Church of Satan vs Satanic Temple vs The High Satanic Church

Three organisations share variations of 'satanic' in their names, but they represent fundamentally different approaches. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone seeking the right spiritual home.

The Church of Satan (1966)

Founded by Anton LaVey in San Francisco, the Church of Satan is an atheistic organisation. Key characteristics:

Does not believe Satan exists — Satan is a symbol of individualism
Philosophy based on Ayn Rand's objectivism and carnal indulgence
No actual worship or spiritual practice
Focus on self-empowerment and rejection of herd mentality
Author of 'The Satanic Bible' (1969)

The Satanic Temple (2012)

Founded as a political activist organisation, The Satanic Temple is also atheistic. Key characteristics:

Does not believe Satan exists — uses satanic imagery for activism
Focus on church-state separation and religious freedom campaigns
Known for Baphomet statue controversies and 'After School Satan' clubs
Seven Tenets based on secular humanist values
No actual worship or spiritual practice

The High Satanic Church (2025)

The High Satanic Church is fundamentally different — we are theistic. Key characteristics:

Worships Satan as a real, living deity — genuine spiritual practice
Focus on sincere devotion, prayer, ritual, and communion with Satan
Emphasis on the acausal, numinous experience, and spiritual development
Online global community open to sincere seekers
Sacred texts and progressive roles based on spiritual commitment

Which Should You Choose?

If you seek philosophical individualism without spiritual practice → Church of Satan

If you seek political activism using satanic imagery → The Satanic Temple

If you seek genuine worship of Satan as a real deity → The High Satanic Church

We exist for those who recognise Satan as more than a symbol. If you feel called to genuine devotion, you have found your congregation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Church of Satan the same as The Satanic Temple?

No. Both are atheistic, but they have different philosophies and histories. The Church of Satan (1966) focuses on individualism; The Satanic Temple (2012) focuses on political activism.

Which satanic organisation actually worships Satan?

Only The High Satanic Church practices genuine worship of Satan as a real deity. The Church of Satan and Satanic Temple are both atheistic — they do not believe Satan exists.

Is The High Satanic Church affiliated with the Church of Satan?

No. We are completely independent and fundamentally different. The Church of Satan is atheistic; we are theistic. They use Satan as a symbol; we worship Him as a real deity.

Why do so many people confuse these organisations?

Media coverage and the shared use of 'satanic' imagery creates confusion. The fundamental question is simple: Does the organisation believe Satan is real? The Church of Satan and Satanic Temple say no. The High Satanic Church says yes.