The media was upset recently about Florida's public schools "indoctrinating" kids. They were less concerned in 2012 when Philadelphia students were required to watch a film titled That's a Family! that argued that gay marriage was normal. And when Maryland parents sued to be able to opt-out of "Pride Storybooks" in their kids' curriculum, the judge threw it out.
Indoctrination. That's the term. They use it when it's "the other guy" -- when it's what "those people are doing" -- but not when they are. That, of course, is because it is considered a bad thing. Mind you, indoctrination is simply defined as inculcating with a usually partisan or sectarian opinion, point of view, or principle. In fact, the second definition is "instruction especially in fundamentals or rudiments: teaching." Why is it bad? Well, one aspect of indoctrination is to teach without encouraging critical thinking or questioning. That is the bad part, they say. Mind you, teaching a kid that "2 + 2 = 4; now don't ask questions" isn't quite so objectionable. We hope to imbue them with certain beliefs on certain facts without questioning the facts. Well ... at least as long as we agree on the facts. And, for a large part, we don't. I would argue, for instance, that most of school children are taught not to think about what they're learning. Indoctrination.
The truth is both sides (pick any question) indulge in indoctrination. They want us to accept without question that "trans" is real and normal and we want them to accept without question that science doesn't agree. They want us to accept that "gay" is morally right and we want them to understand that the Bible disagrees. None of us want our kids growing up questioning the facts and values we deem absolutely necessary for a good life, and that is indoctrination. It's not always a bad thing (Prov 22:6). But in the hands of those without God -- those without a true moral compass -- it is very likely catastrophic.
2 comments:
I think the difference between indoctrination and teaching is the questioning aspect. As an example from your list, I think it's a good thing to question whether or not homosexual relationships are a good thing. There difference between indoctrination and teaching is that when the child questions the "it's good" side, he's told it just is and accept it. But if he questions the "it's bad" side, we have an answer backing up our position, and typically one that is biblically, scientifically, and rationally backed. If either side simply says, "because we say so", then that is bad indoctrination, but if the answer is an explanation, then that's good indoctrination.
The difference between indoctrination and teaching, I would submit, is that the former is the teaching of doctrine in it's most accurate meaning. When we learn about the Christianity, we're learning a doctrine. Whether or not questioning what is taught is allowed is not an element of indoctrination, but of brainwashing. Some regard indoctrination as brainwashing because what is actually at issue is more accurately described as brainwashing, not indoctrination. I've used the term "indoctrination" in this way myself, and I intend to pay more attention to that misuse. I think when the term "brainwashing" is used where no objections, questions or criticisms are allowed is more to the point and far more important to so describe it in order to arouse the righteous indignation the practice should.
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