Joel Penton, the founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy, shares his organization's mission to provide Bible instruction to public school students during school hours. Despite legal challenges from atheist groups, LifeWise Academy remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting religious literacy and values.
In the realm of education, the debate over the separation of church and state continues to ignite controversy. A recent incident in Florida has brought this issue to the forefront, as a rural elementary school was forced to disband a student-led Christian club following a legal complaint from an atheist group.
Undeterred by such challenges, Joel Penton, the founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy, is determined to bring Bible instruction to public schools across the nation. LifeWise Academy is a non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive and academically rigorous curriculum, which includes Bible instruction, to students in grades pre-K through 12.
Penton believes that Bible instruction plays a vital role in the development of well-rounded individuals. "The Bible is not just a religious text," he explains. "It's a historical, literary, and cultural document that provides valuable insights into human nature, morality, and the meaning of life."
LifeWise Academy's Bible instruction program is designed to be sensitive to the diverse beliefs of students and families. Students are not required to adhere to any particular religious denomination, and they are free to opt out of Bible classes if they wish.
"Our goal is to provide students with a broad understanding of the Bible and its teachings," says Penton. "We want them to be able to understand and appreciate the role that the Bible has played in shaping our society and culture."
LifeWise Academy has partnered with public school districts in several states to offer its Bible instruction program. In these districts, LifeWise teachers are employed by the school district and teach Bible classes during school hours. Students who participate in LifeWise Bible classes earn elective credit towards their graduation requirements.
While LifeWise Academy's mission has met with resistance from some atheist groups, Penton remains optimistic about the future. "We believe that Bible instruction has a place in public schools," he says. "It's a valuable tool for promoting religious literacy, fostering moral development, and inspiring students to become responsible citizens."
Penton acknowledges that there are legal challenges that must be overcome in order to bring Bible instruction to public schools. However, he believes that the First Amendment protects the right of students to learn about religion in a public school setting.
"The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, and that includes the freedom to learn about religion," says Penton. "We believe that students have the right to hear about the Bible and its teachings, regardless of their personal beliefs."
LifeWise Academy's legal team is working diligently to defend the rights of students and parents who want Bible instruction in public schools. Penton is confident that LifeWise will ultimately prevail in its mission to provide Bible instruction to students across the nation.
"We believe that Bible instruction is essential for the education of young people," says Penton. "We are committed to providing students with the opportunity to learn about the Bible and its teachings, and we will not be deterred by legal challenges."
As the debate over Bible instruction in public schools continues, LifeWise Academy remains a steadfast advocate for the rights of students and parents who want religious literacy. Through its partnerships with public school districts and its legal team, LifeWise is leading the charge to bring Bible instruction to students near you.
