The Center for Religion and Politics invites you to explore the sulfurous relationships between Satanism, political activism, and satire in the USA. This event, which features two lectures, is hosted by the Center and organized by Morten Tannåneset Bye
Zoom link: https://uio.zoom.us/j/61035883872?pwd=lIYzIixCe7D4tVbisKy3YNG3Ihqp24.1
15:00–16:00
Morten Tannåneset Bye (UiO):
Balancing Seriousness and Satire Exploring online Satanic discourse on abortion rights and The Satanic Temple’s political activism.
This paper examines how The Satanic Temple (TST) blends religious practice, political activism, and satire in advocating for abortion rights. Through qualitative analysis of online discussions among TST members, the paper explores the negotiation between seriousness and satire in their discourse. Furthermore, it draws on theoretical frameworks on humor in religion and serious parody, to analyze how satire intersects with religion and politics. Ultimately, the paper argues that humor allows for cathartic expression and the subversion of societal taboos without resorting to violence, demonstrating its power as a tool for political activism and community resilience within contemporary new religious movements.
16:15–18:00
Dr. Joseph P. Laycock (University of Texas, via Zoom)
The Satanic Temple and the Limits of Culture Jamming
The 1960s saw not only the public appearance of religious Satanism, but also a wide range of playful and absurdist strategies deployed by “the New Left.” Referred to as détournement or simply “culture jamming,” these tactics sought to effect social change by turning the symbolic order back on itself. While not affiliated with the political left, Anton LaVey engaged in culture jamming by presenting Satanism as respectable and patriotic. Members of The Satanic Temple took culture jamming to an unprecedented level by doing things like waterboarding women with milk or dressing as giant babies in order to protest restrictions on abortion access. These tactics were always controversial even within The Satanic Temple. This talk considers the assumptions surrounding Satanic cultural jamming and assesses the extent to which such tactics can remain effective in the United States with its current political situation and media landscape.