Statues and Idols

There is a group in Oklahoma trying to get a statue of Satan erected at the state capitol.  This could be viewed in two ways.  Those who don't believe in true evil being present in the world will see this as a political stunt designed to protest the fact that there is an explicitly "Christian" symbol there, in the form of the ten commandments.  Others will see this as Satanists becoming much more public than they have been in the past.  Regardless, most Christians should be able to recognize this as a bad thing on many levels.

Does it even matter?  The Old Testament is full of examples of God's judgment falling on Israel when they erect idols to other gods.  The high places and asherah poles are referenced throughout Kings and Chronicles, and condemned by the prophets.  God does not look kindly on those who explicitly worship other powers.  This is probably made worse by the fact that Satan does exist, while Baal did not, but may have been masqueraded by demons.  Those complicit in those actions are in a bad position as well.

So what is the proper response?  It is happening in Oklahoma, a state I am not a resident of.  But we are all part of the US, so it is happening in my country.  Those who value state sovereignty would see it as not related to me.  I don't elect those who make those decisions, so I am not responsible for what happens there, and it in no way reflects on me.  Those who value national sovereignty will see it as happening in their country, no matter what state they live in.  But that doesn't answer the question of what should be done about it.  Obviously concerns can be voiced in a variety of ways, and it is my understanding that a deluge of correspondence does affect decisions that politicians make.  But in this case, even if the governor and the legislature reject the idea, the courts can force the issue, and the people responsible for those decisions are not elected officials, and have no reason to be swayed by public opinion.

So if the statue is put up, what should be done then?  It could be destroyed, either in secret at night, or in broad daylight as an act of civil disobedience.  Either way would be illegal, as vandalism, and probably prosecuted as a hate crime.  But illegal does not necessarily mean wrong.  And while the Bible encourages submission to governing authorities in both the Old and New Testaments, it infers exception to the times when governing law is in direct opposition to God's stated commands.  (That is why abortion is wrong, even though it is legal.)  But is that the right thing to do, as it could easily start a larger religious conflict?

There already is a huge spiritual conflict going on, it is just that most Americans are either unaware or refuse to acknowledge it.  Openly fighting in that conflict is looked down upon, as not politically correct, even though it is obviously happening.  The idea of "the separation of church and state" has become utterly twisted and abused at this point.  And greater steps need to be taken by Christians to counter that abuse.

I don't think I will be physically doing anything about a statue in Oklahoma, but it I am very concerned about the larger precedent that is being set.  And I will definitely get more involved if things like that start happening closer to home.