Can Christians Display Lucifer Statues in Churches? The Liege Statue Controversy

The installation of a Lucifer statue in the Cathedral of Saint-Paul in Liege, Belgium, has sparked an interesting debate within the Christian community. This statue, known as La génie du mal, or the Evil Genius, raises questions about the acceptable practices in Christian churches. While some argue that it is appropriate to use such statues to illustrate spiritual truths, others see it as a form of idolatry or a distraction from God's message of salvation.

Understanding the Liege Statue

La génie du mal, created by Guillaume Geefs in 1848, depicts a classical male figure, almost naked, seated and chained. Surrounding this figure are bat wings that form a mandorla, symbolizing the seductive power of evil. This statue is installed within the highly decorated pulpit in the Cathedral of Saint-Paul in Liege. Its purpose is to highlight the seductive nature of evil, serving as a visual aid in religious instruction.

Controversies and Opposition

While some consider the Liege statue to be an educational tool, there are strong opinions against its presence. Some Christian leaders argue that no statues of Lucifer or any other devilish entities should be displayed in churches since the Bible prohibits the worship of graven images and idols. They see the statue as potentially falling into the category of idolatry, which violates the second commandment.

One commentor argued that the statue is a 'monster' and breaks away from the belief that Lucifer was an angel of beauty. This view emphasizes the importance of staying true to scriptural descriptions and interpretations. Devotion to a Lucifer statue, according to this perspective, is a mere indulgence in Hollywood and TV portrayals.

Scriptural Perspectives on Church Statues

From a scriptural Christian perspective, the use of any statues, whether of Lucifer or any other figure, is generally viewed with suspicion. Many biblical references suggest that the real original and genuine Christian church would not have allowed any statues, aligning with the second commandment's prohibition against worshipping idols. Even now, with the many distortions of Christianity, many churches still see statues as unnecessary.

Other Examples of Church Statues

While the Liege statue is unique, other churches have different representations. For example, Strasbourg Cathedral’s Lucifer statue is part of a larger tableau depicting the parable of the ten bridesmaids. This statue, unlike the Liege one, is not of Lucifer but of a young man, who is identified as Satan. Similar to the Liege statue, this serves a symbolic and instructive purpose, showing the seductive nature of evil.

Statues within churches can also include representations of demons and devils, particularly in gargoyles and corbels supporting vaulting. These often depict grotesque creatures to scare away evil spirits, or as part of a significant baptismal scene.

Conclusion

The display of Lucifer statues in churches remains a topic of discussion and debate within the Christian community. Whether such statues are seen as an effective educational tool or a form of idolatry, it is clear that they should be carefully considered within the framework of biblical teachings and traditions. The Liege statue of La génie du mal, in particular, stands out as a point of contention that highlights the complexity of religious symbolism and practice.