While Satanists descended upon Boston, Massachusetts, for their “SatanCon 2023” event, also known as the “largest Satanic gathering in history,” one moment quickly spread throughout social media. Fox News reported that two leaders opened the event by ripping apart a Bible and tearing up a “Thin Blue Line” flag commemorating police officers.

One participant said the acts were done to push back against oppression. She reportedly told a cheering crowd, “We stand here today in defiance of their siege and destroy their symbols of oppression.” Some shouted “Hail Satan” as she tore the Bible apart. The woman later confirmed the effort was aimed at “trying to destroy the symbols of the things that cause harm, that oppress” and decried attempts at “theocratic rule.”

She also spoke about the “Supreme Court using [its] powers to decimate rights.” “SatanCon 2023” celebrated the 10^th anniversary of The Satanic Temple, a Satanist group that is essentially atheistic, rejecting Luci’er’s existence. Some faith leaders called for peaceful prayer over boisterous pushback, but the event attracted protestors. The Archdiocese of Boston was among those calling for protestors not to show up in opposition, warning that doing so would bring more attention to the event.

However, hundreds of protestors still showed up to the event with signs, hoping to make proclamations about SatanCon 2023. Placards carried messages like “Satan has NO rights!” and “Hellfire awaits.” The Patriot Front, a group described by the Boston Herald as a “white nationalist group,” reportedly protested with others.

CBN’s Faithwire previously reported that Satanists continue to make headlines, yet their beliefs can sometimes puzzle the public. The Satanic Temple’s website has images that one might associate with Satanism, but upon researching the group’s core tenets, it’s apparent that supporters are typically atheists.

The question “Do you worship Satan?” is presented in the organization’s FAQ section. The organization responded, saying, “No, nor do we believe in the existence of Satan or the supernatural. The Satanic Temple believes religion can and should, be divorced from superstition. As such, we do not promote a belief in a personal Satan. To embrace the name Satan is to embrace rational inquiry removed from supernaturalism and archaic tradition-based superstitions. Satanists should actively work to hone critical thinking and exercise reasonable agnosticism in all things. Our beliefs must be malleable to the best current scientific understandings of the material world — never the reverse.”

The Satanic Temple doesn’t believe in Satan as a real-life being, but the Bible confirms his role and existence in our world. The organization goes on to say it considers “undue suffering is bad” and sees “blasphemy” as a “legitimate expression of personal independence from counter-productive traditional norms,” among other core views.