I have read the "CoS Policy on Politics" on the official site.
So I do understand that Satanists can and do follow a wide-range of political beliefs, as well as degrees of political involvement/activity. I know the Church has no real official political opinions, other than it (it seems?) separation of church and state and freedom of religion.

But then I come across passages like this...
"Practical application of this doctrine would see the complete cessation of the welfare system, an end to no-strings attached foreign aid and new programs to award and encourage gifted individuals in all fields to pursue personal excellence."

From Peter H. Gilmore in "Satanism: The Feared Religion."

Now, from what I gather, even the political opinions of the High Priest don't constitute an official political position of the Church, right? That's part of what seperates CoS from other organized religions like Catholicism; there's a wide range of freedom in political opinion, so long as you follow the doctrine of Satanism in your life, obviously.

So then what do we make of quotes like that? I'm not going to say wheter or not I agree with Gilmore on the issue, but...does that mean that all Satanists are supposed to agree with him in wanting to abolish welfare? I know for a fact that many Satanists on here live in quite socialized countries such as Denmark, and even in the US we do have government social programs.
I don't want my political beliefs to come FROM Satanism, they come from my thoughts and experiences and what I pragmatically figure to be best for me, and then society. Of course then my ideas, as I think all of ours, are instrinsically linked to Satanism what with us being Satanists...

Sorry for being long winded, but basically, the question: when High Priest Gilmore says stuff like this, does that make it CoS policy?
I would say no, but then...hm...it seems like he means it to be.

There is no official CoS political stance. On anything.

However, it is also a true observation that Satanic principles lead to certain conclusions (and exclusions) that cannot be logically avoided.

Thank you for the clarification.

Yes, but thinking pragmatically, I could also see how a Satanist could support social programs such as national health care.
Though much of the religion is about the power of individuals achieving things by their own sweat, blood, and brains, and punishing those who will consistently free-ride off others, one could be willing to, for example, pay 10% or so out of their paycheck each month in exchange for a guarantee of some degree of unemployment aid until they find new work. Even very strong and intelligent individuals can fall victim to downsizing and layoffs, or simply make mistakes.
I dont want to delve into political debate on specifics of capitalism/socialism and all that, but my point is that in general principle, it is possible for a Satanist to support some degree of socialization/welfare/whatever-you-call-it in order to help themselves should THEY themselves screw up once in a while.
And some Satanists very well may disagree and go the route of pure competition capitalism, I'm not denying that either.

Is that basically correct? Again don't want debate in politics, but...yeah.

>> does that mean that all Satanists are supposed to agree with him in wanting to abolish welfare? <<


The answer to that is no.

I am not going to be any more specific than this - as I said, we're politically neutral.

Only that while we do not give specific examples, a political doctrine that is in direct contradiction to Satanic thought would be...highly suspect.

Ok thank you both.

Ah, and ok on "direct contradiction," I would think for example racism, or ideas in general that result in a leveling of abilities.
But politically neutral ok thanx

I like to look like it like this:

What is in MY best interests?

What creates the most value?

What is my return on investment?

Etc.

It is true that there are some systems or approaches that in and of themselves may be "unsatanic" in nature....but then...those may be useful.

Rather like the fact that I am not a supporter of the Catholic church but if I can make a whole slew of money selling them Communion wafers and Saint Christopher trinkets...

Look at my hand.....don't watch what the other hand is doing...

Sometimes politics is not always what it seems to be or appears.

Pay very close attention and you might see things you missed because you were distracted by the carefully crafted propaganda you were presented with.

Josephine; I like that.

Good way of looking at politics and the use of appearances for advancing through life in general.

Exactly.

What's in it for me?

How Satanic is that? *said in her most swarmy and annoying Barefoot Contessa voice*