Over 300 US Public Schools Introduce Bible Based Lessons: Over 300 US public schools are adding Bible-based lessons. This is a surprising law change. LifeWise Academy, a Christian non-profit, leads this faith-based teaching project. Joel Penton, the CEO and founder, aims to provide Christian parents hope for Bible education in schools.Penton remains hopeful despite concerns about Bible education in public schools. He discussed the message to the American people. “If you lost hope in teaching the Bible to the next generation, don’t lose hope,” he said.
In 1962, the Supreme Court ruled against state-sponsored prayer in public schools. This sparked a debate on religious material in schools. Zorach v. Clauson, a 1952 case, allowed prisoners to learn about religion when free. This case supported a program in NYC that allowed public school kids to attend religious classes with parental permission. Projects must be privately funded, off school property, and have parental permission.
LifeWise Academy is the first to create a Bible teaching model for local areas. Forming a local Steering Committee, working with school officials, choosing a program director, and finding teachers and helpers are all steps. The students are taken to and from Bible classes by qualified adults. Kids need parental permission to join, and LifeWise ensures their safety after school. This plan has resulted in rapid growth. LifeWise grew from 2 programs in 2019 to 325 programs in 12 states in four years.
LifeWise’s programs are mainly for kids in 1st-5th grade. They teach the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, in small steps. Each lesson covers Bible knowledge, Gospel connections, and personal growth. LifeWise’s program has a positive effect. Students perform better in school, have improved mental health, and exhibit better morals, resulting in reduced disciplinary measures. Penton said most schools are open to classes as they value student learning.
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LifeWise Bible programs have over 35,000 students for the 2023-2024 school year. Each student will cost $100 to $300, paid by private donations. Parents’ stories of how their children’s experiences changed them highlight the importance of reintroducing religious education to students. After the prayer ban in schools, NYC Mayor Eric Adams expressed concern about the loss of moral and worldview roots in schools. Penton agreed and emphasized the importance of reintroducing religious education and Bible study to help the next generation gain a better worldview.
LifeWise Academy teaches Bible-based lessons in public schools. This gives Christian parents hope for teaching their children strong moral values and faith-based lessons. It highlights people working together to preserve religious beliefs and values in schools. This ensures a balanced education and considers the whole person.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What curriculum does LifeWise Academy use?
LifeWise Academys educational plan centers around The Gospel Project, a Bible study program by LifeWay Christian Resources. Tailored for elementary students, the five-year curriculum guides them through the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, with a Christ-centered, chronological approach.
Why can’t the Bible be taught in public schools?
Public schools are allowed to include Bible teachings in their curriculum, but it must be presented in an objective manner within a secular education program. Additionally, religious groups are prohibited from providing religious instruction on school grounds during regular school hours.
When did public schools stop teaching the Bible?
From prohibiting organized Bible reading for religious and moral instruction in 1963 to banning school-sponsored prayers at high school football games in 2000, the Supreme Court has been advancing its stance.
What religion is LifeWise?
LifeWise Academy upholds the sacredness of Scripture and holds firm to traditional Christian doctrines found in the Nicene Creed.