The Chesapeake School Board will make a decision tonight on two policy revisions that could give the After School Satan Club and the Good News Club equal opportunities to use school facilities. This proposal has generated considerable debate, with various conservative parents and groups expressing their apprehension.
The Chesapeake School Board will vote on two policy revisions tonight, putting non-profit organizations, including the After School Satan Club and the Good News Club, on equal footing for the use of school facilities. Join the live stream at ~6:30 pm EST. https://t.co/LIZx2jrm6j pic.twitter.com/iH3g08bM9e
— The Satanic Temple (@satanic_temple_) February 27, 2023
The Satanic Temple (TST)-operated After School Satan Club asserts itself as a non-religious group that emphasizes imparting lessons on “benevolence and empathy, critical thinking, problem-solving, creative expression, personal sovereignty, and compassion” to kids. Although the club flyer declares that the curriculum does not aim to convert children to any particular religious belief, the students are taught the seven tenets of TST.
Monday’s vote by the Chesapeake School Board will put all organizations that use school facilities, including the After School Satan Club and the Good News Club, on equal footing by requiring that meetings be held after 6 p.m. To support ASSC, visit https://t.co/UvjdpUqrSp today! pic.twitter.com/nULcrZn9BD
— The Satanic Temple (@satanic_temple_) March 2, 2023
The Satanic Temple (TST) advocates for a “scientific, rationalist, and non-superstitious” ideology. According to June Everett, TST’s National Campaign Director, the objective of the After School Satan Clubs is to offer an alternative in schools where other religious organizations are already present. However, Arielle Del Turco, the Assistant Director of the Family Research Council, contends that TST is not seeking “equal footing” but is instead attempting to undermine religion in general. She argues that TST’s clubs are just a tactic to have schools reject them, so they can assert discrimination and then proceed to “eradicate Christianity and other religions from the public domain.”
The Satanic Temple has faced allegations of exploiting children for their political objectives. According to Del Turco, TST may view students as “impressionable and vulnerable,” making them ideal candidates to learn a “self-destructive worldview.” TST has recently equated parents who opposed the Chesapeake club’s admission with illegal behavior.
The Chesapeake School Board’s possible decision to give the After School Satan Club and the Good News Club equal opportunities to use school facilities is disconcerting for conservative parents and groups. The Satanic Temple advocates for a “scientific, rationalist, and non-superstitious” philosophy and seems to be trying to discredit religion in general. It is also worrisome that TST may be exploiting children for their political goals, viewing them as “impressionable and vulnerable” and therefore ideal candidates to learn a “self-destructive worldview.”
It is important for conservative parents to be aware of The Satanic Temple’s agenda and to protect their children from being exposed to false ideologies. As conservative Christians, we must stand up for our beliefs and ensure that our children are not being indoctrinated with a worldview that is contrary to our faith. We must also remember that while it may seem like darkness is prevailing, light will always shine brighter when surrounded by darkness.