Sympathy for the devil
Religious tolerance is the bedrock of a free and just society, and it must extend to all beliefs—even those that make us uncomfortable, like Satanism. If we are truly committed to religious freedom, we must remember that it’s not only for the beliefs we agree with but also for those we might find unsettling. In this case, we must "give the devil his due"—extend the same rights to Satanists that we afford every other faith.
The principle of religious freedom is about defending the rights of the minority, the unpopular, and the misunderstood. Avowed Satanists are often demonized—pun intended—but, as the saying goes, we should have a little "sympathy for the devil." Many modern Satanists are not what people imagine. They champion individualism, personal responsibility, and the separation of church and state. They don't seek harm; they seek freedom, just like the rest of us. To deny them their due is to deny the very freedoms we hold dear.
And let’s be clear: if we start picking and choosing which beliefs deserve tolerance, we erode the foundations of liberty. Today it may be Satanists; tomorrow, it could be any minority faith. So, let’s not be afraid to give the devil his due. Tolerance isn’t about agreement—it's about upholding the principles of justice, equality, and freedom for all, no matter how different their path may be from ours.