Arkansas Capitol Grounds, a monumental issue
January 30, 2017
The Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock replicated a Texan concrete monument of the Ten Commandments. After receiving backlash about the separation between church and state, they received more opposition from a group of Satanists who believe that they deserve a monument on the capitol grounds as well. They believe this because if the capital wants to memorialize one religion, any other religion must also be allowed in accordance with the First Amendment.
The group of Satanists wants a Baphomet statue, what they describe to be an androgynous creature with a goat’s head and an angel’s wings, placed within twenty feet left or right of the completed Ten Commandments installation or one foot directly in front of it. The monument would be nine feet tall and weigh one and a half tons. This would be the same statue proposed for the Oklahoma capitol grounds which, once refused, required the ten commandments statue be taken down in October of last year after being challenged in the Oklahoma Supreme Court. An Oklahoma bill allowing state funds to promote religion was voted against 57% to 43% in November.
This group has been making propositions nationwide for not only the Baphomet monument, but they’ve also requested after school Satanist clubs in schools where other religious clubs meet. They’ve also asked to give the opening prayer at public meetings in some towns. Lucien Greaves, the co-founder of the Satanic group, reveals in an interview with Associated Press that he believes the Arkansas monument will be denied, but he still wanted to push for it.
Greaves also says that the group does not worship Satan; they are not theistic. They follow seven core tenets that are meant to be universal; personal autonomy, freedom of belief, and scientific rationalism are three core tenets. The group’s new international headquarters is in a former funeral parlor in Salem, Massachusetts less than a mile from the infamous Gallows Hill.
The Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission has cleared the proposal from the Satanic Temple, but a public hearing case will be made sometime after this year’s legislative session; however, the Baphomet statue would need to be authorized by the Legislature even if it is approved by the commission.
Anthony Williams • Feb 2, 2017 at 8:57 am
This was an informative, unbiased, and very well written piece. I hope Kallina has considered a career in journalism, the world needs more writers like this.
Thank you Kallina.
Charlotte • Feb 1, 2017 at 5:34 pm
nice article! unfortunately, the Satanic Temple is doing an injustice to Satanism as a whole: they don’t even believe in Satan – “it’s just metaphors” – and therefore should not be bandying around Satan’s name or art in his honor. it’s shameful and hypocritical. yes, all religions should be represented if one is, but this is merely “activist theater”: TST will get attention by doing this, but that’s about it.
George M • Jan 30, 2017 at 7:03 pm
Your accurate and balanced depiction of the Temple is appreciated. This is exactly what the Press is supposed to be about. Good job.
Donny • Jan 30, 2017 at 6:54 pm
I have a comment to the writer. AMAZING JOB!! serious!!. You stayed on topic, you didn’t pick sides, and you were not overly emotional. You wrote the news how news should be writen. I hope you go far, and you stay within this type of wright style.. This is how news is supposed to be written. It gives the reader a way to think for themselves rather then someone else biased view. I’ve read many, many articles on this before from adult writers and they seemed way less mature. Again, great job Kallina for writing the news and not regurgitating opinions. Amazing
Mike Johnson • Jan 30, 2017 at 5:21 pm
Well written, truthful and accurate article. Thank you Kallina Sims.