Indoctrination has come to have a very negative connotation. But according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
When the verb first appeared in English in the 17th century, it simply meant “to teach”—a meaning linked closely to its source, the Latin verb docēre, which also means “to teach.” (Other offspring of docēre include docile, doctor, document, and, of course, doctrine). By the 19th century, indoctrinate was being used in the sense of teaching someone to fully accept only the ideas, opinions, and beliefs of a particular group.
The true meaning
The true meaning of the word essentially means to teach, and teach repeatedly. That is how we learn, especially children. I think we can probably all remember a time in our lives when someone was trying to hammer something into our brains over and over again. They were teaching us a concept or a conviction of some kind. But even looking back, I doubt many of us would describe learning the Pledge of Allegiance, or perhaps a dance routine, and consider it indoctrination. But according to Merriam-Webster above, we were being indoctrinated.
Clearly, indoctrination should not be a dirty word. In fact, depending on what is taught, it can be a tremendous blessing. As Believers in Christ, we are called to tell those around us about the Gospel. And those who accept Christ as their LORD and Savior, we are to indoctrinate with the teachings of His Word (Matthew 28:19-20). This is not just a suggestion, but a commandment.
When indoctrination goes rogue
But the crazy thing is, is that right now, many schools are indoctrinating our children with the world’s ideas, opinions, and beliefs, regardless of what the ideas, opinions, and beliefs are of the parents. It just goes to show, that if we choose to not indoctrinate our children, the world, by way of schools for one, will fill in any and all gaps with whatever they deem to be appropriate.
That’s why it’s so important to know what our children are being taught. Public schools are openly and flagrantly against anything that smells of Christianity. Although we all benefit from what Christianity brought to our country (i.e. free speech, justice, etc), public schools want nothing to do with biblical virtues and convictions. Public schools advocate for personal autonomy, as well as the rejection of God and His Word. What it boils down to is: “What is YOUR opinion? How does that make YOU feel? How will it affect YOU?”
When it’s all about me
Rather than placing God in His rightful place, public schools indoctrinate our children into placing THEMSELVES there. There’s little doubt as to why transgenderism, abortion, and victim mentality (i.e. Critical Race Theory) flourishes in this ideology. Our schools, as well as the media, movies, books, etc., all indoctrinate us to believe our feelings and comforts are the most important priority. Sacrifice, courage, and duty (to name just a few biblical virtues) are rarely, if ever, truly encouraged.
As parents, it’s of upmost importance that we hold the line and indoctrinate our children according to our convictions and beliefs, which most importantly, need to align to His Word. Of course, we can’t always do this by ourselves. Our churches should be supporting parents and families in this regard. As well as Christian educators who teach our children.
Oh my, books TOO??
But you would be shocked to know how so many of the books we allow our children to read (whether we are the ones picking out the books or not) are subtly trying to indoctrinate our children according to the world’s priorities.
I’m so thankful we have spoken openly to our children about many of the confusing cultural issues we have to face. Because of this, our kids have been able to know when something seems a bit off in the books they’re reading. Many of the recently published books have unnecessary additions of, for example, an LGBTQ character that has zero to do with the story. It’s just thrown in there for the sake of normalizing what should never be normalized. Several popular series that were previously fine, are now slipping in language and scenarios that undermine what we are teaching our children (we have personal experience with this).
Teach them young
I encourage you to indoctrinate your children while they’re young for their good, and God’s glory. And don’t fill your children’s minds with cheap and easy books (aka as “twaddle” or Cheetos for the brain). Give them hearty books that will build their character, refine their thoughts, and give glory to God. Also, give them great books that can also help them navigate this crazy world we live in, from a Biblical Worldview.
That’s why Mud Hen Mama was created. The Underground Bookstore provides an awesome selection of books for families who know they need to indoctrinate their children with books that are good, beautiful, and true. Join the growing ranks of parents who are fighting for God, family, freedom, and country. And go buy some fantastic books today!
