This is really making me pause and consider what in my life could be indoctrination vs my own choice. I also wonder where the line between teaching and indoctrination really is. I think even teachers who do present all the facts can have biases and shame kids to lean one way.
Hi Chavilah, I’m super happy this post drove you to think that—that was one of my goals, to drive people to reflect and hopefully improve their lives in the process. I wish you the best of luck in figuring out what in your past might have driven you to be who you are today. For me, at least, doing this kind of introspection has made me feel more connected to myself and, as a result, I don’t feel as guilty or shameful about what those old teachers of mine said about the world.
Me too Kurt! I’m glad to see you’re reading my posts. I got a ton of value from reading your post “One Person, Indivisible.” I especially related to this passage, which I think is absolutely true because I have felt my new ideas sink in and determine my feelings:
“Your ideas, if you let them sink in and become part of you, determine your feelings. Unintegrated, merely intellectually held abstract beliefs, while they can be a guide to action, do not directly affect feelings as much. Holism, if you think it through and let it sink it, opens up the opportunity to reclaim your physical feelings, including your emotions and sexuality. It will ‘unblock’ you. You can untie the little knots of guilt and arrogance within you. You will no longer perceive your sexuality as something alien or merely ‘animalistic’; instead, you will recognize it as an aspect of the innocent person you are, free from the labels of sinner or cynic. You will do more than just change your official beliefs; you will change your attitudes.”
Thank you for sharing these parts of your experience, Maddox. If you haven't yet read it, you'll likely get a lot out of Daryl Van Tongeren's 2024 book Done: How to Flourish after Leaving Religion:
This is really making me pause and consider what in my life could be indoctrination vs my own choice. I also wonder where the line between teaching and indoctrination really is. I think even teachers who do present all the facts can have biases and shame kids to lean one way.
Hi Chavilah, I’m super happy this post drove you to think that—that was one of my goals, to drive people to reflect and hopefully improve their lives in the process. I wish you the best of luck in figuring out what in your past might have driven you to be who you are today. For me, at least, doing this kind of introspection has made me feel more connected to myself and, as a result, I don’t feel as guilty or shameful about what those old teachers of mine said about the world.
I'm glad you made it out with your reason intact!
Me too Kurt! I’m glad to see you’re reading my posts. I got a ton of value from reading your post “One Person, Indivisible.” I especially related to this passage, which I think is absolutely true because I have felt my new ideas sink in and determine my feelings:
“Your ideas, if you let them sink in and become part of you, determine your feelings. Unintegrated, merely intellectually held abstract beliefs, while they can be a guide to action, do not directly affect feelings as much. Holism, if you think it through and let it sink it, opens up the opportunity to reclaim your physical feelings, including your emotions and sexuality. It will ‘unblock’ you. You can untie the little knots of guilt and arrogance within you. You will no longer perceive your sexuality as something alien or merely ‘animalistic’; instead, you will recognize it as an aspect of the innocent person you are, free from the labels of sinner or cynic. You will do more than just change your official beliefs; you will change your attitudes.”
Thank you for sharing these parts of your experience, Maddox. If you haven't yet read it, you'll likely get a lot out of Daryl Van Tongeren's 2024 book Done: How to Flourish after Leaving Religion:
https://www.amazon.com/Done-Flourish-Leaving-Religion-LifeTools/dp/1433836238/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3HMKQAES70DE0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DzAN5_SN5bVJeTUkX64hBgxwvcx8QVpBEaP55Zw-Hzxr6F6LTox4SbJpS4quTBgJnfhQqZNgktiZk5fnj6z4kQcoJKGAyFVPyKTICccl6nvCzUmfZnCoXgH1hw-ndd7QRDR_QFJSw-D84iUGMbijSg.CXeOyIDul71OQAT8TgME2-CrINf7Uo2Y4ht9V-fPRxQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=daryl+van+tongeren&qid=1749660719&sprefix=daryl+van+%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1
Thank you so much for the book recommendation. I’ll definitely check this out.
Powerful essay, Maddox. Also hair-raising.
The Jesuits have a saying that’s morally obscene but refreshingly blunt: “Give me a child for the first seven years, and he is mine for life.”
I get angry just typing that.