As a lifelong Christian who deeply believes my faith has shaped who I am, I'll start with Robert Leonard is a GOAT! I don't claim to know the will of God, but I believe in a deity that interacts with me, challenges me, invites me, inspires me, and does the same for every other human past, present, and future. I also believe in religious freedom and liberty. I believe in our nation's constitution and the wisdom of making the language in the First Amendment, the very first amendment. And while the tension around "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" is very real and the challenge of living this as a nation is great, you either believe it or you don't. If your idea is that your religion is the only religion that qualifies under the First Amendment, you don't really believe in the constitution. That is what's at stake. Thank you Dr. Bob for drawing out that distinction and for pointing out that the alter at the Iowa Capitol isn't about Satan, it truly is about testing whether we lean into the First Amendment or we tear it down.
I am puzzled. I assumed many Iowa Republican legislators are Satanists. After all, many have been heard to proclaim a "God given" right to own a firearm. The only God who would extend a universal right to a gun is, of course, Satan. Then I read the principles of Satanic Temple you quoted. Every one is an anthema to these same Republicans. That Satan would want no part of them. That Satan wouldn't bargain for their souls. So what are the Iowa Republican legislators? Who would want them?
What's the over/under on how long it takes for this guy to make the rounds on all the RW news shows, speaking at CPAC, etc.? He's the 2023 version of Joe The Plumber.
Perhaps his legal defense fund will generate enough money to pay for his mission trip Iowa and/or kickstart fundraising for his next campaign. Also because I am cynical, I am curious whether or not there had been any behind the scenes communication between this guy and Iowa Republicans.
Love your assessment of the right for this group to be in the capitol. Who I wonder stopped the religious groups who claim their right to be heard although they constantly preach theirs is the only acceptable.
Sigh. I've had too many conversations with people who, when I disagree with them about issue X or Y, imply that I am not merely misinformed or wrong, but am defending Evil.
I find it odd that many of the same people who support Trump (who could be the poster boy for the seven deadly sins) become outraged at a Satanist display. Pick a side.
As a lifelong Christian who deeply believes my faith has shaped who I am, I'll start with Robert Leonard is a GOAT! I don't claim to know the will of God, but I believe in a deity that interacts with me, challenges me, invites me, inspires me, and does the same for every other human past, present, and future. I also believe in religious freedom and liberty. I believe in our nation's constitution and the wisdom of making the language in the First Amendment, the very first amendment. And while the tension around "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" is very real and the challenge of living this as a nation is great, you either believe it or you don't. If your idea is that your religion is the only religion that qualifies under the First Amendment, you don't really believe in the constitution. That is what's at stake. Thank you Dr. Bob for drawing out that distinction and for pointing out that the alter at the Iowa Capitol isn't about Satan, it truly is about testing whether we lean into the First Amendment or we tear it down.
Thanks, Matt!
I am puzzled. I assumed many Iowa Republican legislators are Satanists. After all, many have been heard to proclaim a "God given" right to own a firearm. The only God who would extend a universal right to a gun is, of course, Satan. Then I read the principles of Satanic Temple you quoted. Every one is an anthema to these same Republicans. That Satan would want no part of them. That Satan wouldn't bargain for their souls. So what are the Iowa Republican legislators? Who would want them?
What's the over/under on how long it takes for this guy to make the rounds on all the RW news shows, speaking at CPAC, etc.? He's the 2023 version of Joe The Plumber.
Spot on Kevin.
Perhaps his legal defense fund will generate enough money to pay for his mission trip Iowa and/or kickstart fundraising for his next campaign. Also because I am cynical, I am curious whether or not there had been any behind the scenes communication between this guy and Iowa Republicans.
Interesting...Haven't seen an Iowa Republican response yet, but I've been busy all day. I'll look for it. Thanks.
Bizarre! Thanks Robert for unveiling the truth.
Your Sunday school lessons sounded about like the ones I remember from our rural Methodist church. Love thy neighbor.
Love your assessment of the right for this group to be in the capitol. Who I wonder stopped the religious groups who claim their right to be heard although they constantly preach theirs is the only acceptable.
Sigh. I've had too many conversations with people who, when I disagree with them about issue X or Y, imply that I am not merely misinformed or wrong, but am defending Evil.
Understood. I get it too.
I find it odd that many of the same people who support Trump (who could be the poster boy for the seven deadly sins) become outraged at a Satanist display. Pick a side.