The Rise of the Temple of Satan in Chile: A Challenge to Traditional Beliefs

[Social Media]

 

In the heart of Santiago, Chile's bustling capital, a small yet growing group of individuals has begun to challenge the longstanding dominance of Catholicism in the country's spiritual landscape. On a typical Friday night, a diverse group of 15 members of the Temple of Satan gathers in a downtown apartment, their gathering marked by the scent of incense, tobacco, and the glow of black candles flickering atop an altar adorned with symbolic chalices and knives. They are preparing for a ritual, one that does not invoke the worship of Satan as commonly imagined, but instead represents a rebellion against religious dogma and societal expectations.

 

 

Five years after the Satanic Temple in the United States made headlines by securing legal recognition as a church, a similar movement is gaining momentum in Chile. Despite the country's deeply Catholic roots—about half of its 18 million citizens identify as Catholics—the Temple of Satan in Chile is pushing for government recognition as a legitimate religious entity. The request for official status comes amid a broader cultural shift in Chile, where many have lost faith in the Catholic Church, partly in the wake of ongoing sexual abuse scandals that have rocked the institution.

 

 

Luis Bahamondes, a professor at the University of Chile's Center for Judaic Studies, explains that Chile's religious landscape is undergoing significant change. "These types of organizations now feel they have greater support to challenge what was virtually impossible before," he says. He notes that the Catholic Church, which historically held considerable influence over the nation’s politics, economics, and social norms, has lost much of its power and credibility. 

 

The Temple of Satan in Chile, while invoking the name of Satan, is not what one might expect from popular media portrayals of Satanism. The group, which has around 100 members, does not engage in ritualistic sacrifice or the worship of an evil deity. Instead, its members—who include professionals such as lawyers, psychologists, police officers, and firefighters—embrace Satanism as a philosophy of individualism, rationality, and personal freedom. They view the figure of Satan not as a supernatural being but as a symbol of defiance against oppressive traditions and authority.

 

"You are the owner of your present and future, there is no God that makes decisions for you," says Haborym, a spokesperson for the Temple, as he walks through the General Cemetery of Santiago. The group’s rituals are designed to evoke emotions and foster a connection to the present moment, leaving aside intellectual constraints. Haborym emphasizes that Satan is not a figure they worship but one they use symbolically to represent human autonomy and freedom of thought.

 

Despite its controversial name, the Temple of Satan in Chile is committed to principles that oppose many of the darker, more sensationalized aspects of Satanism depicted in films like *Rosemary’s Baby* or shows like *True Detective*. Modern Satanists, including those in Chile, are staunchly against animal cruelty and violence, particularly in the name of Satan. "We don’t want people killing in the name of Satan," Haborym asserts firmly.

 

The process of becoming a member of the Temple of Satan in Chile is rigorous and includes background checks, interviews, and psychological evaluations to ensure applicants are aligned with the group’s values. Those accepted into the Temple are given the option to adopt a new name—often that of a demon or fallen angel—under which they will be known among fellow members.

 

While the Chilean government has yet to decide whether it will officially recognize the Temple of Satan as a religious organization, the mere existence of the group has already sparked a broader conversation about faith, morality, and the role of religion in a rapidly changing society. The push for recognition reflects the core values of Satanic philosophy: a challenge to the status quo, a rejection of outdated traditions, and a call for greater freedom of thought and expression.

 

"We comply with everything that is requested of us as a religious entity," says Haborym. "So there would be no reason to reject us beyond the fact that we’re a controversial figure." Whether or not the Temple of Satan in Chile receives legal recognition, its presence has undeniably opened a space for dialogue about the future of religion in a country where the traditional dominance of Catholicism is slowly, but surely, being questioned.

 

Based on a report by ABC News 2024-11-11

 

 

 

[Srikcir]

Freedom of religion.

Albeit, just another form of a cult just as all religions tend to be. 

[Geoffggi]

Yet another way to control the people

[LukKrueng]

2 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Freedom of religion.

Albeit, just another form of a cult just as all religions tend to be. 

Actually a smart move. Religious people are grouped under their faith and have leaders that have power and influence and can move things. Most rulers over the centuries have used "the power of God" to rule their countries and people. Secular people are just individuals that don't belong to any such power group and have very little influence. Maybe the use of Satan is a bit of an over reach but it groups those individual under something most people in the world understand.

[john donson]

all religion is poison... control, power, money... nothing more, nothing less

 

sheeple available everywhere

[Walker88]

Not sure what Chileans will think of some of their fellows giving praise to Satan, but I do get a kick out of those who embrace superstition in the US. For example, Satan is pure evil, but the old bearded guy who causes tsunamis, earthquakes, childhood cancer, etc., has a "Master Plan" or just "works in mysterious ways". Satan makes you cheat on your spouse or lie to your boss, which is nothing compared to the 2004 tsunami. Plus, neither the old man nor his kid ever had a bad word to say about humans owning other humans. Slavery was/is a real thing; casting spells is delusion.

 

If I was to embrace a superstition, I would select someone who is honest, and doesn't try to hoodwink followers with nonsense about Master Plans.

 

Also, if everybody's deity is omnipotent, why the hell hasn't it wiped out this Satan guy in 13.8 billion years. I think "omnipotent" has to come with an asterisk.

 

It is quite fair and equitable, as the article noted, that some Satanic church was given legal status in the US. If "prosperity Gospel" con men can get tax exempt status, it's only fitting that religions that preach casting spells or group sex should be given the same privilege. Frankly, none should have any sort of tax exemption, unless they can provide conclusive proof that their vision of reality is 100% accurate. Absent that, tax them as one would a bar or luxury car maker.

[RuamRudy]

1 hour ago, Walker88 said:

Not sure what Chileans will think of some of their fellows giving praise to Satan,

 

Not sure that you read the article:

 

7 hours ago, Social Media said:

The Temple of Satan in Chile, while invoking the name of Satan, is not what one might expect from popular media portrayals of Satanism. The group, which has around 100 members, does not engage in ritualistic sacrifice or the worship of an evil deity. Instead, its members—who include professionals such as lawyers, psychologists, police officers, and firefighters—embrace Satanism as a philosophy of individualism, rationality, and personal freedom. They view the figure of Satan not as a supernatural being but as a symbol of defiance against oppressive traditions and authority.

 

[brfsa2]

This is good news.

I am one of those that deeply hate the church and everything related to it.

The biggest scam of all times is religion, it's all a farce to control people.

I was forced when child to go to the Mass every week, standing, kneeing, and all that bull$h1t related to it, didnt make me any better person than real life experiences.

What's interesting is that many things in bible have actually happened, only that 99% of it got distorted and changed to a difference narrative, the Jesus narrative.

 

One of the best books I can recommend: Magicians of the Gods: The Forgotten Wisdom of Earth's Lost Civilisation by Graham Hancock

 

 

[BusyB]

Satan is the only consistently honest character in the 'Bible'. Jesus said some cool things but that's about it - the rest of the story is also a complete lie. Sorry, myth.

 

[candide]

The temple of Satan!

The French would say: "Satan l'habite"! 😃