Today, on my Facebook, I was greeted with the following hyperlink in a Druid discussion forum. https://roadtrippers.com/blog/first-images-of-oklahoma-capitols-satanic-monument-surface-dot-and-theyre-amazing
Allow me to repost here what I said there:
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I am a pagan, A Druid, specifically, and an ordained minister. But I have friends who are LeVayanist Satanist ministers and who live near Oklahoma. They are excited to see their religion get a monument, and I am excited for them.
Religious tolerance means for everyone, not just the ones you approve of. So long as they aren't actually hurting others (and LeVay Satanist aren't) then we should allow them to practice in peace. If part of their religion is a certain political and ideological hostility towards Christianity, a la "point-making", then so be it! Christians have been known to be hostile to us, and ALL non-Christian faiths for centuries, often physically. Often fatally.
I am not a satanist, but if this gets built, I will gladly travel with my friends to see it.
I, for one, approve.
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The Satanists I mentioned are also ULC ministers, but that is beside the point.
There was a bit more discussion, with one insightful commentator poiting out that this is also relevant to Hades, not just narrowly Satanic. After a bit, I also posted:
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Indeed. As I stated, I am in favor of religious freedom and equality for everyone, regardless of belief or dogma.
If ANY Religion wants to erect a monument to their faith on public land, and is granted that permission, then ANY faith should be given equal representation and allowances.
Otherwise, the state would appear to favor one belief system over another. That would violate constitutional separation of Church and State.
So, violate the highest law in the land by giving Christians unopposed representation? Allow equal representation? Or keep the Capitol lawn secular, and free from any religious iconography?
These are the three options. One of them is federally illegal, and violates the Constitution.
Which do you prefer?
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And so, my Brothers, Sisters, and Fellow Ministers, my question to you is: Which DO you prefer?
Is this a sly political manipulation? A worthy cry for equality? Or a silly and offensive waste of time, money and effort? What are your feelings towards seeing Baphomet with adoring children stood next to the Ten Commandements?
Or do you, like my most trusted Christian friend put it, find your heart and your head to disagree on this one?
Please feel free to discuss. I would welcome additional viewpoints! But please, keep it civil.
