ST. PAUL – State Rep. Ben Davis, R-Mission Township, strongly condemned a satanic display that has been erected at the Minnesota State Capitol.
Davis called the display “absolute evil wickedness” and said he hopes it will be removed.
“I condemn this vulgar display because it grieves my soul,” Davis said. “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. They have a First Amendment right to do put up this display, and I have a First Amendment right to speak against it.
“I’m praying for the people who erected this satanic display to come to Jesus. The Bible says, ‘bless those who curse you’ and I’d say that applies here. This exhibit serves as an ode to evil during the Christmas season.”
Davis, a pastor by trade, is an ardent freedom of religion supporter. Earlier this year, he adamantly opposed House Democrat actions he said placed the state’s view over people’s religious beliefs. This issue, he said, cuts differently.
“This almost looks like a ploy intended to cause such massive backlash that the state just throws up its hands and bans religious displays of any kind at the Capitol – Nativity scene and all,” Davis said. “It would be incredibly unfortunate for that to happen, with the state choosing the same godless path Satan himself would lead us down. That is the last thing we want.”
House Republicans recently sent a letter to Capitol officials demanding that the satanist display be “removed or relocated to a less prominent position within the Capitol.”
“I realize House members have no jurisdiction over displays in the Capitol and the permitting process that’s involved,” Davis said. “That said, there are questions that need to be asked. As you study history, Satan is a vulgar enemy to humanity and especially children. Look no further than the child sacrifices committed throughout history in his many names. Satanic temples today are declaring abortions as a sacred religious ritual. And now a shrine honoring him has been placed in our blessed Capitol. I’m all for religious freedom, but this is pure evil.”
A somewhat similar issue has arisen in Iowa, where the state recently canceled an event the Satanic Temple of Iowa scheduled for the Capitol building in Des Moines. Reports indicate that decision was linked to concern for elements of the event deemed harmful to minors.
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