The Temple of Satan was founded in 2009 by Damien BlackThorn, Lanny Summers, and Levi Goodpaster in Bloomington Indiana. We are an Organization based off of the philosophies of the Satanic Bible and other relevant works of the late great Dr. Anton Szandor LaVey. Although we follow the LaVeyan Path, and even emulate certain policies of the Church of Satan, we are in no way affiliated with the C.o.S. We host a number of internet forums that require no commitment of any kind. However, the T.o.S. is dedicated to getting knowledgeable Satanists out of the internet forums and becoming active Satanists in a real, hands on way. Certain policies of the Church of Satan make it difficult for Satanists to make productive contact in the real world, as they discourage their members for communicating outside of their internet forums, and guard their roster even from their card carrying members. Despite what the Church of Satan would have you believe, they do not have the monopoly on Satanism. And although the Church of Satan at one time had an actual grotto (the Black House in California), and allowed its members to host group rituals in the presents of a Grotto Master, they now operate solely as an internet organization, and strongly discourage their members from meeting outside of their internet forums (although this policy is in direct conflict with page 119 of LaVeys Satanic Bible)."A group ritual is certainly much more of a reinforcement of faith, and an instillation of power, than is a private ceremony. The massing together of persons who are dedicated to a common philosophy is bound to ensure a renewal of confidence in the power of magic. The pageantry of religion is what has sustained it. When religion consistently becomes a solitary situation it reaches into that realm of self denial which runs concurrent with anti-social behavior. It is for this reason that the Satanist should attempt to seek out others with whom to engage in these ceremonies.” (The Satanic Bible, page 119.) Our activities, newsletters and memberships are mostly done offline.The reason that we are not an online organization and do things in the real world is because it has proven to be a more effective way of weeding out lunatics, and posers hiding behind computers. It seems as though the Church of Satan's dwindling numbers have digressed to nothing more than a handful of pretentious preachers practicing a weak perversion of what LaVey left behind. Inevitably we must discard this sterile shell of an organization in favor of stronger, more productive organizations. Survival of the fittest is the Satanic way! The weak have been trampled under cloven hooves, and new Satanic breeds emerge to fill the void that our predecessors have left us with! Let our quest for truth keep us moving in the direction which benefits us most. Acquiring a membership in the Temple of Satan is not a simple task. We do not solicit memberships or accept just anyone. We are the eclectic elite of the Satanic religion and a $100 bill will not buy your way in. To ensure the highest stratum of membership, we find it necessary to screen all applicants. Only those who are sincerely interested in Satanism and the occult sciences need apply. Our members are from various backgrounds and walks of life. Many of them share the desire to better themselves through the application of Satanic principles. Before you apply for membership it is mandatory that you read The Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey. Members of the Temple of Satan DO NOT sacrifice animals, worship the devil, molest children or infringe on the rights of others! We are an organization of individuals who openly study Satanism and other cultural subjects.To request an application for membership send a request to an administrator @TheTempleofSatan@groups.facebook.com or TheTempleofSatan@groups.facebook.com. Keep in mind that you do not have to join anything to be a "real" Satanist. Do not let any institution or group convince you that you must be a "member" in order to be a Satanist. To be a "real" Satanist you must first be yourself. Joining any organization will not automatically make you anything. This is something you must do on your own. Hail Satan! Shemhamforash!
