Would you wear a shoe celebrating Satan?
Over the weekend, rapper Lil Nas X released a signature Satan-themed sneaker that promptly set the internet on fire. The shoes are black and red with laces that feature an upside-down pentagram.
The phrase “Luke 10:18” are found along the side (a verse from the Bible that reads: “He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’”).
But that's not all. Each shoe contains a single drop of human blood in the sole – it's mixed with red ink so it sloshes around when you walk. Exactly 666 pairs were produced.
Here's what they look like:
Unsurprisingly, the sneakers set off huge buzz online, selling out within minutes.
But they've also generated a firestorm of criticism from high profile politicians, celebrities, and faith leaders who argue controversy represents a fight for the sole, err, soul, of our very nation.
Controversy With a Purpose
The shoe is only part of the story here. The announcement was cleverly coordinated with the release of Lil Nas X’s latest music video, which depicts the young rapper first in a Garden of Eden type-setting, before he descends into hell and proceeds to seduce and kill Satan and assume his throne.
It’s certainly controversial imagery, but Lil Nas X has gone on record explaining why he chose to make the shoes and the music video.
In his words, they represent personal statements of defiance against religious voices that have spent decades telling him, and many other gay people, that they’re going to hell because of their sexual orientation.
Satanic Panic: Lil Nas X Edition
All that said, critics don't seem to care much about the intent behind the imagery. Their position is that evil is evil, and the Satan sneakers represent a threat to children – and even to America's soul.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem weighed in, framing the shoes as part of a much larger battle against dark influences on our children.
Many churches caught wind of the release, too. Pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, explained it as:
“a bunch of devil-worshipping wicked nonsense, pentagram-wearing on your tennis shoe, 666. You think I’m gonna stand for that? You’ve lost your mind… Bunch of Satanism. Bunch of wickedness. Bunch of devilism. Bunch of demonism. Bunch of psychotic wickedness.”
One pastor even made room in his sermon to project a picture of the shoes on the wall and warn his congregation about them:
The entire incident is reminisicent of the so-called "Satanic Panic" of the 1980s and 90s, where everything from heavy metal music to the roleplaying game ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ was blamed for society’s alleged moral decay.
However, there’s one major difference between now and then: social media allows these controversies to spread at amazing speed. Perhaps the release of the shoes on Palm Sunday helped play into the outrage, but by Monday morning it was all the internet could talk about.
Art for the Sake of Art?
To recap: supporters of Lil Nas X argue this is what art is all about – pushing boundaries and making people re-examine their priors. Critics claim it's a dangerous publicity stunt that seeks to drive people (especially children) away from faith.
It's worth pointing out that the company behind the shoes, MSCHF, released similar "Jesus Shoes" back in 2019 featuring a cross hanging from the tongue and soles filled with holy water straight from the Jordan River.
Lil Nas X also articulates precisely why he decided to "take back" the Satanic imagery that had for decades been used to scare gay members of the church, and use it for his own work.
What do you think? Should artists consider the sensibilities of their audiences when making artistic choices, or is art intended to push boundaries?
88 comments
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Debra L. Derrick
Just do anything to get famous, make money or stay relevant. We are a sick society. Also this comes to mind, What would Jesus do?
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Lionheart
Who knows what Jesus would do, if he ever really existed? I do have some sandals though....would he approve?
I’m still looking for his image on some toast, but no luck so far. I think I could see his image in some tea leaves in my cup the other day. Then I got to thinking....is this the best he can come up with to prove he was real? I think I’ll go outside and see if I can see his image in the clouds. Be back soon, unless I get caught up in some sort of rapture looking for him.
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Min. Blake Hollyfield
Differences between the God of Christians and your Pagen gods your trying to mock us with.
1: The biggest difference between the gods of other religions and the God of Christianity is that the Christian God has a relationship with His followers. Has His very own book written by Him. The Bible teaches Christians how to talk to God as well as how to hear from Him.
2:The Christian God predicts the future with 100% accuracy. And no other “god” can provide. See Isaiah 41:21-23. Also look at historical events between Babylon and Jerusalem that was predicted and written way before the events took place. There is more than just this one too!
3: The Christian God is Scientifically Accurate When Others gods Are Scientifically Ignorant. Evidence? The Prophet Isaiah KNEW the Earth was round in shape when the rest of the world thought that it was flat and shaped like a square or rectangle. It’s because God revealed this scientific truth to the prophet.
