Political Persuasions
What political leaning does a devout Satanist tend toward?
This is a reasonable question with no straightforward answer. To be sure, religion has no place in politics, but Satanists are often very actively involved in political issues they care about. Devout Satanists may align themselves with a single political party, with many (sometimes conflicting) political ideologies, or with no political affiliation at all. The choice entirely depends on the Satanist. Whatever political tendency any one Satanist might have, you can bet it squares quite evenly with their own interests. Of course, who in their right mind would buy wholeheartedly into any platform which doesn't fully represent their own interests? Oh yes, most members of the herd. That's who.
The Satanist holds him-(or her)-self in the highest esteem—above that of all others. This stance, though appearing egotistical, is actually enlightened egoism. Astute Satanists understand that self-interest which inadvertently contributes to the detriment of others may eventually miscarry to the detriment of the Satanist as well. Accepting this, a devout Satanist may align himself with a political ideology that seeks to grant him as many freedoms as possible, while granting others the same as well. Such political positons are often incongruent with the stated platforms of mainstream parties and so, the Satanist may find himself at odds with the likes of conservatives, liberals, and others.
If we look at United States political parties in the most simple terms, we can say that Democrats are both socially and fiscally liberal. That is, the party tends to believe that a society owes it to individuals to allow freedom from behavioral edicts handed down by government and to provide for the general good by ensuring commonwealth is spread evenly amongst the masses. While this may seem a noble goal, it is inherently selfish and it commands party adherents to feel guilty for what they have achieved and urges them (through social shaming) to share more and provide for those with lesser fortunes. In their view, the government is responsible for ensuring equal opportunity.
Continuing with our most simple of terms, Republicans are easily viewed as both socially and fiscally conservative. That is, the party tends to believe that individuals are free to function as they like and amass wealth and power, provided it is achieved within a social construct derived from an agreed upon set of morals and rules of conduct. Those who achieve the greatest power have the largest say in the matter of the morals and rules, and those that have not must be bound by them whether beneficial or not. In their view, the government is responsible for establishing the playing field.
Once again, through the filter of our most simple terms, we may see Libertarians as socially liberal but fiscally conservative. In their view, it is up to an individual to determine their own level of succes. Individuals are free to amass wealth and power, and should have no expectation of government intervention (neither for benefit or detriment) in these pursuits. As well, there shall be no dictated set of mores or conventions of conduct and certainly no government enforcement of such shall ever be allowed. In their view, individual's freedoms are to be upheld at all costs and government is only present (if present at all) to facilitate the interactions between individuals.
Now, as mentioned in each example, these are only the most rudimentary descriptions of mainstream US political philosophies, and the true platforms of each are significantly more nuanced than the depths of these descriptions allow. Adding to the complexity are schisms and sects within each party that possess their own, subtly different and further nuanced, interpretations of the party platforms. This fact matters not in the discussion at hand though. It matters only that each of these parties maintain their own political agenda and individual Satanists are caught somewhere in between. But... Are the Satanists caught? Mayhap not.
When it comes to politics, the devout Satanist, (unlike most theists) is free to pick and choose. If establishing equal opportunity serves the interest of the Satanist, then he may claim affiliation with the Democratic party. If the Satanist is hell bent on establishing a playing field of a particular ilk, his allegiance may be to the Republican party. If a Satanist chooses personal freedom above all, then Libertarian he may be. These are not constraints however. For, as stated, the Satanist is free to cherry-pick if and when it best serves him. If a Satanist is ardently opposed to gun control he might side with Republicans or Libertarians on that issue. If he is also in support of a strong social welfare system, he may side with the Democrats there. If he is opposed to any form of taxation, he may eschew all of the parties or stick only to Libertarianism. The point being: a Satanist, truly understanding of his own interests, is not bound by party doctrine. He is bound by personal ideology and adherence to what serves him, regardless of political party dogma.
What political leaning does a devout Satanist tend toward?
As stated in the introduction of this essay, there is no straight forward answer to the question. Indeed there is an answer however, and it is as complicated as the Satanist who gives it. Satanists are politicians of the self and the interest of self may be an amalgam of myriad political theories, or no discernible political theory at all. A Satanist does not blindly put all his eggs in the basket of one party. He picks and chooses which basket will return him the most eggs and only apportions enough to elicit a profit... ...a substantial, self-interested profit!
