Everything You Need To Know About The Seven Tenets of Satanism

Satanism, particularly the modern iteration championed by The Satanic Temple, is often misunderstood. Far from devil worship, it's a non-theistic religion rooted in secular humanism, rational inquiry, and personal responsibility. Central to this philosophy are the Seven Tenets, a set of guiding principles promoting compassion, justice, and intellectual freedom. Understanding these tenets is crucial to grasping the true nature of modern Satanism.

1. Strive to Act with Compassion and Empathy Toward All Creatures.

This tenet emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and understanding. It encourages individuals to consider the feelings and perspectives of all living beings, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and responsibility towards the world around them. The focus is on creating a more just and compassionate society through individual actions.

2. The Struggle for Justice is an Ongoing and Necessary Pursuit That Should Prevail Over Laws and Institutions.

This tenet highlights the importance of constantly challenging injustice and working towards a more equitable world. It recognizes that laws and institutions can be flawed and may even perpetuate inequality, urging individuals to prioritize ethical considerations and actively fight for what is right, even when it means challenging the status quo.

3. One's Body is Inviolable, Subject to One's Own Will Alone.

This tenet champions bodily autonomy and self-determination. It asserts that individuals have the right to control their own bodies and make decisions about their health and well-being without interference from external forces, be it government, religion, or societal pressure. This is a cornerstone of Satanic philosophy, emphasizing individual liberty and responsibility.

4. The Freedoms of Others Should Be Respected, Including the Freedom to Offend. To Willfully and Unjustly Encroach Upon the Freedoms of Another is to Forfeit One's Own.

This tenet underscores the importance of respecting the rights and freedoms of others, even when their beliefs or actions may be offensive. It acknowledges the value of free expression and encourages tolerance for diverse perspectives. However, it also clearly states that infringing upon the freedoms of others results in the loss of one's own freedoms, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of liberty.

5. Beliefs Should Conform to One's Best Scientific Understanding of the World. One Should Take Care Never to Distort Scientific Facts to Fit One's Beliefs.

This tenet emphasizes the importance of reason, evidence, and scientific inquiry. It promotes a commitment to intellectual honesty and encourages individuals to base their beliefs on the best available scientific understanding of the world. This fosters a skeptical mindset and discourages the acceptance of unsubstantiated claims or the distortion of facts to fit pre-conceived notions.

6. People Are Fallible. If One Makes a Mistake, One Should Do One's Best to Rectify It and Resolve Any Harm Caused.

This tenet acknowledges the inherent imperfection of humanity and encourages accountability for one's actions. It promotes a willingness to admit mistakes, take responsibility for the harm they cause, and actively work towards making amends. This emphasis on personal responsibility and ethical conduct is central to Satanic morality.

7. Every Tenet is a Guiding Principle Designed to Inspire Nobility in Action and Thought. The Spirit of Compassion, Wisdom, and Justice Should Always Prevail Over the Written or Spoken Word.

This tenet serves as a reminder that the Seven Tenets are not rigid rules but rather guiding principles designed to inspire ethical behavior. It emphasizes the importance of applying compassion, wisdom, and justice in all aspects of life, recognizing that the spirit of these principles should always take precedence over literal interpretations of the tenets themselves. It prioritizes mindful application over blind adherence.

8. Satan Isn't a Literal Being, But a Symbol of Rebellion and Rational Inquiry.

For Satanists, Satan is not a deity to be worshipped. Instead, Satan serves as a symbol of rebellion against arbitrary authority, the pursuit of knowledge, and the questioning of tradition. This rejection of supernatural belief is a key distinction between Satanism and other religions that involve the worship of a higher power.

9. The Importance of Secularism and the Separation of Church and State.

Satanists are strong advocates for the separation of church and state. They believe that religious freedom is best protected when government remains neutral on matters of faith. This commitment often leads them to challenge the preferential treatment of other religions in the public sphere, advocating for equal rights for all individuals regardless of their beliefs.

10. Satanic Rituals Are More About Self-Empowerment and Expression Than Sacrifices.

Many misconceptions surround Satanic rituals. In reality, these rituals are often personal and symbolic, designed to promote self-empowerment, emotional release, and personal growth. They are not about worshiping a deity or performing sacrifices, but rather about harnessing personal will and challenging societal norms. They are often used for catharsis and self-discovery.

11. You Don't Have to Be a Member of an Organization to Follow the Tenets.

While organizations like The Satanic Temple provide a community and platform for activism, following the Seven Tenets is ultimately a personal choice. Individuals can embrace these principles in their daily lives without formally joining any group. The emphasis is on living ethically and promoting compassion, justice, and individual liberty, regardless of affiliation.

Understanding the Seven Tenets provides a valuable insight into the philosophical underpinnings of modern Satanism. By focusing on compassion, reason, and individual responsibility, these tenets offer a framework for ethical living and a commitment to creating a more just and equitable world. They challenge common misconceptions and reveal a philosophy that is far more nuanced and humanistic than often portrayed.