Monday, February 23, 2015

Great Commission Films - IndoctriNation Review




We recently had the opportunity to review the documentary IndoctriNation by Great Commission Films ($19.95).

The movie IndoctriNation is based on the research of Colin Gunn, a Scotland-born homeschool father of seven.  He and his family travel across the US in a big yellow school bus.  He wants to understand why public education prevents Christian beliefs and values to be included in the education system, yet secular views and ways of life are allowed.  Why can't both sides be allowed in school? He also wants to understand what the impact this way of thinking will have on future generations of American students.  Is keeping your children home for homeschooling the best option?

During the film, you travel with Colin around the US while he interviews Christian teachers while they speak of the degradation that they see happening in the schools, and yet there is nothing they can do to stop it.  They speak how they feel helpless, but if they speak up, they will surely lose their jobs.  In fact, teachers have lost their job for simply answering questions asked by students about religion.

Interviews also include Ken Hamm and even graduates of public school.  It was very interesting to hear from the former students.  I have to agree with them, thinking back how hard it was to be Christian over 25+ years ago in a public school.  Morals were downgraded then, and I cannot imagine how it is now for students with all the changes in society.

There are many examples provided showing that Christianity is not even to be mentioned.  One example shows a young student delivering her valedictorian speech, and as soon as she mentions Jesus Christ the mic is immediately muted and no one is allowed to finish hearing her comments.  Something so simple as thanking God for allowing her to make it through high school is not allowed.  This is how that student believes, and yet she is not allowed to express her beliefs for fear of offending others.  Where will it stop?

I will admit, that I am very laid back about many things.  I do not homeschool my children for strictly religious reasons.  We allow them to make decisions based on facts and the biblical teachings that we have taught them.  But I do admit that not having the bad influences on them is a great benefit.  Joey has a hard enough time making decisions without extra influences feeding him lies.  

After watching IndoctriNation I will have to say I am even more thankful for having the opportunity to homeschool.  IndoctriNation did open my eyes to how so many things are just plain confusing for typical students, let alone children with special needs.  I am able to give them a well-rounded education from both a typical educational standpoint, but also teach them about honesty, good morals and being the best person they can be.

I found the movie to be a little scary to watch.  It definitely shows the real examples that children can face in public school.  The bad situations that parents can try and protect them from.  I will even admit to having tears in my eyes a couple of times just thinking about the examples of Columbine.  But it also showed me an underlying debate among Christians.  I guess I never thought about the many Christians who decide to leave their kids in public school to have a good influence on others.  It seems that this is a very strong debate in the community.

It was a very eye opening documentary.  It has definitely made me appreciate homeschooling our children even more.  If you are a Christian who is contemplating homeschooling as an option for your family, I do recommend viewing this film.  I did not watch this with our children though, because they have a tendency to misunderstand beliefs.  I was afraid they would not fully understand the debate involved between the Christians.

I would not recommend it though if you are not Christian or do not believe in God.  This is definitely from a Christian standpoint.  There are examples of very religious individuals that, in my opinion, cannot see how extreme they are being in their views.  

Be sure to check out Great Commission Films on Social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndoctriNationMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indocmovie
Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/indoctrination
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/IndoctriNationMovie
Several members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew were given the opportunity to review IndoctriNation.  See how they enjoyed this film in their families.  Visit the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog and read their stories.
 
IndoctriNation DVD Review
Crew Disclaimer

No comments:

Post a Comment