From the political Left: “Churches indoctrinate!”
From the political Right: “Universities indoctrinate!”
Is either correct? Are both are?
Or do folks change their minds because they’re educated?
On the surface, any take could work. People go to a place and come out with different opinions. Maybe that was because they learned, reflected, debated and heard from a diverse group of intellectuals.
Universities pretend to be this.
But there’s a simple set of tests.
A group of people will emerge from a place of genuine learning with different views from each other. They’ll argue their points well and dispassionately – after all, they’ve had a lot of practice. And all their arguments will drip with nuance.
Indoctrinated folks emerge with identical opinions to each other. They aren’t articulate because “discussions” meant regurgitating talking points, even if you don’t understand them. Any disagreement triggers them and they see things in primitive absolutes.
Universities indoctrinate.
Meanwhile at Christian gatherings, I’ve seen people bring up the evils of climate change, misogyny or racism. I’ve also seen folks bring up the evils of immigration, gay marriage and Islam. Some of the discussions get interesting but it stays respectful. They know how to agree to disagree.
Churches educate.
Now, I have to be graceful here. Obviously there are exceptions here. There are smart and dumb folks, good learners and poor learners, flexible thinkers everywhere.
Some university experiences leave you smarter and more well-rounded.
I would say that, except uni students are too busy simping for a country that despises them. As in, would gaol them without hesitation for anything they do.
Oh well.
On the topic of learning things and mental flexibility: