Thursday, March 27, 2008

The camp Jesus Camp brings in youngsters and explains the values of God. The kids are taught to be devout Christians. However I think that the film Jesus Camp actually portrays the camp in a negative way. Near the beginning of the film we listen to a radio talk show host who explains how the Jesus Camp is far too radical. He states that these kids are apathetic and too close minded on issues such as global warming and other social controversies. A radio caller calls in and agrees with the talk show host. He even goes on to say that the organization even makes Christians look bad. Throughout the film Becky Fisher lets the viewers know that she is disappointed in the decisions that the government has been making such as legalization of abortion and outlawing prayer in school. In interviews with the kids it seems that Becky has been successful in attempting to have the kids place God at the top of their priorities. I think the sermons are what portray the camp in a negative light the most. Some of the kids cry towards the end. This makes the camp seem too harsh. Becky also seems to be accusing more than preaching. Sometimes it even seems that Becky makes God seem more like a judge or a boss rather than a father figure. She talks about sin and how sin is everywhere. This seems to put a sense of fear into the kids. It seems the film is trying to portray the camp as overly radical. Throughout the film we hear clips of the talk radio hosts opinion on Jesus Camp, all of which seem to be negative. The radio host does state that he is a devout Christian, yet doesn’t agree with some of the processes of the camp. This tells the audience that the filmmakers are not bashing Christianity in any way. They just aren’t comfortable with a few aspects of the camp.

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