A Christian Question ‘JESUS CAMP’
By Ashley Rogers
Special to The Courier-Journal
I have always been fond of the St. Francis’s quote, “Preach the Gospel to all the world. If necessary, use words.” I recently watched the movie “Jesus Camp,” and as a Christian believer myself, was absolutely appalled. The film opened with facts about the evangelist, such that there are 80,000,000 evangelicals in America today and that they make up an influential political force. 75 percent of home-schooled children belong to these evangelical Christian families. Immediately a serious debate sparked inside of me and toiled within my mind.
At one moment, the camp director, Pastor Becky Fischer, admits that she admires the way Islamic children are “bred to give their life to their country,” and hints that this may actually be her purpose of her program “Kids on Fire.” Perhaps my most haunting thought goes toward what these people’s definition is of a “camp!” Rather than playing tetherball and archery, these children dress up in camouflage and are trained to “take back America for Christ.”
Other activities include the children speaking in tongues and smashing coffee mugs with the word “government” imprinted over them. Speaker Lou Engle comes in, convincing them to pledge that they will fight against abortion as he says, “you would have more friends if it weren’t for abortion!” and then the kids are forced to publicly confess their childish “impure thoughts.” Taught to go against the conventional, secular culture, Fischer sermonizes, “Had it been in the Old Testament, Harry Potter would have been put to death!”
I also shudder at the memory of the scene in which the children pray to and bless a cardboard cut-out of President George W. Bush. It is a sick and demoralizing thought, but the movie depicts it as a symptom of a culture war that is prevalent in today’s society, as we become continually separated from each other due to our spiritual beliefs. Do these people, children to be exact, look at Bush as a Christ figure, or like the movie is actually intending to portray, do they see him as a powerful Christian ally? The children are seen bowing down to and praying over this piece of material, and are forced to speak to “him” (Bush), fists punching the air as they pray out loud.
There are three main “characters” in this documentary, Rachel, 9; Tory, 10; and Levi, 12. These kids are articulate, devout and cute…on screen. Tory loves dancing but is careful not to dance “for the flesh like Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan,” and Levi was saved at a mere five years old because he “just wanted more of life.” Okay so what happens when the camera is turned off? Even with the exception of one scene where the boys, being just children and wanting that childhood, depicts them telling ghost stories; but even then, a supervisor comes in and warns against their behavior. These kids may be the real deal but even so, they are still children.
What about their behavior on the playground? One of the campers, not featured in the film more than this one shot at the lunch table, admits to watching Harry Potter at his dad’s house, even though his mother strictly forbids it. I would love to be able to follow up on these children, revisit them as teenagers and adults and find out how their sheltered, conservative upbringing impacts them once they’re able to make decisions on their own! At Fischer’s quote about using children for Christianity, I again winced. She says, “I can lead them to the Lord in no time at all. Moments later they’re seeing visions and hearing the voice of God.”
What role is she playing here?!? Who is this Becky Fischer and why is she given such a power to drill into every child’s head Christianity, in such a brutal and harsh way? In this documentary, children are not even given a choice about which lifestyle they choose — their parents and Pastor Becky know that the age to instill life-changing habits occurs at radical ages such as four to ten years old…how is this fair? Fischer argues that what individuals learn as children stays with them through their entire life, which is why she focuses on youth ministry. But again, instilling and commanding are two very different things…and which is this woman performing?!
It is at this point, I begin to sympathize with the children. They seem so very burdened as they appear to be shouldering the weight of adulthood. Shouldn’t they just be allowed to behave as children, and be given the chance to goof around with their friends? As I heard the snickers and laughter around me in the theater, I sank down into my seat as far as I could slide. I looked over to my Christian friend who had accompanied me, and I said, “We have to be the only two Christians in here. And now Christianity is slaughtered…” I wanted to jump from my seat and proclaim, “BUT THAT’S NOT HOW IT REALLY IS! CHRISTIANITY IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE CULTISH! CHRISTIANITY IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT BIBLE THUMPING, DEMANDING, MILITARY BEHAVIOR…it is REAL…please don’t judge Jesus by this video!”
I too, at a young age professed my love for Jesus Christ. I was five years old, and my mother led me in prayer. Both my parents are Christians, both set of grandparents are Christians, my brothers are Christians. So yes, I’ve been surrounded by Christianity all my life, but it has always been a choice. We weren’t set to a boot camp such as this, to be scolded and commanded to “turn from our impure thoughts!” We lived as children; we laughed and played and yes, SINNED. We told lies, we talked back on occasion, and we snuck cookies from the cookie jars. We were kids. And our parents disciplined us as most parents would. We were taught the wrongs and rights of the world, and we lived by the Bible.
I love the Lord with all my heart. I believe thoroughly that Jesus Christ was sent to this earth as a man by his and our Heavenly Father, God, to die on a cross for us, forgiving us, wretched humans, for our sins. We have a choice. We are given by Him freewill. Either we accept Him…or we don’t. Either we allow Him to enter in our hearts and give Him our lives, or we leave Him as a figment of our imaginations. Again, this is a choice.
Yes, youth are important. Youth are in a way, the future. America’s culture is quickly failing, and I do believe that young people can do a lot for this world, but even more important, for Christ. But please…do not take this film, “Jesus Camp,” as a symbol of what Christianity is. I ask you, do not watch this film and walk away with disgust for Jesus Christ. Hollywood has demoralized Him and it pains my heart. Ask questions, maybe go to a church and listen for yourself the true Gospel. But please, do not use this movie as an excuse to deny Christ. He is real, and He will love you and accept you with arms open wide if only you ask that of Him.
Ashley M. Rogers is a freshman at the University of Louisville.
source: The Courier Journal, May 1, 2007