The Great Indoctrination: Religion and Childhood Education

                                                                     “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

      1639 marked the opening of the first school in modern-day America. Boston Latin School welcomed students to learn Greek and Latin in hopes of passing Puritan beliefs to the young residents of what would one day become the United States of America. The nation’s origins of education were built on Christianity. Clearly, this trend has changed over time, with the majority of Americans attending public, secular schools that claim to present solely factual information. Religion in the United States is also sharply declining, with about half of Americans saying religion is an important part of their daily lives, as reported by Gallup, a global data collection group. With trends of cutting religion out of schools and homes, some families point fingers at those who choose to prioritize Christianity when raising children.

    The focal point of Christian households is Biblical education, both from parents and church authorities, which varies in intensity depending on the household. Because of the nuance, I will be discussing the rooted principle of teaching children about Christianity--to make disciples of Jesus (Proverbs 22:6, Matthew 28:19-20). However, some may argue that raising a child in a firmly Christian household poses the danger of underdeveloping the child’s critical thinking skills. After all, Christianity teaches that the Bible has prescriptive authority (James 1:22-25). Thus, a child is told what to do and who they should become. This seems to be counterintuitive for raising children who are critical thinkers.

      There are two hidden factors that are key to this critique of raising young Christians. Dismantling these assumptions formulates a clearer picture of how education affects children. First, the idea that religion is unique in its ability to “indoctrinate” is intentionally villainizing a moral standing, even when other schools of thought are equally influential in a person’s development. Religion does not stand alone in normative moral influence. There are other views of certain prominence that also establish moral obligations, such as Confucianism or theories of baseline communism, that do not establish formal religion but push for certain behaviors. Children could be taught these ideas as well, and this would result in them being “indoctrinated.” However, the word bears negative associations. In secular schools and homes, a certain “doctrine” would also be established, expected, and enforced. Thus, religious influences are not unique in the way they establish normative behaviors. Second, the idea that critical thinking is not built within Christianity is mistaken. With each book in the Bible’s New Testament talking about false prophets, clearly there is not a focus on complacency. In addition, there is a command to “test and approve what God’s will is” (Romans 12:2). God does not expect us to be mindless, but rather grow in both intelligence and wisdom. King Solomon is a great example of this. His father, King David, was faithful in his beliefs, setting an example for him. Solomon then asked God for wisdom, and God provided. Thus, the ability to discern well was sought after alongside a dedication to religion. God does not command blindness, but rather praises wisdom.

      While it is true that religion’s ability to "indoctrinate" is not unique, and the Bible encourages critical thinking, raising children with Christ as the focus will have counter-cultural effects. Firstly, the United States has an increasingly individualistic atmosphere, while the Bible advocates for a reliance on community (Hebrews 10:24-25) and a sharing of all things. Second, children are commanded to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1). There is no room for permissive parenting when it comes to disobedience. Third, fathers are responsible for their children’s ability to obey (Ephesians 6:4). While in modern day families, many rely on mothers, nannies, and teachers to rear a child, the Bible teaches that fathers should be intimately involved in the happenings of the home. These ideas are strongly implemented through the religious expectations, and will naturally lend to a view that is not in full alliance with the culture. However, children raised inside a religion are fully able to think critically and be wise as they grow.

      As Christians, we know that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). He also proclaimed that “my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Christianity is not meant to overwhelm and crush the individual, but rather be gentle. Children are delicate creatures in need of moral guidance, and Christianity is a religion full of community and growth.

Sources

Boston Latin School. “BLS History.” Bls.org, 2016, www.bls.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=206116&type=d.

Race Forward. “Historical Timeline of Public Education in the US | Race Forward.” Www.raceforward.org, Race Forward, 2023, www.raceforward.org/reports/education/historical-timeline-public-education-u.10.1093/aje/kwy142.

American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 187, Issue 11, November 2018, Pages 2355–2364, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwy142.

Smith J. Transmission of Faith in Families: The Influence of Religious Ideology. Sociol Relig. 2020 Dec 8;82(3):332-356. doi: 10.1093/socrel/sraa045. PMID: 34149869; PMCID: PMC8204683.

Grewal, Daisy. “How Critical Thinkers Lose Their Faith in God.” Scientific American, 1 May 2012, www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-critical-thinkers-lose-faith-god/.

Vigers, Benedict, and Julie Ray. “Drop in U.S. Religiosity among Largest in World.” Gallup.com, Gallup, 13 Nov. 2025, news.gallup.com/poll/697676/drop-religiosity-among-largest-world.aspx.

Want to Join the Team?

The Prayerful Perspectives Journal is always looking for writers! If you're a Christian with a passion for law, politics, and the realm of philosophical debate, we'd be delighted to have you. Submit an application if interested.