to enslave you.
SoS has ambassador and priesthood positions. These are reserved for SoS members that accept the SoS religion as well with their own personal belief system.
In the Members section you will find the SoS holy book, “Liber Of The Goat”. This work is not mandatory to accept, unless you apply for ambassador or priesthood status in the SoS. It is merely offered to our members as an alternative holy book and is owned by SoS and no others.
Question: "Why Satanist?"
Answer: Satan was the first revolutionist. Therefore, Satan as defined in morals and dogma, is the perfect figurehead for a revolutionary religion. His act of rebellion was the first allegory of freedom. So I use his image as the symbolic representation of our aims and goals.
31 comments:
Since our nation was founded on freedom of religion it only makes sense to allow these people to practice their "religion." It kind of freaks me out at the twisted logic these people come up with. Satan and his morals...we sure are getting closer to the second coming, aren't we?
They have a right to practice as they wish. This is America.
I guess it could be classified as a "religion," since it has its own system of beliefs. I don't know.
well, we are in a free country so obviously they have the right to practice thier religion as they wish...there are freaky people everywhere in all aspects of life even religion. I just kind of step back and let them do thier thing. If you try to stop creepy people like that, they just go crazy.
These people do have the right to practice whatever religion they want. It is part of how our country is set up and it core to our ideals of religious freedom and personal agency.
I think it is hard to define what should and should not be classified as a religion. To me it is a set of personal beliefs that guide actions. So in that sense there are a lot of different things that people can call their religion. It ties back into the whole freedom idea. People have the freedom to define and practice their religion as they see fit.
I guess the Constitution protects Satanism but I'm sure the founding fathers are rolling in their graves with "religions" like this. It's pretty sad when people take advantage which I think Satanists are doing here demanding the same rights. But, no doubt they are entitled to the same freedoms and rights that we all have which it is explicitly detailed there should be freedom of religion. It is a sign to me that in the last days good will be called bad and visa versa.
Everyone can believe what they want. They don't even have to have any beliefs at all if it suits them.
However, as you mentioned, I find their whole belief system highly contradictory if they are to be considered a religion. If their aim to to destroy all religion, then the fact that they are part of an organized "religious" group seems counter-intuitive.
If they really claim to be against all religion, then they shouldn't be classified as a religion themselves, and they shouldn't have priesthoods or other religious responsibilities. They can be an anti-religion group, but it doesn't make sense to be an anti-religion religion.
This is America, so yes, they do have the right to worship as they choose. But I agree with many of the other comments...I'm kind of confused by this idea of them being against religion and wanting to destroy it when they claim to be a religion. Honestly, even reading about it freaked me out and made me kind of uncomfortable, and I'm sure this is part of their goal.
I had never heard of the SoS, but they seem to be pretty gnarly. I definitely think that they should be free to practice their religion. This is why the gospel was restored here with Joseph Smith. If they want to worship Satan I guess that it is their prerogative. As long as they are not killing people or doing anything to hurt anyone, I guess I'm okay with it. I'd like to know how many members they have.
Of course it is a religion because it's what these people believe to be true and what they value in life. Although we might not agree with them, if they believe it and claim to worship whatever things they worship than they have that right to do so. Our country was founded on the issue of religious family so although we may think these people are crazy we would be hypocrites if we did not allow them to practice such beliefs.
People have the right to practice religion freely. At least in America. However, I do not think that this can be classified as a religion, since there are no set beliefs. Everyone just believes whatever they want, showing no unity or preaching at all. The whole concept is very interesting, but they do have the right to worship as they please.
I would definitely consider Satanism a religion. And like any other religion, they have a right to practice their beliefs as long as they don't infringe on the rights or freedoms of others. Satan has his hands in many religions and groups. This is merely a more obvious example. Satan sucks.
How ironic - they are like the foolish image the right. They have a holy book - wouldn't it be an unholy book? And they have priesthood, falsely referencing the very powers they rebelled against.