4: The Christian God is Incredibly Humble. Mystical gods of the world have HUGE egos. What kind of God would sacrifice His only begotten Son to save humanity? A humble one.
5: The Christian God is the Ultimate Example of Love. All of the other gods are known to be selfish and narcissistic. All they care about is themselves and their personal advancement. The Christian God cares about you, how you can get to heaven, and your personal advancement.
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Lionheart
1: The relationship you refer to is no different to the relationship many people like to think they have with any mythical creature. The book you reference was written by human beings under the imagination they were being inspired by some form of deity. Personally, I think JK Rowling made a better job of her book, and with fewer errors. There is no evidence anyone has ever had any real communication with any deity. In fact, no one has yet been able to prove a deity exists, even you. If you could, you would be eligible to claim the Nobel prize that no one else has yet been able to claim, mainly because there is no verifiable evidence available.
2: The fallacies of prophecies are too numerous to mention here but you can get some idea from https://infidels.org/library/modern/farrell_till/prophecy.html
3: We of course know that the Bible isn't scientifically accurate. If you think that people postulating the earth is round is science you are sorely not understanding what science is. The person that "proved" mathematically the earth was an oblate spheroid was Galileo Galilei, who was incarcerated by Christians for the rest of his life because it went against Christian edicts of what they believed to be true. I won't even cover here the genetic science of DNA that explains where we really did come from, and it certainly wasn't from Adam and Eve 6 or 7 thousand years ago.
4 and 5: I don't see your Christian god as being humble at all, especially for the poor man that was stoned to death under his direction for picking up sticks on the sabbath, or little children being killed at his hand. I won't even cover here the hundreds of thousands that he is supposed to have drowned. No, he doesn't care, and he isn't love. Try explaining he is love to those children dying of cancer, or diseased in poor countries, or those in the Holocaust.
Your god is a jealous, pathetic, infanticidal, malicious bully, and if he was ever proved to be real, and I ever saw him, I would punch him on his nose, stamp on his feet, and poke him in the eye for being the uncaring, egotistical idiot he is. If you think he is real, please tell him to come and see me. I want to show him what true love, and real morals, are all about. If I don't hear from him real soon, I think we can come to the obvious conclusion, he doesn't exist, and you have been wasting your time on indoctrinated fallacies.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Bravo, Sir Lionheart! I'd give you three votes for that one, if they'd let me. And please allow me to hold down that worthless, evil, god while you assault him. I might assault his back side, at the same time.
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Evan
@Lionheart - You're my hero!
It's nice to scroll through something and see more educated than moronic responses to ... well... anything.
I'm a non-theistic Satanist so I'm not saying I'm more or less qualified to give an opinion than the zombie cult followers, but (this is just my Satanic belief and I'm ready to be attacked for it) the devil isn't real. It's a made up concept. The bible is a massive work of plagiarism. It can't predict the future anymore than your daily horoscope. If you talk to god you're talking to yourself, but it makes you feel better. I get it. If you believe that god talks back you need to seek psychiatric help.
Now that we've cleared up that all religion is man made let's talk about America. Despite what the right wing crazies tell you this country was founded on SECULARISM. It's really not that hard to see if you have any interest at all in history from an academic perspective. This country was founded out of persecution, albeit christian persecution, but persecution based on conflicting beliefs nevertheless. It was not founded so protestants could make their own NEW persecution despite that ultimately happening. There is a reason why the DoI explicitly states "life, liberty, and the pursuit happiness," and gives no specific qualifiers.
Just to piggyback on that in - countries have no souls. Countries are another man made thing. I still think it's hilarious when zombie cult followers declare that their god blesses America. Like if he were real he would honor demarcation lines.
Now we've covered my appreciation for people who can think, that god and the devil aren't real, the bible is made up, and America wasn't founded as a Christian nation.
For questions about atheism please check out 'Atheist Universe.' Someone way smarter than me can open your mind (if you're open to thinking).
For questions on nontheistic Satanism please check out 'The Satanic Bible.' Again, only if you're able to think objectively.
Be advised: Both of these books require the ability to think.
Again, cheers Lionheart for giving me a sliver of hope!
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Pastor George Day
Lionheart,
The last paragraph shows real honesty. I pray you will overcome what led you to that resentment of God. He can handle it.
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Pastor George Day
Lionheart,
I'm taking the time to go through this very interesting article and jotting down notes to respond with theological accuracy.
