Just two days after its reveal, a Baphomet statue, representing the controversial icon of The Satanic Temple, was destroyed outside the New Hampshire State House in Concord. This incident, which sparked a flurry of reactions, unfolded after the statue’s installation coincided with a traditional Nativity scene, aiming to challenge the narrative surrounding religious displays on public property.
The demonic sculpture, characterized by its black robes and glowing eyes, held a bouquet of purple lilacs, the state flower of New Hampshire. It appeared alongside a tablet proclaiming the seven principles of The Satanic Temple, and featured a purple stole adorned with symbolic imagery that draws from various occult traditions.
Shortly after the statue’s unveiling, which was broadcast via Facebook Live, it was vandalized on Monday night, triggering a police investigation. Concord’s Deputy Police Chief, John Thomas, expressed his sentiments, stating, “Santa wouldn’t do this. Santa loves everybody.” This statement encapsulates the mix of disbelief and concern surrounding the swift destruction of the sculpture.
Backing the display was State Rep. Ellen Read, a Democrat from Newmarket, who had invited the provocation as a means of advocating for religious equality. She later claimed that religious symbols, including a Santa hat and a cross, were left nearby, hinting at the motivations behind the vandalism.
During the unveiling, Orpheus Gaur from the New Hampshire and Vermont congregation articulated that the apple held by Baphomet symbolized “our quest for knowledge, defiance in the face of arbitrary authority and our commitment to self-determination.” This was in line with the group’s annual tradition which seeks to promote alternative religious displays alongside Christian symbols during the holiday season.
Photos from the aftermath showed Read appearing emotional as she gathered the remnants of the statue, raising concerns about the motivations of those who oppose such expressions of belief. In her remarks, she referenced the need for tolerance towards differing ideologies, lamenting that some individuals could not bear the sight of a display that diverges from their own beliefs.
The event drew a variety of reactions, including from local officials. Mayor Byron Champlin voiced his reservations about permitting such a display, suggesting it represented an agenda rather than a genuine pursuit of religious equity. In a similar vein, Lucien Greaves, a co-founder of The Satanic Temple, remarked on the pattern of vandalism faced by satanic displays, expressing that it seems winter destruction of these symbols has become a ritualistic occurrence.
The case is reminiscent of past instances where satanic displays have met with backlash. For example, a Baphomet statue in Iowa was toppled last year, resulting in a felony hate crime charge against the perpetrator. The ongoing tensions highlight a broader struggle over freedom of religion and expression in public spaces, raising critical questions about how competing beliefs can coexist and be respected.
Leave a Reply