#United States #Columbus #LifeWise Academy #Off School Property #Nate Lundquist

The Return of Bible Education: A Cultural Revolution

In a thought-provoking new documentary titled 'Off School Property: Solving the Separation of Church and State,' audiences are taken on a journey through the significant ramifications that arose from the elimination of biblical instruction in public schools. Set to premiere in theaters across the United States on October 23, this film, directed by Nate Lundquist, a recipient of both Dove and Emmy awards, showcases a growing movement aimed at reinstating religious education. This initiative leverages a little-known 1952 Supreme Court ruling that permits parents to reintroduce Bible teachings during school hours via off-campus, privately financed programs.

LifeWise Academy has been at the forefront of this cultural revival, experiencing remarkable growth. Over the past year, the organization has more than doubled its reach, now supporting over 1,100 schools nationwide. The film delves deep into the chaos that some argue has ensued since the Bible's removal from classrooms, as well as the resurgence of efforts to reclaim religious instructions.

Joel Penton, the founder of LifeWise Academy, articulates the potential void left in education by the Bible's absence, stating, "When the Bible was removed from our schools, something vital was lost—not just spiritually, but culturally and academically." Penton suggests that a return to these teachings may mitigate the chaos that he believes has permeated modern education. He adds, "We’ve found a way to bring Him back and the movement is tens of thousands of families strong already. This film is just going to pour fuel on the fire."

Throughout the documentary, various voices provide insight, including Dr. George Barna, a well-known cultural researcher and author, who assesses what it means for today's generations to lack the moral grounding that was once a staple of education. Penton emphasizes that while the rapid expansion of LifeWise indicates a strong desire for religious instruction, the mission is centered around helping parents reclaim their rights rather than imposing beliefs on others.

The film's director stresses this point: "This isn’t about forcing faith on anyone. It’s simply about restoring parents' rights—and reminding America of the consequences when truth is stripped from the classroom."

Despite ongoing claims regarding the separation of church and state, the Supreme Court has consistently affirmed the constitutionality of released-time religious education. LifeWise, established in 2019, has adopted this educational model, which, while controversial among critics, is gaining traction among parents seeking alternatives in their children's education. The organization is projected to serve nearly 100,000 students across 1,100 schools in 34 states during the upcoming 2025-26 school year, which would nearly double its previous reach.

As public education continues to grapple with issues related to church-state separation, LifeWise is becoming increasingly prominent. Recent legal cases, such as Texas's law requiring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms being challenged and overturned, illustrate the heated public discourse on religion's place in education.

With a notable award from the Heritage Foundation in 2025 for its innovative approach to parental choice in religious instruction, LifeWise is increasingly acknowledged for fulfilling parental demand for solutions. Penton views this accolade as validation of the organization's mission, indicating that many families are seeking a reintroduction of faith-based instruction within educational settings.

As the documentary prepares for its nationwide premiere on October 23, it prompts crucial questions about the landscape of public education, parental rights, and the role of religious teachings. By embracing this narrative, Lundquist believes they are striking at the core of the cultural battle, suggesting that the controversies generated only highlight the importance of truth in education. Tickets and theater listings for 'Off School Property' are available at fathomentertainment.com.