Controversy around the Greater Church of Lucifer


The opening of a Greater Church of Lucifer in Houston, Texas on October 30, 2015 has witnessed a spate of controversies and spiritual warfare with Christians around the United States. The website of the controversial organization states that “The Greater Church of Lucifer is a foundation for the unique individual who dares to illuminate the inner-light of the Black Flame. As individuals, we seek to express our insight towards attaining apotheosis, Lords of our spiritual and carnal world. As a foundation, GCOL seeks to inspire the few in the masses towards self-excellence and change”. The website of GCOL also claims that “The Greater Church of Lucifer is only a ‘church’ as a play on words. We are a gathering of like souls who seek to understand and live within the framework of Luciferianism as we understand it.”

Article by NewDelhiTimes.com

However, most of the protestors against the Greater Church of Lucifer regard it as body that promotes the worship of Satan. The founders of the church allay notions that they are devil worshipers. One of the founding members has clarified that Lucifer is Latin for “morning star” or “bearer of light,” so the Greater Church of Lucifer roughly translates to a “gathering of people of like mind who seek the bearer of light or the light.” Greater Church of Lucifer co-president Michael Ford has stated: “I always feel sorry for so-called Christians who feel so insecure in their belief that they have to come out here and waste their time when they’re not going to change our mind, and we’re not going to change theirs.” Ford said the organization is philosophical and their “services” are more of a meeting of minds. There is no devil worship or animal sacrifice that takes place, and they have no intention of converting anyone.

In crux, the key point of dispute is: The Luciferians say they’re not Satanists. The protesters insist they are. Advocates of Luciferanism argue that this is distinct from Satanism. Depending on the context, the names Satan and Lucifer don’t always refer to the same entity. Satanists and Luciferians generally are two groups that have different philosophies. However, the Christian theologians do not buy the argument of the advocates of the church of Lucifer. They claim that the very principles of GCOL are the opposite of the Christian values and will hence promote the opposite of the Christian understanding of America as “one nation under God.”

In defence of their arguments, they argue that church of Lucifer symbolism is decidedly Satanic. The church features figures of horned creatures, fallen angels and a Baphomet, a statue of a winged creature with hooves, the head of a goat and long horns. The locals of the area even submitted a petition message to governor of Texas which respectfully urged him to do everything legally in his power to safeguard the people of Spring, Texas, from the influence of Lucifer. The petition read: God is entitled to our love and honor, so we rise up in peaceful, legal, and prayerful resistance to this affront to Him and to the true interests and common good of your constituents and communities. May God bless your efforts. May He bless Texas, and may He keep America free from Lucifer, the infernal enemy of mankind.”

Echoing similar sentiments, a State Representative from Texas Debbie Riddle remarked that GCOL was an atrocity in the area. To quote him: ‘It is a stick in the eye’ to Christians and Jews – a ‘stick in the eye’ to all who value and love the Godly values on which our country was founded. A stick in the eye to God”. There are critics of the stance taken by CCOL opponents too. They say that those opposing the opening of Lucifer Church are impeding in the right to freedom of religion and say that freedom of religion is not practicing what merely a few approve and can have variants in worship. In conclusion, it can be said that an amicable solution needs to be found out between both the sides and religious figures from both sides should sit together to clarify and listen to the arguments of the other side.



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