All in Honesty

The After School Satan Club

Just when it appears things cannot get any stranger, along comes a news story about an after-school program taught by Satanists. Upon first hearing of this effort, I thought it was parody; however, after a brief Internet search, it became quite evident the effort is real. Sponsored by the Satanic Temple, the following description of the program is given on its website:

EDUCATIN’ WITH SATAN

The After School Satan Clubs meet at select public schools where Good News Clubs also operate. Trained educators provide activities and learning opportunities, which students are free to engage in, or they may opt to explore other interests that may be aided by available resources. The environment is open and parents are welcome to participate. While the classes are designed to promote intellectual and emotional development in accordance with TST’s tenets, no proselytization or religious instruction takes place.

Let the Thief Steal No Longer

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul talks about our relationship with Christ as one of transformation: “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (4:22-24). The apostle uses the imagery of clothing, putting off and putting on, to show the contrast of what we were before and what we should become after Christ has entered our lives. But it’s more than a fresh set of clothes we are putting on, but an entire self, a renewed spirit of mind, a self made in the likeness of God.