Draft:Global Order of Satan

Global Order of Satan
File:Global Order of Satan.png
TypeNew religious movement (Satanism)
High CardinalZeke Apollyon[1]
RegionAustria, Chile, France, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States
FounderZeke Apollyon
Origin2018

The Global Order of Satan (GOS) is a non-theistic organization and new religious movement co-founded on June 24, 2018[2] by Zeke Apollyon, the organization's High Cardinal.[1] GOS members do not worship a supernatural Satan; instead, they focus on self-worship, and the belief system emphasizes critical thinking and dissent against unjust authority, drawing parallels with Satan's role in challenging religious authoritarianism. It advocates for rationality and ethical behavior, contrasting with established religious doctrines.[3]

History

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In 2018, the Global Order of Satan (formerly The Satanic Temple UK & London) protested against the Kreuzpflicht law, leading to a religious schism when the protest was not approved by The Satanic Temple, who later asked two consecutive leaders to step down.[4] Following this, the organization became independent[5], and on February 21, 2019 the organization rebranded to its current name.[1]

Mission and beliefs

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According to its website, the mission of the Global Order of Satan is to:

...promote Satanic idealism and self-worship, while protecting those who are oppressed by overbearing religious hegemony and the undue influence of dominant religions in public life. As atheists, we believe in neither gods nor devils. Our ideology is instead rooted in courage, compassion, science, the self, and in rituals of introspection. The Six Pillars of The Global Order of Satan enshrine our beliefs and provide what we believe to be a superior guide to moral and compassionate living. [6]

The Six Pillars

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The Global Order of Satan adheres to six pillars:[7]

  1. Self-fulfilment and personal understanding allow us to support ourselves and therefore others.
  2. Respect the inviolable body, autonomous will, and sovereign right of every individual to guide their own life and being; remembering that enjoyment of these rights is predicated on respect for the same in others.
  3. Science, evidence, reason, and critical thinking should guide our beliefs about our universe. Truly critical thinking can only be achieved by challenging your own preconceptions and opinions, providing a more balanced outlook to help us make better informed decisions.
  4. Act with empathy, compassion, and wisdom towards yourself and others.
  5. Justice always takes precedence over laws, institutions, and religious texts, as long as the pursuit of it does not countermand the pillars.
  6. All people make mistakes. Allow them to correct those mistakes, as we seek acceptance in others over our own.

Membership

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Individuals can join the Global Order of Satan with three different methods of participation.[8]

  1. Unaffiliated Contributors can join the organization's private Discord server and interact with the community.
  2. Affiliate members are "members of the Global Order of Satan, but without belonging to a national Order." and are a path towards forming an Order in a country which lacks GOS presence.
  3. Full Members are active members that completely dedicate to the Six Pillars and the GOS. These individuals are able to contact the organization's International Council and start a new Order.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Interview with Zeke Apollyon". sataniceurope.wordpress.com. 2020-02-17. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  2. ^ "History and background of the Global Order of Satan". Retrieved 2024-06-18. Officially formed on June 24th 2018, The Global Order of Satan was formed to be a worldwide collective of Satanists united under a shared set of life values & moral pillars. Our aim is to make the world we live in a better place through our actions and in doing so eliminate prejudice, injustice, and religious oppression.
  3. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". The Global Order of Satan. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  4. ^ Joseph P. Laycock (2024-06-18). "Satanic Schisms". Speak of the Devil: How The Satanic Temple is Changing the Way We Talk about Religion. p. 9.19-9.23. doi:10.1093/oso/9780190948498.001.0001. ISBN 978-0190948498. TST-UK collaborated with artist Darren Culleb to subvert a new law in Bavaria requiring all public buildings to be adorned with a cross ... When TST leadership learned of this, they asked [TST-UK's leader] to step down as chapter head. ... [TST-UK's leader] was briefly replaced as chapter head by Cain Abaddon ... there were personality clashes and [TST decided] to remove Abaddon as well. ... At this point, TST-UK had ... "a universal vote of no confidence" ... and elected to become independent. ... [TST-UK and London] created its own leadership, rituals, and tenets (the six pillars) and began networking with TST members in such countries as France, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland. in February 2019, the group changed its name to the rather ominous sounding Global Order of Satan.
  5. ^ "Details of the projects". Darren Cullen. As an added twist this project led to a schism between the American and International branches of The Satanic Temple.
  6. ^ "About The Global Order of Satan". The Global Order of Satan. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  7. ^ "The Six Pillars of The Global Order of Satan". Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  8. ^ "Joining the Global Order of Satan". The Global Order of Satan. Retrieved 2024-06-18.