(PCM) A group of leaders from the Satanic Temple have revealed plans to spread their message to public elementary school students across the country. They feel that because many Christian groups have after school religious programs for students, they feel they want to give students a choice between either Jesus or Satan. Something tells us, this is never going to fly!
The group’s video promoting the after-school Satan Club is almost comical as it almost resembles a horror-film trailer mashed up with some kind of sketch comedy skit. In a recent interview the Satanic Temple’s co-founder Doug Mesner says “It’s critical that children understand that there are multiple perspectives on all issues, and that they have a choice in how they think.”
The Satanic Temple is urging public school officials to allow them to begin the introduction of the After School Satan Club as soon as the new school year begins. Chapter heads from Utah, New York, Boston and Arizona were in Salem, Massachusetts back in early July to talk strategy, with others from Minneapolis, Detroit, San Jose, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Florida participating online.
There is even a website dedicated to the cause which can be viewed here!
The group does however want people who opposed their plan to understand one thing. They are not about promoting any type of worship to the devil. They are instead committed to the view that scientific rationality provides the best measure of reality. They do not believe or endorse any type of supernatural elements or beings that many religions refer to as Satan, Lucifer or any other name.
The purpose of the After School Satan Club would be to teach children about developing reasoning and social skills. Meetings will include a healthy snack, literature lesson, creative learning activities, a science lesson, puzzle solving and an art project. Every child will receive a membership card and must have a signed parental permission slip for a parent or responsible adult to attend.
While the presence of a religious organization in public schools will no doubt be shocking to some, primarily the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) represented by lawyers from the Liberty Counsel, they have solidly established the legal rights of religious organizations to operate clubs in public schools.
According to the CEF website, “[…] the United States Supreme Court ruled that a public school which allows use of its facilities to secular groups may not discriminate against religious groups.” And now that the CEF has established its Bible-based Good News Clubs across the nation, The Satanic Temple are eager to offer their own after school clubs, which will focus upon “critical reasoning, independent-thinking, fun, and freethought.”
What do you think about the groups proposition? Would you allow your child to attend?
