“Sick And Disgusting”: People React To Satanic Altar Put Up At Iowa State Capitol
A Satanic altar was put up in the Iowa State Capitol by the Satanic Temple of Iowa last week, causing total mayhem amongst political representatives and locals alike.
The display, which will reportedly be up through the end of this week, consists of an altar with the “seven fundamental tenets” of the Satanic Temple and the group’s seal, surrounded by electric candles, as per HuffPost.
Behind the altarpiece proudly stands Baphomet, a deity that has been incorporated into various occult and Western esoteric traditions.
A Satanic altar put up in the Iowa State Capitol by the Satanic Temple of Iowa last week caused total mayhem amongst Republicans
Image credits: Reddit
The goat-human figure is a symbol of balance in various occult and mystical traditions, the origin of which some occultists have attempted to link with the Gnostics and Templars, although occasionally purported to be a deity or a demon, Zrinka Stahuljak wrote in Pornographic Archaeology.
Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Republican representative Jon Dunwell reluctantly defended the Satanic display as he wrote: “As many of you have become aware, last week a display was erected at the Iowa Capitol by the Satanic Temple of Iowa.
“As I have responded to concerns from Iowans about the display, I wanted to share with you how the display came to be and my response.”
Jon went on to explain that the figure, cloaked in red velvet, was able to be erected as it falls under the control of the Iowa Legislature, which The Department of Administrative Services is in charge of.
Image credits: Carol M. Highsmith
As such, access to displays at the Capitol is open to anyone through an application process, the politician explained.
Guidelines for such a process do not discriminate on the basis of religion or ideology, and therefore, the Satanic Temple, which has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt religious institution, was within its rights to erect its figure.
In addition, displays at the Capitol are permitted to be displayed for two weeks and are required to communicate they are an independent display and not associated with the State of Iowa.
Jon went on to reveal that the Satanic Temple had petitioned for their display in August and were approved with some modification.
The display was able to be erected as it falls under the control of the Iowa Legislature
Image credits: WHO13
Guidelines for such a process do not discriminate on the basis of religion or ideology
Image credits: WHO13
A group of devout Christians organized a prayer circle around the State Capitol’s Christmas tree to oppose the display
Image credits: Gov. Kim Reynolds
“They wanted to use an actual goat head (I’m assuming a skull) and we’re prohibited from doing so,” the house representative wrote.
The politician continued: “My observation as a follower of Christ, I certainly find a display from the Satanic Temple objectionable.
“It stands in direct opposition to my faith and would be classified as evil. Not a new experience for me or my family. The Word of God continually warns about the dangers in our world.”
However, he admitted that many other religions or nonreligious people might hold the same perspective about Christianity.
He further stated: “My observation as an Iowan and a State Representative, I don’t want the state evaluating and making determinations about religions. I am guided by the First Amendment of the US Constitution.”
Some Republicans deemed the altar “dark and evil”
Image credits: Gov. Kim Reynolds
Image credits: KCCI
The religious Republican political leader further admitted that as a follower of Christ, an inanimate object shouldn’t make people fearful as it doesn’t have “real power”.
Amongst other grievances based on his personal faith, Jon invited people to pray, while explaining that the display provided “a teaching example for our families of the difference between the person and work of Christ and that of Satan.”
Nevertheless, he also admitted that his faith should never be imposed upon others, nor should it ever become a direct part of government.
Meanwhile, Iowa state Representative Brad Sherman firmly objected to the “disgusting display” in an open letter on December 8.
“People assume that we’re there to insult Christians and we’re not,” Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, said
Image credits: KCCI
Republican representative Jon Dunwell reluctantly defended the satanic display
Lucien Greaves, spokesman and co-founder of the Satanic Temple, told the Des Moines Register that the altar was not intended to offend Christians, but was made to help other religions also receive more representation in public forums.
Lucien said: “People assume that we’re there to insult Christians and we’re not. It’s certainly a greater evil to allow the government to pick and choose between forms of religious expression.”
Baphomet is a deity that has been incorporated into various occult and Western esoteric traditions
Image credits: Rep. Jon Dunwell
With the Temple’s Baphomet going viral and making national news across the US, people had many various opinions online, including Reddit, where people reacted rather positively to the figure.