Thank you for posting it. It is a great help to us believe to stretch our thinking :-)
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Ilmenheru Terikson
ok Blake, got it. You are truly out of your mind if you actually believe the above. We are not mocking you, we are stationg otright you by coming on to this forum and pushing insular ideals are making yourself and the Faith you claim to represent appear truly evil and amoral. You are not doing what you seem to think you are doing with your posts. All you do is convince us you and yours are wrong and genuinely evil with your posts.
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Laurie Rice
Reverend Blake - While it's okay for you to believe what your G-d would say and require of people, I am thinking my G-d is very different. From what I see of Christians these days I want nothing to do with them. They have wanted to take food from the mouths of the poor, require poor working women to go into debt for daycare, turn their backs the weakest of men, women and children looking for a better life, lock children in cages and do their best to make sure our country is not a democracy but one that looks up to a dictator. This young man I'm sure went through hell as a child and teen, as many like him have. It is only because of religious mores and beliefs he wasn't allowed to live his life to the fullest. I'm okay with anyone making money in any legal way they can. If people want to participate in sneakers (I wouldn't) that have a drop of blood on them and they think it's cool, then let them. They hurt nobody. This young man making these sneakers and getting money hurts nobody. But Faith doesn't put people down. To me Faith lifts up. Faith makes happy like singing. I remember my Baptist gran and I were at a family function. I went to get up and dance and then sat down thinking better of it. I told her, "I'm sorry I was going to get up and dance but I know you don't believe in it." She looked at me and said, "Go ahead. We all answer to our G-d for what we do." And that's the gist of it. We all answer for what we do. In the future, try not to be so hard on people, especially young people. They do some crazy stuff, I know I did. And if buying sneakers with a drop of blood on them is the worst thing they can do, then thank G-d because it could be a thousand other terrible things just waiting out there for them to do. Peace my friend.
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MIKE
Oh ye of little faith!!
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Lionheart
What does that actually mean?
Is it the same faith that others have of Àllah, or Vishnu, or Lord Krishna? If you don’t believe in them, would it be correct to say to you, “Oh ye of little faith?” Who is correct? Any of you? How do we know who is correct? Evidence based? Obviously not!
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Lionheart, I think it means that those who have little faith in themselves are totally screwed.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
It seems to me, my good friend Lionheart, considering my knowledge of reincarnation, that if such a man as Jesus existed more than two thousand years ago, unless he had reached the ultimate state of Nirvana, after numerous lives as other people, or having had a complete excelled awakening and become a Buddha, that like the rest of us, he would have since had numerous incarnations as other people, without any recollection of having been Jesus. He could have even slipped and slides along the way, and now be living the life of a troll, who never comes out from under his bridge, or something else that's equally as different as the person he was in that life. I've never heard of anyone conducting a seance to try to see him, or have direct communication with him. That's the best way I know to do it, with spirits who are still of the identity of the one evoked. Chances are, if he did exist, that could not happen, for he would have long since moved on to another identity, if our dreams and visions of having been other people, at other times and places are real, but no sir, I don't have any demonstrable evidence. Everything might be dream, or a thought in the minnd of The All. The only thing I know for a fact is that this thing that I call myself has perceptions, through which I am only comfortable trusting in my perceived experiences.
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Pastor George Day
Lionheart,
You'll be surprised!
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Christopher Gerard Daniels
I might agree..., if I hadn't read the article. PS My Guatemalan neighbor, Jesus, decided to draw his own pentacles in marker on his sneakers, I thought you'd want to know, since you asked. I had no idea that Lil' Nas X was gay, but I'm glad I can re-interpret the video and sneaker sale in light of this. I know when I was growing up, although gays and blacks were facing very similar discrimination, many in the conservative black Christian community, and even those only nominally Christian, were in denial that they were part of the same struggle, the fight for human rights, and equality before the law. "Just do anything to get famous, make money or stay relevant." That's not an answer to "Should artists consider the sensibilities of their audiences when making artistic choices, or is art intended to push boundaries?" Obviously, you didn't even bother to read what was asked here, you just came up with you're own comment to your own question, unless, maybe you were describing yourself? Are you saying "anything to be relevant", even on such a small platform, on a website which you know has people with very different views, who could care less what that... well, Lionheart already expressed this view, in answer to your troll.
