Hello Steemit - I’m Jex Blackmore, a Satanic activist.

My name is Jex Blackmore and I'm an activist, writer, and spokesperson for The Satanic Temple.



I live and work in Detroit, I studied archeology in college and have two cats. That's as much personal information as I can tell you, because many people find my work deeply offensive - so much so that death threats are a routine part of my life.


That's to be expected I suppose, challenging religious systems and established moral norms always come with a price. Here's my twitter account where I've posted verification. You can also read about some of my work on my website.

I'm a fan of Steemit and am happy to be here. I support organizations that work toward reimagining established systems and would like to see the decentralization of power in our social and monetary networks. Here, content is valued and democratized - it reveals something about who we are, where we set our limits, what we value and what we struggle with. I'm excited to learn from you and to contribute to a community that actively responds.

I've done a few things you may or may not have heard of. I organized the largest Satanic gathering in history to unveil The Satanic Temple's Baphomet monument, traveled around the country to reify the cultural concept of the witch through ritual performances titled The Sabbat Cycle(in support of the film The Witch), and wrote about my own abortion experience in a series called Unmother.  



Photo by Chris Switzer

My work focuses on the relationship between moral religious rhetoric, sexuality and political policy -- topics that seem to have enduring relevance!

As part of this introduction I'd like to answer a few common questions in advance:

Do you worship Satan?
No. I am a non-theistic Satanist. I do not believe in a literal devil, nor do I worship anything or anyone. To embrace the name of Satan is to embrace rational inquiry removed from supernaturalism and archaic tradition-based superstitions.

Why call yourselves Satanists to begin with?
The term "Satanic" has been pejoratively applied to people who challenge established systems of power. Freethinking scholars, independent women, philosophers, scientists, outsiders, etc. have commonly been labeled "Satanists," or "under Satan's influence" by the church or theocratic powers in order to isolate them from society, and to disparage their ideas. If you consider yourself a godless, freethinking individual than you are already considered Satanic by those who attend your neighborhood church and by many who represent you in your government. Instead of allowing this term to control you - embrace it.

How do you differ from atheists?
Atheists are not Satanists, and Satanists are not Atheists. Satanism is deeply rooted within a rich historical and literary framework which spans thousands of years in cultures across the globe. We have a shared cultural history, aesthetic, ritual practice, and community minus the god element. We believe that religion can be divorced from superstition.

Do you aim to destroy all religion?
No. I think that everyone should be able to believe in whatever they want.  However, in order to achieve this, and to preserve a fair and equal republic, a secular government must be established and our elected representatives must be willing to sacrifice their personal beliefs in order to represent a diverse constituency.

Many more of these questions are answered here.
You can also read my reddit AMA.  

I promise that I'm not so serious all of the time. Here's a picture of my cats to prove it:

Black Phillip and BB Spooks

 

Thank you for having me, Steemit! I'm looking forward to this.

 

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The First Prophecy of Lucifer is almost fulfilled.
Would love to debate you on SteemSpeak Radio some times. It is a Free Speech Uncensored Media of broadcasters from all backgrounds and we have nobody yet representing TST.

Join radio

I'd be happy to talk with you, although I'd prefer a conversation rather than a debate.

Welcome to the madness! Been following TST since the beginning and am glad to see you here. Personally, I'm happy enough as a non-religious atheist but I do get a few good chuckles from the headlines you guys have been making and I'm a huge fan of your campaign for abused children in schools so more power to ya!

Thanks for your support!

Welcome onboard @jexblackmore :)
Nice choice of names for your cats too!

Thank you :)

Welcome. Your beliefs are your own business as long as they don't harm anyone else. Sadly a lot of religious people like to enforce their own beliefs and prejudices on others. I'm sorry you have felt the harsh side of this. Love the cats by the way, so cute:)

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!

Thank you! Religion is tricky - it's difficult to be flexible when you think you're discussing matters of life and death. But we need to allow others to make their own decisions, and respect those choices.

Jex fucking rules! Glad to see you on Steemit and looking forward to your posts.

We're in a whole new world!

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!

Well, I'm Christian, but I've never considered satanists a threat to Christians at all, largely because my understanding about Satan is that he really doesn't care about using satanists for anything. His agenda is to infiltrate the Church and Kingdom of God and corrupt it, making it as ineffective as possible.

He offered Jesus the same opportunity that he will offer "The Anti-Christ" - to give him the kingdoms of the World and the "glory" of them. He wanted Jesus for that roll, not a hell-raising dictator like Hitler or what-have-you. His end-time goal is to fool the World with someone who seems very holy and who has spiritual authority and popularity.

Anyhow, that's my take on it and my opinion. Good post! :)

Thank you - I think many people would agree with your interpretation.

I love diversity. Welcome to Steemit @jexblackmore

Anybody who lives with cats and doesn't believe the devil is real isn't paying attention! -exp

touché my friend

Welcome, baphomet! ;)