A Triumph for Religious Liberty and Historical Education in Eagle County

A Local Victory Rooted in National Principles

In the close-knit community of Gypsum, Colorado, Pastor Steve Monroe of First Baptist Church has spearheaded a remarkable achievement for educational depth and religious freedom. Through dedicated efforts, including securing funding via donations, he has facilitated the inclusion of the Aitken Bible, the first Bible printed in America in 1782, into the Eagle County School District's resources. This Bible, endorsed by the Continental Congress for educational purposes, will be studied as a key historical document in American History classes, highlighting the nation's founding era without promoting religious doctrine. This development not only enriches curriculum but also opens doors for voluntary religious exploration, aligning with constitutional protections that allow students to engage in faith-based studies off school grounds.

The Supreme Court's Shift Away from the Lemon Test

The Supreme Court's ruling in The American Legion v. American Humanist Association, 588 U.S. (2019), represented a pivotal advancement by rejecting the Lemon test from Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971). For decades, the Lemon test led to erratic decisions that frequently excluded religious references from public institutions, including schools. Justice Neil Gorsuch, in his concurrence, described the Lemon test as a "misadventure" that resulted in jurisprudential confusion. Instead, the Court established a presumption of constitutionality for longstanding symbols, practices, and monuments incorporating religious elements, prioritizing history and tradition in Establishment Clause analyses.

Lower courts have embraced this framework. In Freedom From Religion Foundation v. County of Lehigh, 933 F.3d 275 (3d Cir. 2019), the Third Circuit upheld a cross in a county seal, dismissing Lemon and emphasizing that removing such symbols could demonstrate unconstitutional hostility toward religion. The Eleventh Circuit, in Kondrat'yev v. City of Pensacola, 949 F.3d 1319 (11th Cir. 2020), preserved a historic cross, affirming a "strong presumption of constitutionality" and declaring "Lemon is dead." Likewise, the First Circuit in Perrier-Bilbo v. United States, 954 F.3d 413 (1st Cir. 2020), sustained the phrase "so help me God" in naturalization oaths as a protected tradition.

The Aitken Bible's Inclusion in Eagle County Schools

In Eagle County, the Aitken Bible fits squarely within this constitutional presumption under the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. As a historical artifact printed during the Revolutionary War and recommended by Congress for schools, it reflects America's early integration of faith and governance. Its placement in history curricula educates on foundational principles, akin to analyzing the Declaration of Independence's invocation of a Creator, without mandating belief. Per American Legion, excluding such items risks the hostility the Clause forbids. Pastor Monroe's initiative, funded through community donations and set for delivery in early 2025, exemplifies how local leaders can preserve cultural heritage while adhering to legal standards.

Off-Campus Religious Education: The Role of LifeWise Academy

Complementing the Aitken Bible's historical focus, programs like LifeWise Academy enable deeper religious engagement off campus. LifeWise Academy, a nonprofit founded by Joel Penton, offers Bible education to public school students during school hours through release-time programs. These classes occur off school property, are privately funded, and require parental permission, ensuring no government endorsement of religion. The program's legal foundation rests on Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306 (1952), where the Supreme Court upheld release-time initiatives, distinguishing them from on-campus activities banned in McCollum v. Board of Education, 333 U.S. 203 (1948). Justice William O. Douglas noted that accommodating religion without establishment honors America's religious institutions.

LifeWise's mission centers on fostering Bible literacy to address youth challenges like anxiety and depression, with a vision to reach 50 million public school students by centering the gospel, pursuing excellence, and remaining community-driven via local churches. Since its inception, it has refined its approach, as detailed in the book "During School Hours," and emphasizes transparency with certifications from Excellence in Giving and Candid. In Eagle County, LifeWise is in early launch phases, gathering signatures to integrate Bible classes into school schedules flexibly. This grassroots model empowers families to pursue faith-based learning without disrupting core academics.

Impact on Eagle County Students

The combined effects of the Aitken Bible's inclusion and LifeWise's emergence profoundly benefit Eagle County students. In classrooms, exposure to the Aitken Bible provides a fuller historical context, encouraging critical thinking about America's origins. Off campus, LifeWise offers voluntary Bible studies that correlate with improved well-being, as studies link Bible engagement to reduced mental health issues. With 78 percent of Americans favoring moral education in schools and 67 percent supporting biblical values, these initiatives meet community demand while respecting choice. Students gain tools for personal growth, families exercise free exercise rights under the First Amendment, and schools avoid establishment concerns. Though some groups oppose such programs, citing potential disruptions, the constitutional safeguards ensure equity.

Safeguarding Religious Freedom for Future Generations

Pastor Monroe's success in Gypsum highlights the vitality of religious liberty, protected by American Legion and Zorach precedents. As LifeWise expands in Eagle County, it reinforces opportunities for off-campus faith exploration, balancing education with parental autonomy. Vigilance remains essential to counter outdated Lemon applications in disputes over public religious displays. By embracing these developments, Eagle County honors the First Amendment's dual protections, equipping students with historical knowledge and avenues for spiritual enrichment that strengthen community bonds.