A display at the Illinois State Capitol shows the “Serpent of Genesis” from the Satanic Temple alongside a Christian nativity.
The state capitol has hosted a variety of religious displays including a Jewish menorah and Christian nativity for the last fourteen years. For the past four years, the Satanic Temple has been on display as well, according to the Illinois Radio Network.
Minister Adam of the Illinois Satanic Temple told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the display is based on a book by Nicolaus Copernicus’ “De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium.” (RELATED: Virginia Elementary School Will Offer After-School Satan Club)
“Our display revolves around one of the most controversial books of its time…which argued in favor of a heliocentric model of the universe or, in other words, that the earth revolves around the sun and not the other way around,” Adam said. “The display consists of a leather-bound copy of the text at the center, orbited by knitted apples and a 12-foot serpent handcrafted by our congregation members, which represent the pursuit of forbidden knowledge.”
A statue of the baby Jesus on a bed of bullet shells is seen in a Nativity scene outside the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, Italy, December 21, 2017. The 445 shells represent the number of priests, nuns, monks and religious teachers killed for their faith since 2000. Picture taken December 21, 2017. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
In 2018, lawmakers attempted to bar the temple from putting up a display. Some argued that since the temple’s display does not celebrate Christmas or any other holiday that it has no place in the annual capitol Christmas display, according to Illinois Capitol News.
Minister Adam said their display “not in opposition with other religions, but in a show of equality and shared space with other religious viewpoints.”
During the dedication of the nativity, sponsored by Business Men in Christ and the Springfield Nativity Scene, Beth Rodgers, representing the Illinois Prayer Caucus, said Jesus prevails in situations like these, according to Illinois Radio Network.
“And I’m going to say, that little baby in the manger later crushed Satan the serpent’s head and the gates of hell will not prevail,” she said.
The Illinois capitol did not reply to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment. Business Men In Christ could not be contacted for comment.
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