Good News Clubs teaches Evangelical Christian gospel and Bible scripture in elementary schools across the nation. Children must have parental permission to attend the club, which is in 3,560 schools, over five percent of all schools, according to The Washington Post.
Mesner added: 'If Good News Clubs would operate in churches rather than public schools, that need would disappear. But our point is that if you let one religion into the public schools you have to let others, otherwise its an establishment of religion.'
The after school program will teach children about 'the natural wonders surrounding them, not a fear of everlasting other-worldly horrors' says the group
Despite the group's distinct demon-themed materials, including a promotional video for its school program that rivals The Blair Witch Project in creepiness, the group says it is not about worshiping Satan but spreading 'a scientific, rationalist, non-superstitious worldview' and doing away with the Christian 'preoccupation with sin, fear of Hell, and aversion to critical thinking.'
The group does not believe in supernatural beings of any kind. According to the temple, Satan is merely a construct meant to overturn superstition and tyranny of the human mind.
The children will be asked to do exercises to help them understand the world and the universe from a science-based, rationalist view, says the group on its website.
The group seems confident that schools will allow them to set up shop.
'As it is illegal for the schools to discriminate against specific religions or preference others, cannot be denied wherever Christian, or any other religious clubs, operate,' it says on its website.
The temple says it is only interested in operating in schools that have Good News Clubs in existence but hopes to eventually be in more schools.
'The Satanic Temple does not advocate for religion in schools. However, once religion invades schools, as The Good News Clubs have, The Satanic Temple will fight to ensure that plurality and true religious liberty are respected,' the group says. 'We prefer to give children an appreciation of the natural wonders surrounding them, not a fear of everlasting other-worldly horrors.'