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Indoctrination: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America

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Look behind the comfortable myths of an educational system actively at work to alter your child’s moral values, worldview, and religious beliefs. Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity offers firsthand accounts of Christian educators working in government schools and explores the biblical principles regarding education.

Indoctrination exposes the government’s agenda as being far less than neutral regarding Christianity. Learn the history and philosophy of America’s public school education and discover the anti-biblical brainwashing happening there. Indoctrination reveals the anti-Christian ideologies at work in today’s classroom, including humanism, Marxism, utopianism, educational psychology, and more.

Contributor Brian Rohrbough, whose child was murdered in the Columbine massacre writes, “My challenge to parents is for you to ask this most important ‘Lord, am I training my children to love and want to learn about You, or am I sentencing them to reject You?’ ” He also shares, “I put him in a pagan school where they teach there is no God.”

Indoctrination sounds the alarm to Christian parents to awaken to the insidious realities at work against their family and their children’s eternal destinies. Within these pages, the manageable realities of homeschooling are made known, offering families a hope-filled alternative by which they can honor the Bible’s instructions for the education of their children.

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1

372 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2012

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Charles Laverdiere

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Profile Image for Harold Cameron.
142 reviews20 followers
October 7, 2012
“Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity”

“Why a growing number of parents choose not to send their children to public school.

The companion book to the award-winning documentary “IndoctrinNation”, this eye-opening book includes:
• An unforgettable introduction by a father who lost his son in the Columbine school massacre — “I put him in a pagan school where they teach there is no God.”
• 12 common reasons people give not to homeschool — and the manageable reality of this educational alternative
• Revealing, firsthand accounts of Christian educators working in public schools— sharing the struggles they face in a hostile system
• The classroom anti-Christian ideologies from humanism, Marxism, utopianism, educational psychology, and more confronting students in public schools today.

Look behind the comfortable myths of an educational system actively at work to alter your child’s moral values, worldview, and religious beliefs. Learn the history and philosophy of public school education — and discover it is based on neither Christian nor American values. Explore the biblical principles regarding education — and who is ultimately responsible for our children’s future.” (From New Leaf Publishing Group Website)

My Thoughts About the Book: Indoctrination is a shocking, provocative, tell-all book concerning the dismal state of our education system in the US today. There is no sugar coating the harsh realities of the truth in this book that our national education system is experiencing a decline. Because of various influences from outside the education system that have taken hold in our nation’s schools such as Humanism, Evolution, Modern Day Psychology, Atheism, and others our nation’s young people are being subjected to teaching that is contrary to what many parents and individuals believe or want their children to be taught. It is said that ignorance is bliss and well most parents are ignorant of what their children are really being taught in their schools which makes ignorance much more than bliss…it makes it dangerous and even deadly. By deadly I mean what is being taught and not being taught in our schools as well as what is happening within our nation’s schools to young people are causing a number of students to either kill themselves or to go to the school to shoot and kill as many people as they possibly can before they kill themselves. And this is a needless and terrible tragedy.

In the book 28 different experts in their respective fields weigh in concerning a particular issue or problem that is being experienced in our nation’s schools. The book begins with some thoughts from filmmakers’ Colin Gunn and Joaquin Fernandez, and then some points to consider from Editor Chuck LaVerdiere and Brian Rojrbough, a parent of one of the students murdered at Columbine in the Columbine Massacre.

Each chapter in the book begins with an appropriate and relevant Scripture verse –Scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments are referenced. And then the author addresses an issue of concern to them from their area of training, expertise, knowledge or interest.

In Chapter 1 Dr. Michael Metarko lays the foundation for the rest of the book. He takes us back to the humble beginnings of our education system in America in the state of Massachusetts in 1647 and then leads us into the present crisis where the religion of Secular Humanism forms the basis for much if not all of what is being taught in our public schools. He refers to American Education as a Trojan Horse. He concludes his revealing chapter with the challenge, “We must act now.”

In Chapter 2 Attorney Bruce Shortt addresses the issue of “Drugging Them Up;” that is the drugging up of a vast number of the young people attending public schools. In his chapter he addresses the relatively modern phenomenon of labeling many of our youth, especially boys, with a disorder known as ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. And the drug du jour for the treatment of ADHD is “Poor Man’s Cocaine” or Ritalin. Not good! In Chapter 3 R. C. Murray writes about “Dumbing Them Down;” or the issue of providing an education for our young people that expects little of them and teaches them little as compared to what was once taught in our public schools with the end result being that Johnny and Mary graduate being unable to effectively read and write as an adult. It’s shocking what is happening in our nation’s schools but it is all true…well researched, carefully documented and written about in this book.

Other issues addressed in the book includes, but is not limited to, “Discipline Discipleship” in Chapter 4, in Chapter 5 a teacher writes about how he lost his job for living out his faith in Jesus Christ and sharing it with his students (he could teach the religion of Secular Humanism and the theory of evolution but he could not teach about the name – the name of Jesus Christ); In Chapter 6 the matter of who the School Boards really exist to serve today is addressed – the state or the taxpaying citizen – take a guess which answer is correct and see if you get it right), Chapter 7 is about the monopolization of education in our country and how the federal government and Department of Education does not have “any real competitors” when it comes to the education of our young people. Chapter 8 concerns the issue of “Separation of School and State,” (that God and the Christian faith are locked out of our nation’s schools and anything and everything else contrary to God is welcomed in and taught as truth).

Chapter’s 9 and 10 are dedicated to some history – with Chapter 9 being about the history of American education – from the earliest days of our education system to Chapter 10 being about the “Faith of America’s Founding Father’s.” And much of what you read you will not found written in the history books our young people use to learn from today nor is it taught by the teachers.

