The Satanic Temple has found itself in a heated internal debate after its co-founder and spokesperson, Lucien Greaves, posed for a photograph with former American Atheists president David Silverman, an atheist activist known for his “anti-woke” stance on LGBTQ issues.
The photograph, taken in June, sparked outrage within the TST community. Silverman, who had previously faced accusations of sexual misconduct and drawn criticism for his comments on transgenderism, thanked Greaves for their meeting in a tweet, triggering immediate division among TST members.
While some TST members expressed concerns over Greaves associating with Silverman, Greaves defended his actions, stating that he could not vet everyone who wanted a photo with him.
The controversy escalated into a significant rift within the Satanic Temple, with calls for Greaves to apologize, step down and reaffirm his support for transgender rights. Some Satanists, particularly a sobriety-oriented Satanist group, decided to part ways with TST altogether, denouncing the organization’s leadership structure as patriarchal and white supremacist.
Interestingly, this internal strife reveals a paradox within the Satanic Temple. While the organization often seeks to provoke and challenge traditional Christian and conservative beliefs, it has allowed criticism from within its ranks regarding progressive social politics.
Despite the calls for accountability and alignment with progressive values, Greaves remained steadfast in his refusal to condemn Silverman, emphasizing his commitment to religious liberty and pluralism. He criticized what he sees as a culture within progressive activism that prioritizes optics over tangible results while shunning uncomfortable ideas.
Christians should recognize how radical an ideology has become when even the atheists who once supported such ideals turn away from them like Silverman has. Pray that those like Silverman, Greaves and all who are deceived in The Satanic Temple have a Damascus road moment in their lives according to 2 Corinthians 4:4, which reads:
“The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”
Pray that the light of the Lord does in fact shine on them and show them the truth that is Jesus Christ.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
Charisma Staff