Satanist leader: We don't subscribe to the Judeo-Christian concept of evil or Satan

Satanic cult leader Jex Blackmore doesn't see Satanism as evil, but that's because her group, the Satanic Temple of Detroit does not subscribe to the Judeo-Christian concept of good and evil.

Despite their recent row involving the installment of the statue of Baphomet on the Oaklahoma Capitol lawn, or crusade involving the distribution of Satanic colouring materials and literature to young students, the group believes that it is negative preconceptions of Satanism that colours people's judgment of them.

"The term 'evil' is working within a very traditional common set of ideas between what is ethical and what isn't; what is right and what is wrong. If someone is working within a Judeo-Christian concept of that, then we can't have a conversation there (and find a common ground)," Blackmore said in an interview with mLive at the sidelines of one of their events.

"Being a Satanic organisation, Satan represents the ultimate evil in many ways - the antithesis of what's good. That's an idea that we'll always deal with (from critics)," she said.

Blackmore said that their group does not believe in supernaturalism but instead is grounded in its own tradition and history back to the Abrahamic phase, which has steadily evolved with the times.

Blackmore said she has made it her life's mission to educate people about Satanism and its philosophies and she sees great potential for expansion. Detroit is the first area outside of New York to have a chapter of the Satanic Temple.

"We want to bring people in and empower them to be active Satanists in their personal lives. Then we can all come together and do work when there's a need - when there's a political need, a need for some kind of action," she said.  

News
7 simple ways to stay close to God when you're on holiday
7 simple ways to stay close to God when you're on holiday

Here are 7 simple, meaningful ways to stay connected to God - no matter where you are.

Christians face 'increasingly perilous existence' in Syria; church bombing serves as 'brutal reminder'
Christians face 'increasingly perilous existence' in Syria; church bombing serves as 'brutal reminder'

The bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, last month that killed over two dozen people is an indication that Syria's Islamist-led authorities under President Ahmad al‑Sharaa are enabling radicalism that threatens the existence of Syria's Christian community, experts warn. 

Church calls for reform of tax and spend regime
Church calls for reform of tax and spend regime

The document takes issue with Britain’s current “individualised” form of taxation, saying this this puts single-earner families “at a significant disadvantage”.

Four CofE dioceses to receive £30m to spread the gospel
Four CofE dioceses to receive £30m to spread the gospel

More than half of the funds (£17.8 million) are going to the Diocese of Birmingham.