In the remaining chapters of this must read book for every Christian and non-Christian parent even who is concerned about the quality of education their child receives the following topics are written about. In Chapter 12 – what is actually being taught from our history books versus what really happened in the history of our nation, Chapter 13 “The Deep Pagan Roots of Modern Educational Methods,” In Chapter 14 Big Business and Corporate America become united with our educational system and the results are not good; Chapter 15 “When a Nation Forgets god” outlines to what degree God and his Word are being left out of the classroom as well as provides an accurate accounting of our great history as a nation and what is replacing it – what is being called truth, history and science rather than what is actually deception and theories or speculation. Chapter 16 gives us a look into the future of our education system in the US using the example of education the Great Britain as a good model…and a model or example it is but it is not a good one. Chapter 17 is about the crisis in public schools citing the story of the Columbine School shooting and other details to substantiate the claim that our education system and schools today are in serious trouble as are the students who attend them. Chapter 18 addresses the issue of who is really responsible for the education of our nation’s youth – you might think it is the parent but read this chapter to learn the real truth.

In Chapters 19 through 23 what is shared with us is a different path for parents to take to ensure that our children receive the level and quality of education they not only deserve but need to be competitive in the job market and survive in the world to come. These chapters provide real doable solutions and offers hope to parents in despair over the poor quality of education and what is being taught in the schools our children are attending now. What is proposed may not be for everyone or even be possible for everyone to do; however, the best approach to ensure that our children receive a quality education is provided in these chapters.

In the final pages are 5 Appendixes the first being addressed to Teachers and Administrators, Appendix B is concerning “The Invention of Adolescence,” Appendix C and D are two different resignation letters – one from a Christian who was a principal of a public school and the other a teacher as well as a letter to the parents of her students and finally Appendix E regarding “The Impossibility of Neutrality.” And the author of this appendix is absolutely correct – it is impossible to be neutral. You either support public education as it is and for what it is or you don’t. We are past the point of taking the middle of the road approach thinking maybe we can achieve some reasonable accommodations or compromises in what and how our children are being taught through negotiations with our school administration’s and teacher’s. Sadly those days are long gone. For parents, especially Christian parents it is time to take action regarding our children and young people’s education. I just pray and hope each and every one of you will purchase the book and then make the right choice.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, New Leaf Publishing Group, for reviewing it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Profile Image for Tony Breeden.
Author 15 books41 followers
October 15, 2012
I’m always leery of the book version of a film, especially documentaries and other nonfictional media, mostly because the “novelization” tends to rehash the same ground that I just covered in the movie. But every once in a while, the book proves to be the perfect complement the filmmakers promised. Indoctrination is just such a book: relevant, readable and revealing.

I should begin by noting that I thoroughly enjoyed the documentary itself. I never got around to reviewing it, but I found it both disturbing and compelling. How could our public schools be this bad? The ineffectiveness of public education has been well-documented in other films such as Waiting for Superman , but Indoctrination gets to the root of the issue of why public education undermines our children’s religious worldview… and we find out that it’s quite on purpose!

The companion book to this award-winning documentary by Colin Gunn and Joaquin Fernandez includes contributions by R.C. Sproul, Jr., Ken Ham, Voddie Bacham, Jr., John Taylor Gatto, Israel Wayne, Doug Phillips and many more. It even includes an article by fellow West Virginian Karl Priest concerning Kanawha County’s 1974 Textbook War. Rather than simply regurgitating the documentary, this material expands the information presented previously. It’s impossible to cover the material presented in 23 essays and 5 appendices, but I would like to share some of the things that struck me.

In the Introduction by Brian Rohrbough, who lost his son at the Columbine High Massacre, he notes that “If you place your children in public school, within a few years, you will find division growing between you and them. Will you tell yourself that this separation is normal and that it is just part of your children growing up? Do you really believe hatred between parents and children is normal?” [pp.22-23] This mirrors comments made by David & Kim d’Escoto on page 300:
“And then they turn five… and we are expected to cut the apron strings and turn them over to the state to continue their education… The detachment process begins, and almost unknowingly, the gap between child and home widens. Bonds are loosened, and the foundation of trust crumbles. Children who once looked to their parents for leadership now turn to their teachers for knowledge, their peers for wisdom, and their music and televisions for entertainment.”

The detachment syndrome they describe is similar to that experienced by children who are taken from their parents and placed in foster homes.

The reason for this division between parent and child is because, as Michael Metarko aptly puts it, “America is Troy; our public education system is the Trojan Horse… [p.25] In opening up that Trojan horse, I was stunned and appalled. I not only realized what the horse was but saw the deceivers’ plans. In a phrase, what I found was indoctrination in an anti-Christian worldview called humanism… [p. 27] With 90 percent of Christians still sending their children into this statist educational system, I need to be brutally direct. According to current research, if you send your child to public school, you WILL most likely lose your child to the secular humanistic worldview [p.36].”

Or as Voddie Baucham, Jr. notes:
“The correlation is clear: If we continue to send our children to Caesar for their education, we need to stop being surprised when they come home as Romans.” [p.263]

He further points out that “Ninety pe rcent [of American Christians] make the exact same educational choice and nobody can point to book, chapter, and verse to justify it.” [p.263] Later in his plea for a return to a Biblical worldview, he directs our attention to the latest PEERS test results from the Nehemiah Institute, which tests worldviews and gives them a scalar rank from “Socialism” to “Biblical Theism.” 70 to 100 is “Biblical Theism,” 30 to 69 is “Moderate Christian,” 0 to 29 is “Secular Humanism,” and any negative score is “Socialism.” Homeschool students averaged 48.6, right in the middle of a Christian worldview. Christian students in public school averaged only 7.9, “the low end of secular humanism, falling into Marxist socialism.” [p.273]. Christian school students scored 27.8. Commenting on this, Voddie Baucham, Jr., states:
“This is below the moderate Christian worldview, seeping into the secular humanist worldview. I believe the problem here is that Christian schools actually brag about the fact that they have certified teachers. Certified by whom? The state; Caesar.” [p.273]

Israel wayne makes the same point:
“Nearly every school, everywhere, is being influenced by secularism – even Christian schools. Where do most Christian schools get their teaching degrees? From secular colleges, of course. Do we think they can somehow avoid being influenced by their teachers?” [p. 315]. If we do, we stand in defiance of Luke 6:40, in which Jesus Himself warned that “A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.”

