Jesus Camp - Review

Comment on “Jesus Camp”

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1. Scott Gwin Says:
   September 18th, 2006 at 10:45

   Is there a distinction somewhere between Evangelical Christians who are sensible but firm about their beliefs and those who are extremists? Seems like this documentary ignorantly lumps them all together and the review goes right along with that idea (it's well written Lexi, but I disagree with that last paragraph completely).
   
   If a group is defined by the extremists (who most of the time DON'T represent the majority) then you end up with events like the post 9-11 backlash that occurred against anyone of the Islamic faith or of apparent Middle-eastern descent. This movie may make some valid observations about a group of people in Missouri, but to define everyone known as "Evangelical Christian" by that category is just ludicrous.
   
   Oh, and don't tell me you've never muttered a prayer to the cosmos while standing before those ten obnoxious pins. ;)

1. Lexi Says:
   September 18th, 2006 at 11:53

   Scott,
   
   The movie refers to a specific sector of Evangelical Christians in Missouri. It's not saying that anyone of this faith is an extremist, but the ones in the movie certainly are. And that's what I was referencing in my article.
   
   On the flip side, if someone of this faith would meet me and believe, without knowing anything about me, that I was going to burn in hell, that could be construed as an extremist view.
   
   It's all in the eye of the beholder. But one thing is certain: these kids are dangerously devoted to their cause.

1. Scott Says:
   September 18th, 2006 at 15:36

   Perhaps "extremism" is in the eye of the beholder. To one Muslim, the thought of killing an "infidel" without knowing anything about them is extremist. To another the thought of NOT killing one is the extreme.
   
   What bothers me is the way movies like this point to the minority extremism but all the non-extremists are the ones who pay the price. There's no attempt at balance or objectivity because that doesn't make for good entertainment. One man eats nothing but McDonalds for thirty days and becomes obese and suddenly we have to put up with obese people successfully blaming their health problems on the fast food industry, not their own bad eating habits. Don't even get me started on Michael Moore.

1. Ken Burns Says:
   September 18th, 2006 at 20:16

   Scott, I hope you have seen the movie, as I'm sure you wouldn't be one of those people making an argument based on assumptions. I think I'm starting to see a straw man here.

1. Josh Says:
   September 18th, 2006 at 21:39

   Ken, I think Scott's intent was to discuss the issues around this film and the review itself. He doesn't have to see the movie to do that.
   
   Though to judge whether or not it handles the subject fairly you probably do need to see it. Something I plan to do soon myself. ;)
   
   So far I've heard nothing but praise for the fair and objective way it handles the subject though, at least from unbiased sources... so that's a good indication.
   
   

1. Brendan Says:
   September 20th, 2006 at 15:12

   Personally, I look forward to seeing this movie. From what I have gathered so far, it seems as fair as "point and shoot" can get. We get to see these people as they really are, saying what they really say, and behaving the way they really behave. At this point, I cannot see what the community is doing to these children as anything short of child abuse, but I will have to see the film before I can fully make that determination.
   

1. Susanna Says:
   September 25th, 2006 at 16:37

   Can't wait to see the movie after hearing the buzz about it over the past two weeks. Althoug I am Christian, I cringe when I see examples of people taking religion out of context and use it as a form of extremism. Found this clip of the movie. Pretty scary:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMWs_J6Bjzs I wouldn't send my kids there!

1. Blarg Says:
   September 26th, 2006 at 08:56

   "Is there a distinction somewhere between Evangelical Christians who are sensible but firm about their beliefs and those who are extremists?"
   
   Are you reffering to those evangelicals who do not want to destroy pluralism and independant thought but still long for the day when Jesus will fly down from heaven like superman and kill the unbelievers with his magical mouth-sword? I think that based upon the definition of the word extremist, anyone who believes in bronze-age myths spawned from a Hellenized-Jewish mystery cult for which there is no supporting scientific evidence and only the most sparce and suspicious of historical evidence would be by definition extremist.
   
   Blarg

1. Tiana Says:
   September 30th, 2006 at 12:06

   I'm a homeschooled kid. I have to say I somewhat resent the implication that homeschooled kids are going to be fanatics. I'm a Christian, aye, but the reason I was homeschooled was solely because I could read at a kindergarden age and my mom didn't want to put me into grade one to learn my alphabet when I was already sounding out words and stuff.
   