Frankly the serpent: the talking serpent, represents renewal and rebirth, as it sheds its skin, infinity and the circle of life, as it can literally bite its tail and form a circle. And in "Eden",it generously shows the humans to tell right from wrong, and is about to grant them the secret of eternal life, when that nasty vengeful bronze-age deity curses them and all their unborn children. What kind of deity is that? And what kind of person claims to have come to Earth to absolve that "sin"? Although I liked much of what he said in the Coptic Gospel of Thomas. -
Jamie King Colton
Here is an example of sickness spreading and sharing sickness to gain support and acceptance.A selfish and non-caring destruction of Biblical principles to gain acceptance of destructive behaviour to work against the Bible.Righteousness will in the end prevail and sin will die along with those that live and promote it.God Rules and Jesus was the only true example of living the way life should be lived.WWJD Blessings to all !!!!
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Robert Edward Szekely
That sounds pretty weak-minded to me. Speak not of "biblical principles" as we live in a secular nation, like it or not. Too many horrible things have, and continue to be done in the name of fighting for a God who by all indications, should be strong enough to fight for Himself, without having poor flawed humans try to step in on His behalf, doncha think?
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Alisa Kay Gill
How about instead of spilling hate we talk to our kids about the subject. It's not the job of everyone else to raise our kids. My youngest daughter actually brought the song to my attention. She said "Hey mom watch this and tell me what you think." After watching it I said, "He's pretty creative, what did you think?" That's all it took for us to have an OPEN discussion about religion, sex, and what's right and wrong. So instead of casting the first stone because you are so righteous, (that's sarcasm) you talk to your kids and pay attention to what they are doing. Don't leave it to the artist and tv or phones or tablets etc. to raise your kid. nd as a grown individual, if you don't like it, don't watch it. This is America. We ALL have freedom of speach and religion. Or lack of religion.
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Dean Allen White
Well said! It's not the job of others to raise our children, or define what is seen as art. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, and while I may not see the beauty in some things that others call art, I cannot perceive it "through their eyes". Does that make it something other than art? My answer would be "No". Personally, I like my "art" a bit more impressionistic, like a painting by Vincent Van Gogh. Others may wish to interpret art differently than I do, and that is their choice, NOT MINE.
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Peggy L Ake
I truly love what you have written. Your parenting advice is so solid and so important for raising intelligent, thoughtful and courageous children who can make their own belief choices and can reach out to protect those around them, even those with whom they don't share the same religious beliefs with, but know it's wrong to hurt others with words or with violence. They become leaders by example, like your child/children probably are among their peers.
I used to be a parent educator/social worker for a county Children's Services and what you have expressed, is one of the many things I tried to stress to parents. Thank you. I've been retired since 2006 and your type of parenting is ideal. I wish more were like you.
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Albert Douglas DuBois
If Gov. Kristi Noem would fight this hard to promote equality and basic human rights it would be a better world.
You’ve struck a chord, Nas. Keep it going. Loved Old Town Road.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I don't believe I've heard his music, but doesn't "Them Satan Shoes" sound like a good name for a song, and later a movie?
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James Riggle-Johnson
We do realize these really are not the shoes of Satan, right? They don't represent Satan, were not conjoured by Satan, or anything like that. Are the silly, stupid, sad? I think so but that's just me. I don't particularly like this guys music either, but I don't think it's the end of the world. People need to focus on what they can do to make the world better and not on telling others who makes it bad. Just my thoughts.
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James Riggle-Johnson
Comment removed by user.
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James Riggle-Johnson
One more thing... Nike isn't selling these shoes. They didn't design them and are suing the company that purchased their shoes Nike Air Max 97 sneakers and modifying them. Nike wasn't even involved, yet people are getting ready to boycott them.
Some of us give Christian's a bad name.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Why do you feel a need to defend Nike, JC. They won't even give you a discount on their much over priced shoes. They ought to appreciate the publicity. Such evil companies are all a bunch of devil worshippers, anyway. You'd be much better off representing a good company, like New Balance.
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Ronaldo
New Balance sells their shoes for about the same as Nike does, and have been sued more than once for trademark violations and false advertising. One of the suits they settled rather than taking it to court involved an ad campaign where they stated their shoes were "made in the USA", though most of the shoe was not made within our shores. Making a profit does not automatically equate to "evil", and I have found no evidence that Nike's senior managers worship Satan. The dollar, maybe, but it says right on it "in God we trust".
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I've owned and totally wore out multiple pairs of shoes made by both of those devil worshipping brands which has nothing to do with the christian myth called Satan. That Satan guy doesn't sound all that bad to me, and Hell sounds a lot better than christian heaven. Then again, I'm not all that good, iether. However, we of Wicca don't believe in Christian mythology, but it's a fun subject to talk about anyway, and possibly succeed at giving some of y'all something to pray about.