For those who suppose their children are to be sent into public schools as “salt and light,” Israel Wayne makes the following observation:
“Do you have any religious cults in your neighborhood? If so, do you send your children to their services every Sunday morning? Shouldn’t they be there being ‘salt and light’ to the cult members? …Do you have bars and nightclubs nearby? ��Perhaps you should have them join a street gang so they can witness to their peers.” [p. 312]

His argumentem ad absurdum makes this common misapplication of the Similitudes evident. RC Sproul gives us the bottom line:
“Thinking that education is something different than from discipling our children is a sure sign that we have been ‘educated’ by the state. Education is discipleship.” [p. 336]

Documenting a program of social engineering through behaviorism, evolutionary thinking, radical environmentalism, dumbed-down curricula, drugging our children and… well, more than I have the stomach to comment upon at the moment, the contributors to the book companion to Indoctrination make a solid case for Christian homeschooling, while masterfully challenging those parents who are still deceived by the public school system.

This is an excellent resource for parents and teachers, a thoughtful and gracious argument against the humanistic public education system, the humanistic-influenced Christian school, and for Biblical home education. I recommend that anyone wishing to make an informed decision on the matter of whether they send their children to be educated by Caesar read this book – or at least watch the documentary.

You can purchase this book at our DefGen.org eStore. You can find out more about the book and movie at IndoctrinationMovie.com.

-Tony Breeden, from the Bookwyrm's Lair

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the New Leaf Publishing Group Book Bible Defender’s Review Team <http://www.creationconversations.com/group/bible-defenders>. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Dave Jenkins.
Author 2 books35 followers
October 9, 2012
When I first heard the book Indoctrination Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity edited by Charles Laverdiere with contributors like R.C. Sproul Jr., Ken Ham, Doug Phillips, Voddie Baucham and more, I was excited by what I would learn from this book. As I began to read this book I began to question whether reading and reviewing this book would be a good idea as I started to think that the argument this book was making was about taking kids away from the world in order to shelter them from the world. Thankfully as I continued to read this book (I also watched the film) I quickly realized this thought was mistaken and not the intent of the book to suggest that parents shelter their kids from the world, but rather to guard their hearts in order to train them in the Word of God so they could be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ.

As I mentioned already, I was skeptical at first about this book, but was quickly won over to the argument of the book. Here are a few reasons why I think this book is an important one to read and consider (along with getting a copy of the DVD).

First, children are a precious gift from our Creator. Parents have been tasked with a very hard job in raising children to grow in the grace and knowledge and fear of the Lord. Since I’m not a parent my perspective on this review comes from one without kids, but as one who grew up attending public schools throughout elementary, middle and high school, so I know well the dangers they speak of in this book. Furthermore, I have family members who have recently graduated from high school and have seen firsthand through their experience how high school has changed. Second, since parents have been tasked with educating and training their children in the fear and knowledge of God they ought to seriously consider what is being taught to their kids in schools today.

Much of what this book shared was new to me in terms of the history of how public education in America came into being, but it should be seriously considered by others because as the authors trace the history of public education they reveal that it has roots not in the Bible but rather in secular thought. Finally this book is important because it not only reveals why American children are having so many issues with learning, but also that what they are learning in schools today is anti-American and against the Judeo-Christian foundations America was founded upon.

Indoctrination is an important book because it not only speaks to one of the greatest issues of our day; the education of further generations, but it does so in a way that will open eyes and prayerfully hearts to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through personal examples, real history, and the Word of God the authors accomplish their goal of providing a shocking, and sure to be controversial look at the American educational system from firsthand witnesses who taught in the system and experts who know our educational system. I recommend this book for every parent, and every concerned American citizen. While there are sure to be areas that others disagree, this book I believe is an important step forward in helping everyone understand why Christian parents may want to seriously and prayerfully consider homeschooling their children.

Title: Indoctrination

Author:Collin Gunn and Joaquin Fernandez

Publisher: Master Books (2012)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Master Books book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Rebecca The Files of Mrs. E, .
399 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2013
This was a series of essays from different authors to support the documentary they had made. Some of it was really interesting and great information while others weren't as strong or I didn't agree with very much. Still thought provoking. It is very protestant.
Profile Image for Rachel.
13 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2013
Indoctrination: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America

Published by Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group (nlpg.com), the title IndoctriNation immediately intrigued me. Not long ago, I was personally told by a lady just younger than me that Christian parents teaching their children about God is morally wrong. For a parent to "indoctrinate" their children with the idea of God is a horrible, unimaginable atrocity. The same person thinks it's okay for a mother to end the life of her child while it's in the womb, but if that mother chooses to let her child live, teaches him/her that there is a God who loves them, that their life is valuable, that they have a purpose, and that they are accountable to their Creator, well, then she is a "bad person". I thought this an odd belief and wondered where someone could get such an idea while living in this beautiful, grand, religiously free country.

So, of course, when I saw a book dedicated to the indoctrination taking place in our public schools, I was immediately drawn.

The book is unique in that it is written by many different contributors. The chapters are authored by different people, having their own distinct perspectives derived from their personal involvement with and in the public school system. In addition, the book was actually based on the documentary film, instead of the other way around.

Near the beginning, the filmmaker's notes struck me. Joaquin Fernandez writes about delivering this message with the right heart. He elaborates on the love Jesus has for His bride, the Church, and the very serious matter of rebuking her. Much time was spent in praying with shaky knees about this fearful task.

Convinced of the sincerity of love the authors had toward me as the bride of Christ, I bravely continued forward, not sure what I would encounter. Since my husband and I decided long ago that if we ever have children, we will homeschool them, I was not sure I would learn much of anything I didn't already know. Public schools were bad, yeah, but necessary, surely. After all, homeschooling isn't for everyone, right?

The following pages opened my eyes in a way I had never expected. The history of public schools, their original purpose, and the philosophies of the leading educational authorities who helped instigate them astonished me.

