Our Lord is obviously under attack!
The Illinois Capitol Building currently displays the Christmas tree and nativity scene, as well as a Hanukkah Menorah.
But there’s something else on display in between each of these Christian and Jewish symbols–a “Snaketivity,” provided by the Satanic Temple of Chicago.
According to NPR, the statue consists of “an arm holding an apple, with a snake coiled around it.”
The phrase “Knowledge Is The Greatest Gift” is also imprinted underneath the sculpture.
The sign next to the sculpture reads:
“There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”
See the sculpture below:
Here’s some photos of the entire display:
The Illinois Capitol said that due to religious freedom laws, they cannot prevent the Satanic Temple from displaying the sculpture.
NPR reported that a sign sits beside this display, which states the following:
“The State of Illinois is required by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution to allow temporary, public displays in the state capitol so long as these displays are not paid for by taxpayer dollars.
“Because the first floor of the Capitol Rotunda is a public place, state officials cannot legally censor the content of speech or displays.
“The United States Supreme Court has held that public officials may legally impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions regarding displays and speeches, but no regulation can be based on the content of the speech.”
Response & Catholic Church Teaching
Regardless of free speech, several of the state employees at the Illinois State Capitol building said “they personally found it offensive” and “felt that it was also sort of an insult.”
They said, “If Satan were to have a birthday, then schedule your decoration then, don’t try to upstage this–Christmas or Hanukkah.”
Listen to this news broadcast below:
This isn’t the first time a display like this has occurred. The Satanic Temple of Detroit displayed their “Snaketivity” during the Christmas season at the Michigan State Capitol for several consecutive years.
From a Catholic Church perspective, however, tampering with the occult is never a good idea, as it can lead one down a serious path of darkness.
This falls under sins against the first commandment, “You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me.” Click here to learn more.
What are your thoughts?
St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us and protect us!
[See also: Chris Pratt Delivers Beautiful Christ-Centered Speech at Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony]