Contents
Summary
The Satanic Temple’s HAIL program offers an alternative to Christian release programs in Ohio schools, sparking debates on religious pluralism, inclusivity, and trolling faith traditions.
The Satanic Temple Steps Into Ohio Schools With a Unique Take on Religious Release Programs
Is This The “Satan” Your Grandmother Warned You About?
In a plot twist that sounds like it came straight from a satirical screenplay, the Satanic Temple has entered the fray of Ohio’s religious release programs.
At Edgewood Elementary School in Marysville, Ohio, where the evangelical LifeWise Academy program has been whisking kids away on its “big red bus” for weekly Christian lessons, parents are now being offered an alternative: the Hellion Academy of Independent Learning (HAIL).
The Satanic Temple’s move isn’t just another addition to the list of extracurricular activities—it’s a cultural mic drop. If you’re imagining pentagrams and candles, think again. The Temple’s program focuses on compassion, critical thinking, and, as they put it, “tons of fun.”
This unorthodox initiative raises an important question: is this trolling at its finest, a beacon of religious pluralism, or both?
What Are “Religious Release” Programs?
Religious release programs originated in the early 20th century, allowing public school students to step away during the day for religious instruction. While their popularity waned for decades, these programs have made a robust comeback, particularly in conservative regions like Ohio.
LifeWise Academy, one of the most prominent proponents of these programs, launched in 2019 with just two districts. By 2023, it had expanded to 325 programs across 12 states. Its growth mirrors a broader conservative push to instill traditional religious values in schools, even as it sparks debates over inclusivity.
But where LifeWise sees spiritual enrichment, others see exclusivity. “We aren’t trying to shut LifeWise down,” says June Everett, an ordained minister with the Satanic Temple. “But when you open the door for one religion, you open it for all of them.”
The Satanic Temple: A Movement of Mischief or Meaning?
The Satanic Temple isn’t your average church. It’s a non-theistic organization that embraces Satan not as a deity but as a symbol of rebellion, enlightenment, and rational thought. Members don’t believe in Satan as a literal figure but instead view him as an adversary to authoritarianism and a champion of free will.
High Priest Peter H. Gilmore describes Satan as “a name for the reservoir of power inside each human to be tapped at will.” In simpler terms? Most Satanists are just atheists with a flair for the dramatic.
The Temple has gained fame—or infamy—through its audacious projects:
- Reproductive Rights Advocacy: From religious exemptions for abortion laws to establishing a Satanic abortion clinic, the Temple has been a vocal supporter of bodily autonomy.
- Challenging Religious Displays: Remember the 7-foot Baphomet statue they hauled to the Arkansas Capitol to protest a Ten Commandments monument? Iconic.
- Promoting Science and Reason: The Temple pushes for evidence-based policies, criticizing pseudoscience in everything from medicine to education.
- Community Service: Food drives, litter cleanups, and clothing donations—
A Holiday Display That Made History
Perhaps the Temple’s most memorable stunt occurred in 2014 at the Florida State Capitol. After the state initially rejected their proposed holiday display—an angel plunging into a fiery pit—on grounds of being “grossly offensive,” the Temple threatened legal action. Armed with a Supreme Court ruling on religious expression, they triumphed. Their fiery angel stood alongside nativity scenes, demonstrating their mission to ensure all or no religious views are represented.
The Hellion Academy: Education With a Twist
The Temple’s new program, HAIL, offers an intriguing alternative to traditional religious teachings. It aims to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and compassion, all wrapped in a package that’s equal parts educational and entertaining.
But let’s be honest—this isn’t just about the curriculum. It’s a clever reminder that if one religious group gets access to public school systems, others can (and will) follow.
Erin Helian, the Satanic Temple’s director of campaign operations, doesn’t mince words: “Using peer pressure to gain adherents to religion is a bad look. Bribing kids with field trips and snacks? That’s not spirituality—it’s marketing.”
The Me Too Movement for Religion?
In a way, the Satanic Temple is like the “Me Too” movement for religion, holding traditional faiths accountable for monopolizing public spaces and resources. They’re not asking for special treatment—they’re asking for fairness.
But the Temple’s methods have sparked debate: are they shining a light on hypocrisy, or are they crossing a line? For many, the humor and drama they bring to serious issues are refreshing. For others, it’s an affront to deeply held beliefs.
What’s Next?
As HAIL begins its monthly sessions, parents in Marysville will have to decide what aligns with their values. Whether it’s the Christian “big red bus” or the Temple’s more…unconventional approach, one thing is clear: Ohio’s religious release programs will never be the same.
And maybe that’s the point.
Source: The Guardian, The Satanic Temple
