J MARAIS 62138014 RST2603
ASSIGNMENT 10- 20 SEPTEMBER 2019
Stark’s ten factors and The Church of
Satan
1. It retains cultural continuity with the conventional faiths of the societies within
which it seeks converts.
The Church of Satan and Satanism is attracting more of the youth population in today’s
day and age ever before. Satanism embodies all that the youth are seeking, freedom,
making your own decisions and living your best life. As mentioned by Huck “In a time of
chaos and uncertainty, when traditional belief systems no longer seem to have all the
answers, more and more young people are finding comfort in Satanism. But these aren’t
devil worshippers who drink blood or sacrifice animals. They’re just regular people trying
to squeeze the most out of life.” https://www.huckmag.com/art-and-culture/new-
generation-church-of-satan/. The Church of Satan is known as the first atheists, which is
popular with the current generation, however they openly support gender equality,
LGBTQ+ and accept all races. All these aspects are what the current generation
campaign for thus restating with many as it’s a religion that already abides by their
beliefs and values. That being the reason why The Church of Satan and Satanism is
becoming more popular and with culture, continuing its cultural relevancy in a more
positive manner.
2. Its doctrines are non-empirical.
This factor does not apply to the Church of Satan. The Church of Satan supports since
and invites scepticism and criticism when it comes to their doctrine and teachings. “As
The Satanic Bible states about empirical truth versus fantasy, "Each is necessary for the
other to exist, but each must be recognized for what it is."
https://www.churchofsatan.com/hail-science-earth-day-2017/
3. It maintains a medium level of tension with its surrounding environment – it is
strict, but not too strict.
Members of the Church of Satan live under a very relaxed level of tension with its
surrounding environment. Satanism is a lifestyle to Satanist, they believe in tacking
responsibility, free will and seeking happiness in your life. These are the fundamental
principals of Satanism. Satanists follow the Nine Satanic Statements. The Satanic
Statements emphasise vital existence, undefiled wisdom, kindness to those who deserve
I JAYDENE MARAIS declare that this is my own, original work and that where I used other information and resources, I
did so in a responsible manner. I did not plagiarise in any way and have referenced and acknowledged any resources that I
consulted and used to complete this portfolio according to the requirements of the Harvard style of referencing. I acknowledge
that I am aware of what plagiarism is, and the consequences thereof. Furthermore, I acknowledge that I am aware of UNISA’s
policy on plagiarism and understand that if there is evidence of plagiarism within this document, UNISA will take action.
ASSIGNMENT 10- 20 SEPTEMBER 2019
Stark’s ten factors and The Church of
Satan
1. It retains cultural continuity with the conventional faiths of the societies within
which it seeks converts.
The Church of Satan and Satanism is attracting more of the youth population in today’s
day and age ever before. Satanism embodies all that the youth are seeking, freedom,
making your own decisions and living your best life. As mentioned by Huck “In a time of
chaos and uncertainty, when traditional belief systems no longer seem to have all the
answers, more and more young people are finding comfort in Satanism. But these aren’t
devil worshippers who drink blood or sacrifice animals. They’re just regular people trying
to squeeze the most out of life.” https://www.huckmag.com/art-and-culture/new-
generation-church-of-satan/. The Church of Satan is known as the first atheists, which is
popular with the current generation, however they openly support gender equality,
LGBTQ+ and accept all races. All these aspects are what the current generation
campaign for thus restating with many as it’s a religion that already abides by their
beliefs and values. That being the reason why The Church of Satan and Satanism is
becoming more popular and with culture, continuing its cultural relevancy in a more
positive manner.
2. Its doctrines are non-empirical.
This factor does not apply to the Church of Satan. The Church of Satan supports since
and invites scepticism and criticism when it comes to their doctrine and teachings. “As
The Satanic Bible states about empirical truth versus fantasy, "Each is necessary for the
other to exist, but each must be recognized for what it is."
https://www.churchofsatan.com/hail-science-earth-day-2017/
3. It maintains a medium level of tension with its surrounding environment – it is
strict, but not too strict.
Members of the Church of Satan live under a very relaxed level of tension with its
surrounding environment. Satanism is a lifestyle to Satanist, they believe in tacking
responsibility, free will and seeking happiness in your life. These are the fundamental
principals of Satanism. Satanists follow the Nine Satanic Statements. The Satanic
Statements emphasise vital existence, undefiled wisdom, kindness to those who deserve
I JAYDENE MARAIS declare that this is my own, original work and that where I used other information and resources, I
did so in a responsible manner. I did not plagiarise in any way and have referenced and acknowledged any resources that I
consulted and used to complete this portfolio according to the requirements of the Harvard style of referencing. I acknowledge
that I am aware of what plagiarism is, and the consequences thereof. Furthermore, I acknowledge that I am aware of UNISA’s
policy on plagiarism and understand that if there is evidence of plagiarism within this document, UNISA will take action.