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James Riggle-Johnson
I wasn't defending Nike. I was pointing out that if people want to take this out on someone, they should choose a company that actually has something to do with the video.
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Min. Blake Hollyfield
Who crafted the Biblical false idols? Man. Wear these shoes and see if you don’t open your life to some very real oppression that you just can’t really pinpoint what’s throwing you off, but there’s something 🤔
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MIKE
He seeks attention and that's what it's all about, and he is getting it.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
It's surprising the things they'll publish on this blog. Thank Satan, this isn't a christian ministry,band foul mouthed, arrogant, immoral christians don't rule here, like they think they should.
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Amber Fry
This has to be an April Fools article. Two things strike me here. It's illegal to mix blood into anything sold to the public so I'd expect that to be more a rumor than fact... providing there are shoes at all. The second thing is 666 pairs only? really? Who bothers to put that much time and effort into anything and only sell that much? That wouldn't cover manufacturing unless they were sold for an extraordinary amount each. I call April Fools on this one.
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John Florea Jr
Hmmmm....the religious are condemning this while worshiping an orange god they created. Does anyone recognize hypocrisy?
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Wayward73
All hail Lord Q*bert!!!
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Ronaldo
You must have a different class of "religious" people surrounding you than I do. I don't know anyone that actually worships an orange god, and I know thousands of people of all faiths. Maybe your religious people are meditating, and contemplating their navels, only to find that it is a navel orange they are contemplating. The only hypocrisy seen here is when people make assumptions that deny the real facts.
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Alisa Kay Gill
I have 3 kids, all grown now, but I have NEVER allowed anyone to censor them!! My kids were raised knowing this is the greatest country in the world because we have freedom of speech and religion. The ones that should be ashamed are the people spitting hate in the name of God! This artist has just expressed what he has been feeling. If you tell me I'm going to hell I'll be the first to tell you I'll enjoy the ride. Why? Because I know it's not up to you where I go when I'm gone. What was the verse? "Judge not lest ye be judged" My daughter brought me the video and showed it to me. She asked "Mom, what do you think?": I told her I thought he was pretty creative. She said "I'm so glad you're my mom ."My kids talk to me about anything, yes anything, nd it's because I NEVER said they were wrong about any creative outlet that helped them get through this life.
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Simon E Blatta
Is that Will Farrell in the video? This is one of most hilarious roles. Thank you, Lil Nas X, Mr. Hill. 'Old Town Road drove me nuts, but the drama you have sparked is great entertainment. And I won't ignore the message you wish to share
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I'm sure Satan could get him out of it if he wants to, Brian.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
We've got to talk about something Brien, and they don't let us choose our topics. Maybe they think discussing wierd subjects will make us better ministers. This one is a lot better than some of them have been. You might find peace in knowing that. Also, we do not have to talk about every topic they give us. They won't fire us for sitting one out.
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Lionheart
I put in a request for something a little bit more steamy and sexy as a topic on this blog and I'm hoping they will soon oblige, and to make really sure I prayed to the Holy Pasta of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I think that should do it.
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Christian
Well, now you are talking product law, copyrights, and Brand ownership. Nike is not happy with the products which they claim, are based on modified Nike products. That is a matter for the courts.
As far as 1st Amendment goes, yes they are free to make products that mention mythological characters as they see fit. No one owns a copyright or trademark on the word, 'Satan'.
I would encourage them to read fully all they can of All mythology, not just one European modified middle eastern cult.
They may wish to pick other characters and make shoes for them too - but they must make the whole shoe, ensure it doesn't violate and Nike or other copyrights, and probably make some plain black shoes or white shoes for daily wear & tear walking about.
Many people of course would avoid purchasing any perceived "evil" products from a seemingly self - cursed corporation, buyers vote with their dollars.
The Bill of Rights exists to protect all States, and all Citizens, from the criminal thuggary and unconstitutional overreach of officials not obeying the Constitution pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness.
May Love Bless all the Satanists - but they might not want such blessings if they are following a different mythology...
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John P Maher
I AM SURE that ALL the tRUMPIES and the G O Pigs will PURCHASE, OH I FORGOT ABOUT the REST of the IGNORANT FOLLOWING GOATs, YOU KNOW G O Pigs THAT STARE at THEN FOLLOW GOATS, IGNORANCE is BLISS !