The nature and goals of education itself was a novel idea to me. I had no idea just how affected I was by my own public school experience. Education is inherently religious. Every fact, axiom, or tenant that is taught has an overarching worldview philosophy from which it is being presented. You cannot separate facts from the deeper realm of truth.

Chapter One addresses that the information being taught in government schools is being taught in the religious atmosphere of Secular Humanism, an ideology that the U.S. Supreme Court deems protected by the First Amendment. It is a religion that teaches that man is his own god. He determines what is right and wrong. Morals are relative, truth is relative, and life holds no real answers; there are only the answers you decide. The book goes into great detail to establish the evidence which supports the reality that our nation's children are being tutored in the ways of self-worship, and are being manipulated into dependency on the state. Have you noticed lately the attitude of entitlement possessed by these upcoming generations, the expectancy for the government to provide all their needs, the pervasive trend toward socialism over capitalism? Would you be as surprised as I to find out this was all by design?

One whole chapter is dedicated to the practice of drugging young children to make them more manageable in the classroom, especially little boys . . . giving them legal drugs that have the same effect on their brains as cocaine. Some of the statistics were so astounding, they bordered on sensationalism. I was a little bit skeptical at this point, but after taking in the entire body of evidence, this chapter became just one peg of many on which the argument securely hangs.

In contrast to the reasons presented against state education, there is a multitude of scriptures set forth which expound the biblical design for educating our children. The one that impacted me most is Psalm 1:1-3: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." How had I never connected this scripture to education before? Proverbs tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. We have been sending our children into a pagan system to be fed knowledge apart from the acknowledgment of God, let alone the fear of God, and have allowed them to sit under the tutelage of the ungodly and the scornful. Even those children who are lucky and blessed enough to be taught by a follower of Jesus, cannot receive any instruction based on the truth of Jesus. Many more scriptures specifically talk about teaching and educating our children, and the unquestionable conclusion is that God mandates parents to be the primary educators of the precious lives entrusted to their care.

The vast benefits of homeschooling are discussed in Chapter Twenty including individual attention to learning styles, delight-directed learning, learning in the context of life, and freedom from confinement. Homeschooling is tailor fit to each individual child's strengths and learning needs. Lessons can be taught in fun and creative ways while the family unit is strengthened and mutual respect is developed. But most importantly, every lesson in every circumstance in life can bring glory to God, teaching our children to be heavenly minded, walking in peace, joy, confidence, and truth.

In Chapter Twenty-One, Israel Wayne addresses the common excuses not to homeschool your children. Among them are: it costs too much; I'm not qualified to teach my children; it would take too much time; my kids drive me crazy, I can't stand to be around them; and I want my children to be "salt and light" in the public schools. If you've ever found yourself relying on one of these to ease your conscience, you'll find each one knocked out from under you as Israel Wayne brings you face to face with the Word of God.

This book is so packed with information, I can only begin to barely touch on it in this review. I found it to be powerfully persuasive. Whereas I believed public schools to be a "necessary evil", I now believe they have no place in a free nation. Whereas I believed they were not the best education system to use but it was still "okay" to send your kids there, I now know that with the knowledge I have gained it would be exceedingly sinful to place our children there. I have had a total paradigm shift in the area of education and feel like my world has been enlightened with a delightful truth I never knew existed. It is hard to describe the joy and hope I have experienced during the reading of this book.

I cannot stress enough or more highly recommend that every Christian parent, or future parent prayerfully read this book, digest the information presented, and immediately take action. The life of your child may hang in the balance, but even graver is the possibility that it may be his/her soul on the line.

You can link up with others who have reviewed this book at: http://nlpgblogs.com/public-school-sy...
Profile Image for Abbie Riddle.
1,238 reviews17 followers
October 18, 2012
I feel that this book is controversial simply because it takes an unapologetic stance backed completely by scripture that is used in context. Those who are not ready to face the issues of a broken system called public education will not want to pick it up unless they are ready to view the issue through the lens of the scripture. I began home schooling our children after the school our 5 year old was attending began reading the Koran as inspirational reading and several smaller issues. My husband had been a public school teacher for several years prior to this and struggled with taking with our children out of the system for the same disillusion that many people hold and this book breaks down. This disillusion is that we are not fulfilling the be "salt and light" if we do not allow our children to attend public school. However, one day my husband - after much prayer - came to me and said "You know we would never send one of our missionaries into the field without extensive training and most of the time this includes at least some seminary - why should I expect my unsaved child to be the light in a dark place, and when she is saved will she be trained to fight off the ideas of the secular world in the same way a seasoned and establish Christian could". Thus began our home school journey. This book exposes the very shocking beginnings of public education and follows this with fact and scripture. This will be very offensive to those who have chosen public education either because they feel guilty that they can not do anything different or because they are so caught up in the lie and can not bear to question that which has always been. After reading this book I stopped to really take a look at our church and my own home schooling experience. I was utterly shocked at how much the public school actually drives the world we live in. Our children at church are engaged in countless activities to the point that ministries such as Mighty Men and Faith Girls and Awana has to compete with band, sports, and all the other extra curricular activities. Not only that I noticed that many of our programs were set up based on grades not on spiritual growth, our awards given based on a system much like school systems. Our time tables and calendars are dictated by the public school's schedule of events. Then I personally began to look at how the system had influenced my own beliefs and how that set-up had leaked into my early home school years. I felt that in order to prove home school was good I had to teach my children everything they were learning in public school and set up my day just like the schools. Then came the day that I decided it was best just not to talk to any one about home school so that I did not have to defend what I was doing or explain my reasoning. Still secretly I was in competition. Competition to prove my children were just a smart. This book gives the home school parent a boost where sometimes we just need it. For deep within our hearts most of us have pulled our children for just the same reasons as listed in this book. We have been convicted by the Spirit that we are failing to "train up our children in the Lord" if we allow someone else to take the training up. As a Pastor's wife my husband and I have spent countless hours ministering in prayer and counseling sessions with families who have teens that have gone astray, troubled middle school children. Our greatest heart breaks have been seeing that these families have failed to minister the gospel effectively in their own homes - falsely believing it to be the job of the church and the schools to educate our children in spiritual and educational matters. My husband and I have this one goal and conviction: Our children have immortal souls entrusted to us by an Eternal God who has instructed us - not once but time and time again - to train up our children in the way of the Lord. I stand on this - I refuse to offer up any of my 5 children on the alter of convenience or complacency. I will sacrifice the extra car, the larger house, the nicer clothes, for the peace of mind that my children have hidden the Word in their hearts and they are unshakable in that one thing. So what if they are not socialized in the sewers of public education. This did not stop Jesus from being extremely social with all people no matter where he was. I realize this review has been more of testimonial of my own journey in home schooling - but this is what this book brought out for me. It edified, uplifted, and empowered me as a home school mom. It made me realize that to lose my voice, or refuse to use my voice is to stand by while the public school steals away an entire generation. It has caused me to want to stand up and state every quote worthy statement in the book - to literally fill my face book wall with posts daily to warn against the crumbling foundations of this world system. From this point on I will refuse to stand silent on this issue. If in the end it is an offensive I will leave them with the scriptures and let them take it up with God. No longer will I stand ashamed, afraid, or in the shadows of an institution that I do not support. So in short - I thank the authors for writing a book that I am sure they have gotten mixed reviews on. Thank you for defending the field of home school and giving voice to the very things so many of us have thought but have not researched well enough to fight. This book is the apologetics of home school - arm yourself for the battle - let's take back our nation and save this generation! Thank you Master books for this review copy. My copy is dog-eared, underlined, the binding is worn and certain parts have been reviewed many times. Equally my bible has been marked up with the corresponding scripture and the front and back covers of this book have scriptures marked in it.

