NEW Jesus Camp (DVD)

 

 

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If you're a Christian Evangelical (or zealot, even), you'll probably be unfazed by this movie and walk away thinking what a great camp for children. If you're not, then this movie is eye-opening and perhaps a bit unsettling. It's full of poignant moments that will leave you thinking and talking.

Some of the more poignant moments for me was when the camp brought in a man to talk about how being pro-choice and abortion is evil. The lesson being taught to the kids, of course, is that life begins immediately after impregnation and there is no distinction between a few days old fetus and a full-grown human. It's murder. Period. So then the camp organizes a protest with the kids against the pro-choice agenda, complete with tape over every kid's mouth that says "LIFE" over it. There's also a part towards the end when the film makers interview Levi and Rachael, two kids attending the camp. They talk about being trained to train others to be God's army and how there's a peace, excitement and that "it's really cool" to be trained as warriors. There's even talk about how they aren't afraid to die in battle.

Two of the more amusing moments in the film include the part when the camp leader denounces Harry Potter. She says "warlocks are enemies of God" and that "had it been in the Old Testament, Harry Potter would've been put to death". The kids clap and one says "Amen!". There's this one kid who says at the lunch table that he watches HP movies at his father's house because his mother doesn't want him watching movies with witchcraft and then all the other kids look at him with looks of disapproval and uncomfortableness as if to say "OH NO YOU DIDN'T". The other amusing part is pretty much anything Pastor Ted Haggard says as it's rather ironic given his recent "scandal".

The film seems rather unbiased in its presentation of the footage at camp, which is intertwined with footage of a radio talk show host who shows another side of the spectrum. It doesn't lead you to one particular perspective on theological ideology, rather, it allows for the viewer to make up his or her own mind. To me, it left me a bit unsettled. What I felt was unsettling was the way they were condoning or preaching about being God's army (and hence, the concept of dying in the name of God). Don't get me wrong, I'm all for religion because religion is theoretically a good thing for society. But where does the distinction lie between this kind of religious fanaticism that promotes kids being an "army" for God (and becoming a "martyr" as Rachael talks about excitedly in one part) and well, hate to say it, but the terrorists in the Middle East who are blowing people and themselves up in the name of Allah?

If anything, this movie will promote dialogue about religion. I still recommend this movie for anyone, no matter where you are situated on the religious spectrum or what religion you believe in. It's just fascinating!

I was absolutely shocked by the fact that there are actually so many people out there who are so irrational, and "magical" in their beliefs. The movement reminded me of the Hitler Youth, where children were taught that their country held a special place in the world, and how they worshipped Bush and the flag - it was absolutely disheartening considering the terrible path that the US has taken in recent years (the illegal war in Iraq, delegitimization of the UN, UNILATERAL military action, the sort of behaviour you expect from fascist governments) which I'm sure Jesus would absolutely frown at. The kind of violence and the technology which is used to propogate it reminds me of how Jesus warned that there would be many false prophets. I think of the rich and the powerful Christians and I know that they are the false prophets Jesus warned of. They have made the world a very dangerous place, played right into the hands of the terrorists, and this movie shows how the "education" or brainwashing takes place amongst some of the best meaning people in the world - not the powerful, but the ones who listen to them. God save America indeed.

i agree with the above comments that they should have identified these christians as 'pentecostal' rather than evangelical. but that was pretty much the only flaw of the whole movie.

this movie answers the question 'how can adults (voters) have political beliefs that are completely irrational and illogical (not to mention insensitive)?'.. the answer that this film provides is that they're taught, as children, that these political beliefs are part of their religious faith and therefore (even as adults) cannot separate the two. anyone interested in contemporary north american politics, childhood education, or religion will love this movie.

absolutely brilliant!

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3.0 out of 5 stars A mediocre film with a very good soundtrack
When I was watching this movie, midway through it, I wanted it to end. They stayed on the abortion issue way too long. Read more

Published on Feb 18 2007 by R. Naganathan

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