“They usually do have pretty tasteful displays for the holidays. I think my favorite one was last year’s in the Illinois capitol of a crocheted snake amongst some books,“ a Redditor wrote.
Another person commented: “Personally, I’d rather keep church and state separate. But if the good people of Iowa choose to embrace religious displays in their state capitol, I guess it’s up to them.”
Image credits: KCCI
A separate individual chimed in: “F*cking legends. It’s been great watching the GOP fall over themselves trying to defend their ‘not like that’ positions on public religious displays.”
You can watch footage of the Satanic Temple’s display below:
Co-founded by Lucien and Malcolm Jarry in 2013, the non-theistic religious organization has been active in defending abortion rights, offering support to those suffering from addictions, and offering “pink masses” in support of LGBTQ rights.
The Temple wrote on its official website: “We have publicly confronted hate groups, fought for the abolition of corporal punishment in public schools, applied for equal representation when religious installations are placed on public property, provided religious exemption and legal protection against laws that unscientifically restrict people’s reproductive autonomy, exposed harmful pseudo-scientific practitioners in mental health care, organized clubs alongside other religious after-school clubs in schools besieged by proselytizing organizations, and engaged in other advocacy in accordance with our tenets.”
Many conservative Americans fumed over the statue while other people appreciate the diversity
Freedom of religion means that we are all allowed to practice our religion of choice, and that there can be no "official" or government sanctioned religion. To anybody who's offended by this, have you ever considered that other people may find your beliefs offensive?
This is also why I think they need to further draw a harder line of Church/State. There shouldn't be anything in a state house that represents any religion because it is not supposed to be there. And any "house of worship" should pay property taxes. If your followers can't donate that amount a year, than your following clearly don't need the space and can be remade into housing/mental health services/rehabs etc. etc.
Load More Replies...I just love how the Christians are gathering around the ...PAGAN Christmas tree! LOLOLOL
while I do find that funny paganism is different from satanism.
Load More Replies...Satanists are actually a very peaceful religion who do not discriminate and condemn people to hell for being [anything]. Christians should try it some time.
Agreed, I don't recall any wars being fought in the name of Satan, but so many wars for "God".
Load More Replies...I humbly invite anyone who believes the display is offensive or disgusting to visit the official website of my religion and take a look around. https://thesatanictemple.com/ Please let me know if you truly find any of our beliefs or actions to be offensive.
Personally, I consider yours the more tolerant of most religions I know of. Have a wonderful winter!
Load More Replies...Maybe, just maybe have NO religious items inside the State House?? Ya know, separation like the Constitution says. But if you let in a damned christmas tree or menorah, then you absolutely open the door for everything people may worship.
Yep. Freedom of religion means ALL religions. Not just the ones deemed acceptable.
Load More Replies...I'm on the praise seitan team! That ancient delicacy that brings joy to the winter solstice celebration!
Load More Replies...Funny how upset Christians get about a display for the Satanic Temple when they have absolutely no clue what Satanists even believe in. While they celebrate with mainly pagan customs and stollen holidays.
I've been touched by His Noodly Appendages!! As an atheist and sometimes member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, I just love the Satanists 'in your face' expression of freedom of religion. Me, I just want 'Freedom FROM Religion.'
Load More Replies...From what I've seen, The Church of Satan is more tolerant than any other church or religion. Look at their views on abortion
Look at the 7 tenets of satanism that LAWLAWLAW mentioned above.
Load More Replies...As a member of another minority religion (yup I'm a Witch, no I don't worship the Devil) I applaud the Satanic Temple for standing up for those who are being discriminated against by so-called Christans. BRAVO!!
I may not agree with the Satanic Temple but if Christians are allowed to put up Christmas displays, why can't they put up Satanic displays? What's fair is fair! Freedom of religion is freedom of religion, right, Republicans?
I'm offended by Ginny M's contention that Trump won. Therefore she should be banned from the internet. ;)
DOES THIS MEAN I CAN SET UP A GIANT STATUE OF THE ENORMOUS SPACE WORM!?!
