Active conversion and what is commonly referred to as evangelism has always been somewhat of a mystery to me, at least as far as Satanism is concerned. I get why Christians and other religions do it, “spreading the good word” is a compulsory act in many of them. But Satanism is supposed to be about a person’s own individual relationship with Satan and the Demons, and how that relationship can best be utilized for personal growth and discovery. What others believe and do should be of little importance, as they have nothing to do with that relationship. There are no mediators in Satanism.
Religion and spirituality should be an intensely personal experience. I believe this to be especially true when it comes to Satanism. There used to be an expression used quite often that went “Those who are meant to be with Satan, will find him in their own time.” Speaking strictly from my own personal experience, I find this to be uncannily true. When I was a child, being raised as a baptist, I would have never guessed I would end up as a Satanist. And even when I initially left the church, I would have considered myself more likely to return to Christianity, than to go in the opposite direction entirely. But as years passed, and people came in and out of my life, events transpired around me, seemingly almost entirely out of my control. And over the course of years, connections were made and relationships I formed led me down a winding path towards Satan. Now, I am completely convinced that I was truly meant to be with Satan. But I am also conscious of the fact that my path towards Satan, the experiences and relationships that led me to Him, have taught me a great deal and helped shape my current perspective and outlook. I would not be the same Satanist today, if I had not found Satan, essentially, on my own.
So with that being said, I couldn’t care less what someone else believes. It is of no concern to me. I am a Satanist because it challenges me to be better every single day. It leads me down a path towards what I have found to be divine. And when I start getting depressed, or down on myself for not accomplishing enough, I remember that my path has already been set before me. So while I may not like where I am, I was meant to be there, at least for a time, on my way to the end of the road. I don’t think someone who has had Satanism rammed down their throat, and then been converted, would have this same kind of personal connection to their faith, especially when times get hard. This is a major reason why I don’t believe in active conversion or evangelism. If someone is meant to become a Satanist, they will, in their own time and on their own path. And they will be better for it.
So as long as I am left alone, and to my own devices, I am happy enough to do the same for everyone else. But when people start spreading misinformation or wish to perpetuate a blatantly false stereotype, I feel compelled to speak. And I believe this to be a major part of my life’s calling. But education is vastly different than evangelism, and I do my best to keep my writing and blogging in the realm of the former, rather than the latter. People need to be shown the truth about Satanism, without conversion or influence being a part of it. Any truth or knowledge shared is almost instantly dismissed if an ulterior motive is detected. But truth, undiluted and presented without prejudice, speaks for itself. And regardless of presentation, convincing a person to change preconceived opinions on a subject in one conversation is a futile en-devour. But if the world can be consistently shown an alternative to what is commonly held to be true, with enough time, minds might be changed. And when a person can proudly declare their Satanic beliefs without fear of prejudice, my work will be done. Instead of spending time and energy trying to convert others, I believe Satanists should be focusing on themselves, and living their lives by the ideals and principles they evangelize. Instead of looking at the label of Satanism and then making judgements about Satanists, we need to be convincing people to look at Satanists themselves, and allow what they see to influence their judgements about Satanism. But if we succeed in doing so, we better make damn sure Satanists are worthy of the attention, which is what I think we should all be concerning ourselves with.
“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.” – Thomas Paine (Common Sense)