You can purchase this book at our DefGen.org eStore. You can find out more about the book and movie at IndoctrinationMovie.com.

-Tony Breeden, from the Bookwyrm's Lair

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the New Leaf Publishing Group Book Bible Defender’s Review Team . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Chelsea Magee.
26 reviews
December 24, 2023
It was a good book, but it was also a bit hard to read. Each chapter is a different author so it doesn’t keep the same writing style. Also making it difficult is of course the nature of deep topics. However if you’re in the mood for deep thought it is definitely worth reading it makes some fl very good points and has references to a lot of the things it means. It also gives you an idea of who each write is and lets you explore that person on your own and what they have done for the homeschooling movement as well as resources they offer on some of their websites.
11 reviews
June 4, 2023
As a parent who has recently moved our kids into a Accredited Classical Christian School (ACCS) for the specific reasons. I know this book does mention some Christian schools but the book is a push to get our kids away from Government schooling. This is a great read with lots of facts that help a person see the bigger picture of evil in our government sponsored schools and what’s been slowly happening over time.
Profile Image for Craig Hurst.
209 reviews21 followers
October 17, 2012
The educational decision of parents has to be one of the most controversial issues within Christian circles today. With so many choices and coinciding pros and cons, it can be daunting for parents to make a decision on how to educate their children. Notwithstanding, many parents have any number of external factors that weigh in their educational decision such as cost, location and jobs just to name a few.

Of all the educational choices available, the choice to put ones child into the public school system is perhaps the most controversial and is met with the most resistance within some Christian circles. IndoctriNation: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity by Colin Gunn and Joaquin Fernandez is a book that sets out the historical and religious context in which the public school system was birthed and the ensuing cultural and religious consequences it has produced, especially as it pertains to Christianity.

The basic message of the book is that the public school system is inherently anti-religious and particularly anti-Christian. At the heart of the public school system is an intentional decision to remove religion from education especially God and Jesus Christ. There is no tolerance for the mention of either whether by a teacher or student. Therefore, if Christians are to educate their children according the nurture and admonition of the Lord and in wisdom, then why would they send them to be educated by a school system that seeks to destroy those very foundations? If the goal of education is to equip students with wisdom and knowledge, then why would Christians send them to be educated by a system that rejects the very One who is the source of those things, Jesus Christ.

To get this point across Gunn and Fernandez have amassed a diverse group of individuals from parents to former public school educators to give their take on how Christians should view and respond to the public school system. Some of the stories are very personal like a Christian parent whose child was a victim of the Columbine shooting and former public school teachers who were remove from their teaching positions after mentioning God or Jesus in their classes. Other contributions are long time educators who have been in the system for decades and seen the many fundamental flaws within the system particularly as it is ironically anti-educational. Even more are some notable vocal voices within Christian Evangelicalism who have been rallying Christians to abandon the public school system in favor of other educational avenues. Some of these voices are Douglas Phillips, Erwin Lutzer, Ken Ham, Voddie Baucham Jr. and R.C. Sproul Jr.

Along with the publication of the book is an available DVD documentary which tells the story of the book using the famous yellow school bus of the public school system. The school bus is used to “pick-up” the various philosophies and educators throughout the public schools history. The end result is that by the time the book and video are done, we can see who and what a parent is putting their child in the yellow school bus with. They ask, do we want to put our kids in a bus that will take them to an educational system that will teach them a blatantly anti-Christian worldview? Is that what we want our kids exposed to for 8 hrs a day, 40 hrs a week and over 200 days a year?

IndoctriNation presents a solid case for why Christians should not send their children to public schools. I realize that some parents have no choice but to do so because both need to work and lack of money for a Christian school. This is only compounded for single parents. While good overall, the book and DVD could have been more helpful to parents in these situations with tips on what to do.

