In a surprising turn of events, Portland has given the green light for an “After School Satan Club” aimed at elementary school children. This initiative has gained traction largely due to the actions of evangelical Christians. Yes, you read that correctly—the irony is hard to ignore.
The roots of this club trace back to a 2001 Supreme Court case spurred by legal groups backed by the religious right. The Court ruled that excluding an after-school program based on its religious beliefs infringed on free speech rights. As a result of this ruling, by 2011, the number of Good News Clubs—which promote a conservative evangelical Christian agenda—ballooned to over 3,500 in schools across the country. Thus, the same religious right that sought to promote its beliefs in schools inadvertently paved the way for the establishment of the After School Satan Club.
Why Not Have Such a Club?
Many parents, myself included, would prefer that their children not be subjected to any form of religious indoctrination—be it Christian or otherwise. After all, the After School Satan Club offers a perspective that is no more extreme than the Good News Club. It’s essential to recognize that not every family subscribes to religious views, especially in elementary school settings.
Interestingly, the beliefs of those who identify as satanists—who often consider themselves atheists—may not differ significantly from the values of many others. Contrary to popular belief, they do not worship Satan. Instead, they advocate for rationalism and science-based understanding of the world. Their approach, however, tends to unsettle those unfamiliar with their philosophies.
“While Good News Clubs emphasize indoctrination and instilling fears of Hell, the After School Satan Clubs prioritize free inquiry and rational thinking,” states the club’s website. “We prefer to teach children about the natural wonders around them rather than fostering a fear of eternal damnation.” Such a message resonates with nearly 23% of the U.S. population that identifies as religiously unaffiliated, raising the question of whether religious activities should be present in publicly funded schools.
Organizational Background
Organized by a group known as Secular Portland, led by a representative named Jordan Miller, the After School Satan Club is about promoting a clear separation between church and state. “We believe that after-school religious programs have no place in educational institutions,” Miller told a local news outlet.
To learn more about navigating your family’s fertility journey, you can check out this insightful blog post on artificial insemination kits. Additionally, for those expecting, there’s valuable information available on pregnancy timelines here.
Conclusion
In summary, the approval of the After School Satan Club in Portland highlights ongoing tensions around religious expression in public schools. While some advocate for religious education, others argue for a secular approach that respects diverse beliefs.