He’s an Atheist. A Satanist. And He Wants Your Vote

[rug]

Steve Hill might be the first political candidate of his kind



Josh Sanburn
May 12, 2016

Steve Hill in many ways is a typical candidate running for elected office in California. He’s a former U.S. Marine looking to reform public schools, reduce the state’s mass incarceration rates, and create jobs. But a couple things are holding him back: He’s an avowed atheist and Satanic Temple organizer.

Hill is a Democrat running for the state Senate in California’s 21st district, and probably the only candidate in the country who embraces both atheism and the tenets of modern-day Satanism. But Hill, who ran unsuccessfully as a write-in candidate last year during a special election, said this year he’s getting shunned by the Democratic establishment largely because of views the party believes are too extreme.

“I’m a Satanist as far as trying to get people to understand that I don’t believe in the devil any more than I believe in God,” Hill said in an interview. “All of it is stupid. But if I have to tell people I’m the devil to get them to listen, then, OK, I’m the devil.”

Hill, who also works as a stand-up comedian in Los Angeles, is currently helping organize an L.A. chapter for the Satanic Temple, a nationwide Satanic activist organization. Hill said he identifies with the temple’s mission, which he described as a “humanist approach that raises levels of consciousness.”

http://time.com/4328169/satanic-temple-steve-hill-california-state-senate-race/

[DetlefK]

1. Isn't there a better term than Satanist?

Most people don't know enough about the Bible to know what's up with Satan and Lucifer. They hear "Satan" and think "devil".

As Satan's role was to second-guess God, wouldn't "skepticist" be better? It has less ring to it and is less offensive, but it's more accurate.

[rug]

2. It's a silly, provocative term that was hip when Bush was in the White House.

He also calls himself a Pastafarian.