Online Ordination Program

Program overview and curriculum

Ordination is the act by which our church delegates a wide range of ministerial functions and responsibilities to qualified persons who have demonstrated a connection to our community and a deep and passionate understanding of the beliefs, values, and goals of The Satanic Temple. The purpose of this program is to allow candidates to demonstrate, in a consistent and rigorous way, that they have a deep understanding of our beliefs, history, and organization, and that they have a strong and positive connection to our community.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

If you would like to be ordained by The Satanic Temple, please read the Ordination Standards and the Ordination FAQ to make sure you understand the prerequisites and requirements for successfully completing the program. If you are new to this website, you may also want to look over the quick introduction page: What is Satanic Ministry?

If you are not interested in being ordained, or are not eligible at this time, you may register as a "Non-Ordination Student" to get access to the course material. Upon successful completion of the coursework and exam you will receive a digital certificate of completion. Non-Ordination Students who have successfully completed the coursework and later become eligible for ordination may have the option of becoming ordained by paying the difference in the registration fees. Please reach out to the Ordination Council for more information.

What should I choose?

Ordination Candidate ($149)

Requirements:

✓ must be a Satanist
✓ must be a member of TST
✓ follow the Code of Conduct
✓ U.S. citizen or resident
✓ criminal background check
✓ approval letter from leadership

Successful completion means:

✓ will be a Satanic Minister
✓ may create official TST rituals
✓ access to Minister Supplies Store
✓ access to the Ritual Archive
✓ access to exclusive activities
Non-Ordination Student ($99)

Requirements:

✓ must be a Satanist
✓ must be a member of TST
✓ follow the Code of Conduct
✗ no residency requirements
✗ no background check
✗ no approval letter needed

Successful completion means:

✗ will not be a Satanic minister
✗ may not create official TST rituals
✗ no access to the Minister Store
✗ no access to the Ritual Archive
✗ no access to other activities
✓ digital course completion certificate

* If you register either as an Ordination Candidate or a Non-Ordination Student and you do not complete the program, you are unable to meet the requirements, or it is discovered that you do not meet the prerequisites to qualify for the program, your access to the program will be revoked and your registration fee will not be refunded.

Quick Q&A

Here is a small selection of some common questions asked about the program. Please check out the Ordination Standards and our comprehensive Ordination FAQ for more details.

Are there any surprise (hidden) fees?
No. Ordained ministers will have the option of purchasing items from the Minister Supplies Store, but these purchases are not required.
How is the coursework administered?
It is an online course that you will access through this website. You will be guided through a set of lessons, each consisting of a set of lecture videos and a quiz. The final exam will also be administered online.
I absorb information slowly! Will I be able to rewatch the videos before the test?
Yes. You may rewatch the videos as many times as you like. You will also have the opportunity to retake the final exam up to three times.
I am bad at taking tests. Are there any options available without a test?
At this time there is no alternative curriculum available.
I have a disability that prevents me from using the online instructional material. What alternatives are available?
All of the video lectures have accompanying transcripts, and critical visual components have audio descriptions. Reading material, quizzes, and the exam should work with screen reader software. If you encounter any problems or have other accessibility-related questions please contact the Ordination Council and we will work with you ensure that you have access to the material.

Course curriculum

1

Lesson 1: What is Satanism?
- Abstract
- 1.1: Overview
- 1.2: Enlightenment
- 1.3: The Journey
- Lesson 1 Quiz
- Reflection 1
2

Lesson 2: Heretics, Outgroups, and Witch-Hunts
- Abstract
- 2.1: Early Religious Persecution
- 2.2: Hunting Witches
- 2.3: Modern Conspiracy Theory
- Lesson 2 Quiz
- Reflection 2
3

Lesson 3: Enlightenment, Science, and Democracy
- Abstract
- 3.1: The Scientific Revolution
- 3.2: Philosophy of Science
- 3.3: Democracy and Science
- Lesson 3 Quiz
- Reflection 3
4

Lesson 4: The Life of Satan
- Abstract
- 4.1: Mythological Satan
- 4.2: Literary Satan
- 4.3: Revolt of the Angels
- Lesson 4 Quiz
- Reflection 4
5

Lesson 6: Modern Satanism
- Abstract
- 6.1: Proto-Satanism
- 6.2: Classical Satanism
- 6.3: Contemporary Satanism
- Lesson 6 Quiz
- Reflection 6
6

Lesson 7: Culture War, Violence, and the Undoing
- Abstract
- 7.1: "Progress"
- 7.2: The Evangelical Movement
- 7.3: Culture War
- Lesson 7 Quiz
- Reflection 7
7

Lesson 8: The Satanic Panic
- Abstract
- 8.1: Overview
- 8.2: Case Studies
- 8.3: ISSTD and MPD
- Lesson 8 Quiz
- Reflection 8
8

Lesson 9: The Satanic Temple
- Abstract
- 9.1: Structure of TST
- 9.2: History of TST
- 9.3: Philosophy of TST
- Lesson 9 Quiz
- Reflection 9
9

Lesson 10: Satanic Ministry
- Lesson Abstract
- 10.1: The Roles of the Minister
- 10.2: Rituals and Ceremonies
- 10.3: Creating Communiy
- Lesson 10 Quiz
- Reflection 10
10

Final Exam
- How To Prepare
- Exam
11

Final Steps
- Letter of Approval
- Background Check
- Personal Reflection Essay

Ordination Candidate ($149)

Non-Ordination Student ($99)