The Massachusetts-based Satanic Temple has caused quite a stir with the announcement of their first “After School Satan Club” chapter in Tennessee. The club plans to teach kids beliefs such as there is no Hell and “Satan is not an evil guy.”
According to its website, the Satanic Temple clarified that “The After School Satan Club will only open if other religious groups are operating on campus and does not believe in introducing religion into public schools.”
“ASSC aims to provide an alternative to religious clubs that use fear to convert school children to their belief system. Our program focuses on science, critical thinking, creative arts, and community service. While engaging in these activities, we want clubgoers to have a good time,” the group continued. “Unlike other clubs who measure success in children’s ‘professions of faith,’ we focus on broader personal and educational development.”
A two-minute promotional video on YouTube features a goat as their mascot and portrays Satan as a seeker of truth, challenging traditional beliefs.
“Satan’s not an evil guy. He wants you to learn and question why. He wants you to have fun and be yourself. And by the way, there is no Hell,” the video claims. “Satan looks for truth, let’s help him.”
Despite backlash from some residents, The Satanic Temple asserts that they have the legal right to have an after-school club, highlighting the presence of a Christian club at Chimneyrock Elementary in Memphis.
Some parents and grandparents, however, took issue with the new club.
“I think it’s B.S.,” parent Courtney Dennis told the outlet. “I think it needs to be held somewhere else, not a school.”
Despite her religious beliefs, MSCS Interim Superintendent Toni Williams defended her decision to allow The After School Satan Club to rent space at the elementary school.
“I, too, am a woman of faith. That’s no secret. And as a graduate of this district, I have witnessed firsthand the great work of our faith-based communities,” Williams said in a statement.
“As the Superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, my sole focus is our students, families, and community. I’ve championed their needs, rallied support, and never shied away from tough conversations to advocate for my students’ needs.”
“While I do not support the beliefs of the organization, it is my duty as superintendent to uphold school board policies and the law,” Williams added.
