Indoctrination

     A religious or political doctrine may be beneficial for teaching beliefs.  Perhaps first spoken then written down, perhaps many centuries old or a more recent set of evolving beliefs, perhaps carved in stone, penned by our founding fathers, or formed by political parties, these doctrines provide a basis for our beliefs.  We need to be aware of how these doctrines came into being and who thought them up and wrote them down.  We also need to be aware of the methods of teaching and promoting these beliefs.
     This is where indoctrination comes in.  When we have strong beliefs, we desire to pass them on to our children and our fellow citizens.  First, we need to be aware of what we accept as true and how we came to believe what we do.  Next, we need to be aware when teaching turns into indoctrination which encourages us to accept beliefs without critical examination.  Often we cling to beliefs because we respect the teacher, the parent, the church, or the political party.  We may be encouraged to accept one point of view, discouraged to consider another.
      Let's make sure we are not being indoctrinated like soldiers who are taught to always be loyal to superiors and country and to follow orders without question.  This may be necessary in the military to win the war but not the best model for the rest of us.  We should teach how to think rather than what to think or else we will continue to use and be used by indoctrination.