Lifewise Academy Exposed: The Dangerous Intersection of Religion and Public Schools with Zach Parrish and Molly Gaines

Secular Left

In this jammed packed episode, we talk with Zach and Molly, parents who are taking a stand against LifeWise Academy, an evangelical Christian nationalist group that has found a way to seep into public schools through a legal loophole. They have formed Parents Against LifeWise to shed light on the group's questionable tactics, lack of background checks on members, and the concerning activities they are engaged in. The episode paints a grim picture of how school districts are turning a blind eye to the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness and action to combat the influence of such groups in educational settings.
We touch on the frustrating moments of silence encountered when reaching out to organizations like FFRF and Ohio ACLU, who have failed to address the issues at hand adequately. This inaction leaves children vulnerable and without proper representation, highlighting the crucial role parents play in advocating for their rights. The responsibility falls on schools to ensure they are held accountable for any violations, rather than letting external groups like LifeWise escape blame for any harmful activities.
The discussion exposes the deceptive nature of LifeWise, presenting itself as non-denominational while promoting exclusive evangelical beliefs, potentially preying on susceptible communities. Their curriculum, based on the Southern Baptist Convention, spreads harmful ideologies among impressionable young minds, as evidenced by documents detailing their damaging teachings. The podcast also shines a light on individuals like Joel Penton, involved in the group's questionable practices under the guise of motivational speeches with underlying religious agendas. The dubious funding sources and misleading petition strategies employed by LifeWise raise significant concerns about their true motives.
We finally explore the legal challenges faced by Zach, who shared LifeWise's curriculum online and is now embroiled in a lawsuit with the group. Despite accessing the material lawfully and with no profit motive, Zach finds himself in a legal battle against LifeWise, showcasing the community rallying behind him for support. We touch on a recent scandal involving a former LifeWise employee, adding layers of complexity to the situation. Zach expresses gratitude for the solidarity received and discusses avenues for assistance in his legal defense as the podcast concludes with well-wishes for his upcoming court proceedings, directing listeners to their website for further information and updates.
Full Show Notes

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.

Subscribe to our free newsletter
Check out our Merch
Find us on Twitter(for now)
Find us on Instagram
Find us on Counter Social
Find us on Mastadon

Chapters

1. Lifewise Academy Exposed: The Dangerous Intersection of Religion and Public Schools with Zach Parrish and Molly Gaines (00:00:00)

2. Episode Introduction (00:01:00)

3. Exposed To Lifewise And Forming Their Opposition Group (00:04:28)

4. Various Reports Of Violations Of The Released Time Law (00:12:28)

5. LifeWise Background Checks Are A Joke (00:14:16)

6. More Red Flags (00:18:06)

7. Problematic Bible Stories And LifeWise's Particular Brand Of Christianity (00:20:40)

8. Who Is Joel Penton? (00:27:59)

9. Are Those Petition Signatures Real? (00:31:39)

10. The Real Mission Of Lifewise With The Help Of The Ohio GOP (00:35:55)

11. Dubious Paid Research (00:41:49)

12. More About Parents Against LifeWise (00:42:56)

13. Not Just Ohio - LifeWise Is Coming For Your Child (00:52:11)

14. Epilogue: The LifeWise Lawsuit Against Zach (00:56:59)