Yes, you heard it right! The "Church of the IV Majesties", claiming to be the "only legal satanic church in Oklahoma", has booked a small room of the OKC Civic Center for a public "exorcism". The purpose of this event is to "educate the public", according to James Hale (Lord High Master of the Infernal Council, for anyone who cares).
Now normally, I wouldn't care too much about this, except the whole thing seems to be getting everyone into a bit of a tizzy, as things tend to do on the internet. Opinions range from "we should ban them from the world" to "we should grant them their rights" (obviously, not everybody's opinions are as well worded. Or to the point).
To the people who want to kick the Satanists' everloving butts out of the Center: legally, you can't do anything except protest. So if it really means that much to you, you can go ahead and picket the place. Or set up your own booth, if you want. But I caution against it, since Mr. Hale has already stated a skewed view of Christians, and it would be unwise to encourage it.
To the people who are worried about Satanism growing because of this, let me first point out what the "exorcism" really is. Unlike traditional exorcisms, where the purpose is to remove an evil spirit (such as a demon), this exorcism is actually meant as a parody of the Roman Catholic exorcisms. In Satanism, the purpose of exorcisms are to remove the Holy Spirit from the body of a prospective acolyte.
Don't worry, you can't actually remove the Holy Spirit from the body of a follower of Christ. Jesus told us that once the Holy Spirit enters into us, it's not leaving. However, the purpose of the exorcism that Mr. Hale is performing (since the traditional purpose is all but useless) is probably to scam people into believing that Satan is a "friendly deity".
One more thing: what Hale is doing at the Center is nothing short of blasphemy. Even he stated that fact himself. I have one question for you, Mr. Hale: you stated that there is no God. You said that man created God, and that man can destroy God, therefore man IS God. So if what you're doing is blasphemy, then who are you blaspheming?
If you care to read the actual article from NewsOK, here's the link: http://www.newsok.com/satanic-group-to-hold-october-event-at-oklahoma-citys-civic-center/article/3490365?custom_click=lead_story_title
Referring to your last line there saying "So if what you're doing is blasphemy, then who are you blaspheming?" He is blaspheming God still. According to the theological belief of blasphemy, it is assuming to yourself the qualities of God. But according to dictionary.com blasphemy is also irreverant behavior to God or anything that is held sacred. Therefore, on his standards what he is doing is blasphemy.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Young Yarb-walker. My point was, he claims that since there is no God (in the sense that we see it) then Man is God. My argument was that he claims to be blaspheming, but against what? According to him, there is no God. But also, according to him, what they're doing is blasphemy.
ReplyDeleteBut yes, I do see your point. I certainly agree that what he's doing and saying is blasphemy. I'm just wondering, who does he think the blasphemy is directed at?