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SATANISM IS NOT ALWAYS OVERT

May 31, 2023

By Larry Robertson
Senior pastor, Hilldale Baptist Church, Clarksville

Last month a sold-out crowd of satanists descended on Boston for SatanCon 2023 to celebrate The Satanic Temple’s 10-year anniversary. 

Many within my tribe were upset, and I get that. I really do.“They’re not even hiding their satanism anymore!”

Be that as it may, brothers and sisters, “Satan (also) disguises himself as an angel of light” (II Corinthians 11:14).

So, if we’re going to be offended by misguided souls parading their hostility against God, let us be equally offended by anything that opposes the holy heart of God. 

When Peter pushed back against Jesus’ talk of dying, do you remember what Jesus said?

“Get thee behind me, Satan…” (Matthew 16:23).

Peter told Jesus that He wasn’t going to die, as if to suggest that he was going to prevent it. And Jesus called Peter “Satan,” because that’s the kind of thing the devil would say.

Anything that works against the will of God — and Jesus dying for our sins was the predetermined will of God — is equally satanic, whether hidden in plain sight or on full and vulgar display.

Robertson

Take lying, for instance. Jesus said, “Satan … is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). What’s more satanic than lies and liars?

And, yet, we’re at a point in human history — especially American history — when truth is dispensable and facts don’t matter. All that matters now is power and the survival of favored narratives. 

It doesn’t matter if those narratives are true. Do we want them to be true? That’s all that matters.

That’s satanic.

Earlier this year, Sam Smith performed a song called, “Unholy,” at the Grammy’s while donning latex and a devil-horned top hat. Afterward, when Turkey was struck by earthquakes, religious folk were saying God sent “Armageddon-like earthquakes” on Turkey because of the Grammys. Cause and effect. (I don’t even think Turkey watches or cares about the Grammys!)

Let me be clear: I’m not defending SatanCon or Sam Smith or satanism, in general. I’m simply calling Christians to consistency in our Christianity.

It’s hypocrisy to lose our minds over one expression of satanic activity but let others slide. And, yet, that’s what American-flavored “Christianity” is doing these days. 

I’d say, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20), but I don’t think we’re ready. B&R 

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