Diversity, tolerance, and acceptance for all.

First thing first, allow me to say that I celebrate Christmas. Living and working among people from various religions, I was trained to say “Happy Holidays”. Even though I am not a big fan of such diluted wishes, I understand how not inclusive “Merry Christmas” must sound. However, if you say: “Happy Hanukkah” to me, I will NOT get offended. It is still a good wish. It was meant from the heart and it is up to ME to take it the way I want it. And it is also up to you. If you choose to make a stink about well wishes, maybe you do not really want them in the first place.

If you have read any of my NROP (New Related Opinion Pieces), you know that I can be pretty opinionated. It is rather easy for me to decide which side I am on, and what I think on a given subject. However, I always urge people to try and argue the opposite side. That is part of the reason why I started this blog – to get a conversation flowing, and to see the other side of the barricade. Often times I see and understand the reasoning that the other side has (which does not mean it is right/ correct/ something I agree with), but they do not always see my point of view.

Having said that, I never understood the side of Satanism. Maybe it is because I have not studied it in depth, or maybe there is no logic to it. If there is anyone reading this that is a Follower (of Satan), I would be curious to know how you feel about the below.

To me, it is like a slap in the face. Like someone urinating on a grave. Because of that, I would love to hear some real reasoning as to why this came to be.

As you might have gathered from the intro, this post is going to be about Satanism and the Holidays. The Illinois State Capitol decided to put up a sculpture of a hand holding an apple, and a snake wrapped around the fruit next to a Christmas tree. This time around, aside the usual decorations such as the Christmas tree, the Nativity scene, or the menorah, you are able to see the statue founded by the Satanic Temple of Chicago. To make things interesting, the statue is called “Snaketivity” as a play on words. “Knowledge is the greatest gift” is what is written on the base of that statue.

What is the reasoning behind this statue? The people of the Satanic Temple wanted freedom of religion. This time around, it was not enough to display symbols of Christianity, or of a religion “not offending Christianity”, as they said on Instagram. Does that not mean that they are purposefully trying to offend people? I thought we were all about appeasing everyone and tolerating each other’s views. There was a GoFundMe page started, in order to cover the costs of making, transporting and installing the statue. Their goal was $1,500, and they reached it ($1,700). “Please consider what you may to help us bring Satan to Springfield” – said the message on the funding page.

Aside from the Snaketivity, there also is a sign from the Freedom from Religious Foundation in the Capitol. It says that “religion is but a myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds”. Now that is even worse than the Satanic statue. While the first one is anti – Christianity, this is anti – religion. And it is an anti – religion symbol in the middle of religious Holiday symbols. Does that not spread hate? It sure seems like it to me. It is very interesting how we choose to be “tolerant”, or “inclusive” only in select ways. I am a huge fan of freedom of speech. BUT, I do have my limits. While I understand them wanting to have THEIR symbol, I do not think it comes from the right place.

Do you celebrate Christmas? If no, then what Holiday (if any) are you celebrating this month?

Stay golden,

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