RE: Hello Steemit - I’m Jex Blackmore, a Satanic activist.
Welcome aboard. Finally I can quit apologizing for satanists. I try to see all perspectives and believe that all religions are equally valid.
The fact that any group would have to hubris to think they could claim to represent the views of Christ, or Satan is equally valid in my mind. But the lack of darksiders has been placing me in a position of coming to the defense so I'm glad you're here.
Truth is if you don't worship a literal satan you aren't actually a satanist though. You're using shock and awe to claim a self defined cause of freethinking and win over the alternative / counter culture types.
But as long as you stick with a philosophy rooted in bronze age myths, you won't find the freedom of thought you're seeking.
One cannot maximize the true potential of the self while on one's knees. You will never find your true self while looking to the sky or the floor. To see ones true self requires a mirror.
non servium!
Welcome to steemit!
Thank you for welcoming me and I appreciate your thoughts. However, I strongly disagree when you say that I'm unable to be a Satanist without worshipping a literal Satan. Why do others believe they have the right to define what a Satanist is and isn't? Do we put Christians, or Jews to the same test? Are Secular Jews not "actually Jewish"? What about those who identify as Christain, admire biblical teachings, but adopt a flexible position on the existence of Christ? Do they not have the right to define their religious affiliation as they see fit? As in any belief system, there are many interpretations. Satanism is a fundamental part of my personal truth. The Satanic figure is one that provides a foundation for my life and my beliefs. I identify as a Satanist culturally, and ethically. We often fall into the trap of defining religion in terms of what we are most comfortable and familiar with. If we allow the most powerful, dominant religious institutions to define what religion for us, we permit complete control over the appraisal of our beliefs and values. Satanism, as non-theistic or theistic, may not resemble the kind of religion that you're used to, but that does not make it invalid.
I also disagree that we use "shock and awe" to "win over the alternative/counter culture types." It's not our intention to win anyone over. Satanism is not for everyone, and many Satanists are ordinary people with ordinary jobs and lives. We do not prosthelytize. Our role within the public is to advocate for our own beliefs, and to ensure that religiously motivated moral legislation does not infringe on our rights.
This was an awesome response!