In a nation wrought with religious differences, one anti-Christian group decided to finally unveil a statue symbolizing their ideology. On Saturday, a Detroit Satanic organization announced the showing of their Baphomet statue near an industrial building. For months the group has tried to fight an installment of a 10 Commandments monument in Oklahoma. It was originally placed on the Oklahoma State Capitol grounds in 2012. The Satanic Temple decries adding Bible-themed displays to government property and wanted to make a point.
The one ton statue of Baphomet resides near the Detroit River. The organization plans to eventually move the bronze Lucifer to Oklahoma. They originally tried to have it installed next to the 10 Commandments monument, but that was denied.
When The Temple started the campaign against the 10 Commandments monument, others followed suit. Atheists stepped forward and said they were offended by the monument which crossed the lines of the state and church. Just recently, the Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed and ruled the 10 Commandments monument does violate the state constitution and must be removed.
Conservative officials of the states are planning an appeal and will not move the monument until the appeals decision.
The unveiling of the statue, which depicted a goat-headed, winged creature with small children looking up to the beast brought hundreds of supporters out. Many started chanting “Hail Satan” and cheered uproariously when the veil was released.
The director of the Temple, Jex Blackmore, said people have a “deep misunderstanding about Satanism.” She said Satanists are the true victims, as many of them buck the traditional grasp of authority and rebel against overstepping power. The website of the Temple implores Satanists are critical thinkers who strive for social activism and justice.
While the site insists that Satanists do not believe in either “God or the Devil,” and they do not “bow to no god or gods,” they did cheer the bronze creation during the midnight hour.
More than 100 protesters demanded the removal of the Satanic symbol and started a prayer session following the unveiling of the demonic bronze statue.