Satanic Schisms

Abstract

This chapter analyzes controversies within The Satanic Temple that led to a series of schisms in the summer of 2018. The schisms reflected larger national issues that have divided progressive groups, including disagreements about how best to respond to dangers posed by the “alt-right” movement, disagreements about the nature and value of free speech, and different philosophies of how to advance social justice. The author suggests that religious schisms are a normal part of a religious movement’s development. In this case, the schisms were likely inevitable as The Satanic Temple lacks organizational features that sociologists have shown tend to discourage religious schisms.