Speak of the Devil

How the Satanic Temple Is Changing the Way We Talk About Religion

By: Joseph P. Laycock

Narrated by: Thomas Allen

In 2013, when the state of Oklahoma erected a statue of the Ten Commandments on the grounds of the state capitol, a group calling themselves The Satanic Temple applied to erect a statue of Baphomet alongside the Judeo-Christian tablets. Since that time, The Satanic Temple has become a regular voice in national conversations about religious freedom, disestablishment, and government overreach.

In addition to petitioning for Baphomet to appear alongside another monument of the Ten Commandments in Arkansas, the group has launched campaigns to include Satanic "nativity scenes" on government property in Florida, Michigan, and Indiana, offer Satanic prayers at a high school football game in Seattle, and create "After School Satan" programs in elementary schools that host Christian extracurricular programs. Since their 2012 founding, The Satanic Temple has established nineteen chapters and now claims 100,000 supporters. Is this just a political group perpetuating a series of stunts? Or is it a sincere religious movement?

Speak of the Devil is the first book-length study of The Satanic Temple. Joseph Laycock, a scholar of new religious movements, contends that the emergence of "political Satanism" marks a significant moment in American religious history that will have a lasting impact on how Americans frame debates about religious freedom.

©2020 Oxford University Press (P)2020 Tantor

Everything 'Hail Satan?' didn't talk about xo

This was fantastic and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in TST! It should be required reading material.

Honest and informative.

I enjoyed hearing about the history and struggle of TST. From its early stumbles, the trials of the schism, growth and through to its ongoing efforts to define itself. My greatest sadness is that the people that really need to know what is discussed herein, never will.

finding the core

Enjoyed the history of the TST, the difference between factions, beliefs, and desired tactics. An organization that isn’t as tolerated, as it is demonized and shut out. Making mostly, the point they have in the first place, “hypocrisy of privileged majorities, and the refusal to surrender to minority equal rights and opportunities.” Still comical in ways in which its members have acted in the past, and where they see themselves as a critical power check and balances.

great information about TST

loved hearing the narrative of how TST got to where it is today. very informative and we'll read.

Extremely well written and intelligent

Aside from his serious love of anagrams, the author has conducted a fairly complete and philosophically sound set of arguments around the issues confronted by the group that would benefit anyone of any faith or, no faith at all. I happen to be a member of The Satanic Temple.

A much needed view point.

An honest depiction of religious freedom in the United States and an in-depth history of the Satanic Temple formed less than two decades ago.

Learned a lot!

Very informative! I learned things about TST I hadn't found in my previous research. Good narrator and the author is fair and unbiased

A Patriotic History

This is a patriotic look into the history of religion in America. It is well thought through and debates what is a religion, do we truly believe in freedom, and are we tolerant of minority religions. I learned about the TST and their history as well as about myself.

Engaging and informative

This book helped me understand the history, beliefs, and spirit of TST. As a Christian, who believes that others should not be oppressed by my faith, I found myself chuckling and cheering them on throughout the entire narrative. I appreciate the work that TST does to keep our society accountable to its stated principles of equality. While not a member of TST, I have donated to several of their campaigns, including the Sam Alito‘s mom‘s abortion clinic and the campaign to establish another TST abortion clinic. I find TST does good work in the community and that their lawsuits are generally aimed at holding our government and society accountable to the principles it says it holds dear. The book does an excellent job of detailing the history and recent experiences of TST.

learned a lot

very informative and enlightening about the whole organization. I have a firm grasp of the ideals, morals, message ( for the most part). enjoyed the narrator's voice as well.