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.