What Kind of Community Do We Want? | Lucien Greaves
The Satanic Temple co-founder addresses recent controversy.
In this episode of Sacred Tension, I’m joined by The Satanic Temple co-founder Lucien Greaves to discuss the recent controversy in our religious community. He was recently photographed with an alleged sexual harasser and transphobe, and we reflect on the kind of culture we want to see in The Satanic Temple and why Lucien has responded the way he has to this controversy.
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In early June 2023, Lucien Greaves took a photograph with David Silverman, a controversial figure in the online atheist space. Silverman posted the photo to Twitter and it was met with outrage both within and outside of the TST community. Lucien has received calls for clarifying statements, and even his resignation.
We discuss the principles motivating Lucien’s refusal to issue statements, and why he won’t publicly denounce Silverman. We address three main concerns about his leadership:
1. The photograph might signify a friendly relationship between Silverman and Lucien. If so, what does that say about our community?
2. The photograph itself wasn’t the problem, but Lucien’s response on Twitter came off as defensive and unhelpful.
3. Lucien has seemed conspicuously silent on trans issues, so when he is photographed with an alleged transphobe, the LGBT+ community is unsure of where he stands in regard to their rights.
This was a challenging conversation to record, and I’m posting it trusting in the goodwill of our religious community. Please note that this episode was originally recorded on the 16th of June and we don’t comment on some events that have taken place since then.
Lucien Greaves has also written an article addressing this situation, which you can read here.
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I find it interesting in a lot of the conversations on this and other issues that those insisting that the world isn't binary and intersectionality much be the norm are the same people who seem to be insisting on making it all Us or Them.
This was an extremely good conversation. I sincerely appreciate the openness in both your parts. It was something that really gives me some things to consider about this and how to approach any future issues with a more rational mindset.
I do feel a measure of guilt for letting outside sources influence how I first reacted. But I take this as a learning experience that I and many others can do better in the future. So..alas. Good episode and great thought provoking.