Satanic ‘Holiday’ Display Found at Iowa State Capitol

In⁢ these troubled ⁢times, tributes to Satan can even be found in America’s highest halls of power, including the‌ Iowa Statehouse.

KCCI-TV in Des‍ Moines reported Wednesday how⁢ the state’s⁤ Capitol building is currently adorned with a holiday display put up by the Satanic Temple.

The display features a ram’s⁣ head ‍on a mannequin covered in ⁢vibrant ​red cloth.

The co-founder of the Satanic Temple, Lucien⁢ Greaves, insisted ⁢that the display is merely about exercising religious freedom.

“We’re going to really relish the opportunity to be represented in a public ⁣forum,” Greaves told⁣ the station. ‍“We don’t⁤ have a ‌church on⁢ every street corner.”

Greaves argued that those who don’t like the display should simply ignore it.

“My feeling ‍is, if people don’t like our display in public forums, they⁣ don’t have to engage ‍with them. They​ don’t‍ have to view them.”

However, the organization is​ currently⁣ urging people‌ to visit the display in what they claim is a celebration of “religious plurality.” ‍It refers⁤ to ​its⁤ statue‍ as⁢ “Baphomet,” an allusion to ⁤a Satanic ⁢occult icon ⁢with roots in the ‍era of the Crusades.

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“Come celebrate religious plurality ​this holiday season by checking out ⁢our display at the Iowa State⁣ Capitol! Our display is to the right of the grand staircase on floor one,” the Temple​ wrote ⁢on Facebook. “Come ‍get your picture ⁣taken and​ tag us!”

The title of the post is “See Baphomet⁣ at the Iowa‍ State ⁢Capitol!”

A report by WHO-TV in‍ Des Moines⁣ is below:

Understandably, many local ‌residents have ⁢found themselves disturbed by the display.

Among those ‍to push back⁤ against the Satanic influence‌ was prayer group leader⁢ Paul Dykstra,

“God uses all evil for good. ‌He’ll turn it to good,” he told KCCI. “So ‍if ‍people become aware that ⁣these things are out there they become more alert to watch ‍for.”

Local pastor Joel Tenney described the tribute as “abhorrent. ”

“A display like this is a travesty to see in our Capitol,”‌ he said. “I don’t ⁤know why‌ it is ⁣allowed to be here.”

Despite their seemingly ⁤evil intentions, the Satanic Temple insists that it⁣ is merely fighting against injustice.

According to the ‌organization’s official website, its stated ⁤mission is to “encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical common sense, oppose injustice⁢ and undertake‌ noble pursuits.”

The post Satanic ‘Holiday’ Display Spotted‍ at Iowa State Capitol Building appeared first on The Western ⁢Journal.

What‍ consequences could arise from allowing a display‌ that symbolizes an ideology often associated with ​rebellion and darkness during the ⁢holiday season,‌ a time traditionally associated with unity and togetherness

Ous plurality with us as we display our holiday diorama featuring Baphomet,” the Satanic Temple‍ stated⁤ ⁢on its ‌website. “Visitors are‍ encouraged to read our ​sign and learn more ‌about ⁤our organization.”

While the Satanic Temple argues ‍that their display is a manifestation of religious freedom, it is important to examine the implications⁣ of allowing such ⁤a display in a government building. The Iowa Statehouse, as ‌a​ symbol of governance​ and democratic values, should be mindful of the messages it sends⁢ to‌ its constituents ⁤and the wider public when it allows tributes to Satan within its walls.

Religious freedom is a fundamental right, one ​that should be protected and respected. However, when that religious⁢ freedom infringes upon the ⁢values ⁣and beliefs of others, a line must be drawn. The display of a Satanic icon, especially one​ with such controversial roots, can be seen as a direct challenge to the predominant religious and ⁤moral beliefs upheld by many Americans.

Furthermore, the public display of such a symbol‌ in a government building⁤ raises questions ‍about the separation ⁣of⁤ church and state. While the Satanic Temple may argue that their display is a⁤ form of religious expression, it is important to consider the potential implications of⁤ showcasing a symbol​ associated with occult practices and beliefs in a space that ​should remain neutral and inclusive for all citizens.

It is ⁤also ⁣worth noting that this display is not​ only provoking controversy but ​also overshadowing the genuine festive spirit of the holiday season. The holiday season is traditionally a time of joy, love, and togetherness, where people of various faiths and backgrounds come together to celebrate. By introducing a display that symbolizes an ideology often associated with rebellion and darkness, the Satanic Temple detracts ‍from‌ the unity and warmth that the holiday season embodies.

The decision to allow the Satanic Temple’s⁢ display in ‍the Iowa Statehouse raises important⁤ questions about the balance between religious freedom and maintaining a respectful and harmonious public space. ⁣While it ⁢is crucial to protect the right to religious expression, it is equally⁤ important to consider ⁤the potential consequences and impact of such displays on the ⁣wider community.

In these ⁢troubled times, when divisions seem to grow deeper each day, it is essential for our leaders to foster unity and tolerance rather than inadvertently promoting ⁢discord and controversy. The Iowa Statehouse, as‌ a prominent symbol of power and governance, should be more circumspect in its decisions regarding the displays it allows within its⁣ walls.

Religious plurality and freedom should be respected, but‌ it is equally important to consider the implications of allowing tributes to Satan in a space that represents the values ⁢and beliefs ⁢of the American ​people.‍ It is a delicate balance, ‌but one that requires thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and a commitment to upholding the principles upon which this great nation was‌ built.

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