During the weekend I received around a dozen messages about a display at the Iowa State Capitol by The Satanic Temple of Iowa. Originally I wasn’t going to write anything about it because it is a First Amendment issue if it isn’t allowed and I believe groups like this only do this stuff for attention. So, why give it to them?
But, enough people sent me the photos and asked me to write about it that I was convinced. But be forewarned, my opinion on this is going to be vastly different than it would have been 10 years ago, five years ago, maybe even a couple of years ago.
First, I have to ask, would we want a government that would tell us no to putting up a nativity scene at the Capitol? Or even a Christmas tree?
Like it or not, people are free to choose their religion. It doesn’t appear their display contains any threats of violence or anything. This is, I guess, their “religion.”
But there’s a more significant reason I am not as upset as I initially was…
This display should serve as a reminder. A reminder that there is “another side” in the battle being waged at the political and spiritual level in our cities, our state and our nation. A reminder that there are two very different forces in this world.
Sometimes I think Christians forget this, somehow. I think we’re just comfortable enough that we lose sight of it just enough to grow complacent. Theologically we know it’s there and present, but we don’t dwell on it because of that comfort. For the most part, it isn’t something put in front of us daily at a personal level.
Until we’re reminded. Well, many of us are now reminded.
And when we’re reminded it serves as a jolt. It results in about a dozen messages in two days.
But guys, it is always there. And we as Christians will have various reactions to it…
Initially, I bet most were angry. Some probably still are. But eventually, I hope we reach at least two additional levels — maybe three.
I hope we appreciate the fact we aren’t Satanists. Instead, we are grateful for our saving belief in Jesus Christ. That even while we were still sinners, He died for us and our sins. He paid a price we never could.
I hope we pray for The Satanic Temple of Iowa and its members. Not prayers rooted in anger, either, but prayers rooted in a genuine hope that they come to know the same Savior we have come to know before it is too late. Wouldn’t it be great if this attempt to cause contempt among Christians in Iowa instead resulted in just one soul being saved from The Satanic Temple of Iowa? What a win for God it would be!
Finally, I hope we use this as an opportunity. Initially, I think many people on our side would prefer this display not be allowed. But sometimes I think the most effective thing that can happen is for the other side to show itself. Allow the other side to speak their ideas, even if they are bad and offensive.
We must trust that if most Iowans have the proper information, they’ll support what is good and right. Sometimes the best thing “our side” can do in these debates is allow the other side to reveal who they really are.
Again, let it serve as a reminder. A reminder that good and evil still exist. A reminder that we as human beings are given a choice. A reminder that we’ll all have to choose whom we will serve.
Don’t feel bad if your initial reaction was one of anger. It’s right to be unsettled by the display. It shouldn’t make you feel comfortable. At least not initially.
But let it serve as a lesson of the opportunity that each of us has as a citizen of this country and this state. In Iowa, we are allowed to be fishers of men. In Iowa, we are allowed to go out and make disciples. In Iowa, we are allowed to present people with the hope of everlasting life through knowledge and a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Think about what a blessing this is. And think about how often we fail to take advantage of it.
This blessing even exists inside the building of our state where laws are made by the government.
Again, it is fine to be angry. There is a thing referred to as righteous anger. But don’t let your anger distract you from the opportunities you are given.
If people look at The Satanic Temple of Iowa display and look at the Nativity Scene, they’ll be presented with their two options. There is no third way, no third destination.
It will be up to each of them as individuals which display best reflects the hope, joy and eternal peace they seek.
Remember, what evil may intend for bad, God can use it for good. The same God who overcame death and rose from the dead can surely overcome a Satanic display.
In the end, they lose and we win.
Not at all what your response should have/could have been. Very disappointed in your lukewarm response. Lost a lot of respect for your work — of course, I did that, too, when you didn’t back us up in Pella when I sent you information about the pornography in the Library. So now it’s “wonderful” that minors can see all of that filth. You’re losing your Christ foundation and I’m losing interest in your “insights.”
Appreciate your thoughts, though I think there is a disconnect somewhere. I asked people to let me know how I could help and heard very little back regarding Pella stuff. As for this, it certainly isn’t “wonderful” anyone will see this stuff, I hope I didn’t insinuate that it was. Regardless, thanks for the feedback.
I believe the separation of church and state are still in place. Whatever church a display would be from should automatically be taken down regardless of which side of “church” as this one. A display of our Savior Jesus would have already been taken down and argumentative disputes erupted.
A Nativity Scene is typically up every year, and will be up in a week or two.
