Satanic temple sparks uproar by unveiling statue of Baphomet in Arkansas state capitol

a reply to: Irishhaf

It can't be permanent without the government's approval. Something the monument they were protesting already had.

originally posted by: Kandinsky
a reply to: Scrutinizing

That Baph statue isn't AGAINST Christianity and the group aren't against Christian values. They're more about each to their own as long as it doesn't intrude on others. They're asking why a Christian statue gets to be on a secular square? The Baph might have been rolled out if someone had plonked a Buddha statue too...or a Ganesh.

To be fair, I think the US Gov has already been aligned with Christian symbolism. On that point, it's half redundant to protest. 'In God We Trust' is all over your currency and the religious denomination is a major factor in a politician's career chances.

I've nothing against Christianity (or yourself) either and hold the belief that Church and State should always be separate.

Absolutely, separating church and state, to keep state out of church, is just fine with me, what the Founders that won intended, nor would I care if people put up a statue to the devil or Spongebob and started praying to it, each to hell his own way.

It's historic fact Baptists of Rhode Island and Virginia were who demanded a Bill of Rights, or those states were not going to signon to the Constitution. It was proposed, at first, I believe four acceptable Christian denominations as state approved, and Baptists said they would have none of it, did not want goverment involved in faith matters, at all, ever. As a Christian, free exercise is what is important, and if this means taking some slogan off dollars or whatever, have at it. Nor, as a Christian, would I attempt to right the world system, which, again, is the Lord's job, and we are not going to accomplish this, ever, in addition are not called upon to rectify the world. A person decides for God or not, bottom line, and the Lord is only interested in the willing for His kingdom. You don't and can't force faith, any more than you can force holiness on a person. Actually, let the Satanists have their fun, as they're going to pay the heaviest price for it, same as the hedonistic rich or anybody that decides they won't have God. Did you know the Bible teaches to covet anything of the world is idolatry? Money can be one's statue to Satan, or their stamp collection, or football, anything one values more than God. Colossians 3:5. I say have at it, then, while they can, may as well get something for their stupidity of eternal consequences.

Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Everything on God's time, in His way. I'm actually quite happy to not be involved in that, sorting this mess way above my pay grade, wouldn't even try, and I'm sure not going to lose any sleep over anybody's dumb statue. What do some of these excitable people do, if they have real problems?

Ignore... Double post, don't know how. Twitchy clicking finger?

a reply to: Scrutinizing

Actually, let the Satanists have their fun, as they're going to pay the heaviest price for it, same as the hedonistic rich or anybody that decides they won't have God. Did you know the Bible teaches to covet anything of the world is idolatry? Money can be one's statue to Satan, or their stamp collection, or football, anything one values more than God. Colossians 3:5. I say have at it, then, while they can, may as well get something for their stupidity of eternal consequences.

I had a Christian Protestant upbringing and know my way around several religions. I'm not religious though and lean towards agnosticism.

The Church preaches forgiveness and tolerance which should mean true Christians feel sorrow for those who are hellbound. To not feel sorrow is to follow them in the same direction. I think we should all try to listen to our conscience and, if we ever find silence, listen to others for guidance.

News footage is now up on YT and here's one of the better ones.

a reply to: introvert

Other than to assert some sort of dominance or privileged of one belief over the other

That is what it is, giving the air of the official religion, backed by law makers and leaders.

The official religion of ...

originally posted by: introvert

originally posted by: Irishhaf
It's temporary, so can't measure up much care. If it was permanent on private land... Wouldn't really care.

Public land, then freedom from religion clowns would have to sue.

Other than to assert some sort of dominance or privileged of one belief over the other, I've never understood why these religious symbols on public property matter whatsoever.

To me it is a form of worshiping false idols. Which, ironically, the very monument that is in question here specifically prohibits.

a reply to: Kandinsky

I had a Christian Protestant upbringing and know my way around several religions. I'm not religious though and lean towards agnosticism.

Sounds similar to my circumstances. I left mainly to the due dogma and people cherry picking to push off their personal beliefs bastardizing the texts (which are beautiful in my opinion). People cling to individual scriptures or even words to promote extremist ideas that completely go against the teachings of Christ. He did not like organized religion for this reason. People also forget that there are many translations, and a good amount of them were done long ago... As things go, things can get lost in translation, and it's better to look at the broad scope of ideas rather than taking select words too literally.

That is why I think it should be separate from government. Humans are flawed and imperfect, it creates a dangerous situation to veil government behind being "divine", it creates an environment where it is too hard to question motives, intent, or general ethics of decisions made because they are "influenced by God". There are plenty of examples that show the danger of government and religion being too intertwined.

I think people should have figured out which is the real religion before pressing the church/state issue of which religion should be recognized by the state.

a reply to: CriticalStinker

Religion can cloud someone's thinking, as well as their ethics, and governance needs to have its game head on. Lots of them about too and a ton of flavours for each of the main ones. Baptist, Methodist, Evangelical, Southern Baptist, CofE, Catholicism, Quaker, Amish etc etc.

