Students may be getting brainwashed.
In a recent documentary titled “Brainwashed: The Indoctrination of America’s Youth,” a senior pastor emphasized the urgency for parents and churches to recognize and counteract what he perceives as a pervasive secular influence in public education. Airing through Coral Ridge Ministries’ “Truth That Transforms” program on April 14, the documentary aims to alert parents, grandparents, and concerned individuals about the ideological messages shaping today’s youth.
Robert J. Pacienza, CEO of Coral Ridge Ministries and senior pastor at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, shared with The Christian Post his motivation behind creating the film. He highlighted the growing concern over the messages propagated through various channels, including social media, entertainment, and educational institutions. Pacienza underscored the need for awareness and action in response to what he views as a secular agenda influencing young minds.
The documentary draws attention to alarming statistics and trends, including the prevalence of school policies that limit parental involvement in matters such as gender identity issues. Additionally, it discusses the increasing number of minors undergoing gender transition surgeries and critiques educational approaches like social-emotional learning, which some argue promote leftist ideologies in classrooms while neglecting core academic subjects.
Pacienza stressed the documentary’s dual purpose: not only to expose these issues but also to equip Christian parents and guardians with practical strategies to counteract what he perceives as indoctrination. Suggestions include limiting children’s exposure to digital media and fostering meaningful conversations within the family unit.
Meg Kilgannon, Senior Fellow for Education Studies at the Family Research Council, contributed to the documentary, warning of ideologies in public schools conflicting with Christian principles. She cited gender ideology and Critical Race Theory as examples of such ideologies infiltrating educational settings.
Leah Klett, an assistant editor for The Christian Post, also featured in the documentary, expressed concern over cultural influences leading young people away from biblical teachings. She emphasized the importance of grounding children in the Scriptures to withstand societal pressures.
Pacienza called for a reemphasis on the family unit as foundational to societal health, echoing biblical principles. He urged parents to take an active role in discipling and guiding their children spiritually, both privately and publicly. Pacienza emphasized the need for churches to support parents in this endeavor, providing them with resources and guidance to instill a biblical worldview in their children.
Ultimately, Pacienza hopes the documentary will empower parents and churches to instill strong biblical convictions in youth, equipping them to navigate secular influences and remain steadfast in their faith as they enter adulthood.