What I found to be most helpful and compelling in the book and DVD is the history of modern public education. I am doubtful that most teachers even know the history of ideas and people that have shaped the public school system. I would think that a history of education class would be required for all teachers whether in secular or Christian colleges but this is not the case. This book is a great place to start and I recommend every Christian parent to educate themselves by reading this book.
13 reviews
July 4, 2013
I'm not one to promote or put my full approval on a book unless I really and truly agree with the entire message. I read a lot, and while there are many "good books" out there, every once in a while a real gem comes along. Recently I had the opportunity to read one of these type of books, and I don't mean "gem" in a sweet story, or a great theological oratory. This is a book that will shock many readers, and will start you thinking about the truths presented in it's pages. I'm talking about IndoctriNation, presented by Colin Gunn and Joaquin Fernandez.
IndoctriNation is a companion to the dvd documentary by the same name, and it takes you on a journey through the history of public schools in America, the school system's founding fathers and their beliefs, and why so many parents are opting to instead homeschool their children. We have always homeschooled, and after reading IndoctriNation, I am even more thankful for this fact. I truly believe every parent should read this book, and discover the agenda that many of the school system leaders have, and how they are using the classroom to train children to their way of thinking.

This book contains 23 chapters by various contributing authors, including public school teachers and principals, politicians, concerned parents, and even an introduction by the father of a student killed in the Columbine school massacre. This introduction alone is enough to cause any concerned parent to rethink sending their children to public school. Brian Rohrbough, whose son Dan was killed at Columbine, states "My son died not because of some choice that he made, but ultimately because of a choice that I made". He continues, "There was no biblical justification for me to send my son to a Godless public school. He died because I ignored God's Word, even though I knew better".

Issues discussed in IndoctriNation include Drugging Them Up, Dumbing Them Down, Separation of School and State, The History of History Textbooks, The Goal of Education, and many other subjects. If you think the public schools are not pushing an agenda, consider this quite from John Dewey, the "father of experiential education". He says, "The superficial explanation is that a government resting upon popular suffrage cannot be successful unless those who elect and obey their governors are educated. Since a democratic society repudiates the principal of external authority, it must find a substitute in voluntary disposition and interest; these can be created only by education". What an eye-opening statement! Dewey openly admits that public school education is a way to further their own agenda, and "educate" students to their way of thinking.

One last quote I want to share, this one from John Taylor Gatto, author of The Underground History of American Education: "Is there an idea more radical in the history of the human race than turning your children over to total strangers whom you know nothing about, and having those strangers work on your child's mind, out of your sight, for a period of twelve years? It's a mad idea!". I encourage any parent to pick up a copy of IndoctriNation and read it carefully-you will never view public school education the same way again!
3 reviews
July 7, 2013
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.

Indoctrination: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America
Profile Image for Sarah .
549 reviews
December 18, 2013
I have not had the chance to see the movie which this book is based on but I knew when I had the ability to receive this book and review it I had to take it and I'm so glad I did. Yes, I'm already a homeschool parent and that decision was made months before our first child was even to be born - it was first from a desire that our child not be involved in what my husband and I encountered in our school years, then it evolved into a conviction that we are to be the ones teaching and training our children, not just in math, reading and writing but in the truths of the Lord. Our children, and other Christian children cannot get good Christian education in our current public schools and even in some private schools today.

We as parents won't send our children to a store that we knew actively promoted false gods, paganism, humanism and Marxism - so why would we send them to schools to literally have these ideas put into their brains for 8+ hours a day? I know, I know, your child's school isn't like that, your child has Christian teachers, then I urge you to get this book and start reading with chapter 21 by Israel Wayne titled, "The Dog Ate My Lesson Plans: Common Excuses to Keep from Homeschooling". I'm sure some children do come out of schools with their faith intact but the majority of students who come from Christian homes will leave high school with a tattered and waning faith and if they haven't already, will also be leaving our churches. I can speak from experience. I was that child and I became that adult.

IndoctriNation gives the reader some hard facts - some that many parents would like to ignore or say, "that won't be my child" - but in all honesty Christian teachers cannot share their faith - it's forbidden by law. Teachers are forbidden from disciplining children or even from handing out grades that students achieve whether they be A's or F's because of parental outcry. I know there are some good teachers stuck in the schools, I know there are Christian teachers in the schools - but that does not mean we can ignore the fact that God gave us our children and He told us we are to be the ones teaching them! I enjoyed reading the factual and straight forward resignation letters from two teachers and the moving introduction from a dad whose son was killed in the Columbine shooting.

Please, if you are thinking of putting your child in an institutional school setting, whether it be private or public, please get a copy of IndoctriNation - read it alongside your Bible, with your spouse, and with much prayer and see where the Lord leads you. The books also gives ideas on what parents can do to protect their children from the indoctrination that is infiltrating the schools, from evolutionary thought, to sex ed, to the thought that Christianity is old fashioned and has no place in the 'real' world. This is a must have book that is worth the time it takes to read it if you are a parent or even a concerned Grandparent.

**I was given a copy of this book from Master Books in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
Profile Image for Brandon Lehr.
38 reviews4 followers
November 29, 2012
A disciple is not above his teacher,
but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
(Luke 6:40 ESV)


Think about that verse for a moment. Now, apply it to your own child. If this is true, who is your child being disciplined to be? Who holds the most influence over their development?

For 90 percent of Christians, that answer is their local public schools. Each morning the yellow bus swallows their children, whisking them away from the influence and eyes of parents and family, and delivers them into the hands of complete strangers, to be molded and shaped into....well, into what?

How did any of this even happen? When you step back and look at the situation, it really is quite astonishing. The problem is that most of us have never known any differently. Mandated education at government run schools are just how we have always done things, but should we?

What are our children being taught? What philosophies are they being exposed to? We all know that God and prayer have been banned, but does that mean the schools are free of religion, or just Christianity? Is a child's education the responsibility of the State or of his parents?

If you have ever found yourself asking these questions then you need to check out this book, Indoctrination: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity. Colin Gunn and Joaquin Fernandez have looked into the history of the formation of America's government education and what it has become today. What we don't know, has already hurt us! The enemy knows that if you can win the children, you have won the future.

There is just so much I could say about this book and the corresponding documentary that goes along with it. The book is well researched and written and the documentary well produced. I can't emphasize enough how important it is that everyone watch and read. The book is comprised of articles written by many of the great Christian leaders of our time, as well as those who have lived and worked on the inside. The truth is indisputable and the results are being seen more and more each day. So many of our young are leaving the faith before leaving High School. Isn't it time we ask why?


