Brainwashing

brain·wash·ing P Pronunciation Key (brnwshng, -wôshng)n.

Intensive, forcible indoctrination, usually political or religious, aimed at destroying a person's basic convictions and attitudes and replacing them with an alternative set of fixed beliefs.
The application of a concentrated means of persuasion, such as an advertising campaign or repeated suggestion, in order to develop a specific belief or motivation.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

The question at hand is whether the LDS Church or parents within the LDS Church are brainwashing their children.

The first definition given above clearly violates LDS Church doctrine. If we use the 2^nd definition, both the LDS Church and most parents are clearly guilty, but not of anything morally or ethically wrong.

There are several aspects of the first definition that violate basic doctrine. The word “intensive” is probably OK, but “forcible” implies a violation of free will, which is a basic God-given right (D&C 121:46).

How much “force” is reasonable as we raise our children? Restraining our toddlers if they try to walk into the path of an oncoming car is clearly being a good parent. There are likewise spiritual cars that we have an obligation to protect them from, as they get older.

As they mature, it’s important they be allowed to make more decisions. Being able to make decisions helps them to grow in important ways. If we fail to successfully teach them to make good decisions, we’ve failed in a critical parental responsibility.

It’s clear from D&C 121:39 that excessive force is probably a temptation that too many people succumb to.

To “destroy a person’s basic convictions” is likewise contrary to Church doctrine. We’re taught that each of us has the light of Christ. By listening to our basic convictions we generally grow closer to God and the principles of the Gospel. If anything, we encourage people to consider their basic convictions. It’s conceivable that some people have a basic conviction that is contrary to truth. Nevertheless, I believe if we follow our basic convictions, we’ll end up giving up the untrue ones.

The “fixed beliefs” portion of the definition is also not accurate. Truth is not something you can just dump into someone’s brain. Learning is a life-long process (2 Nephi 28:30).

The 2^nd definition of brainwashing is something any parent would be negligent if they didn’t do. However, we’d also be negligent if we didn’t encourage our children to gain their own convictions as soon as possible.

Some people mistakenly avoid letting their children know of their own convictions with the idea of not forcing their own beliefs on them. To withhold information useful in making good decisions seems criminal and certainly violates LDS doctrine. Perhaps we should more often ask our children how they feel about it instead of being too quick to give our position.

It’s also important to respect our children’s choices as much as their maturity allows. I’ve seen several cases where parents put what appeared to be undue pressure on children to make the “right” choice. Knowing when to allow your children to make wrong choices can be a difficult decision and the guidance of the Spirit is very desirable.

Another area where brainwashing is possible is in Church classes. Sometimes people are afraid of asking difficult questions for fear of the group or of leaders. This shouldn’t be the case. Heavenly Father expects us to use our brains and our hearts in learning the truth. At the same time we shouldn’t be contending one with another. We’re taught to use the lesson material and the scriptures and avoid teaching the philosophies of men. Some probably feel I cross the line sometimes and maybe I do. I want people to think and I believe God supports this.

I guess there are many ways we can go wrong with brainwashing and I suspect we’re all guilty of it at one time or another. The bad aspects of brainwashing should certainly be repented of and eliminated from our behaviors.