Compassionate Satanism: An Introduction to Modern Satanic Practice

by Lilith Starr, Lucien Greaves (Foreword)

Discover the benefits of nontheistic Satanism, the dynamic religion taking the world by storm! Get started with this comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide to modern Satanic practice by an experienced Satanic insider.
Drawing on her years of leadership in The Satanic Temple (now with over 300,000 members worldwide), award-winning author Lilith Starr demystifies the rapidly-growing Satanic religion based on compassion, reason, and justice and provides a clear road map for building Satanic practice. Learn to tap into your own power, create your own unique, meaningful religious practice, stand up against tyranny and oppression, and find a supportive Satanic community that accepts you just as you are. With a Foreword by Lucien Greaves, Co-Founder of The Satanic Temple. Learn This extensive guide to modern Satanism also includes a collection of Satanic ritual scripts, a number of in-depth interviews with practicing Satanists, and a section on Satanic holidays. Perfect for beginners and Satanic sophisticates alike!

Genres: Satanism, Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Psychology, Spirituality, Feminism

439 pages, Paperback

Published July 9, 2021

Reviews

[Kaethe]

For my own amusement I put it at 666 on my to-read list

[Arachne Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wish this book was available when I first discovered and found an interest in Satanism. TST Satanism resonates with my core values and beliefs. Please note that this book is very much about The Satanic Temple path of Satanism so I would highly recommend if this is what aligns with your personal Satanic journey. I also really enjoyed reading the interviews from other Satanists (some of which I even know personally). This is a must read for anyone who is interested in modern non-theistic Satanism or just wants a better understanding of what The Satanic Temple is really about.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 9 in 2022
Title: Compassionate Satanism: An Introduction to Modern Satanic Practice
Author: Lilith Starr
Year: 2021
Genre: Nonfiction - Religion, philosopy, & politics
Page count: 439 pages
Dates read: 1/9/22-1/11/22

This book provides an introduction to the philosophy of one of the most interesting religious organizations to arise in the 21st century: The Satanic Temple. The group is fiercely individualist and left-leaning in its outlook. The author writes, "we are first and foremost a serious religion that prizes taking action to help local communities and fight for justice, and that gives us a shared purpose that each of us believes in deeply." The members all identify as atheists, using Satan as a symbol of freethinking and rebellion. They do have dogma and rituals and are officially recognized as a religion by the United States government's Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Rituals represent a powerful way to reach the unconscious, mark occasions, make a political statement, or effect personal transformation.

Members consider political activism to be a form of worship. They fight for liberal issues such as separation of church and state, and abortion rights. Of course, using the devil as a symbol offends the religious right, but TST members would argue that they are not offensive just for the sake of being offensive.

"Blasphemy with purpose." It means that one should not be contrary or offensive simply for the sake of being contrary or offensive; you should have a positive goal in mind that your blasphemy or rebellion makes a true impact towards achieving.

[Shannanigans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good knowledge for a beginner satanist or someone who wants to broaden their mind to other religions.
I learned I’m more satanic than I thought. I’m ok with that.

[Hales Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic insight into what TST represents, stands for and how they help the communities around them. Highly recommend for an actual look into what living compassionately and secularly means.

[La Carmina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's strong voice carries this work, which is a wonderful overview of Romantic Satanism and the modern Satanic philosophy and practices it inspired. She strikes a great balance between her personal story and educating the reader on the historical and cultural aspects of compassionate Satanism. Recommended for anyone intrigued by Satanism and Satanic history and culture.

[Ian Scheffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading a bit more insight on The Satanic Temple. I became a member a while back as a way to show support for their fight against the over reach of religions and since then have fallen more in love with the community.

[Alonzo Mars · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to The Satanic Temple.

[Alysanne Targaryen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a member, I'm finally starting to get into these studies, alongside my personal interest in other pagan things, especially druidism. With this and the millions of citations of books she has in this, it's a really good primer for everybody who is trying to learn in good faith rather than looking for excuses not to learn.

I can say this feels a hell of a lot more humanitarian than the Abrahamic dogma certain people insist are the only religions that matter/have been around. Don't let the people trying to kill critical thinking take your opportunity to read or watch stuff about so many interesting things in the world.

[Mcke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was actually pleasantly surprised.
I bought this expecting a this little "pamphlet" but its pretty hefty.

I discovered things I didn't know about TST before and it gave me a better insight and appreciation for the organization.

I'm proud to add it to my library.

I only gave 4 stars but honestly I can't think of a thing I would've added or subtracted to make it better.
So this may be adjusted to 5 stars in the future.

[Anne Lydolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic, comprehensive book that does a really wonderful job of describing just what modern non-theistic satanism is or can be. It goes to great lengths to show the religion from both the position of a chapter leader but also from regular everyday practitioners. It gives good advice and gently explains common misconceptions. A great read that I will be recommending to others.

[Briza Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! This is a good book for new Satanists or those who simply want more information. I appreciate the sources so that people know all that is said is indeed factual. Satanism to me is about being a genuine kind human unlike what Christianity/Catholicism teaches.

[Henrik Havighorst · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid introduction into The Satanist Temple. A refreshing read and many good ideas. I can see how this "religion" (it is nontheist and ratio-based) can appeal to many at the fringes of society, who had to deal with being an outcast. The seven tenants are sensible all in all.

Almost half of the book is about the author's or others' personal experience, which could not interest me less - then again, it might be inspiring to some.

To me, I don't see the point of a "religion" when you could just as well base your actions on rationality, justice and tolerance by itself. However, if it helps others feel connected to themselves or find a place within a caring community, I am all for it.

[Ashlie Lucas · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of an account of personal experience.

Half the book is interviews of different members and what TST means to them. The other reads like a podcast script about someone's life and introduction to TST. It does have it's good parts so don't let this review stop you from racing, learning, and coming to your own conclusion.

[Eligos Vespillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent primer and advice book for the practicing Satanist that makes no attempt to speak to a broader audience than the devilish choir it preaches to. This book won't change any minds of critics, but it has valuable insights from a long-time practicioner on the humanistic core of Temple Satanism.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very concise and easy to understand history of non-theistic Satanism and it's applications in everyday life

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so seen, hail satan

[B Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Satanism probably isn't what you think it is.

[John Siden · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an educational look into this topic. Well written.

[Ellie Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book will make a fantastic guide for those who are new to Satanism or simply curious about it

[Shaunna Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Well written and easy read. Informative and knowledgeable.

[Casey Soberanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! A fresh perspective on satanism without the pretensiousness of most writings

[Eriol Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview, history and some guidance for the new Satanists and those curious. I very much enjoyed the exploration around the seven tenants.

[Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some repetitive parts, but I found the sections on altar building, holidays, and especially the recommended reading very informative.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to modern Satanic practice by Lilith Starr. I enjoyed all of the interviews in the appendix as well.