In another example of what is rapidly becoming a growing trend, a group known as the Satanic Temple have distorted their Constitutional rights and managed to have their satanic statue placed in between a Christmas tree and a menorah on display in the Illinois Statehouse! The statue was funded by the Chicago chapter of the Satanic Temple and features a hand holding an apple, with a snake wrapped around it. The arm and hand are 18 inches tall and rest on a four-foot tall base that reads “Knowledge is the greatest gift.” The work as a whole has been given the title “Snaketivity.” When Chicago's Satanic Temple unveiled the design on social media, the group said they were attempting to bring “a message to the Illinois state capital that religious freedom means freedom of representation for ALL religions... not just the ones that don't offend Christians.” Yet, in a striking note of hypocrisy, the Satanic Temple describes itself as a non-theistic group that aims to “encourage benevolence and empathy among all people.” Nevertheless, using the phrase “Please consider what you may do to help us bring Satan to Springfield!,” the group was able to raise $1,700 to cover the construction, transportation and installation costs of the statue. The statue will remain in the capitol until Dec. 29. Illinois residents have mixed feelings about its presence, according to the local NBC News affiliate WMBF.
History of Satanic Temple Activity
Unfortunately, the Satanic Temple has a history of such displays. Since their establishment in 2012 they have purposefully created situations to draw attention to their demonic religion. For instance, in 2016 the Satanic Temple’s Portland chapter succeeded in bringing an activity dubbed the “After School Satan Club” to an elementary school inside Portland city limits to mirror an existing club in Sacramento, California that teaches elementary school children about the virtues of satanic worship. Also, they have been ordering cakes that praise Satan from Christian run bakeries and then threatening them with lawsuits when they refuse to make the contrived confections. Additionally, the Salem, Massachusetts chapter of the Satanic Temple has launched a court case challenging abortion laws in Missouri with the intention of making it even easier for a woman to have an abortion in Missouri. Likewise, in 2017 the Satanic Temple filed a Federal lawsuit claiming that in the essence of the First Amendment and in the name of religious freedom their statues should be placed on the same Federal properties that exhibit Ten Commandments monuments. As a result of this lawsuit, their eight and a half foot tall bronze statue of Baphomet, a winged half man- half goat creature, with two children looking onward affectionately was displayed at the Arkansas Capitol building.
Relevant Scripture Passages
The Bible indicates that such deception is in keeping with the character of Satan. In Hebrew, the name Satan means “the accuser.” In fact, the Bible describes Satan as “the accuser of our brethren” (the saints of God) in Revelation 12:10. Additionally, Ezekiel 28:12-18 describes Satan as being “full of wisdom.” Yet, the wisdom of Satan did not prevent his pride from causing his own fall from heaven. Many Bible teachers point to Isaiah 14:12-17 as being indicative of Satan’s desire to ascend to a position of authority in the heavenly council above that of even God Himself! Thus, it is completely within the spectrum of Satan’s past actions to influence groups like the Satanic Temple to protest the public display of the Ten Commandments. Yet, many believe this is predicted by Bible prophecy! During the Tribulation period Satan will deceive the whole world (Revelation 12:9) so it is not too far-fetched to believe he is already deceiving many in the world today. However, this should motivate believers to fight such satanic influence. After all, Jesus has promised that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” against His church (Matthew 16:18). This recent public display of Satanism should motivate us to pray fervently!