Christian, if you care about the spiritual well being of your children, this is an area that can not be ignored.

In the authors' opinions it is time for Christians to pull their children from public schools and place them in private Christian Schools or even better, return to home schooling. God has placed the nurture and education of our children into the hands of fathers. It is their duty to ensure that their children are being raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

I'm not saying you have to agree with everything they say, but you would foolish not to consider it.

I would like to thank Master Books for sending me this free copy for review.


The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(Proverbs 1:7 ESV)
Profile Image for Jennifer Clausen-greene.
264 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2013
This book centers on why we need to draw our children away from the public school system and the limited education they receive there that contradict the word of God and begin home educating them.It reminds us throughout that we are called out in the Bible to teach and educate our kids in the truth. Guiding them with strong biblical values and a purpose in life that points to God, not a random cookie cutter public school education.


The book is comprised of numerous letters that basically say the schools have their own objectives and they are not in the best interest of our children and yet we are relying on the state to raise your kids even when we see our kids have no direct purpose in life.I hate to say it but the book seems to have no real organization to it and at times came across as pretty repetitive, which made it difficult to read for any length of time.

There were some chapters that I enjoyed reading and found insightful. Dumbing Them Down was basically about how teachers are not able to teach anymore. They are forced to stick to a ridiculous schedule to make sure they prepare students to pass one test that determines their whole future in the public school system. It sickens me.Drugging Them Up really hit me hard. My kids were in the public school system and my son is a typical rambunctious boy, but several times over the course of a year i had meetings with school officials to talk to me about getting him on medication to help him sit still and pay attention. What really do you expect from a 6 year old when you take away play time, P.E. and every other means of releasing energy that they have and still expect them to sit down,be quit and keep their hands to themselves? Our education system seems to be drawing closer to a military boot camp.

Even though the book was a little dry and redundant at times it still was a good read. It was informative, engaging, personal and well researched. I would recommend this book to parents who are considering home education for their children, those who are currently home educating but questing if it is the correct path and also for those who maybe question why you are homeschooling such as friends and family.


How are you being salt and light? How are you expanding Gods kingdom with your children and in your family? Are you training them to be a witness to Jesus Christ?

Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child up in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Profile Image for Becky.
618 reviews29 followers
August 4, 2013
This book is a companion book to the film. I did not review the film, so this review will be about the book only. “IndoctriNation” gives convincing evidence that home schooling is far better than public (government) schools or private schools. It also shows how much politics is involved in the public schools, as well as, the agendas that are being pushed through the teaching methods and curriculum.

“IndoctriNation” warns about what a physically dangerous place public schools are for all involved–both students and teachers. The book cites many examples of horrible violence within the schools. The most eye opening being the 2009 report showing violent crime victimization was higher inside the walls of public schools than out on the streets.

Each chapter is written by a different author, so the reader gets different perspectives and information on the subject. I especially liked the ones written by Erwin Lutzer, Ken Ham and Voddie Baucham, Jr. But each chapter had the same overriding theme: if you care about your child, get them out of public school.

This is a great book for people who know nothing about homeschooling, the state of today’s public schools, or the politics involved. Even if the reader thinks they know everything about the subject, I believe they would learn something from this book. It is very detailed and comprehensive. I recommend this book and give it five stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

My blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/2013/0...

Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_olSSl...

Author website: www.colingunn.com

Author’s information: http://www.nlpg.com/joaquin-fernandez; http://www.amazon.com/Joaquin-Fernand... and http://www.nlpg.com/colin-gunn

Publisher: http://www.nlpg.com/indoctrination
Profile Image for Tori (Book Chick).
846 reviews51 followers
February 21, 2017
I didn't read every chapter. I started each one, but found myself bored with many of them. However, there were several chapters I found very applicable to me which led me to give it 4 stars.
I really enjoyed the documentary this book is a companion to. It was informative and eye-opening.
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,217 reviews39 followers
July 4, 2013
About the Book:

Look behind the comfortable myths of an educational system actively at work to alter your child's moral values, worldview, and religious beliefs. Learn the history and philosophy of public school education - and discover it is based on neither Christian nor American values. Explore the biblical principles regarding education -and who is ultimately responsible for our children's future.



My Review:

This book centers around the somewhat controversial role the public school system has played into the minds of our children creating what we now see as a fallen society. A fallen society full of evil sinful ways and ideas such as drugs, promiscuity and abortion. There were several different types of views and opinions included from different individuals such as Ken Ham, Doug Phillips, Israel Wayne, and many more. Each of these contributors come from several different vantage points on the subject of the public school system and how this major component has contributed in the continuing fall of Christianity. Whether it be in our children's school or home the experts have weighed in and this book is actually the companion to the film by the same title.

It is believed that as a society for many generations now we have allowed our children's view of God and everything falling under that category to become blurred and we have gotten lazy and allowed what we thought to be harmless actually destroy the one most thing that should be of utmost importance. That being God and their belief in Him. The further we get away from God the closer we get to the evil one and all that goes along with him.



This book tries to draw us back to the beginning where God said it is up to us to teach our children.

If you are interested in purchasing the book or trying to find out more about the book please visit this link.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from New Leaf Publishing Group.
21 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2013
Ah, where to begin this book review. Well, first of all, this book is an accompaniment to a DVD which I have not viewed, so this review is purely for the book. This book, IndoctriNation, is basically a collection of essays which have been unapologetically written to persuade readers (Christian parents) of the danger of sending their children to public school. The authors range from past public school teachers and administrators to leading Christian speakers/writers of today. There is no trying to hide their agenda, they blatantly say that they want to persuade readers to take their children out of public school.

I guess I'm not really the intended audience of this book; we already homeschool our children. I don't need persuading :) We are dedicated to homeschooling and are very glad that we have taken this path. As such, much of what was written did not really grab my interest. There were segments about textbooks, add/adhd/ritalin, teachers, industry, history, and so much more. Some segments more inflammatory than other. All these were aimed at Christians/people who believe and follow the Bible and Scriptural teaching.

