Jesus Camp

Jesus Camp, directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, was a brilliant documentary. It not only had a compelling point of view, but it was presented objectively, without interference from the filmmakers. After watching this film I could not stop thinking about it.

The documentary follows a group of young children who attend Pastor Becky Fischer's "Kids on Fire" summer camp. Fischer is part of a group of Evangelical Christians who believe the youth need to be made into "warriors" in "God's army." The children are taught how to recruit new followers, become prophets, live a "pure" life, and, most importantly, advocate right-wing conservative values in the political arena.

The filmmakers certainly did not have a shortage of disturbing footage. Between images of the children crying and speaking in tongues, praying to large cardboard cutouts of George Bush, delivering sermons, attending pro-life rallies with tape over their mouths, and learning "Christian science" are clips of Fischer's lectures to the families. During these sermons she preaches the importance of "taking back America for Christ" using various props such as stuffed lions and balloons. There is a great scene where she warns the children against the evils of Harry Potter, calling him an "enemy of God" and suggesting that he be put to death.

The film ended subtly with Levi, a young boy being groomed to be the next mega church pastor, wandering to the center of the New Life Church to shake Pastor Ted Haggert's hand. It is the future meeting the present. Levi is all wide-eyed innocence and Haggert is clearly on guard and speaks to Levi very condescendingly. This scene is powerful, because by this time it is very easy to imagine Levi giving his sermon to the crowd of thousands who had filled the church moments earlier.

Jesus Camp was effective because it offered a clear and objective look at a movement which is very powerful in America today. The fact that the movie is disturbing to many people who watch it has little to do with the filmmakers' intent. Instead, the scenes and characters speak for themselves. I left this film very frightened about the future of our country. To me, what they are doing to these children is brainwashing and it is dangerous and cruel. It made me angry and impassioned, which is why the documentary was so compelling for me.