That is why I think it should be separate from government. Humans are flawed and imperfect, it creates a dangerous situation to veil government behind being "divine", it creates an environment where it is too hard to question motives, intent, or general ethics of decisions made because they are "influenced by God". There are plenty of examples that show the danger of government and religion being too intertwined.

I feel that propaganda has replaced religion in being the driving force behind some of the less welcome actions of our nations. Toss in a certain flavour of patriotism too. Neither of which are necessarily bad concepts, but they are surely open to abuse in the wrong hands. Still, I agree that it was a great idea to separate Church and State all those decades/centuries ago. Let's see hubris for what it is instead of a charismatic leader (or community councillor) acting on the belief that God is acting through them. Not to mention religious belief has often been the Emperor's new clothes with successive immoral leaders since forever.

lol wot a pedo friendly statue.

a reply to: Kandinsky

I love everything you just said, I think we can just cut out separation of church and state, and update it to separation of ideology and state (to some regard). Any ideology that demands loyalty can become toxic, and it may just serve as an evolved form of religion since that band wagon is down the road for the most part.

I dream of a day where parties are gone, where instead you actually have to learn the platform of each candidate and judge them for their issues. Parties put to many constraints on individuals, as there are certain party lines you cannot cross when it comes to particular issues.

That though is wishful thinking. Unfortunately individualism is a naughty word now, people enjoy and feel acceptance or since of belonging in group think.

originally posted by: Lysergic
lol wot a pedo friendly statue.

Uh... What?

a reply to: Krazysh0t

I hope to god Christians have learned from their prosecution and will raise hell until this statue is torn down.

originally posted by: Krazysh0t

originally posted by: Lysergic
lol wot a pedo friendly statue.

Uh... What?

Children near Baphomets serpent erection.


You didn't watch?

a reply to: SKEPTEK

What persecution? Also the statute was always temporary.

originally posted by: CriticalStinker
a reply to: Sublimecraft

What does Revelations say about how Christians shall be viewed come the end times? 'You shall be hated in all nations, for my names sake'.

If you are a Christian, things appear to be ticking along nicely regarding all that.

What does that tell you?

How is saying the public domain (that we all pay for) and state buildings (that we all pay for) should be void of favoritism hate?

You can tell me I'm going to hell, that's your opinion and belief, I wouldn't view it as hate, but rather part of your ideology. You may even say those things to try and save someone, so in that regard it could be out of love.

Much of our reality is based off of perception.

Either way, I defend the right to religious freedom, I even don't like when people just knock religion just because they don't agree with it. But try and get your religion in any part of the government and then I will be on the other side of the argument.

Not because I'm being a jerk, but because I believe in my beliefs as strongly as someone who is religious. And my belief is the government should represent all citizens and tax payers the same.

Where and when did I say you were going to hell? Whilst you're at it, can you expand on what my apparent ideology is?

a reply to: Lysergic

I don't see any "erect snakes" in that picture or in the video. What I DO see is the international symbol for medicine on his belt buckle.

Here's a more close up image:

originally posted by: Krazysh0t
a reply to: Lysergic

I don't see any "erect snakes" in that picture or in the video. What I DO see is the international symbol for medicine on his belt buckle.

Here's a more close up image:

it's stylized don't be coy

lol idgaf about it being baphomet but it is what it is

originally posted by: Sublimecraft

originally posted by: CriticalStinker
a reply to: Sublimecraft

What does Revelations say about how Christians shall be viewed come the end times? 'You shall be hated in all nations, for my names sake'.

If you are a Christian, things appear to be ticking along nicely regarding all that.

What does that tell you?

How is saying the public domain (that we all pay for) and state buildings (that we all pay for) should be void of favoritism hate?

You can tell me I'm going to hell, that's your opinion and belief, I wouldn't view it as hate, but rather part of your ideology. You may even say those things to try and save someone, so in that regard it could be out of love.

Much of our reality is based off of perception.

Either way, I defend the right to religious freedom, I even don't like when people just knock religion just because they don't agree with it. But try and get your religion in any part of the government and then I will be on the other side of the argument.

Not because I'm being a jerk, but because I believe in my beliefs as strongly as someone who is religious. And my belief is the government should represent all citizens and tax payers the same.

Where and when did I say you were going to hell? Whilst you're at it, can you expand on what my apparent ideology is?

Sorry, I was saying that hypothetically, I wasn't trying to imply that you did. I probably should have clarified that.

I was simply trying to paint a picture where in the eyes of some who are religious, if you aren't, they believe you may be damned.... Didn't mean to make it sound like I thought you said/implied that.

a reply to: Lysergic

No YOU are stylizing. The medical symbol I posted is the more modern version, but you can clearly STILL see the pin in the center with the two snakes wrapping around it on the Baphomet statue. I don't know why they put an ancient Greek symbol on his belt, but you aren't even close with what you said. Whatever the symbol truly is or means to the ancient pagans, it certainly ISN'T a stand in for an erect penis. The snakes aren't even erect like you originally claimed.