Today I watched a movie. Well, it was more of a documentary, but regardless it left me with a ball of emotions. I was moved by the sheer determination, love and faith that was illistruated. Yet, the way in which these character traits were brought about, used and manipulated distrubed me. I couldn't help but think of past experiences in my own life brought about from youth camps, fiery sermons and powerful music. Today I watched "Jesus Camp."
I don't know if many of you have seen or heard about this film, but it follows several children and a children's minister, Becky Fischer, that are evangelical Christians. The film attempts to draw a correlation between evangelical Christians and a political movement that was happening at the time it was made (2006). Ole George W is portrayed as the leader in a 'war' against other religions. Fischer even exclaimes that "W" brought "creditability to the Christian faith." Fischer believes that children should be the warriors in this 'war.' To her, they are the answer or solution to the disastrous world that we live in. She even said she wants to lead children to give their lives for this spiritual war, specifically against Islam (see heading). Anyways, the film follows Levi,12, Rachel and Tory (both who are around eight or nine) through Jesus Camp. During the course of the movie, you see the children be exposed to claims that science is not valid to standing outside of the Congress building in our nation's capital promoting a pro-life agenda.
At times I could only shake my head at what was being fed to these little ones. It angered me by how these children were being manipulated to be miniatures of their parents. The mob mentality that was used to bring about reactions from them disgusted me. However, as I watched this I saw part of my childhood. No, I never had a man come speak to me about why abortion is wrong when I was 12. No, I never spoke in tongues. And no, I never handed out pamphlets on the street. But. But I have been told to be a warrior for God. I have been asked to go out, walk up to someone and tell them about Jesus. I have been told my generation is the answer.
I could only marvel at these little ones though. Their faith and love for the Lord overwhelmed me. Their passion for His will to be done and to be used for His glory pretty much shamed me. It made me remember what it is like to be a newbie as a Christian. How much I wanted to shout from the rooftops about how important my Lord was to me. The amount of confidence they has was enough to make me stare in amazement. (This mostly stems from the fact that I never have had the confidence or the guts to walk up to someone and ask if they knew where they were going after they die.)
After watching "Jesus Camp", I couldn't help but ask myself what changed me. What made me go from screaming the Lord's praises to whispering them to merely speaking them? I think the answer lies in my age, experiences and relationship with my BFFL, the J-man himself. These children believe that we live in the end of times. Really, I have no clue if we are or not. But I do know that people have been thinking the end of times were just around the corner for awhile. For them, it's now or never. For me, it's different. I rather love someone, experience a part of my life with them and hopefully, be kinda like the J-man (although, this rarly happens. I really lack his patience...among other things). I don't want to be on a pedestal. I can only hope that my friends can see that I am imperfect (I'm sure this is a shock to some), just so they can see ho much God's grace covers me. I can't be like those little ones. I can't be a solider like them. I can only try to love unconditionally (which is sometimes extremely hard). While I may merely speak the J-man's praises on a daily basis, I believe it is on a more intimate and personal level than ever before.
Do I recommend "Jesus Camp?"
Yes, I do.
I recommend it for those who are Christians and those who are not. You can choose to focus on the bad or the good. It shows both sides of the coin. And most importantly, it makes you reflect on what you believe and the impact you have in the world.
4 out of 5 roses.
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Phew. I don't think that was too shabby. Let me know what you think. Have you seen the movie? How do you think that you would handle a nine-year-old asking you about your final destination?
I too have seen this movie and some of the Rhetoric is very disturbing to me. Becky Fischer, to me at least, seems like she is trying to start a holy war. By holy war I don't mean some legislative battle or battle of ideas but pick up your rifles and man the tanks and kill all who don't convert sort of war. To me she seems to be totally against freedom of religion for all who are not Christian, and to me she embodies some of the scariest movements within the Christian faith.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Matt!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with everything that you said. Fischer is definatly a representative of a movement that has been happening. It frustrates me that so many Christians follow this line of thinking. I mean not only is she agianst individuals who are not Christians, but in away she is also against other Christians who do not agree with her viewpoint.
Nice one i like your review style even though you do not updated anywhere near as much as you said you would in your first post haha. That movie is pretty intense. That Becky lady is intense and they are buying into her its sad how their childhood is kinda being taken from them. But hey how about that guy's hair lol, mullet!!!! business in front party in the back.
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