Editor’s note: the following quotes have been edited slightly for clarity and brevity.
CV NEWS FEED // An Iowa state representative and Christian pastor defended the difficult legal situation surrounding the Satanic Temple of Iowa’s temporary “holiday Satanic display” in the Iowa State Capitol building last week.
On the same day, another Iowa state representative wrote an article explaining his Christian and Constitutional basis for opposing the display and his plan to address the issue on a legal level.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on December 8, State Rep. Jon Dunwell explained how the display “came to be” with governmental permission, along with his personal response to the issue as a Christian, Iowan, State Representative, and Pastor.
“The Satanic Temple says it is a federally recognized non-theistic group that uses satanic symbols as a way to convey its message. Their website says the group does not worship Satan or believe in the existence of Satan,” reported KCCI News on December 6. “[The display] features a ram’s head covered with mirrors on a mannequin cloaked in red clothing.”
“The Capitol structure falls underneath the control of the Iowa Legislature,” Dunwell wrote on December 8 in explaining how the display came to be:
The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is charged with the management. Currently, access for displays at the Capitol are open to anyone through an application process. Though there are some guidelines, they do not discriminate on the basis of religion or ideology. Displays are permitted to be displayed for two weeks. All displays are required to communicate they are an independent display and not to be associated with the State of Iowa.
The Satanic Temple petitioned for their display in August and were approved with some modification. They wanted to use an actual goat head (I’m assuming a skull) and were prohibited from doing so.
The Iowa Legislature can set the rules and standards for any display. The current operating principle has been to either allow all displays or none. The Legislature has the power to change it if they deem necessary.
In the same post, Dunwell added his perspective and stance on the issue, explaining that “as a follower of Christ, I certainly find a display from the Satanic Temple objectionable…”
However, Dunwell later continued, “My faith is never imposed upon others, nor should it ever become a direct part of government. It is always a response to the person and work of Jesus Christ. I don’t want to mix the kingdoms! Government is a poor arbitrator of religion… I don’t want the state evaluating and making determinations about religions. I am guided by the First Amendment of the US Constitution.”
He also encouraged Christians to “take full advantage of the opportunities to express our faith in appropriate displays and programs at the Capitol,” adding that he plans to review “the guidelines to ensure they represent our constitutional rights,” along with other steps “to dialogue with other elected officials and Iowans on this issue.”
In sharp contrast to Dunwell’s position, Iowa State Rep. Brad Sherman wrote on December 8 opposing the legality of the display in a Sherman Liberty Letter entitled “Honoring God at the Capitol.”
“The outrage and disgust for this satanic display is widespread, but few people think there is much that can be legally done about it because of free speech and freedom of religion. However, I disagree,” Sherman wrote.
“It is a tortured and twisted interpretation of law that affords Satan, who is universally understood to be the enemy of God, religious expression equal to God in an institution of government that depends upon God for continued blessings,” Sherman wrote. “Such a legal view not only violates the very foundation of our State Constitution, but it offends the God upon whom we depend and undermines our wellbeing.”
Sherman explained,
The Preamble to our [State] Constitution says:
Preamble. WE THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF IOWA, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of those blessings, do ordain and establish a free and independent government, by the name of the State of Iowa…,
According to these opening lines of our Constitution, the foundation for laws and continued blessing and success in Iowa is based on these points: There is One Supreme God. Blessings over this state come from the One Supreme God. We must depend upon the One Supreme God if we want to enjoy continued blessings…
If we claim to believe in the One Supreme Being, the God of all creation, we cannot claim an exemption from obedience to Him in things relating to civil government. In fact, if we claim Him as our God, then we as legislators and government officials are His ministers. As such we must submit to Him in government as much as any other area of life. Either He is God or He is not.
After receiving extensive pushback on Twitter for the lengthy explanation, Representative Dunwell posted on X on December 10:
It’s really not that radical. I don’t want the government dictating, approving, or regulating religious expression. I would rather have an evil blasphemous display, or no display at all, than have the state dictate what they think is appropriate.
I write that as a Bible-believing, Jesus is the only way, Pastor and elected leader who respects the constitution. I am SHOCKED so many want to give up their freedom, so they don’t have to see a display they disagree with.
In his letter Sherman added that “based on the laws of God and the Constitution of the State of Iowa, and for the purpose of securing the blessings of God upon our state:
I am calling for our governor to have this blasphemous display removed immediately based on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and offends God upon whom the State of Iowa depends for blessings.
I am calling for clarifying legislation to be adopted in accordance with our State Constitution that prohibits satanic displays in our Capitol building and on all state owned property.
I am calling for legislation to be adopted that makes it legal to display the Ten Commandments in our Capitol, in all buildings owned by the state, and in our public schools.
Sherman concluded, “If we want the blessings of God upon our state, we must demonstrate by our laws and actions that we are indeed depending upon Him and that we are opposed to Satan.”
