Speak of the Devil

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

By: Joseph P. Laycock

Narrated by: Thomas Allen

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great narration, interesting topic

After a trip to the Satanic Temple in Salem, I purchased this audiobook to learn more. I now have a better understanding of TST’s brand of Satanism, how it differs from the Church of Satan, and why the work of TST is so important. I highly recommend this book.

Answered my questions and dispelled myths

The book answered most of the questions I had about satanism, such as: What does Satan mean to them? How is it a religion? What do they stand for? Are they "just trolls"? It also dispells many myths that people have about it.
It also explained how popular religions, such as Christianity, use minority religions and groups as scapegoat punching bags to justify their abuse of power and privilege. Everything you know about Satanists are false assumptions and demonizations Christians have slandered to opress those they don't like. Through documentation of a series of shocking and depressing events, it showcases how shockingly hypocritical and evil Christians can be and how they would rather threaten violence and hurt people in need instead of allow minority religions the same religious privileges they enjoy and abuse.
I'm glad I read it and encourage others to give it a try to better understand how minority religions are misunderstood and opressed.