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MIKE
More likely the Democrats demons. Trumpers, are for the most, God fearing people. Get your demographics correct before you put your foot in your mouth!
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MIKE
Now with that said, let's make an honest attempt to keep politics and religion separate!!
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John P Maher
YEAH FOOLs RUSH IN, RIGHT GOATs ? or G O Pigs !
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PATRICIA S RITTER
This is insane i would never buy it my heart belongs to Jesus not Satan all lil nas x doing is making himself stupid why would nike do this to their stores they need to find Jesus cause this country needs to bring god back into this country not Satan. Satan is a murder a liar and so on
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Lionheart
Do you have any “demon”strable evidence either of them were/are real?
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Min. Blake Hollyfield
Evidence of evil spirits is voluminous and comes from many cultures, both ancient and modern. Cases from China, India, and the United States are examined and evaluated. The actual experience of spirit victims, the universality of spirit oppression, the superhuman phenomena associated with “possession,” and the comparative success of deliverance and exorcism vs. psychiatry are considered. Potential arguments against the spirit hypothesis center on the antecedent improbability of spirits, multiple personality disorder, and the effectiveness of medication; but these can be countered. Psychiatrists should question their materialist assumption that mental illness is strictly a matter of an aberrant brain, carefully examine the literature of possession, experiment to determine why exorcists and deliverance ministers often succeed where psychiatry fails, and develop a more complete inventory of techniques for healing the complete person.
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Ilmenheru Terikson
Blake you have already oted yourself as a soldier for the forces of evil here. We true ministers of the ULC know that all who push insular rhetoric are enemies of all sane and freedom loving people around the world.
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Lionheart
So, bottom line then, there is no demonstrable evidence and that is why only evidence based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy has been approved by the medical profession of therapists for curable emotional behaviors. Psychiatry is the other science based option for serious mentally ill individuals. Everything you have just postulated is just unproven quackery that is obviously not approved by medical science and that is why you won't find it as a listed option by the medical profession.
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Dean Allen White
I might ask, Is there demonstrable evidence that treatment with drugs, or psychological "theory" is 100% effective? I believe the answer to this question is an unequivocal "No". Two hundred years ago, psychology was laughed at by "the scientific community". Now, it is accepted as gospel. Hmm, "gospel". The word gospel meaning? The truth. Whether the gospel is or is not the truth, it is "generally accepted", and it has become such a part of society that a word like gospel has taken on a second meaning, of truth. You seem to enjoy baiting christians, and work quite hard to disprove their beliefs and opinions. Perhaps your' time might be better spent pondering the possibilities of something other than medical science being correct in certain situations. While possesion by spirits or demons isn't probable, any good mathematician will tell you that "In the realm of probability, anything is possible". When we close our eyes (and minds) to possibilities, we hobble ourselves. Perhaps we should begin to 'Think outside the box" imposed upon us by society, science, and the medical community. Having said this, I personally belong to no organized faith. I have never believed in possesion, or exorcism. But is it a terrible thing if someone else believes? Not to me. I like to think that a persons beliefs are their own, and do not concern me. If someone believes in Allah, the great Buddah, The Great Spirit, or even chooses to worship Satan, it is their choice. If some believe that to worship any or all of these deities is "wrong", they are welcome to their thoughts on the matter. However, I also believe that they don't need to try to force their beliefs onto others. The christian teaching of "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you". comes to mind here. Of course, not all who claim to be christian follow this advice, but it is still good advice, and were it adhered to by all people, this old world would be a much more peaceful place, would it not? I guess that my thought here, is that we should all respect the beliefs of others, whether they disagree with our own beliefs, or not. Peace,
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I can attest to the fact that using drugs, legal or not, is 100% effective, when used the right way, and not too much in excess, Dean. I can also attest to the fact that eating ten brownies, made with ten buds of drop, in an hour, will make you buzz like a swarm of bees for ten hours!!! I had a case of the munchies, but will never make that mistake again. For further proof of the effective of drugs, make some popcorn, and watch Cheech and Chong movies.
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Lionheart
Thank you for your missive. I totally agree that if the shoe fits a persons beliefs, and it helps them get through life, then go for it. However, when someone starts preaching drivel like “Evil spirits are real” when there is no factual evidence that they are real, I will chip in with my ten cents worth just to add a different thought process to this blog.
I’m sure psychotropic drugs are rarely 100% successful in “curing” mental illnesses, however, if they help a mentally challenged person live as much of a normal life as possible I would suggest that is better than any religious quackery could do.
