Chile, a predominantly Catholic country, is currently grappling with a crisis of faith. Over the past few decades, the Catholic Church has faced scandals involving sexual abuse by clergy members, causing a significant erosion of trust among the population. With over half of Chile’s 18 million citizens identifying as Catholic, the church has long been a dominant force in public and political life. However, as public disillusionment with Catholicism grows, there is an increasing openness to alternative belief systems. This shift has paved the way for the emergence of organizations like the Temple of Satan, which are now pushing for legal recognition as religious entities.
The Temple of Satan: A Symbolic Rebellion Against Dogma
Founded in 2021, the Temple of Satan in Chile is part of a broader trend of modern Satanism that emerged following the founding of the Church of Satan in the United States in 1966 by Anton Szandor LaVey. Despite their controversial name, members of the Chilean group do not engage in devil worship or sacrifice. Instead, they embrace the figure of Satan as a symbol of rebellion against oppressive societal norms and religious dogmas. Members of the Temple, which has grown to 100 individuals, include professionals such as publicists, firefighters, police officers, lawyers, and psychologists. These individuals have found a sense of freedom within the group, rejecting traditional moral constraints in favor of individual autonomy and rationality.
Modern Satanism: A Philosophy of Self-empowerment and Reason
The philosophy of the Temple of Satan in Chile is rooted in the celebration of humanism and rationality rather than supernatural beliefs. Satan, in this context, is not a literal deity but a symbolic figure representing personal empowerment and the rejection of external authority. Members of the group believe that individuals are the masters of their own lives, free from the dictates of a higher power. Rituals within the Temple are intended to help participants connect with their emotions and break free from intellectual constraints, allowing them to experience personal liberation.
“Our present and future belong to us. There is no God making decisions for us,” said Haborym, a spokesperson for the Temple of Satan in Chile. The group’s rituals are designed to help members embrace their humanity, explore their desires, and defy the moralizing influences of traditional religions. These practices serve as a form of catharsis, encouraging members to leave their intellect behind and embrace the emotional and symbolic aspects of life.
The Growing Popularity of Satanism in Chile
The Temple of Satan in Chile has gained significant attention, particularly after it formally requested legal recognition from the Chilean Ministry of Justice in July. The request has sparked a media frenzy and ignited a national debate about religious freedom and the place of Satanism in a traditionally Catholic society. Despite the controversy surrounding the group, the number of individuals interested in joining has surged. Over 400 people applied to join the Temple in the weeks following the recognition request. This growing interest reflects a larger societal shift away from the dominance of the Catholic Church and a desire for more personalized, less dogmatic belief systems.
Applicants to join the Temple of Satan must undergo a rigorous screening process, including filling out a detailed application form, proving they have no criminal record, participating in interviews with the group’s leadership, and undergoing psychological evaluation. Once accepted, members are given the opportunity to adopt new names, typically those of demons or fallen angels, which are used within the Temple to signify their spiritual identity.
Modern Satanism and Its Distinction from Hollywood Stereotypes
Contrary to the portrayal of Satanism in Hollywood films and TV shows, where Satanists are often depicted as practitioners of evil and violence, the Temple of Satan in Chile advocates for ethical behavior and the rejection of harm. The group explicitly condemns animal abuse, criminal behavior, and any form of violence, including killing in the name of Satan. They emphasize that Satanism, in their view, is about embracing pleasure as a positive force in life rather than a sinful indulgence. They view their beliefs as a form of empowerment, not as an excuse for harmful actions.
“Our philosophy is simple,” Haborym explained. “We don’t want people killing in the name of Satan. We don’t want violence or harm.” The Temple’s members advocate for personal responsibility, ethical living, and the pursuit of pleasure in ways that harm no one. This rejection of violence and harm sets them apart from the more sensationalized portrayals of Satanism in popular culture.
Religious Freedom and Legal Recognition in Chile
The Temple of Satan’s request for legal recognition as a religious association has raised significant concerns among Chile’s established religious communities. Leaders from various religious groups, including the Catholic, Anglican, Jewish, and Evangelical denominations, issued a joint statement expressing their opposition to the group’s recognition. They argue that Satanism is inherently dangerous and historically linked to tragic events. Despite this, the group’s members remain steadfast in their pursuit of legitimacy, framing their demand for recognition as a fundamental expression of religious freedom and the rejection of societal and religious norms.
The Temple of Satan’s push for recognition is part of a broader trend of growing secularism in Chile. As more individuals turn away from traditional religions, alternative spiritual movements, including Satanism, have gained traction. This shift reflects a broader global movement away from dogmatic belief systems and toward more individualized and flexible approaches to spirituality. According to Néstor da Costa, an expert in secularism and religion, this trend may be driven by a desire for more personal autonomy and freedom from the strictures of organized religion.
A New Chapter in Chile’s Religious Landscape
Whether or not the Chilean government grants legal recognition to the Temple of Satan remains uncertain. However, the mere existence of the group has already sparked a nationwide conversation about religious pluralism and the limits of state power in matters of belief. In a country where Catholicism has long been intertwined with national identity and politics, the emergence of organizations like the Temple of Satan represents a challenge to the status quo and a break from centuries of religious tradition.
The Temple’s very existence is a statement of rebellion against Chile’s deeply rooted religious norms. As the group continues to grow in size and influence, it may signal the beginning of a new era in which alternative belief systems gain greater visibility and legitimacy in the public sphere. For the members of the Temple of Satan, demanding recognition is not just about gaining legal status; it is about affirming their right to exist as a legitimate religious entity in a society that has long been dominated by the Catholic Church. According to Haborym, “There would be no reason to reject us beyond the fact that we comply with everything that is requested of us as a religious entity.”
