The Satanic Safety Net

Recently, the Sect of the Horned God accepted the membership application of a gentleman:  university educated, professional career, family man, etc. He was exceptionally remarkable in how he perceived and lived the LHP and his list of philosophical influences, and explanation on how each impacted his life, was impressive in length and variation. The only hint of a dark cloud on the horizon was his birth and residence in an Islamic country. In this, my concern was ‘for’ him, and the possible negative ramifications that may arise.  Regardless, his own enthusiasm was unbridled and he sent the personal information needed, such as a mailing address, full name, etc, to process the membership.

It was with very little surprise, though, to receive an email from him a few days later with a subject line that read “Cancel Membership!” The letter content explained that he had taken a phone call from an unrecognized number and to his “horror” (his words) was informed that “they” were aware of his involvement in the Sect of the Horned God. To make a long story short, the Intelligence Agency of his country demanded the cessation of any affiliation with the Sect. Regretfully, and from justifiable fear, he felt he had to comply.

I was saddened to read the letter, but it was soon replaced by a cold anger in that this man faces a “real world” danger that encompasses not only his family and job, but his very life. He cannot fall back on “Rights”, “Privilege”, “The Constitution”, or “Freedom of Speech”.  While he is not the first member of the Sect to reside in an Islamic nation and to have encountered “resistance” because of membership, he has been the first to give it up for that reason.  I can’t blame him for the retraction, nor the others for maintaining membership under the radar.

What the above situation brought to mind initially was an observation on how the word “Adversary” within a Left-Hand Path model in Western Culture seems to be morphing into a pabulum–like slop by many who insist on touting their “Adversarialism” while protected under the safest of conditions and circumstances. Rather than dignifying the actions of it in an arena where there is a real threat to person-hood, it is degenerating into a lesser form that assumes entitlement and respect amid pathetic bravado; A battle front waged in little more than the mire of an abandoned (and often internet) sand-box. To be honest, it reminds me of a LHP version of the Westboro Baptist Church.

Am I adversarial? Of course, but the situation has to be worth the conflict and is one that sits on many personal, community and national platforms.  Any opponent considered less than worthy would otherwise face a wall of apathy.  On the other hand, Adversarialism begs the question of whether you would risk the lives, through death, of those you have chosen to take on: husband, wife, significant other, children, or parents, for the recognition or attainment of your own ideals?
For myself? No. Never.

Considering the country, circumstances, and ideology of the  member,  I have nothing but respect for his decision to leave.  Under the umbrella of the LHP and well knowing the personal code he abides by, he chose to own-up to the responsibility he had taken on “first”, rather than placing it/them in danger. Fear is a great motivator, of course,  but to him it’s not an internet game or a philosophy to be kicked around.  Leaving the Sect  due to the the demands of the reigning religion and politics of his country does not mean  he is not an adversarial man. Quite the contrary.   Conflict resides not only in the external realm, but that of internal also. Where he’ll go with this, who knows, though I dare say he not done testing the boundaries…..