Your strawman reference to “gospel truth” is a stretch from my rebuttal to the OP that I was responding to.
Thank you for your comments. Peace ✌🏼
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Minister Mike
Fake news! Things are getting pretty bad when "religious" organizations feel they have to lie about crap to get attention. I'm just about done with ULC. You have earned a single digit salute.
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ULC Admin
Minister Mike,
This is a very real story, so not sure where the "fake news" accusation is coming from. If you spot any inaccuracies we'd encourage you to let us know!
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Fake news is an outdated Trumpian term. Let's keep up with the times, people!
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Laurie Rice
Oh thank you so much Carl. That term has run its' course.
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Ilmenheru Terikson
Good riddance to you Mikey. We all know you are a member of the factions of true evil in this world. Keep worshipping the orange goo oozer.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I bet Lord Satan has the best shoes ever made, and the father, son, and holy ghost are his shoe shine boys.
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Ronaldo
This is going to be a non-issue in the very near future, as Nike has sued the manufacturer of these shoes for using their symbol without permission. Nike did not make these shoes, nor do they support them in any way. All this does is show that Lil Nas X has no regard for right and wrong, or the law, apparently. I hope the suit takes into account that their actions have put Nike in a Satanic light, so not only have they illegally used the symbol, they have besmirched the name of the company, and they should pay for that.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Now we know what body Nostrodamus is spending his current inçarnation in. Nobody ever got famous by following rules. It could equally change the world. Well, you know some have said this is the age of Satan. So, you better get your priorities straight, and tear down those churches, for we'll be coming for you with our all powerful Satan Shoes on, to stomp the holy spirit out of you, you foolish follower of a defeated god, who made himself inferior to his creation, when he sat in Jesus' lap, and bounced up and down, in jubilation!!! Hey, that sounds like it would make a good rap, do oesnt it. Guess I'm a poet, who didn't know it.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Another back seat law school graduate. By the way, has anyone seen Daniel Gray. Just asking.
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Avis Ann Donovan
"Con Man Pastor" Greg Locke should learn about the scriptures, especially "being without sin before casting stones. He, the con man pastor, himself is worth $129,000,000.00. Where did he get it and why is he still requiring more money from the sheep he is fleecing. He also dumped his first wife after he was caught cheating with a very young "church assistant."
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Even better than learning the scriptures it might be better to learn about schizophrenia, and the way schizophrenics are affected by it. Then watch for correlations in the bible, and you might come to realize that the modern word for prophet is schizophrenic. As I sit back in my easy chair, and take a long toke, I am reminded that the best use for the bible is rolling papers...and toilet paper. Cheers, jeers, and "No More Tears." For it's just a hand in the bush, in the bush, in the bush... For we are the champions, and we're not gonna take it anymore!!!
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Brien
Ok, I don't know who this tiny nas is, but ST NIKE is sueing his butt off. ROFLMAO 😂😂😂 . ☮️
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Joanna Whitney
it's pretty common knowledge to those who think critically and pray that in order to get famous in Holly-wood you must sell your soul to the Owners - call them what you will - and their religion is that of pedophilia and death - the old religion - sacrifice of babies and the search for adrenochrome - they are getting more and more blatant with there old religion sacrificial offerings televised in music videos and Super Bowl half-time shows.
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china mayhew
were it not for christian hypocrisy they may have an argument.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Those christians sure are silly!
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Richard Lee Cornell
It is a problem being Black and gay.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I'd put black or gay, Richard. And don't forget, Sammy Davis Jr. was also Jewish.
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Mark Hannon
I think it is very telling that with so few of these shoes being made/sold that it will only be the top richest 1% will be able to buy them.
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Brien
Wow, this topic went way off the rail. Some rapper or whatever this nas person does comes up with a stupid publicity stunt and everyone has bought into it. The publicity is gold to nas who did not have to spend any more money than the initial announcement. Word of mouth has done the rest. Now I see even here deeper meanings are being assigned to something that is pure nonsense. So, here is the reality, this is nothing more than a publicity stunt pulled off by someone who's only talent is nothing more than a flash in the pan. Here is another fact....he is being SUED by Nike corp for patent violations. It seems that the INSOLE that nas decided to use belongs to Nike and it was used without their permission. That means that nas is going to be paying Nike a whole lot of money, possibly even more than he made on this stunt. With all of the crap that we have all been thru this past year, does this topic really rate your attention? Is this really worthy of the deeper meanings that all of you have assigned to it? If you truly believe that this topic is worthy of your analysis, then I am truly worried about you. As always, I hope all is well with you and yours....Peace ☮
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Paul Phillip Ramsey
James 3:1 Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment.
