In an intriguing twist, Portland has greenlit an “After School Satan Club” catering to elementary school children, a development largely influenced by evangelical Christians. Yes, you read that right—and the irony is delicious.
This all stems from a 2001 Supreme Court case fueled by legal groups backed by the religious right. The Court determined that excluding an after-school program due to its religious beliefs infringed on free speech rights. Fast forward to 2011, and there were over 3,500 Good News Clubs—programs designed to introduce children as young as five to a stringent brand of evangelical Christianity. Essentially, the very actions of the religious right have paved the way for the establishment of an After School Satan Club.
And honestly, why not? Many parents, myself included, are about as keen on fundamentalist Christian ideologies being thrust upon our children as we are on any other belief system. So, if a Good News Club exists, why shouldn’t there be an After School Satan Club? It’s a shocking thought for some, but not everyone is interested in having foreign religious views invade their child’s educational space.
Interestingly, many who identify as Satanists are actually atheists and hold beliefs that may not be too far removed from your own. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t worship Satan; their philosophy just makes waves.
The After School Satan Club aims to offer children a focus on inquiry and rational thought, emphasizing scientific understanding over the fear-based teachings often associated with religious programs like Good News Clubs. “We prefer to give children an appreciation of the natural wonders surrounding them, not a fear of everlasting other-worldly horrors,” states the club’s website.
With nearly 23% of the U.S. population identifying as religiously unaffiliated, perhaps there’s a case for keeping religious teachings out of publicly funded schools. The club is organized by Jake Thompson of Satanic Portland, who emphasizes that the initiative is about maintaining church-state separation. “We believe that after-school religious programs don’t belong in the school system,” Thompson shared. Amen to that!
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In summary, the establishment of the After School Satan Club in Portland has sparked a conversation about religious teachings in public schools. With a focus on rational thought and scientific understanding, it stands in stark contrast to the more fear-based approaches of other religious programs.