Indoctrination is a strong influence. It is difficult to undo its negative effect because the indoctrinated are only able to interpret reality from within the narrow boundaries presented to them by their indoctrinators.

A quick review of dictionary definitions defines indoctrination to mean “the process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically” or “the process of repeating an idea or belief to someone until they accept it without criticism or question.” 

The root of the word “indoctrination” is doctrine. This is not a term that is limited to the realm of theology. Nations have doctrines for issues like warfare. Political parties preach doctrines that represent their platform. Each individual and group alive on this planet have doctrines that are the guiding principles for their life.

A challenge takes place when people living in a capsule of indoctrination approach a moment of change. They bring with them their indoctrination and will employ its principles to interpret how they will cross the threshold of change and move forward into the future. This is not just a one-time experience. Each crossing creates added momentum and produces an accumulative effect over time. The indoctrinated ones become more entrenched in their belief with each exercise of its influence.

One of the Lord’s greatest challenges came from those in His hometown of Nazareth who failed to see Him as the Messiah. He was not honored in his hometown because that culture had been indoctrinated to believe the Messiah would look, act and sound different than what Jesus represented.

All of us live in some form of indoctrination. We need to be careful we do not become overly confident regarding the integrity of our current indoctrination because some of its interpretations of reality may not be based on a full expression of truth. 

In the coming days, many of us will be asked by the Lord to enter a process of re-indoctrination to return us to the simple and basic principles of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. This will be a rude awakening that must take place before the Great Awakening.