Sure! It can go right next to the display for the Flying Spaghetti Monster! Ramen! :)
Load More Replies...I think it's hilarious. Various kinds of Christians have always been putting up displays of their religion on and around government property and they're just butthurt that other religious groups are entitled to the same freedom. If they don't like it, then just do a complete ban on religious stuff around the state buildings. And being a satanist isn't the same as worshiping Hitler, get over yourself Nathalie.
I love it, the Satanic Temple does a lot of good work for people. Glad the evangelicals panties are in a twist.
For any interested pandas The Satanic Temple in no way worships or believes in Satan, they simply use him as a figure that represents standing up to arbitrary authority according to their FAQ https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/faq
Christian here. I don’t love it but I respect their religion and their right to it. Just ignore it if it bothers u
Lol it's their religion. It's not like they actually believe in Satan and even if they did- how r u effected? If they refused to put it up due to it being satanic that's literally discrimination and therefore a crime. Do these people want that? Discrimination due to religion. Would discriminating Christians be ok or is this a rules for thee but not for me thing??
But don't you know? Us satanists are scary 😨😨 we scarily fight bigotry and listen to science 😨😨😨
Load More Replies...The most annoyingly idiotic reply up there was by Nathaline. She rattles of a few actually real humans that should not be praised because they did absolutely horrible things to people. Then she tries to equate satan with reality. If god and satan were real and the stupid f*****g games they played in the bible were true, this world would be far more f****d up than it already is.
Those darn Satanists and their never ending chain of holidays celebrating the birth, death, and zombifacation of the son of Satan. Oh, and the constant reminders of their beliefs like wearing and putting pentagrams on everything and blessing you in Satan’s name every time you sneeze.
As an atheist, and sometimes member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, I just love the Satanists 'in your face' expression of freedom of religion. Me, I just want 'Freedom FROM Religion.'
Thank you for opening my eyes to the great and glorious FSM, I am now dual religion, hail Satan and RAmen to all
Load More Replies...Like the people complaining of this "satanic display," the author of this article barely did the minimum to research what the Satanic Temple is. While it mentions they advocate for separation of church and state through challenging violations where religious organizations place their displays on state property, they do not worship Satan. The first thing on the website is that they do not worship nor believe in Satan, bu rather "worship" logic and science. They chose to do their activism this way ("satanicly") because is really drives their point home. Please check them out if you are not a member - At this time in US history, their mission is more important than ever.
We celebrate Sol Invictus on December 25th, the celebration of "being unconquered by superstition and consistent in the pursuit and sharing of knowledge"
Load More Replies...Hey Christians, how do you explain Santa Claus in his coka-cola outfit as some kind of a part of your Christmas? Santa is called Christmas Goat in my country and he traditionally dresses in insideout sheepskin coat and may even wear horns. Quite far from Christianity, I think. BTW: Christmas as Yule is a pagan tradition. It’s the midwinter fest when it’s time to start getting more light for instance.
I must point out a fact here: Satanists don’t believe in Satan. Christians do.
And their god has a much higher kill rate in the Bible.
Load More Replies...Oh it is funny. I'm here for the wailing and gnashing of teeth. Maybe a ripped robe or two and some ashes.
I was a child victim of ritual abuse by people claiming Satanism. I was also thrilled to put up a flyer for a free Thanksgiving meal for any LGBTQ or homeless teens hosted by our (different) local chapter of the Satanic Temple. People use their religion in both good and bad ways. Either way, keep that s**t out of government, and pay your dang taxes.
"My god's bigger than your god, my god's bigger than yours..." As if finite beings can make sounds that bind infinite things to finite concepts. The hubris!
"The display is permitted by rules that govern religious installations inside the Capitol but has drawn criticism from many conservatives, including presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. A Facebook posting by The Satanic Temple on Thursday said the display, known as a Baphomet statue, “was destroyed beyond repair,” though part of it remains. Michael Cassidy, 35, of Lauderdale, Mississippi, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said Friday. He was released after his arrest." - AP THIS is the reason what the Satanic Temple does is important. Conservatives are unable to understand what religious freedom means, why there is a need for separation of church/state. They cannot even see the irony in their response. FYI, the suspect has a GoFundMe for legal costs that has already exceeded $20k US. They are no different than Islamic Extremists or any other group that attacks others for not following their own tenets. But they don't see that either.