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Katherine Mary Moss
This one is a difficult one. On the one hand, eople shouldn't be judged for what they believe, but on the other, there is something to be said for the evil this image projects. After all, I, personally, believe that satan is a real being, and anyone who tries to call on him is inviting unnecessary evil into their life. No good comes of promoting demonic worship.I don't care what the Satanic churches say, that they are just a play on Christianity. Their tenets more often than not don't match up with their actions.
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Robin Reneé Crawford-Jameson
Are we as humans not put on this earth to be of service, guidance and help to our fellow man? If not then what are we living for, our own decisions and our own beliefs? Jesus’ blood washed away out sins and covers us in his rich red love. Understanding, compassion, knowledge and being there for others thru the battles of life wether you perceive them as a reason to throw someone right into the depths of hell for something they perceive as how they were created by the Almighty is , and this I say for myself, the key to the creators intentions. Do unto others y’all and shame on those of y’all for shaking a fist instead of reaching out your hand. If I can be of any help just let me know. I love mankind, don’t have to like or agree with everyone, but I do give them their thoughts and ways for each day miracles change lives No one is a child of a lesser God. LOVE REMEMBERS NO WRONGS.
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Carole Madan
This is my 3rd try at leaving a comment. Oh well let me go again: My heart bleeds for those who have suffered for their inequality as seen by society or their family. I know full well what that feels like because my mother ditched me when I accidentally got pregnant. I had the best form of birth control ever devised at that time so many years ago and it failed me. The baby died in me and I almost died but thank God I did not. That experience at such a young age really has made me open to all those who suffer.
Does no one realize the pain, hurt and anger that this young man is in...? Does no one realize that because the people around this young man condemned him to hell and had him hating himself, he decided to go there. Jesus never said anything about homosexuality...WWJD? I believe he would embrace this young man and apologize for the things that happened to him that made him feel like he is less than a child of God. That’s what is wrong...everyone is so ready to judge someone else. For myself, I will pray for him...not for him to change but for him to find peace.
Thank you. You said quite a lot in just a few words. I wish all our children encounter someone like you instead of the people they do.
WWJD? Don’t speak for Jesus, that’s blasphemy. I cast no judgement on someone’s intimate life, that’s above my pay grade. But Jesus DID say try to correct fellow man to lead them away from sin. And homosexuality is spoke on multiple times in Old and New Testiment. Do Pastors and LukeWarm mislead Christians go about it wrong, most do. And they will be judged for casting stones instead of lifting someone up spiritually. It’s a huge sin. Jesus spoke on forgiving men of their trespasses against another, forgiveness of unrighteousness, and murder. Of course He did only name one unforgivable sin which is blasphemy of the spirit, but he did no specifying forgiving all the other major sins that completely disrespects our Creator. You cannot add what you want to Jesus Gospel. That’s the part of the false teachings that’s corrupting the ideas of Christians today. So, he WILL face judgement for his sins.
Blake, that was all part of Jesus' facade. He was too closeted to want anyone to know why his apostles left their wives to be with him, and never wanted a woman again. Quit misinterpreting scripture, man! It's all right there in plain sight!
and here I thought it was just myself that thought jesus was in the closet
Carl Bernard Elfstrom,
Who said the apostles let their wives? That's what Catholics say to justify clerical celibacy.
do you understand that we are a secular ministry and do not espouse nor condone insular rhetoric like yours Hollyfield. To even suggest your idea of faith is true and this man will face it says to me you are a would be authoritarian religionist and likely a fascist as well.
Ilmenheru Terikson,
CORRECTION: we are not a 'sexual' ministry. We are a Universal church. Big difference! Google it :-)
Right on, sister Aqilah!
The comment immediately above is brilliant. I wish I had said that. My heart bleeds for those who have suffered because they didn't conform the way society thought they should. I am bipolar left handed,directionally disabled and, well, just playing disabled. I've been so put down by societal forces all my life but I've managed to reach 70 with a wonderful perspective. I am filled with love for my fellow men and women.👩🌾🙋♀️❤
Aqilah Jackson,
Jesus is the incarnate Torah, and he affirmed the nature of human sexuality according to the Torah. Homosexuality is a symptom of the fall.
Having said that, homosexuals deserve respect.