Whitehall, Ohio, is home to the LifeWise Academy, a program that aims to bring God back into the public school day through off-campus religious instruction during school hours. Launched in 2018, LifeWise quickly surpassed its initial goal of serving 25 schools by 2025, expanding to over 300 schools in 12 states. The program teaches public school students weekly Bible lessons during non-core courses such as lunch, library, art, or gym class. LifeWise has garnered support from conservatives embroiled in culture wars over LGBTQ inclusion and other issues, as well as in progressive suburbs and cities like Columbus, Ohio.
Supporters of LifeWise argue that the program teaches character development through Bible lessons while complying with the separation of church and state. Public schools are not allowed to directly promote or fund LifeWise, which is offered for free to students whose parents sign permission slips. Founder Joel Penton, a former Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman, believes that many parents want their children to receive a well-rounded education that includes biblical teachings. However, critics of LifeWise claim that the program brings religion into schools by busing students to nearby churches where they may feel pressured to attend.
Opponents of LifeWise have raised concerns about religious coercion and inclusion, pointing out instances where teachers and administrators have promoted the program to students. This may violate the First Amendment, according to legal experts. Some critics accuse LifeWise of using schools to draw children into an evangelical faith tradition that aligns with Republican values. The curriculum, designed to guide students through the entire Bible in five years, avoids partisan topics but has faced scrutiny for potentially promoting conservative Christian values.
Despite criticism, LifeWise continues to grow with the support of various groups with a range of political views. However, last summer’s teacher summit was sponsored by Patriot Mobile, a far-right Christian cellphone company that supports candidates advocating against LGBTQ acceptance in schools. Penton has appeared on shows promoting conservative Christian values and expressed disappointment over the enshrinement of abortion rights in Ohio’s constitution. He believes that injecting the word of God into the next generation is crucial, especially in light of societal changes.
As the debate over LifeWise and similar programs continues, parents, educators, and activists grapple with the intersection of religion and public education. While some see the program as a positive addition to children’s education, others raise concerns about its impact on non-Christian students and the potential for constitutional violations. The ongoing cultural and political divisions in the United States are reflected in the struggles over religious instruction in public schools, highlighting the complex and contentious nature of the issue.
