My name is Jex Blackmore and I'm an activist, writer, and spokesperson for The Satanic Temple.
I live and work in Detroit, I studied archeology in college and have two cats. That's as much personal information as I can tell you, because many people find my work deeply offensive - so much so that death threats are a routine part of my life.
That's to be expected I suppose, challenging religious systems and established moral norms always come with a price. Here's my twitter account where I've posted verification. You can also read about some of my work on my website.
I'm a fan of Steemit and am happy to be here. I support organizations that work toward reimagining established systems and would like to see the decentralization of power in our social and monetary networks. Here, content is valued and democratized - it reveals something about who we are, where we set our limits, what we value and what we struggle with. I'm excited to learn from you and to contribute to a community that actively responds.
I've done a few things you may or may not have heard of. I organized the largest Satanic gathering in history to unveil The Satanic Temple's Baphomet monument, traveled around the country to reify the cultural concept of the witch through ritual performances titled The Sabbat Cycle(in support of the film The Witch), and wrote about my own abortion experience in a series called Unmother.
Photo by Chris Switzer
My work focuses on the relationship between moral religious rhetoric, sexuality and political policy -- topics that seem to have enduring relevance!
As part of this introduction I'd like to answer a few common questions in advance:
Do you worship Satan?
No. I am a non-theistic Satanist. I do not believe in a literal devil, nor do I worship anything or anyone. To embrace the name of Satan is to embrace rational inquiry removed from supernaturalism and archaic tradition-based superstitions.
Why call yourselves Satanists to begin with?
The term "Satanic" has been pejoratively applied to people who challenge established systems of power. Freethinking scholars, independent women, philosophers, scientists, outsiders, etc. have commonly been labeled "Satanists," or "under Satan's influence" by the church or theocratic powers in order to isolate them from society, and to disparage their ideas. If you consider yourself a godless, freethinking individual than you are already considered Satanic by those who attend your neighborhood church and by many who represent you in your government. Instead of allowing this term to control you - embrace it.
How do you differ from atheists?
Atheists are not Satanists, and Satanists are not Atheists. Satanism is deeply rooted within a rich historical and literary framework which spans thousands of years in cultures across the globe. We have a shared cultural history, aesthetic, ritual practice, and community minus the god element. We believe that religion can be divorced from superstition.
Do you aim to destroy all religion?
No. I think that everyone should be able to believe in whatever they want. However, in order to achieve this, and to preserve a fair and equal republic, a secular government must be established and our elected representatives must be willing to sacrifice their personal beliefs in order to represent a diverse constituency.
Many more of these questions are answered here.
You can also read my reddit AMA.
I promise that I'm not so serious all of the time. Here's a picture of my cats to prove it:
Thank you for having me, Steemit! I'm looking forward to this.