Staff Reports
The Christmas tree festival in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, is causing quite a stir among locals. The National Railroad Museum’s festive event includes nearly 70 beautifully decorated trees, but it’s the displays from the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin and the Bay Area Council on Gender Diversity that have sparked controversy.
PHOTOS – ‘This Is Absurd’: Wisconsin Museum Blasted for Christmas Festival’s Satanic Temple Tree. ***That's exactly what abortion is – a satanic ritual! https://t.co/RBhkN3Tk4w
— bringon2024 (@bringon2024) November 27, 2023
The tree from the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin is adorned with pentagrams, while the Gender Diversity tree features trans flags and ornaments advocating for the protection of trans kids. The presence of these displays has left many residents feeling a little less jolly and a lot more rattled.
In a social media post, The Satanic Temple – Wisconsin proudly showcased their tree at the museum, encouraging people to come and take a look at their “awesome ornaments,” many of which were handcrafted by their members. This brazen display of satanic imagery has not gone unnoticed, with some in the community expressing outrage and disbelief at the audacity of the museum to allow such a controversial exhibit.
Local news reports have revealed that the museum’s CEO, Jacqueline Frank, acknowledged receiving numerous complaints from concerned citizens while also noting that some individuals were pleased to see inclusivity being celebrated at the event. However, not everyone is on board with the idea of mixing Christmas cheer with displays that conflict with traditional Christian beliefs.
Christian pastor Luke Farwell of De Pere expressed his concerns, citing the need for Christians to respect the freedom of speech of others but also emphasizing the offense and belittlement felt by his fellow believers in the face of these controversial displays. Farwell’s assertion that Christians must exercise their right to protect their faith and traditions in the presence of opposing ideologies has struck a chord with many in the community who share similar sentiments.
This is not the first time that the Satanic Temple has caused a stir with its provocative displays. In a similar fashion, the Illinois Capitol rotunda featured an installation of the Satanic Temple’s “deity” known as Baphomet in 2021, which was met with condemnation from Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Roman Catholic diocese of Springfield. Moreover, the Satanic Temple’s announcement of plans to open what they call “the world’s first religious abortion clinic” has only added fuel to the fire, raising eyebrows and stirring up controversy once again.
The clash between traditional Christian values and the provocative displays of the Satanic Temple at the Christmas tree festival has reignited a familiar debate about the boundaries of free speech and religious expression. As the holiday season unfolds, the clash of ideologies continues to fuel tension and controversy within the community, leaving many questioning the true spirit of Christmas.
