LifeWise Academy, a nonprofit organization based in Ohio, aims to reintroduce religious instruction into the public school day by providing off-campus Bible lessons during school hours. The program, permitted under two Supreme Court rulings, has expanded rapidly since its launch in 2018, serving over 300 schools in a dozen states and teaching 35,000 public school students weekly. Despite its growth, LifeWise has faced criticism from those who believe in a strict separation of church and state, as well as concerns over inclusivity and potential religious pressure on non-Christian children.
Supporters of LifeWise argue that the program, which focuses on character development through Bible teachings, respects the separation of church and state by not being directly promoted or funded by public schools. Parents must sign permission slips for their children to participate, and the classes are offered free of charge to students. Founder Joel Penton, a former Ohio State Buckeye player, emphasizes the importance of providing students with a well-rounded education that includes both academic subjects and religious teachings.
Critics of LifeWise have raised concerns about students being bused to nearby churches for the program, which can lead to non-Christian children feeling excluded or pressured to attend. Some opponents argue that the program brings religion into the school environment, even if the activities take place off-campus. Additionally, there have been instances of teachers and administrators promoting LifeWise to students in ways that may violate the First Amendment, according to legal experts.
The program’s curriculum is designed to guide students through the entire Bible over a five-year period, focusing on character development and values. While LifeWise avoids controversial political topics in its teachings, critics point to the program’s connections to conservative Christian organizations and events as evidence of a potential agenda. For example, LifeWise’s national teacher summit was sponsored by a far-right Christian cellphone company, and Penton has appeared on programs advocating for the advancement of conservative Christian values in various sectors of society.
In a climate where concerns about indoctrination in schools are prevalent, both supporters and critics of LifeWise are engaged in a debate about the role of religion in public education. While some parents view the program as a valuable addition to their children’s education, others see it as a way to influence young students in a specific faith tradition. The controversy surrounding LifeWise highlights the ongoing tension between freedom of religion and the separation of church and state in the United States, particularly within the realm of public school education.
