Hi Quath,
Quath wrote:
If you are worried about indoctrination, look at systems that try to get children to believe on danger of eternal torment. In opposition, evolution is something that children get taught when they have a chance to comprehend it. I wish that religion would wait as long before the indoctrination starts.
As much as it may shock you, I have to disagree with this, Quath, ( :-D )because indoctrination starts at very early ages with evolution, humanism, witchcraft, psychology, feminism, etc. For example, Mickey Mouse was a wizard, casting spells, and doing magic...in fact, many disney movies portray such things as good, or funny. Even Peanuts had a psycologist (Remember Lucy?
). Many books do the same thing, The Wizard of Oz...a good witch. Bernstein Bears...the dad is always outsmarted by mom, and children. Ice Age, Dinosaurs, familiarizing children with evolution very early on. Oh, lots of cartoons, and children's books, these days, and back in older days, familiarize our children with such things, and they are also right there on public television educating all the world. Museums we visit all have evolution. Our National parks...evolution. Our Zoos, etc. It's not just when they begin school that these religions are taught, but they are woven into our society...into many societies so that the indoctrination begins early. They are even found in the churches in mass quantities.
The interesting thing is that I was saved very young, but even knowing God from a young age did not keep me from having a lot to unlearn about evolution, humanism, and other such man-centered teachings that were in me without my even realizing it...forming my perspective of the world. The indoctrination begins very young, and continues steadily without ever letting up. The Christians could learn something from the world's example in spreading these religions actually.
I think sitcoms are another strong teacher in this area. I am reminded of Norman Lear, and the many shows that taught some good things, actually, but a great many other things that go against God. Anyway, these things are used to make us laugh at serious topics, and to familiarize us with specific teaching. And while breaking down some stereo-types, they were also guilty of reinforcing others. When I was younger, Archie Bunker, and George Jefferson were written as the bafoons because they were racists, capitalists, and conservative in their views. On MASH, Hawkeye, the liberal, was the wise one, while all conservative characters were written in belittled, and demeaning ways. Nowadays, it tends to be the Christians that end up being the ones who are portrayed in such a light...rather by character, or dialogue. I saw, last year, a stand up act of Whoopie Goldberg's. She hates Christians, creationists, and the like...it was very clear. I didn't even think it was funny, and I don't think she meant it to be, really. I was shocked at how openly intolerant she was of Christians, while preaching tolerance, and shaming them for their intolerance according to her. Someone drew that to my attention, and I did not believe how overt it actually was until I heard it myself.
So, not only are these false religions being indoctrinated, and from a very early age, the Christian religion is being bashed, villanized, and the preaching of intolerance towards believers grows. I wonder how many times Whoopie has been on PBS kids shows? I know that Dr Ruth was on one. Why are our children being familiarized with such people? The preparation for the little ones in this is the omission of God, and the idea that if someone disagrees with their morality, or lifestyle, then it is okay to hate these bad sorts. Eventually they will see their childhood icons on the stage, doing what Whoopie did, and think well Whoopie is nice...I remember when she was on with Elmo. So subtle, but so effective these cultural icons that we remember and trust.
The Lord bless you.
Yes, I have seen this, and go through great lengths to protect my children from it because it is abundant in our town.
: My dad thought that I would be like him, an atheist, if I looked long enough. The thing is, if one really is seeking the Truth, it will be revealed, and it will stand up against any questioning. I am not ashamed in the least to stand up for it, and I don't need the entire world backing me up...just the Bible, and the Holy Spirit.