In a surprising turn of events, Portland has granted approval for an “After School Satan Club” aimed at elementary school students, largely as a response to the expansion of religious programs in schools, particularly those backed by evangelical Christians. Yes, you read that correctly—this is indeed happening.
The irony is palpable. Back in 2001, a pivotal case brought before the U.S. Supreme Court, supported by conservative legal groups, established that excluding after-school programs due to their religious nature infringed on free speech rights. Consequently, by 2011, the number of Good News Clubs—operated by the Child Evangelism Fellowship and designed to introduce children as young as five to a strict form of evangelical Christianity—ballooned to 3,560 nationwide. It turns out that the religious right paved the way for the emergence of the After School Satan Club.
Why Not Offer Such a Club?
Many parents, including myself, are hesitant about their children being exposed to any fundamentalist religious ideology, be it Christianity or otherwise. Thus, an After School Satan Club seems no more alarming than a Good News Club. It’s a startling notion, but not everyone wants beliefs that don’t align with their own to be introduced in elementary settings.
Interestingly, many who identify as satanists are, in fact, atheists. They don’t worship Satan; rather, they espouse principles that might not be too different from those of more mainstream belief systems. Their unconventional approach, however, has sparked considerable debate.
Focus on Inquiry and Understanding
While Good News Clubs often focus on indoctrination and instilling fear of divine punishment, the After School Satan Club aims to promote free inquiry and scientific understanding. According to the club’s website, their goal is to foster appreciation for natural wonders rather than a dread of supernatural horrors. This approach resonates with a significant portion of the population—nearly 23% of Americans identify as religiously unaffiliated. Isn’t that sufficient reason to keep religion out of publicly funded schools?
Organized by Alex Monroe of the Satanic Portland group, the initiative is driven by a commitment to church-state separation. Monroe stated, “We believe that after-school religious programs should not be part of the educational system.” A sentiment that certainly echoes the views of many parents today.
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Conclusion
In summary, Portland’s decision to host an After School Satan Club reflects a broader discourse on religious freedom and the separation of church and state in public schools. The club aims to provide a counter-narrative to more traditional religious groups, focusing on critical thinking and scientific inquiry.