Satanists Offer Counseling Amid DeSantis Law

The Non-Prophets

Satanists in Florida offer to fill school counselor roles after DeSantis lawThe Hill, By Lexi Lonas, on July 8, 2024
https://thehill.com/homenews/education/4760286-satanists-florida-public-school-counselors-desantis/
In an expected turn of events, the Satanic Temple is challenging a new law in Florida, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, which permits volunteer chaplains in public schools. Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, asserts that excluding them violates the First Amendment, despite DeSantis' claim that Satanism isn't a legitimate religion. This has sparked a heated debate on religious freedom and inclusion.
The conversation delves into the implications of allowing chaplains from non-Christian backgrounds, such as Satanism, into public schools. One argument suggests that children, being highly impressionable, could easily be indoctrinated by religious figures, regardless of their intent. Thus, introducing chaplains into schools might favor certain religions and potentially indoctrinate children rather than fostering critical thinking skills and unbiased education.
One participant shares their experience and evolving view of the Satanic Temple, initially seeing it as a mere counter to religion but recognizing its strategic role in highlighting the need for separation of church and state. The temple's tactics, such as demanding equal representation in public spaces, underscore the absurdity of religious favoritism and demonstrate why no religion should receive special privileges.
The discussion also touches on legal definitions of religion. While Governor DeSantis dismisses Satanism as a religion, legal precedents and IRS criteria suggest otherwise. These criteria include having a distinct legal existence, a recognized creed, and a form of worship, all of which the Satanic Temple possesses. Therefore, excluding them from the chaplain program is legally questionable and highlights the potential for biased implementation of religious policies.
One contributor argues that the best solution is to avoid introducing religious programs into schools altogether. This would prevent any one belief system from being promoted over others and maintain the neutrality necessary for public education. Instead, resources should be allocated to secular support systems like licensed counselors and better educational funding, which genuinely address students' needs without religious interference.
As more states consider similar legislation, including Bible-based curricula and the display of religious texts in schools, the debate over religious inclusivity and the separation of church and state intensifies. The inclusion of diverse religious perspectives in public schools remains a contentious issue, raising questions about fairness, legality, and the true intent behind such policies.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.29.3 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Kara Griffin, Mateo and Aaron Jensen
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