On god tho they can. Like me personally I do think it’s evil but like I don’t LIVE in that building, I can just.. not go there, it’s easy, and everyone involved is happy
You realise that Satanists don't actually worship Satan, right? It's not literal Devil worship, it's much more about "live and let live".
Load More Replies...How is this display 'disgusting' but a huge crucifix depicting a tortured, bleeding, dying man with open wounds is not?
As I understand it, the term 'baphomet' was a mispronunciation of Mohammed (pbuh) and intended as an insult by connecting satanism to Islam... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baphomet
Freedom of religion means that we are all allowed to practice our religion of choice, and that there can be no "official" or government sanctioned religion. To anybody who's offended by this, have you ever considered that other people may find your beliefs offensive?
This is also why I think they need to further draw a harder line of Church/State. There shouldn't be anything in a state house that represents any religion because it is not supposed to be there. And any "house of worship" should pay property taxes. If your followers can't donate that amount a year, than your following clearly don't need the space and can be remade into housing/mental health services/rehabs etc. etc.
Load More Replies...I just love how the Christians are gathering around the ...PAGAN Christmas tree! LOLOLOL
while I do find that funny paganism is different from satanism.
Load More Replies...Satanists are actually a very peaceful religion who do not discriminate and condemn people to hell for being [anything]. Christians should try it some time.
Agreed, I don't recall any wars being fought in the name of Satan, but so many wars for "God".
Load More Replies...I humbly invite anyone who believes the display is offensive or disgusting to visit the official website of my religion and take a look around. https://thesatanictemple.com/ Please let me know if you truly find any of our beliefs or actions to be offensive.
Personally, I consider yours the more tolerant of most religions I know of. Have a wonderful winter!
Load More Replies...Maybe, just maybe have NO religious items inside the State House?? Ya know, separation like the Constitution says. But if you let in a damned christmas tree or menorah, then you absolutely open the door for everything people may worship.
Yep. Freedom of religion means ALL religions. Not just the ones deemed acceptable.
Load More Replies...I'm on the praise seitan team! That ancient delicacy that brings joy to the winter solstice celebration!
Load More Replies...Funny how upset Christians get about a display for the Satanic Temple when they have absolutely no clue what Satanists even believe in. While they celebrate with mainly pagan customs and stollen holidays.
I've been touched by His Noodly Appendages!! As an atheist and sometimes member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, I just love the Satanists 'in your face' expression of freedom of religion. Me, I just want 'Freedom FROM Religion.'
Load More Replies...From what I've seen, The Church of Satan is more tolerant than any other church or religion. Look at their views on abortion
Look at the 7 tenets of satanism that LAWLAWLAW mentioned above.
Load More Replies...As a member of another minority religion (yup I'm a Witch, no I don't worship the Devil) I applaud the Satanic Temple for standing up for those who are being discriminated against by so-called Christans. BRAVO!!
I may not agree with the Satanic Temple but if Christians are allowed to put up Christmas displays, why can't they put up Satanic displays? What's fair is fair! Freedom of religion is freedom of religion, right, Republicans?
I'm offended by Ginny M's contention that Trump won. Therefore she should be banned from the internet. ;)
DOES THIS MEAN I CAN SET UP A GIANT STATUE OF THE ENORMOUS SPACE WORM!?!
Sure! It can go right next to the display for the Flying Spaghetti Monster! Ramen! :)
Load More Replies...I think it's hilarious. Various kinds of Christians have always been putting up displays of their religion on and around government property and they're just butthurt that other religious groups are entitled to the same freedom. If they don't like it, then just do a complete ban on religious stuff around the state buildings. And being a satanist isn't the same as worshiping Hitler, get over yourself Nathalie.
I love it, the Satanic Temple does a lot of good work for people. Glad the evangelicals panties are in a twist.
