The Satanic Temple provides religious learning programs to elementary school students in Ohio as part of the state's religious liberation program.
Students at Edgewood Elementary School in Marysville, Ohio, will be able to participate in the Helion Independent Learning Academy (HAIL) starting this month under the state's Release Time Religious Instruction (RTRI) program, offering off-campus learning opportunities while in school. is provided. Time once a month.
Other classes under the RTRI program, including Bible studies, are also offered to students at the school. HAIL is not affiliated with or endorsed by any local school district or board member.
HAIL aims to enhance students' critical thinking, community good work, compassion and empathy, independent learning and creative expression.
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HAIL aims to enhance students' critical thinking, community good work, compassion and empathy, independent learning and creative expression. (Helion Independent Learning Academy)
June Everett, campaign director for the Afterschool Satan Club and an ordained minister in the Satanic Temple, said: said W.C.M.H. A parent reached out to ask about a Satanic Temple program at their school.
Everett added that the Satanic Temple only offers the program to students if their parents request it, and only in districts with other religious release programs.
He said parents who asked for HAIL were looking for an alternative to Lifewise. LifeWise is an Ohio-based Christian program that provides students with Bible lessons once a week during lunch and recess periods, and students who choose not to attend may feel left out or excluded from their peers. This is because you may feel that you have been rejected.
“We're not trying to close Lifewise Academy, but what many school districts don't realize is that when you open the door to one religion, you open the door to all religions. I think so,” Everett said.
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Students at Edgewood Elementary School in Marysville, Ohio, can attend Hellion Independent Learning Academy under the state's Release Time Religious Instruction Program. (Google Maps)
Everett said HAIL is only offered monthly, as opposed to Lifewise's once-a-week lessons. That's because Satanic Temple has fewer resources and fewer budgets than Lifewise, which often partners with local churches.
The Marysville program is The Satanic Temple's first release program in Ohio, but its sister program, After School Satan Club, also operates in Dayton, Wilmington and Lebanon, Everett said.
The Devil's Temple and HAIL are often misunderstood, Everett said.
“We're not worshiping the devil or sacrificing babies or using blood. In fact, it's the opposite,” Everett said.
A statue of Baphomet is seen in the conversion chamber of the Satanic Temple where “Hell House” was being held in Salem, Massachusetts, on October 8, 2019. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)
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everett I told Wass Satanists as a whole are “atheistic, meaning they do not believe in any supernatural deity, including God or the devil.”
LifeWise CEO and Founder Joel Penton said HAIL is a great example of why his organization supports Ohio House Bill 445. This bill would require school districts to implement release guidance policies. Penton said the bill clarifies how religious programs are implemented.
“Lifewise is not afraid of other organizations offering RTRI,” Penton told WCMH. “We believe all families should have the opportunity to choose religious studies during school hours, and we believe parents will make the best choice for their children.”
