LifeWay offers filtered Internet service

by Linda Lawson                                                                                                                                        Vol. XIII, No. 1, January 2000

LifeWay Christian Resources of the SBC is partnering with Rated-G Online, an established Internet service provider with the latest filtering system, to offer filtered access to the World Wide Web. “LifeWayonline” will support Southern Baptist values and beliefs and will filter out more than 20 categories of offensive material including: pornography, alcohol and drug use, gambling, weapons and bomb making, violence, hate/discrimination, profane language, and selected chat sites.

In the future, LifeWayonline will include popular features of the current LifeWay site plus a multitude of features for adults, teenagers, and children. The Kidz Only section of LifeWayonline includes a Learning Center, Children’s Bible Hour, games, activities, a Kids Club, and much more. The Teen Seen section includes magazines, electronic cards, games, a teen poll, music, homework help, teen news, chat and forums. For the family, special-interest information is provided for age groups from babies to seniors. Help is offered on parenting, finances, family life, health, and many other topics.

“Due to the ingenuity of provocateurs, no filter can guarantee that no undesirable material will ever slip through,” said Ted Warren, LifeWay executive vice president and chief operating officer. However, “Rated-G Online is in the best-of-class category.”

The cost of LifeWayonline is $19.95 per month, paid monthly. Subscribers may pay in advance for six months of service and receive a 10% discount for a monthly rate of $17.95 or pay in advance for twelve months and receive a 20% discount for a monthly rate of $15.95. Local access is available in more than 1,000 U.S. cities. The rate includes unlimited monthly access, four mail accounts, online shopping and classes, 5MG personal web space, high speed 56kbs access, and technical support.

Early in 2000 Warren said a program for churches, schools, and other organizations will be announced.

For further information or to subscribe to LifeWayonline, call toll free 1-888-454-5965, pick up a free installation CD at any LifeWay Christian bookstore, or subscribe online at www.lifewayonline.com.