Satanic Temple | Magnolia Pictures
Edgewood Elementary in Marysville, Ohio may start a program with the Satanic Temple as a part of their religious release time. This is sparking outrage and a conversation about religious freedom in classrooms.
Satanism in the classroom?
Hellions Academy for Independent Learning (or HAIL) is a program that is meant to be an alternative to LifeWise Academy, a christian group of the same nature.
These groups are a part of Edgewood’s religious release times, that allows students to meet with a religious group ever so often and coincides with House Bill 445, which champions these times in schools.
Ever since the announcement of these programs, there has been a discussion about the appropriateness of the programs in the classroom. Some say the Satanic Temple is going too far.
“Satanism should NOT be taught in schools. This is irresponsible and stupid. You are just giving the kids to evil” Gloria Davis, a concerned citizen from Columbus, said.
Others in the conversation feel as though religious freedom should prevail in the classroom.
“I’m a christian, my kids were raised christian. I’m not fond of the idea of the satanic temple being present in schools” Wren Manning of Dayton Explained, “with that being said, I’m also an American that believes that everyone has the right to feel the way they want. Why is it ok for christianity to be taught but not satanism? That is technically unconstitutional.”
June Everett, the program director, claims that the program has nothing to do with satanism. She claims that the program is made so kids do not have the pressure of religion and is meant to teach compassion. She is understanding about the concern.
“When they hear it, it’s initially shocking, oh the Satanic Temple," Everett said. "They automatically think evil and awful things. We are not devil worshipers. We are non-theistic Satanists.”
What is Non-theistic Satanism?
Non-theistic satanists do not believe in Satan as a physical being. They see Satan as more of an idea. Satan represents rebellion and critical thinking. They believe that people should have autonomy over what they do with themselves and their morality.
Groups like the Satanic Temple use these beliefs to advocate for several causes, one of the largest ones being the separation between church and state.
HAIL’s learning mission is to teach Self-Directed learning, problem solving skills, community outreach skills, creative expression and critical thinking. It is meant to compete with the LifeWise Academy lessons which aim to teach similar things but in the lens of God.
Only time will tell if this program will be a success, but it has become a national headline that sparked a conversation.
“I think if the program does what it is advertised to actually do it’ll be a success” Springfield resident John McKinney said, “There is nothing wrong with teaching children skills that will help them in the future.”
