Should Christian families send their children to public schools?
Most Christian families hold one of two viewpoints.
They either believe that Christian parents should send their children to public schools to be “salt and light” in a dark place, or they believe that Christian parents should not send their children to public schools, in order to protect their children from the dangers of the public school system.
IndoctriNation, by Great Commission Films, dives into this controversial topic by taking a hard look at the American public school system.
What you will discover is truly shocking.
IndoctriNation
IndoctriNation is a 102 minute DVD that takes an eye-opening look at the American public school system.
We follow Colin Gunn, a Scottish filmmaker and homeschool father, as he takes his family on a road trip across the country to learn more about America’s public school system, its history, its founders, and ultimately how it is impacting the next generation.
As we journey along with Colin Gunn, we uncover several harsh truths about the public schools:
- a political and social agenda
- atheism/naturalism/humanism
- a socialist ideology
- evolution
- violence
- drugs and alcohol
- exposure to sexual sin
- abortion
Colin Gunn interviews many top leaders in the Christian community such as Erwin Lutzer, Ken Ham, and R.C. Sproul.
We hear from principles and teachers who worked in the public schools and later found out that being “salt and light” meant termination from their jobs. We also hear from parents and students and their experiences with the public school system.
IndoctriNation reveals the fact that 8 out of 10 Christian students in public schools stray from the faith. So the idea that Christian children can be little evangelists, in most cases, is not working. Christian children being brought up in the public school system will end up believing what the state teaches them.
Usage and Thoughts
My husband and I watched IndoctriNation together a couple times already. This is a great video, very thorough, informative, and eye-opening. We really liked it.
After watching the video to the end, I felt so thankful for the freedom we have to homeschool. Although homeschooling can be hard at times, it is so worth it. I love the fact that I get to spend each day with my kids, training them and teaching them. I cannot imagine sending them to school and not seeing them for eight hours every day.
I loved what an award winning NY teacher, John Taylor Getto, had to say: “I wonder…is there an idea more radical in the history of the human race than turning your children over to total strangers … and having them work on your child’s mind, out of your sight, for a period of 12 years.” Yes, how scary is that?!
Also, being a political junkie of sorts, I was awed by this quote given in the DVD: “The Federal Government has no constitutional authority to be involved in school curricula… This is why we will abolish the Department of Education and promote family choice at all levels of learning.” – 1996 Republican Party Platform
I think American children would be much better educated if the government really did abolish the Department of Education because as the DVD points out, it’s not about the children at all. The Department of Education is all about money and power. And that’s not just my opinion. This is a direct statement from a member of the National Education Association general counsel, Bob Chanin, at an NEA conference: “It is not because we care about children. And it is not because we have a vision of a great public school for every child. NEA and its affiliates are effective advocates because we have power.”
I loved that Colin Gunn used Scripture throughout much of his video. When the evidence Colin finds is backed up by the Bible, you know he’s found the truth.
This DVD is an excellent resource for parents to see what goes on inside the public school system. I think this video is absolutely essential for any parent who has sent or is planning to send their children to public school.
One thing I’m afraid of, is that parents who watch this video may come away thinking that homeschooling is the sure fire way to ensure their children remain in the faith. I don’t think it is. I have several friends who grew up in Christian homes, were educated in the public school system, and are now devout Christians, living out their faith, and walking with the Lord. I also have several homeschooled friends who grew up in Christian homes but left the faith entirely. Although I believe, and the DVD proves, that homeschooling is the far better choice of education for any child, there’s just no guarantee either way.
If you are interested in learning more about IndoctriNation, here is a short trailer of their DVD.
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Thank you so much for this review, I love your take on it! As a homeschool graduate with children approaching school age these issues are definitely on my mind. It sounds like this is a video I should add to my must see list. I’m especially encouraged that your husband enjoyed it! My husband is on board with my desire to try homeschooling, but it would be great to give him more resources.