Super broad question, but I want to ask if there are other communities similar in one aspect or another to the Satanic Temple?
Super broad question, but I want to ask if there are other communities similar in one aspect or another to the Satanic Temple?
I’ve never been to a satanic temple, but the Unitarian universalist church I visited was 90% atheist. Sermons/lectures were way more philosophy than religion, though using bits from different faith traditions to emphasize their points. This particular church did a ton of climate and social justice activism too.
They weren’t a separation-of-church-state focused group, but otherwise the vibe was perhaps similar.
But then… Why go? Real question, not being sarcastic. I just don’t understand the point I think.
Not op, but some people seek the community that religion provides.
There are many benefits to having a community of like-minded folks. You get to discuss philosophy and that helps you refine your own worldview. You can find potential friends or lovers. You can help them; they can help you.
I think for a fair bit of folks, atheism doesn’t mean lack of desire to engage in theological discussion.
My partner and I both identify as atheist and often discuss religious ideas and read pro and anti religious materials.
If nothing else, it’s good to have an idea what the philosophies are and if you’re lacking in people to share and discuss with, these types of “churches” can be a great opportunity to meet similar and potentially like (or opposite) minded people to discuss and debate with.
My 2 cents at least.
If it’s separation of church and state you’re looking for, in the UK we have the National Secular Society. They’re an activist group though, not a religion. There are probably other secularist groups worldwide, I think the Freedom From Religion Foundation does the same thing in the USA.
FFR are good people, I forgot about them but I am on their mailing list.
How about the CFI https://centerforinquiry.org/ , they do church/state stuff as well as pseudoscience. I THINK they took over the James Randi foundation prize for proving a paranormal ability, too.