Book Review: IndoctriNation--Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity

by Colin Gunn and Joaquin Fernandez

This book is published by Master Books,
a division of New Leaf Publishing Group.

 

IndoctriNation is the companion book to the filmed documentary by the same name. This book shows Christian parents the importance--and the urgency--of giving children a Christian education, preferably through homeschooling or in a Biblically sound Christian school. The book is primarily a compilation of various accounts of those with first-hand experience with public schools: parents, former students, principals, teachers. Also included are accounts of Christians who champion the Christian home as ideal place for a child's education. The common thread among each account is how Christianity is successfully being edged out of public schools and replaced with ideas that are contrary to the Word of God.

 

The book sheds light on the fact that a child cannot have true education apart from the Lord.

{{Talk no more so very proudly;

 Let no arrogance come from your mouth,

For the Lord is the God of knowledge;

And by Him actions are weighed. -1Samuel 2:3

 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction. -Proverbs 1:7}}

 

And, as Christian parents, it is our responsibility to see to it that our children's educations are based upon Biblical truth--that the information and ideas that we are using to educate them are in line with God's Word.

{{. . ."Casting down arguments

and every high thing that exalts itself

against the knowledge of God,

bringing every thought into captivity

to the obedience of Christ". . .-2Corinthians 10:5}}

 

IndoctriNation also seeks to introduce the history of the public school system, noting that public schools were neither originally Christian or American. It shows how over time, the current state of the school system is the result of an institution that took the responsibility of educating children away from the parent, while removing God from the learning environment. The book speaks about the "scientific" Darwinist theory and how it has been made the basis of curriculum in general, as though it is truth to be applied in all areas. Shutting God out of curriculum and learning isn't just a matter of religious preference, but for the Christian, it is a matter of choosing life over death, having faith instead of doubt, dependence on God rather than reliance on self.

 

IndoctriNation is eye-opening, especially concerning the history of the public school system, its original intent, and the basis of its curriculum choices. These are things that I never considered when I walked my daughter into a public school, at the age of 5, for her first day of kindergarten. Thankfully, my husband and I made the decision to homeschool our children 3 years ago. Even so, there is still so much I have learned from reading this book. I would recommend this book to any Christian parent, whether homeschooling or not.

I received this book, through New Leaf Publishing Group's book review program, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.