With the unveiling of Baphomet, the goat-headed bronze figure meant to represent Satan, which also depicts two human children at his side, now successful in Detroit, it may be helpful for some readers to understand the meaning of the statue and the reasons that the Satanic Temple wanted the statue.
At least 100 people attended the unveiling of a Satanic statue depicting Baphomet on Saturday— a statue that was originally intended to be placed at the Oklahoma state capitol and now is the focus of an effort to erect it next to a Ten Commandments monument in Arkansas.
Who are the Satanic Temple and what is the meaning of Baphomet ? Spokesperson Lucien Greaves explained in his application to the Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission that erecting Baphomet next to the Ten Commandments could appease many people and may satisfy the American Civil Liberties Union, who says that having the Ten Commandments statue in Arkansas is in direct violation of the constitution.
“The statue will serve as a beacon calling for compassion and empathy among all living creatures.The statue will also have a functional purpose as a chair where people of all ages may sit on the lap of Satan for inspiration and contemplation.”
Last September, Seventh District Court Judge Thomas Prince decided that the Ten Commandments monument serves a historical purpose and is not exclusively a religious message as it sits on an area of land that contains 51 other expressive monuments that depict historical significance of the United States. However, The ACLU does not agree. The decision is currently being appealed.
The Satanic Temple states that they are neither Devil worshipers or atheists. Atheists believe that no Gods exist. Jex Blackmore, spokesperson for the Detroit Chapter of the Satanic Temple, which is thought to be one of the largest followings in the nation with around 300 members, said that it is important that people understand what Baphomet and Satanism represents.
“We consider ourselves non-theistic Satanists. Just as much as we get people who think that we’re into the biblical concept of Satan, we get people who think that we’re just posing as Satanists, and not truly Satanists or whatever you would say. Non-theistic Satanism is part of modern Satanism.”
The statue was unveiled by two shirtless men near midnight last night in Detroit, who then kissed in celebration in front of the statue . The place of unveiling had been moved multiple times due to complaints and demonstrations from Christian groups.
[photo by kfor ]
