Rating: Five Stars (out of five)Age Recommendation: Teens and Adults
Being homeschooled and having only gone through the first 3 grades in the public school system, I have been somewhat desensitized to what goes on in public education and what kind of effect it as having on children. I recall that in the 1st and 2nd grades, I would often not tell my parents of the things I was hearing and going through at school, preferring to only discuss the good. Students would make fun of me and call me mean, crude names which I often didn't understand. Eventually, God led us to homeschooling, which has enabled me the opportunity to learn and grow mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually, in ways I could never have at a public school. As a result of homeschooling, God has called me to creation ministry to teach people (particularly youth) about the truth of God's creation as described in His Word. Creation ministry has exposed me to much of the indoctrination that is going on in the public schools. But I never knew it was this bad.
In the appropriately-named documentary, IndoctriNation: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America, Scottish filmmaker and homeschool father Colin Gunn takes you on a field trip you never can--or will--forget...no matter how hard you try. Using the allegory of (and driving around in) a big yellow school bus, Gunn Productions will lead you through the roots--and fruits--of the public school system in America, demonstrating the reason why education in America is rotten to the core: because, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction," the latter of which American public schools have chosen to follow. By taking apart the history and philosophies of the public school system piece-by-piece, IndoctriNation exposes what ideas and values helped to shape the classrooms of America today, and how a secular mindset has taken over every inch of the public education system, from the standard grade system and testing, to the way classrooms are organized. The fruits of such a mindset is shocking. Poor grades, general illiteracy, school violence, and drugs to name just a few.
Christian parents often believe that if their children go to church and Sunday school, and then get sent to school for the other 5 days of the week, then they will be fine. Most Christian parents would be led to believe that their children are being "salt and light" in their school. IndoctriNation points out the flaws in this thinking, showing how, in order to preserve the next generation of Christian young people, we must not let their minds be taken captive to the mindset of the day (Colossians 2:8) and instead, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).
Here are some things that I personally noted about IndoctriNation:
- While much has been written about the public school system from a Christian perspective, Colin Gunn has put together all of this research and information in a format which is easily accessible and comprehensible for parents and students.
- The documentary style is easy-to-watch and always keeps you on your feet.
- The experts who were interviewed provided a professional and intriguing look into different aspects of the public education system, from education styles, to history, doctrine, morals, and much more.
Conclusion: Every Christian parent needs to watch this documentary. It will shake the way they view education in America. No longer would parents so easily allow their children to be spiritually "slaughtered by the masses" in the classroom. I can testify to this, as I once was in line to be robbed of my faith by the lies and indoctrination which is taught in public schools, but by God's grace, He called my parents to homeschool me and my brother. Ever since, God has grown our faith and relationship with Him and has given us a far-better education, social life, and atmosphere in which to share the truth and truly be "salt and light." All in all, I would recommend that any parent and high school student should watch this video--and then share it with others.
(Note: I was provided with my free review copy of IndoctriNation from New Leaf Publishing Group)
