Most of us are familiar with the verb to indoctrinate or the phrase to be indoctrinated. The verb indoctrinate is derived from doctrine, which refers to a set of beliefs, principles, or ideologies. Indoctrination typically involves the teaching or promotion of these beliefs in a way that discourages independent thought or critical questioning. This process often seeks to shape individuals’ perspectives in line with a particular ideological framework. In politics, doctrine is often used to describe the fundamental principles that guide a government’s actions, particularly in foreign policy. One famous example is the Monroe Doctrine of the United States, which outlined the country’s stance on European interference in the Americas. Just as individuals may become indoctrinated by certain ideologies, entire nations can be shaped by doctrines that influence public attitudes and behaviour. For instance, the doctrine of Russophobia that persisted in countries like Germany, France, and England throughout the Cold War era continues to affect their foreign policies and the way their citizens view Russia.
The media plays a significant role in perpetuating such doctrines. Through various forms of entertainment, especially film, certain ideological narratives can become deeply embedded in the public consciousness. Take, for example, the James Bond films. In earlier decades, these films frequently portrayed communism as the central threat to the West, often associating evil with Russia. In more recent films, however, the focus has shifted to international terrorism, with Islam sometimes depicted as the main source of evil. These portrayals subtly contribute to creating enemy images that shape our subconscious, reinforcing simplistic divisions between “good” and “evil.” Such portrayals in the media and elsewhere help entrench the idea of a stark division between good and evil, leaving little room for nuanced understanding. Today, terms like Iran or Russia often automatically trigger images of animosity and hatred in our imagination. These mental frameworks are powerful and intentional to shape our perception as to how we should see and understand the world around us. When we categorize entire nations or peoples in dualistic terms, we often fail to critically assess the complex motivations and connections underlying their actions.
However, it is crucial that we resist falling into the trap of becoming indoctrinated ourselves, accepting these oversimplified categories of good and evil. Such thinking is dangerous, unrealistic, and overly reductionist. It reduces our ability to see the full complexity of the world, and it limits our capacity for empathy and understanding.
A powerful example of someone challenging this kind of ideological contrast is Pastor Brian McLaren. After the 9/11 attacks, McLaren felt compelled to reach out to local mosques to protect his Muslim neighbours from potential reprisals. He wrote a letter offering friendship, solidarity, and support, then visited three nearby mosques. The first two were locked, likely out of fear. At the third mosque, he introduced himself awkwardly and handed the imam his letter. After reading it, the imam embraced McLaren warmly, deeply moved by the gesture, and invited him inside. This marked the beginning of a lasting friendship between McLaren and the imam, whom he later called Ahmad.
Over time, their congregations connected through youth initiatives, community dinners, and interfaith dialogues, while McLaren and Ahmad met regularly for lunch. Ahmad became a familiar and welcome presence at McLaren’s church. This friendship did not erase the religious divide between Islam and Christianity, but it allowed for mutual respect and highlighted the common human needs that transcend these differences and unite us.
McLaren’s example shows how we can challenge the divisive doctrines that simplify the world into categories of good and evil. Instead of adopting the mind set of fear and suspicion promoted by certain doctrines, we can choose understanding, respect, and compassion. By building relationships across divides, we not only resist the pull of indoctrination but also create opportunities for genuine dialogue and lasting peace.
Ernst-G. Brunke