   I've never been forced into any beliefs due to my homeschooling. Once I reached an older age I took the time to study my "religion" and make my own choices about creationism vs evolution (which, er, doesn't make sense. And I made a serious point of studying it... where'd that original molucule come from?!)
   
   Nonetheless, as a non-fanatical Christian (ei, I might think you're going to hell, but I won't say it and I'll be polite and freely discuss your religion with you, rather interested in why you believe it myself) this movie scares me. Any movie that stereotypes Christians this severely to anyone who doesn't know that most of us are normal people is... scary. Because it means that we'll get picked on further, because people don't treat us like we have rights because we're all fanatics, supposedly.
   
   Happy to find a review, though. I know a bunch of people all "yay, good movie coming out!" and I thought "Uh, bad news" and had to go see what the buzz was.
   
   There are going to be some extremeist kids. But no kid should be forced to believe/behave in a certain way. It's fine if they're Christians, but... this is extreme. Too extreme. A prayer when bowling is fine... c'mon, that's funny.
   
   The last paragraph is out to lunch. I get the humorous ending to a review, as a general wannabe reviewer myself, but it's probably not true. Heh. But thank you for the good review. I'll be linking this page.

1. abby Says:
   October 2nd, 2006 at 20:42

   I am very anxious to see this film.Somewhat afraid.I saw a small clip on this film and I know it will bother me down the road. I hope it does not give my home town a bad name. None of the people in the film were from devils Lake. That camp is right around the corner from my sisters home. The community was quite surprised when this documentary came out. My niece and her husband who is the pastor for that church just rented out the camp to these people. Im sure they had no idea. Devils lake is a good community. Im sure they wanted to film it here because of the name. I hope the community doesnt get a bad rap.IM sure I will be back after I see the film.

1. Tonya Says:
   October 3rd, 2006 at 01:56

   Just saw the movie tonight, and it was really intense, just like the trailer and the clips I have seen suggest. I want to see it again sometime soon just becuase I think a lot of the material is so shocking, it takes a while to digest it all while you're still in the theater. Here's a short clip from a memorable moment in the film:http://www.iklipz.com/Movies.aspx?MovieID=83840f8e-96f0-4cb3-b3ab-4244ed002fce

1. James Rivera Says:
   October 4th, 2006 at 01:30

   I sat at the back of the theater when I watched JC in Hollywood, CA. I'm a Bible believing Christian, but I know little of Evangelicals. I'm acutely aware, however, of true fellow Bible based Christians' beliefs.
   
   There is nothing at odds with the practices and beliefs of this documented group with the Bible itself. It does appear the film was slanted towards the ends of painting this sector of Christians as fanatics. I do also believe it was an honest and fair betrayal of the subjects followed in this documentary. There is nothing a true Bible believing Christian should be offended by what was portrayed as it accurately reveals a movement that continues to gain momentum in many religions, Bible fundamentalist.
   
   I appreciate your review from your perspective but I have one important correction for you. The children were not worshipping a card board cut out of George Bush. They were praying to God in support of our president and laying hands on the cut out just as they would if GW was there himself. As shocking as this may sound I'm certain this same group would have done the same for President Clinton during his time in office. Bible based Christians believe, as the word of God tells us, that we are to pray for our leaders and they are appointed by God to lead us.
   
   Throughout the film the crowd was laughing, jeering, and many times disgusted. I share the same core beliefs the Evangelicals shared on the film. Yet I was not all offended by the crowd. Christians that are not as mature in their faith may be very offended by the reviews and reactions this film is generating. They may feel the need to speak out during the film against the hecklers I sat amongst. This is a serious documentary, yet it was both horror and comedy to the crowd I sat with.
   
   From my perspective I would expect non-believers to react as they did. In fact the Bible talks about how the "world" will hate us for our beliefs and how we are to take delight in such things as it is proof we are who we say we are. The Bible also says if a professing Christian hates his brother in Christ he is not a true Christian. Our Radio friend on the film can only be counted as a professing Christian.
   
   I honestly thought the late showing on a Sunday evening in Hollywood, CA of this film would be in an empty theater. To my surprise it was quite full. Of the hundreds of movies I've seen this is by far the most polarizing. The vast majority will react similarly to the crowd I sat with. Many "Christians" will be offended by how their faith is being portrayed. Then there will be those Christians who will be inspired by not only the movie, but the experience of watching it in a theater. It will show how far apart from the world we truly are and that is a true mark of a Christian.
   
