Indoctrination is the process of inculcating ideas, attitudes, cognitive strategies or a professional methodology (see doctrine).[1] It is often distinguished from education by the fact that the indoctrinated person is expected not to question or critically examine the doctrine they have learned.[2] As such it is used pejoratively, often in the context of political opinions, theology or religious dogma. Instruction in the basic principles of science, in particular, can not properly be called indoctrination, in the sense that the fundamental principles of science call for critical self-evaluation and skeptical scrutiny of one's own ideas. In practice, however, a certain level of non-rational indoctrination, usually seen as miseducative, is invariably present.[3] The term is closely linked to socialization; in common discourse, indoctrination is often associated with negative connotations, while socialization refers to cultural or educational learning.

Religious indoctrination, the original sense of indoctrination, refers to a process of imparting doctrine in a non-critical way. Most religious groups instruct new members in the principles of the religion; this is usually not referred to as indoctrination by the religions themselves, because of the negative connotations the word has acquired. Mystery religions require a period of indoctrination before granting access to esoteric knowledge. (c.f. Information security)

As a pejorative term it implies forcibly or coercively causing people to act and think on the basis of a certain religion.[4] Sects such as Scientology use personality tests and peer pressures to indoctrinate new members. Critics of religion, such as Richard Dawkins, in his book "The God Delusion" maintain that Children of religious parents are often unfairly indoctrinated. The process of subjecting children to complex initiation rituals before they are able to critically assess the event is seen by some as cruel. Some religions have commitment ceremonies for children 13 years and younger, such as Bar Mitzvah and Confirmation. The public affirmation of religious belief is often at odds with a society that acknowledges the limited development of the child's brain.