RE: Hello Steemit - I’m Jex Blackmore, a Satanic activist.
Out of this entire post, this is the point that resonates with me the most.
Also, noticing my "gut" telling me to watch out here for twisted meanings - it kindof strikes me as doublespeek, good is bad and bad is good, mostly feeling what is presented is the later. For those wanting to understand morality and "right" living, living according to the NAP, religion should play no part. Unless you're a masochist nobody wants to be the victim of violence. That's about as close to a universal truth as humans can get.
Another thought in reading this - isn't "ritual" just a euphemism for "tradition", flavored with a bit of our tribes' customs? It sounds like you advocate replacing the (fucked up) status quo social norms with others that embrace religion (whatever that means to you) and rituals. What is your definition of religion? How does that serve you and why?
On the other hand, I commend your bravery in speaking out about a topic most will react to viscerally. I notice it in my own feelings as I write this. I also commend you for seeing the logical benefits of the Steemit platform as a place to freely express yourself. The market will indicate if your perspective has merit in this community, and that may well be different from an objective assessment of it as truth. The jury is still out for me personally, as this is the first time I've heard a perspective like this and I don't know a thing about "TST". I have listened to hours upon hours of Mark Pasio's presentations, so I have some familiarity to this topic.
Labels and symbolism are powerful tools in communication. We all interact in this space we call reality based on shared, common understandings, usually deep seated and unconscious, programming we absorb during childhood. Those who are unaware of that react on an emotional level, not a rational intellectual one. Conflicts can also arise because people assume the "common" definition of words is what they define them to mean, which is are not actually in common.
Love the cat pics! I too own a solid black cat. I am rather partial to Siamese breeds tho. I guess we're in good company!
I assure you there’s no intentional doublespeak here. Thoughts about what’s good or evil (or if those things even exist) are certainly complicated and evolving. As for ritual - I do not mean that this is the same as tradition. However, rituals can be part of tradition or custom. I’m not actually advocating to replace or dismantle anything in favor of a singular practice or belief. I only advocate for the freedom of religion (or lack there of). I agree with this definition of religion: “A system of social coherence based on a common group of beliefs or attitudes concerning an object, person, unseen being, or system of thought considered to be supernatural, sacred, divine or highest truth, and the moral codes, practices, values, institutions, traditions, and rituals associated with such belief or system of thought.” Satanism falls into a system of thought considered to be the highest truth with associated values, institutions, traditions, etc.
I agree with you re: linguistics. Words, as symbols, are slippery. However, the internet is homogenizing. The global imaginary will either bring us together or weed out all that is different. Very handsome meowzer you got there!