   
   

1. Bible Boy Says:
   October 4th, 2006 at 01:35

   ------
   JAMES SAID: "the word of God tells us, that we are to pray for our leaders and they are appointed by God to lead us."
   ------
   
   Wrong!
   
   Actually, the Bible says the exact opposite. Give Ceasar's things to ceasar, and God's things to god? Ring a bell?
   
   Jesus shunned the political world, and encouraged his followers to do the same on MANY occasions. When the people tried to make him a king, he refused.
   
   My kingdom is no part of this world? Any alarms going off yet?
   
   You're going to have to tell me where in the Bible it says that the leader of the United States of America was appointed by God to lead us.
   
   And that perfect example is why this movement, and people like you are so scary. You're perverting and subverting your own beliefs and religion to lead yourselves down a path towards Zealotism. You don't even know what your own Bible teaches, instead you devote yourself to what someone TELLS you it teaches.
   
   It's EXACTLY the same thing that's going on with Muslim extremists and Evangelical extremists are clearly heading down the same path.

1. James Rivera Says:
   October 4th, 2006 at 07:17

   Well, this was just supposed to be my opinion and experience of a movie. I will respond though. This is a demonstration of the polarization taking place that this movie helps to reveal.
   
   Romans 13:1-6
   
   Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually on this very thing.
   
   Jesus is not against taxes as shown here in His Word. Yes, Jesus spoke of His heavenly Kingdom. When He is talking about giving Caesar what is Caesars he is talking about taxes. When He talks about give God what is God's he is talking about matters of the heart, soul, and devotion to God shown through our lives.
   
   These six verses I don't think are difficult to understand even in the less modern King James Version. Although it does not mention the USA it clearly says there are no leaders that are not ordained by God. This would include ours.
   
   Jesus did not turn His back on the politicals. He got onto the religious leaders of the day (which had political clout) as they cared more about their position and standing than having a relationship with God. He had some of His harshest words for them, hypocrites was one of His strongest.
   
   I'm certain, without checking, that the vast majority of old and modern translations would clearly convey God's view on government, taxes, and leaders within these six verses. I encourage you to look them up yourself.
   
   In closing I'm not surprised people like me scare you. We are passionate, dedicated, and are willing to sacrifice our very lives for God's kingdom. Satan likes to imitate God in all things. Fanatic Muslims are a prime example. We believe we have the truth though...don't you? Unless, of course, you do not beleive the Bible.
   
   
   

1. chuck Says:
   October 6th, 2006 at 11:27

   Bible Boy,
   
   I hate to be the one to tell you, but it certainly does clearly say that all leaders in all generations are appointed by God, hence the "give to Ceasar what is Ceasars". You might want to be more careful in the future about disputing the actual words of the scriptures and replacing them with hereasy.
   
   All authority is appointed by God.
   
   Stick to what you know.

1. Bob Says:
   October 10th, 2006 at 09:49

   All i know is that if my wife wanted to sign up my children for that camp, i would hit her in the head with a frying pan, take the kids, and run like hell.

1. Shmoopie Says:
   December 23rd, 2006 at 23:17

   I haven't seen the film and have to say, Bob, you're a good man.
   
   Some of you should try reading a book. Perhaps, The End of Faith, by Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins' newest, The God Delusion. Might open some eyes. One can hope.
   
   And btw, I've never prayed for a 7/10 split.

1. Sal Says:
   March 1st, 2007 at 19:06

   Jesus Camp was such a great documentary, and I was really hoping it would have picked up
   the Oscar for Best Documentary last weekend! Here's an interview I just ran across with the directors of Jesus Camp, Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady. In the interview they discuss the challenge of being fanatical, working as a female directing duo, and marketing to Evangelical Christians.
   You can find the interview here: http://tinyurl.com/2gk2xx

1. Deacon Jack Thomas Says:
   January 1st, 2008 at 10:53

   This movie is not fair. It goes in with a bias from the very start. So much so that you pre judge the people in this movie from the very start.
   Another problem is most don't understand pentacostal practices, so that puts another unfair judgement against them.
   All I saw were people praticing their faith, which has ALWAYS been allowed in this country. It is laughable that some people fear these kids will take over this country. But I'm not surprized, as they were compared to kids in that Stephen King Thriller, Children Of The Corn.

1. lee hall Says:
   February 26th, 2008 at 23:12

   I am very shocked to see that,Those children are being brainwashed, Why does everyone always believe in "jesus or god" Why can't you say One power, or One Love?

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