In this episode of Sacred Tension, Jack Matirko joins me to talk atheism, nontheistic religion, and Satanism. We discuss the rise of the Satanic Temple, what his own personal Satanism looks like, why religion does not necessitate supernaturalism, and much more.
Jack Matirko is a Satanist, activist, and creative professional in Arizona. As a member of The Satanic Temple, he tries to champion ideals of rational inquiry, personal sovereignty, separation of church and state, and individual freedom. Since 2012 he has co-hosted and produced podcasts including Left Hemispheres and his current show, Naked Diner. He is also the author of the Patheos Satanic blog For Infernal Use Only.
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Other Rock Candy Shows: Eleventylife, Bible Bash
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Stephen Bradford Long 
There is no need for a Satanic Reformation. Everything TST does an individual Satanist is able to do.
Satanism is a tool, not a cause.
And don’t worry, “LaVeyans” aren’t mad about everything. Please do your research before creating articles like this.
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Thanks so much for reading/listening and sharing your perspective!
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I do want to know what that intro beat is? It’s really awesome (~48 seconds in).
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Glad you like it! It’s the track Heard from the album Bang and Whimper by the Jellyrox
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And I will just say that it’s not my perspective. It’s the perspective of religious Satanism as was established in 1966. Sorry, but facts are facts.
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I don’t disagree with you. I think perhaps the contention here might stem from the word “reformation.” I chose that word because it means, quite simply, to correct or reform. The word, I think, is appropriate for TST as a movement, which is working to correct (reform) certain cultural biases. Since Jack is a vocal member of TST, it seemed appropriate to title the episode as such.
However, I agree with you that Satanism is a tool and is first and foremost a religion of individualism and individual action.
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I don’t see how taking the name of an already-established religion and throwing out all but its non-theism and aesthetics a “reformation” of anything. That’s essentially why TST’s High Priest Brian Werner left. In fact, it’s not even clear that TST has an actual religion to present in the first place; just the illusion of having one that people have heard of before, solely to compete with Christians as a collective in public.
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We are back on the “Satanic Reformation means correcting LaVeyan Satanism” train, which I’ve already expressed is not what I’m talking about. I’ve already defined my use of the word reformation as a correction of American culture at large, and not a correction of LaVey. so I’m not sure why we are going on about this particular point. I personally disagree with LaVey on a few crucial points, so I’m not a LaVeyan.
I disagree that Satanism was established by LaVey in the 60’s — he established LaVeyan Satanism. Satanism had existed before him as an esoteric occult practice, and a romantic literary tradition. He merely popularized it into the first cohesive Satanic practice and philosophy, but LaVey does not hold a monopoly on religious Satanism.
I honestly find the LaVeyan fight over being the one and only “true” Satanism silly and rather embarrassing. It’s like the Catholic or Eastern Orthodox insisting they are the one true Church of Christ. Satanism is defined in Satanic religious studies as the deliberate and religious veneration for Satan. That’s it. That’s a huge umbrella that can cover many different strains of Satanism.
Also, I disagree with you regarding TST not having a religion to present. Its core values are a robust humanism enshrined in religious symbolism, practice, community, and activism. We might have to agree to disagree on the matter of whether TST is a “real” Satanic religion. I think the argument itself is rather immature.
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Thank you for clarifying.
When I’ve the word Satanic Reformation applies it’s usually to correct what LaVey established.
I will also point out that sometimes it’s better to work with an established system to meet your goals than to try to deconstruct it.
This is the problem when Satanism is seen as a cause and its adherents, victims.
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Granted, I do personally think LaVey needs some correcting, but that’s why there are various strains of Satanic tradition (Satanic, Church of Set, TST, etc.) However, as stated above, when I use the term “Satanic Reformation” I mean a cultural correction, not a correction to LaVeyan Satanism. I don’t adhere to everything LaVey says, but I respect that many people do, and that’s fine.
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