Temple of Set Question

[Torey]

Is the Temple of Set considered a theistic religion? Is Set venerated as an actual deity or is He considered to be merely symbolic?

[Nox_Mortus]

From what I gathered from thier materials they are mostly atheistic.

[HetHert]

Is the Temple of Set considered a theistic religion? Is Set venerated as an actual deity or is He considered to be merely symbolic?

The Temple of Set explains it pretty well.

http://www.xeper.org/pub/gil/xp_FS_gil.htm

It's long but it will help you graps what the ToS is striving to help an initiate attain.

http://www.xeper.org/pub/gil/xp_FS_gil.htm <-- about the belief in Set. (insightful)

Darth Brooks, a member here, has very good info about Setian beliefs as well.

[Torey]

Thanks, guys. I was just a little confused because I see that it's clearly a religion that venerates the psyche, but I also see things referring to Set in a seemingly external context:

"The design, care, and operation of the Temple are entrusted by Set to the Priesthood."

Anyway thanks for the clarification! :)

[David19]

Whereas the Church of Satan is Atheistic (at least, now it is), the Temple of Set is Theistic, with Set being seen as existing beyond humanity, and also has the goal of the individual Setian initiate achieving Godhood. Although views are subjective to each person, so I'm sure there may be some Setian's in the Temple of Set who more Atheistic and see Set as a symbol, a lot are also more Theistic-leaning. Hopefully, Darth Brooks will be back soon from his vacation.

BTW, I'm not sure if HetHert you're aware, but, you posted the same link twice, is this the 2nd article you were thinking of? Belief in Set by Don Webb (http://www.xeper.org/pub/lib/lib_belief.htm).

[Torey]

Whereas the Church of Satan is Atheistic (at least, now it is), the Temple of Set is Theistic...

Ahhhh okay - well that makes a lot more sense with some of the things I was reading about Set. Thanks. :)

[David19]

Ahhhh okay - well that makes a lot more sense with some of the things I was reading about Set. Thanks. :)

No problem, glad I could help :).

[Darth Brooks]

The Temple of Set has no strict position as to whether or not Set exists. Members of the first and second degrees are free to be atheists, if that is what seems most sensible to them. In that case, Set is usually seen as being a symbol, not unlike how Church of Satan members view Satan. Members of the third degrees and above - i.e., the priesthood - normally believe that Set is ontologically real. However, they usually describe Set as "the Principle of Isolate Intelligence," which is to say they view Him as being more like a Platonic Form than an actual God in the normal sense of the term. Either way, even members who do believe in Set do not worship Him; they worship themselves as their own gods, and they salute Set as their teacher or inspiration. This position is only held by Temple of Set members, however, not by all Setians everywhere. So really, the question as to whether or not the Temple of Set is "theistic" can be answered very differently by different members of the Temple. For further information, please contact them; they have always been very cordial in answering my own questions.

[Torey]

The Temple of Set has no strict position as to whether or not Set exists. Members of the first and second degrees are free to be atheists, if that is what seems most sensible to them. In that case, Set is usually seen as being a symbol, not unlike how Church of Satan members view Satan. Members of the third degrees and above - i.e., the priesthood - normally believe that Set is ontologically real. However, they usually describe Set as "the Principle of Isolate Intelligence," which is to say they view Him as being more like a Platonic Form than an actual God in the normal sense of the term. Either way, even members who do believe in Set do not worship Him; they worship themselves as their own gods, and they salute Set as their teacher or inspiration. This position is only held by Temple of Set members, however, not by all Setians everywhere. So really, the question as to whether or not the Temple of Set is "theistic" can be answered very differently by different members of the Temple. For further information, please contact them; they have always been very cordial in answering my own questions.

Thank you for explaining this :) I am much more clear now.

[Darth Brooks]

No problem, amigo. Happy to serve! :)