Honestly, it is a long book. Lots of chapters. Not good flow, just 23 essays plopped together into a book. Wow, I feel awfully superficial writing this, but hey, it IS long and kind of dry -- after the first few essays it just goes on and on, saying kind of the same things in so many different ways. I'd suggest reading it in spurts, a chapter a week or so :)

So -- would I recommend this book? I WOULD recommend the book to Christian parents who are not currently homeschooling. You know, it would also be good for grandparents who question why their children are homeschooling their grandkids. So, yes, I would recommend it in these cases.

I received a copy of this book from the publishers for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Profile Image for Kristina.
23 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2013
This book gives us insight into what is wrong with our public school system and why as Christians we shouldn't be sending our children there. This give true blue statistics on the drugging and the over diagnosing of our children. Trust me I have been there I am just glad that my eyes are open to it all now. I just wish I was never sucked into the lie. Most parents trust the school system or just don't realize they have another choice and that they too can homeschool those precious children. This book broke my heart when I read how many children are put on drugs that the don't need. ADD and ADHD are relatively new diagnoses these didn't exist in our grandparents days.



I can say that I agree with the Dumbing Down part of this book cause I feel I was short changed in school. My husband and I are 13 yrs apart, as I was going into school he was graduating high school. I feel that I missed a lot of schooling I should have gotten but no it didn't happen. Growing up there where a few years that I had the same books in different schools. We weren't taught anything other then how to take a standardized test and pass so we didn't make the school district look bad.

This book shows that children are important and so is the information we put in their heads. I want my children to enjoy learning and to pass that on to my grandchildren. I want them to learn all the time and not have to worry about a test that doesn't prove anything.

I am sure my review and my opinion will offend friends and family who work in the public school system and that is not my intention.


Disclaimer: I was sent this book for my honest review from Master Books
Profile Image for Lia Burres.
Author 4 books6 followers
June 21, 2013
Today, more parents choose to homeschool their children. It's not just because of safety any more. It's a lot of different things. Things that come from what they are being taught, Christ and God not being allowed in schools any more and many other issues in the American school systems today. This book is ammunition to help homeschooling parents defend their choices. The book includes resources to challenge everyone that is deceived by the public school system.

IndoctriNation is actually put together by many authors. They help you to look behind myths of the system. They system is actively at work to alter our children's moral values, worldview and religion. Their system is not even based on Christian beliefs any more, if it ever were. We are the ones that are ultimately in charge of our children's future...not the school system. They have even removed "Prayer" from the public school and it's caused the system to go down in public schools since then.

All of the contributing authors of this book have their own reasons for contributing to the book. One is the a father that lost his son to a school shooting massacre, some are teachers and even co-educators. There are at least 23 different authors that have contributed to the book.

When you read this book, it will give you much more insight on homeschooling and why to choose it over a public school.
- See more at: http://www.bitoeverything.com/2013/06...
Profile Image for Amber.
88 reviews
June 14, 2013
Prior to reading Indoctrination, I was one of those "riding the fence" parents. I had utilized public schools for my children but had chosen to send them to a private school instead. My own opinions I kept to myself out of fear of offending my friends who had to send their children to public schools due to financial constraints. My own education was in both private and public schools and though I had felt the drastic change of atmosphere when my parents put me in a public school in seventh grade, I sent my own children for a short time as well. However, after reading this eye opening book, I am no longer afraid or undecided on the public school for Christian children issue.

Whether you are stirred by the revelation of what foundation the public schools are built upon, or the over medication of children due to misdiagnosis, or even the hostile environment for Christian teachers and students, this book will encourage you to pull your children out of public schools. The authors, Joaquin Fernandez and Colin Gunn, have done a remarkable job in collecting the individual stories of countless parents and teachers with the same underlying message.

I received a free copy of this book for review from Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group.

Profile Image for Edie.
40 reviews
July 1, 2013
We have been homeschooling our children for 5 years. Some days I need lots of encouragement. I need reminders of all the reasons we have chosen to homeschool. IndoctriNation is a GREAT reminder of the reasons we homeschool. Some of the arguments against public school featured in this book are things I have researched in depth including the prescribing of ADD/ ADHD medications to children that do not really need it. Some things such as the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support are issues I have noticed around me but didn't realize they were being implemented and forced in public schools. IndoctriNation seems harsh in some areas but documentaries often are. I read the book and did some of my own research on the topics along the way. I encourage you to do the same. If you are on the fence about public school, read this book. If you need encouragement to continue your homeschool journey, read this book. If you have very young children and have never considered anything other than sending your kids to public school because you went to public school (I did too) read this book.

I received a free copy of this book from New Leaf Publishing group for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Melissa Williamson.
25 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2013
I appreciated the calm, factual way information is presented in IndoctriNation. Even the skeptic reading this should not get the sense it is written by a fringe group of conspiracy mongers. Rather the book systematically provides factual information which is lies just beneath the surface. Yes, the ideas presented here are radically opposed by the mainstream voices. Our country was founded by radical opposition.

Although I do not agree that homeschooling is a biblical mandate, this book will inform every parent to know how to make the best educational choice for their child.
Profile Image for Jessica.
504 reviews13 followers
August 5, 2015
Christian parents and teachers in the public schools and in public charter schools should read this. The answer to educational reform is found in this book. The answer to why young people are leaving churches in droves after high school is in this book. This book can be heady at times. The last five chapters were the best. However, I was shaking my head after every chapter as I reflected on my own time in public school including my brief stint as a student teacher. This is well worth the read. Open it with an open mind and keep going until the end... I think you will be glad that you did.
36 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2015

This book is a must have for any parent. I would find it hard to believe that any Christian parent after reading this book won't come away without having been changed by it for the good. Be warned though, after reading this book there is no excuse for any Christian parent not to reconsidered the public school system. This book is definitely calls out the Christian parent to realize that they are accountable to God for their child's education and safety

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