What are some reasons Christian parents practice the indoctrination of children?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Old Testament emphasizes parents teaching their children about God’s words and deeds (Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 11:19–20). Proverbs specifically speaks often about the importance of biblical wisdom, and makes it clear that receiving it is necessary for living a godly life (Proverbs 16:20; Proverbs 4:10–12). As such, there is arguably no better time to be instructed in such wisdom than when we are children. In the New Testament, this emphasis on teaching children according to God’s Word is continued (Ephesians 6:4). While for many the term indoctrination includes an immediate acceptance of something as truth without proper evidence, this is not the case with Biblical indoctrination since the Bible itself says, "test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). First John 4:1 echoes the need for discernment concerning false teachers. Additionally, 2 Peter 3:17–18 makes it clear that we should not be gullible to false teachings. Instead, we should reflect the same level of discipline as the Bereans, who “eagerly” researched for themselves if Paul’s teachings were biblically sound (Acts 17:11). We should not only pursue this level of commitment to proper interpretation and application of Scriptures, but also encourage this as a healthy practice for our children.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Education is valued and promoted in both the Old and New Testaments. Deuteronomy 4:9 says, "Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children."
• In Deuteronomy 11:19–20, God indicates parents should use every opportunity to teach their children about Him and His ways: "You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." The "them" in these verses refers to God's words (Deuteronomy 11:18).
• Proverbs 16:20 says, "Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD" (NIV). Christian parents desire that their children prosper and be blessed.
• Proverbs 4:10–12 says, "Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble." Teaching our children the ways of God now is training them to avoid sinful, painful choices in the future.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Not even the apostle Paul (who wrote much of the New Testament) was to be believed blindly because the Bereans are praised in Acts 17:11 for having "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." The Bible teaches that critical thinking is necessary and that no human teacher should be blindly followed or believed.
• Many Christian parents believe God has commanded them to instruct their children in the rudiments of the faith. Ephesians 6:4 says, "… bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
• The term "indoctrination" implies uncritical acceptance. The Bible, however, strongly advises against this notion. First Thessalonians 5:21 tells us to "test everything; hold fast what is good."
• Second Peter 3:17–18 includes the warning to "… take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people …"
• First John 4:1 further encourages biblical discernment: "do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…"

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

According to Merriam Webster dictionary, indoctrinate means “to instruct, especially in fundamentals or rudiments: teach.” There are two basic reasons Christian parents teach their children the fundamentals of their faith. First, the Bible commands it and second, Christians believe it's in their children's best interest.

Contrary to popular belief, biblical indoctrination is not truly biblical if it is taught with the intent of “forcing” children to believe it. True biblical teaching should include encouragement to be inquisitive and to do one’s own research, as the Bereans gave us an example of in Acts 17:11. Christian parents have found meaning and fulfillment in their faith and practical applications in their lives, and they want to pass on those benefits to their children. Of course, faith is a personal decision and parents can't force their children to believe, but by giving their children direct instruction in the faith, they equip them to make a decision for themselves.

UNDERSTAND

• While indoctrination often means teaching others to accept something uncritically, Biblical indoctrination invites critical thinking.
• The Bible itself advises parents to critically teach their children God’s word.
• Christian parents’ motives in teaching the Bible to their children is so that they will glean spiritual and practical wisdom from it.

REFLECT

• What kind of exposure did you have to the Bible as a child?
• If you have children, how do you teach them to read and study the Bible?
• When reading the Bible, how do you handle questions that you have?

ENGAGE

• How can we encourage ourselves and others to examine the Scriptures closely, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11)?
• How do Christian parents’ priorities concerning their children differ from the priorities of parents who are unbelievers?
• What are some ways that Christian parents can encourage their children to ask questions during Bible studies?