I think it's interesting that Satan wanted to take away agency - thus take away freedom. And sadly, these people think Satan rebelled in a positive, social reform type way when in reality he wanted to take these freedoms away. So they believe in Satan as taught by religion, yet shun the negative consequences these same books tell about. But yeah, they deserve their freedom. Twisted as it is.
They have every right to do what they want to practice what they want to. As long as their desire to undermine other religions doesn't get violent or illegal then they can practice as they see fit.
They seem more like a political group than a religion.
Do they have a right...yes. Do I think they should practice it...no, for their own good, but that's just my opinion.
Of course they have a right to practice it, but that doesn't make it true or right. I'm curious as to how many people are actually members of this "religion." It doesn't sound like a very established thing. This thing sounds even freakier than scientology, and I do NOT consider that a religion. So no, I don't think this is a religion, either.
Why shouldn't they be allowed to practice? I like how they say they don't force this on others, and if that's the case, it's fine with me. It seems weird and wrong, but I'm sure what I believe seems that way to others. But I'm happy we live in America cuz we can all do what we feel.
I would say that they have a right to believe what they want to believe 'cause that's what made this country. I even think they can be classified as a religion even being called satanists. Religion as a definition doesn't have anything to do with Christianity, so I don't think that there would be a problem there.
I do think that if you read that thing carefully you will notice some oxymorons that totally debase the whole idea, but whatever.
As much as people disagree with it, they certainly have as much a right as anyone else. As long as they're not harming others. I'm sure there are those who are just as opposed to our religion as this one. With a set of beliefs it can be considered a religion.
I tried to see how many people are in this religion when I made the post. But to answer your questions- I don't know as you have to be a member of SoS to get info like that. As much as I would love to satisfy your curiosity I am sure as heck not going to join to find out!! Hehe (Sorry)
Of course they have a right and of course it can be termed a religion. Since the Synagog of Satan isn't putting anyone of physical danger, they can do what they want. I personally would do my best to keep them as far away from me and my church as possible and give them no audience in any circumstance.
Yes and yes, along as they afford me the same rights, then I am fine with them worshipping and believing in Satanism, or whatever they come up with.
I think anyone is allowed to practice whatever kind of religion they want, as crazy as it may seem to me, as long as they aren't infringing upon the rights of others. And obviously this group is vehemently against taking away anyone's freedom. And since they do have a set of beliefs, even if there beliefs are that they don't have any set beliefs, then I suppose they should be considered a religion.
I think it's more of a worldview than a religion, because it seems like they're making things up as they go along.
but i think they should be able to practice what they want as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights of others. just as i believe Carrot-Top should be allowed to perform his comedic routines even though they suck, just as long as it's not in my face.
America we can all choose. Give people the right to do whatever they believe. If you take away thier rights then where does it stop? Free is Free
Yes, they have the right to practice their religion, and yes, they can qualify as a religion -- albeit a hypocritical one.
It's interesting how they condemn people who hold "religious" beliefs. Do they actually think they are advocates for freedom when it is their mission to FORCE people to stop believing in the things that they believe?
-Michael Williams
I was reading this post and I kept thinking how strong the power of the devil is that he can influence people in this way. This post also made me think of how much this "religion" is a form of priestcraft. We do have freedom of religion and so this religion does have the right to practice. This religion is just another mark of the times that we live in.
this is one creepy organization. i don't understand such a culture, nor do i want to know more. i guess i just don't understand the people that affiliate themselves with this cult.
They definitely have the right to practice whatever they believe in. It's just ironic how many times people employed the twist of American religious freedom and similar things that it has become so cliche
i totally agree with erika, people are so crazy!!!
The irony is that each comment made about "satanists" would also apply to any other religion. People say it about the LDS, Catholics, Orthodox Jews, etc. Outsiders always think "well, that looks crazy", and on more than one occasion I've heard Mormons described as "freaky". Just food for thought.
Sam
As long as they give me the rights to worship how I choose then I won't take from them the rights to worship as they please. Do I agree with them? Absolutely not. However, the beauty of moral agency is being able to have the freedom to worship as they please.
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