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I’m sure most of you grew up as I did, having been taught that a Satanist conforms to the common stereotypes that are still prevalent amongst many theists today: someone who believes in a literal Satan, who is genuinely an evil person (baby and animal sacrifices, anyone?), who has a fascination with the color black for their attire and who enjoys heavy-metal music. You may have been taught about Satanists in the Christian sense of being misguided or foolish individuals who are damning themselves to Hell for all eternity for turning away from a perfect, loving God to satiate their own hedonistic or sadistic desires. You may also have been taught that anyone engaging in Satanic behavior was literally possessed by demonic forces.

Before watching The Satanic Temple-focused documentary “Hail Satan?” by Magnolia Pictures, I had heard a few of the more stereotypical beliefs about Satanists over the years, but my rational atheist mind shattered many of the stereotypes of the Satanist, especially that of Satanists being the literal side of evil in the divine battle of “good versus evil.” I was not knowledgeable about modern-day Satanism nor was I aware of the central core beliefs of what Satanism is, at least those that many of the major groups of Satanists believe and engage in today.

Sure, hedonistic tendencies and an inclination towards black clothes, tattoos and heavy metal music may be common amongst Satanists; however, I came to see a different side to this community, one that embraces rational thought, science over unprovable beliefs, respect for those who have been outcast by society and who genuine care for themselves, their community and the human race.

Still, as within any human-ran organization, often times strongly-held beliefs – ideological, political and other differences – have taken root and caused splits and factions amongst those who call themselves “Satanists.” One of the largest of these divisions is between individuals in the two largest groups, the Church of Satan and The Satanic Temple, some of which hold animosity towards those in the other group since both became prominent. (Full disclosure: I was introduced to The Satanic Temple via the aforementioned documentary as well as through my own research. I have limited knowledge about the Church of Satan nor any other Satanic groups outside of very basic internet research).

My greatest concern for Satanism is not attacks from external theistic groups or individuals with power and influence, but from the divisions that come from infighting within the Satanic community itself. I’d like to think that, as is with humanity, we have more that connects us than divides us. To be a Satanist is a generality; you can still conform to whatever individual group or community you desire to but can still maintain that Satanic bond. Nobody is “not a REAL Satanist” just because they belong to one group over another, unless it is a group that worships the evil aspects of the Satanic myths. As many groups have different creeds and statements of beliefs, and some of them are in conflict with each other, I thought I would assemble a list of what is most common amongst the various Satanic groups that are prominent today, indeed what truly makes a Satanist such, whether you are in a Satanic community, practice your own solitary Satanism or are in some other way undertaking your own personal Satanic journey.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a group of tenets, dogma or doctrine to be followed in place of any individual Satanic groups belief system. This is simply my interpretation, as being part of the Satanic community, as to what makes a Satanist such. This list is not meant to override or take the place of any group doctrine, but the show us that which will bring us together as Satanists is stronger than the minor differences that can tear us apart.

1. Acknowledgment of the bodily autonomy of oneself and that of others.

2. The idea that scientific understanding and rational thought are necessary for both the diverse individuals within our species and the advancement of it.

3. The right to stand up and defend one’s own beliefs and the responsibility to do so for others whose beliefs are being infringed, even if those beliefs contradict one’s own.

4. Engaging in rituals, invocations and ceremonies, not to invoke or praise divine or supernatural forces but for the empowerment of oneself and one’s Satanic community.

5. Showing human compassion towards others; however, justice shall be pursued for both oneself and others when an individual has been wronged or unfairly treated.

6. Engaging in hedonistic and physical pleasures is a personal choice that should be respected, to the extent that it does not cause harm to oneself or others. One should not infringe on the rights of consenting adults to make personal choices about their bodies unless it will result in harm.

7. The worship of a literal Satan is frowned upon, for the worship of a true Satan implies worshipping the idea of Satan as a malevolent force that derives pleasure from the pain and suffering of others.

8. Satan is to be used as a symbol of rebellion against arbitrary authority towards those forces – individual and collective – who threaten the rights of oneself and others to live their lives as they see fit.

9. The embracing of Satanic imagery, clothing, lifestyle and body modification is an individual choice that unifies us as a community; however, it is not necessary to do so to be a part of our community. Whether choosing to outwardly display their Satanic faith or not, it is one’s thoughts, actions and responsibilities towards themselves and others that makes someone a Satanist.

10. To follow a Satanic code is to embrace the desire to better oneself and one’s community.

Although this is not an exhaustive list of what makes a Satanist such, I believe it to be a fair starting point for anyone to identify as a Satanist without feeling the need or obligation to define themselves within a particular group or organization. Furthermore; I highly encourage members of the Satanic community to reach out to me to further refine and edit this list with their own beliefs and interpretations.

In the end, everyone’s Satanic journey will be different. To truly embrace Satanism means to respect the fact that individual and groups actions and beliefs may differ slightly, but in the end our community can and must stand together as one.