Just out of curiosity, did you confirm personally that this display is there? If not, are you certain that all the people who contacted you saw it personally, or could they just have seen it posted somewhere? There are two reasons I ask this: 1) I have not been able to find another news source, or first-person report, confirming this, and 2) I have seen dozens of example over the years of people sharing something from someone else that they assumed was true (but it wasn’t), so they didn’t check it out before forwarding it on.
It is there. Legislators and lobbyists have confirmed. The group itself is promoting it. People have been directed on who to contact if they want to express their dissatisfaction about it.
OK, thank you for your response.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Example: attending government schools in the 50’s was comfortable with false expressions of the fear of God. Today my grandchildren are fully aware that government schools are demonically controlled. Truth can be very uncomfortable.
I am reading this article on my phone and unfortunately, for some reason, I can’t find your name anywhere. But I wanted to comment. At first, yes, I was very appalled at the situation in Iowa. As I read through your article, it resonated with me greatly. I am a born-again spirit filled Christian. I find that idol offensive, and horrible that is displayed in a capital. But as I read through your article, I slowly begin to agree with you. The evil is there whether there is a statue or not. And the holy spirit of God is everywhere as well. yes, I agree that we should pray for the opportunity to share with those who are lost, share with those who think that satanic worship is a great thing, pray for the Salvation of Jesus Christ to spread across the nation. And pray that God will have mercy on our nation, and that our nation will turn from wickedness and evil to the salvation, that God offers through his son, Jesus Christ.
The devil and all his hosts were defeated over two thousand years ago. Today they are in their death throes and are becoming increasingly violent – knowing that the end is near when they will be cast down forever.
BUT is not not wonderful that the immeasurable grace of our Lord Jesus extends to all who view this and turn away INCLUDING those who erect these displays.
“Let those who do evil continue to do evil . . . (BUT) let those who are holy continue to be holy. Look! I am coming soon and bringing my reward with me and will give to each according to his deeds” Revelations 22:11,12
Chall 13 WHO TV had a lead story this week about the display. This is an opportunity for Christians to publicly speak about Jeaus and His birth celebration and to pray for the Lord’s message of salvation to spread.
Yep!
I went to the Capitol yesterday. Upset about the Baphomet display at the Capitol?? Suggest going to the Capitol, grabbing a chair and sitting in front of the Baphomet display (pathetic idol once you see it) and then read from God’s Holy Word out loud and pray out loud. NO ONE bothered me and many thanked me for doing it! Read the whole book of Revelation just to remind satan of his future and Who really is in control of ALL!
It was an awesome time!! One young lady came by and heard me reading the Word and praying — she came up to me with tears in her eyes and thanked me. She works in the Governor’s office and said this week, with that display, has been so hard on her and it just did her heart so much good to see me sitting there in front of it (about 10 feet away) praying and reading the Word. She shook my hand and thanked me profusely. Isn’t God just awesome when He sends us to encourage His people and we didn’t even know that was what we were sent for?!?!?!
Go bring His light and bless His people!!
Awesome to hear! Great job! We should be thankful for these opportunities.
The writer’s comments are akin to a bucket of warm spit!
I would indeed like to hear how Governor Reynolds responds to this Further if she allowed this, I would suggest Governor DeSantis disavow the placing of the face of evil in the Iowa capitol and tell Governor Reynolds that if she’s comfortable giving Satan a home, she can take her endorsement of DeSantis, and roll and smoke it with the Satanists that obviously made a mockery of our values! Shame on any and all of Iowans who support this evil finger in the face of God and Christian believers!!!
Interesting you didn’t talk to anyone at the Satanic Temple of Iowa.
If there are just two sides then perhaps you should hear the other side out.
> Allow the other side to speak their ideas, even if they are bad and offensive.
Did you actually pay attention to what the “other side” is saying? Here’s the “bad” and “offensive” tenets of the Satanic Temple:
I
One should strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures in accordance with reason.
II
The struggle for justice is an ongoing and necessary pursuit that should prevail over laws and institutions.
III
One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone.
IV
The freedoms of others should be respected, including the freedom to offend. To willfully and unjustly encroach upon the freedoms of another is to forgo one’s own.
V
Beliefs should conform to one’s best scientific understanding of the world. One should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one’s beliefs.
VI
People are fallible. If one makes a mistake, one should do one’s best to rectify it and resolve any harm that might have been caused.
VII
Every tenet is a guiding principle designed to inspire nobility in action and thought. The spirit of compassion, wisdom, and justice should always prevail over the written or spoken word.