For any interested pandas The Satanic Temple in no way worships or believes in Satan, they simply use him as a figure that represents standing up to arbitrary authority according to their FAQ https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/faq
Christian here. I don’t love it but I respect their religion and their right to it. Just ignore it if it bothers u
Lol it's their religion. It's not like they actually believe in Satan and even if they did- how r u effected? If they refused to put it up due to it being satanic that's literally discrimination and therefore a crime. Do these people want that? Discrimination due to religion. Would discriminating Christians be ok or is this a rules for thee but not for me thing??
But don't you know? Us satanists are scary 😨😨 we scarily fight bigotry and listen to science 😨😨😨
Load More Replies...The most annoyingly idiotic reply up there was by Nathaline. She rattles of a few actually real humans that should not be praised because they did absolutely horrible things to people. Then she tries to equate satan with reality. If god and satan were real and the stupid f*****g games they played in the bible were true, this world would be far more f****d up than it already is.
Those darn Satanists and their never ending chain of holidays celebrating the birth, death, and zombifacation of the son of Satan. Oh, and the constant reminders of their beliefs like wearing and putting pentagrams on everything and blessing you in Satan’s name every time you sneeze.
As an atheist, and sometimes member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, I just love the Satanists 'in your face' expression of freedom of religion. Me, I just want 'Freedom FROM Religion.'
Thank you for opening my eyes to the great and glorious FSM, I am now dual religion, hail Satan and RAmen to all
Load More Replies...Like the people complaining of this "satanic display," the author of this article barely did the minimum to research what the Satanic Temple is. While it mentions they advocate for separation of church and state through challenging violations where religious organizations place their displays on state property, they do not worship Satan. The first thing on the website is that they do not worship nor believe in Satan, bu rather "worship" logic and science. They chose to do their activism this way ("satanicly") because is really drives their point home. Please check them out if you are not a member - At this time in US history, their mission is more important than ever.
We celebrate Sol Invictus on December 25th, the celebration of "being unconquered by superstition and consistent in the pursuit and sharing of knowledge"
Load More Replies...Hey Christians, how do you explain Santa Claus in his coka-cola outfit as some kind of a part of your Christmas? Santa is called Christmas Goat in my country and he traditionally dresses in insideout sheepskin coat and may even wear horns. Quite far from Christianity, I think. BTW: Christmas as Yule is a pagan tradition. It’s the midwinter fest when it’s time to start getting more light for instance.
I must point out a fact here: Satanists don’t believe in Satan. Christians do.
And their god has a much higher kill rate in the Bible.
Load More Replies...Oh it is funny. I'm here for the wailing and gnashing of teeth. Maybe a ripped robe or two and some ashes.
I was a child victim of ritual abuse by people claiming Satanism. I was also thrilled to put up a flyer for a free Thanksgiving meal for any LGBTQ or homeless teens hosted by our (different) local chapter of the Satanic Temple. People use their religion in both good and bad ways. Either way, keep that s**t out of government, and pay your dang taxes.
"My god's bigger than your god, my god's bigger than yours..." As if finite beings can make sounds that bind infinite things to finite concepts. The hubris!
"The display is permitted by rules that govern religious installations inside the Capitol but has drawn criticism from many conservatives, including presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. A Facebook posting by The Satanic Temple on Thursday said the display, known as a Baphomet statue, “was destroyed beyond repair,” though part of it remains. Michael Cassidy, 35, of Lauderdale, Mississippi, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said Friday. He was released after his arrest." - AP THIS is the reason what the Satanic Temple does is important. Conservatives are unable to understand what religious freedom means, why there is a need for separation of church/state. They cannot even see the irony in their response. FYI, the suspect has a GoFundMe for legal costs that has already exceeded $20k US. They are no different than Islamic Extremists or any other group that attacks others for not following their own tenets. But they don't see that either.
On god tho they can. Like me personally I do think it’s evil but like I don’t LIVE in that building, I can just.. not go there, it’s easy, and everyone involved is happy
You realise that Satanists don't actually worship Satan, right? It's not literal Devil worship, it's much more about "live and let live".
Load More Replies...How is this display 'disgusting' but a huge crucifix depicting a tortured, bleeding, dying man with open wounds is not?
As I understand it, the term 'baphomet' was a mispronunciation of Mohammed (pbuh) and intended as an insult by connecting satanism to Islam... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baphomet
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