Invocation at City Council Meeting Sparks Debate

On October 6, during a City Council meeting in Ottumwa, Iowa, former council member Matt Dalbey, who is affiliated with The Satanic Temple of Iowa, led the opening invocation. His remarks included references to the “dark father” and the “Luciferian impulse to eat of the tree of knowledge,” before ending with the phrase, “It is done. Hail Satan.”

In response, local pastor Rick Bick described Dalbey’s words as a curse upon the city, which he felt needed to be undone.

Rick Burgess, a host on BlazeTV’s “Strange Encounters,” echoed a sentiment of concern but also acknowledged the nuance. He suggested that while the Satanic Temple might function more as an agnostic movement aimed at challenging “freedom of religion,” he still takes the invocation of Satan very seriously.

Council Member Bill Hoffman offered a different perspective, asserting that although he identifies as a Christian and adheres to Christian values, he respects Dalbey’s right to express himself under the First Amendment, while also stating his choice not to engage in such invocations.

“I can agree with that,” Rick commented, “though it seems a bit surprising to think that freedom of religion could encompass something that feels so dark and blasphemous. If we examine the history of our country, that’s not really how it was intended.” He explained further that the Establishment Clause was meant to ensure that government would not endorse a specific Christian denomination.

Rick emphasized that historical records show no allowance for prayers or devotions outside of Christianity, stating emphatically, “You just won’t find that in our history.” He mentioned that even Thomas Jefferson had expressed that the separation of church and state was structured to protect the Christian church from government intervention.

Continuing, he clarified, “So for us to believe that our Constitution supports satanic prayers in government settings is a misunderstanding of the founders’ intentions. Their focus was on preventing an official denomination, not granting an open platform for any religious belief.”

Regarding Dalbey’s prayer, Rick expressed that it doesn’t matter whether Dalbey really worships Satan; the mere act of speaking such words carries weight. “I’d advise him sternly,” he said. “He’s toying with powerful dark forces that are indeed real, regardless of his belief. Choosing to be agnostic, in essence, aligns with a form of satanism because there’s no neutral stance. You’re either with God or you’re not.”

For More Insights from Rick Burgess

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