Jesus Camp - Real Life Horror Film

Many social problems today are linked to education, and conservatives and liberals alike argue for the increased intellectual enrichment of our country's younger generations. Education implies an offering of information included with the lessons of critical analysis and thought processes; education is not brain-washing. The complete inculcation of the Evangelical children in the movie Jesus Camp is so disturbing because it is offered in the guise of education. The Pastor Becky Fischer continuously uses the rhetoric of coming to church to "learn" about God but the dramatic demonstrations and sermons against political and religious issues would be considered theatrics when used on adults, much less impressionable children. When they start fearing hell and the devil's plots at the young ages of six and seven, how could any other rational thoughts be given a chance to take root?

In the conclusion of the documentary, Becky Fischer watches some of the tape and remains very likeable in her passion and fervor towards her congregation of kids. She points out their intensity as an indicator of their enjoyment and justification for preaching at them at such a young age. However, I think that anyone who has been involved with young children can cite a dozen different sources for such intense moods and shows of emotions from missing an episode SpongeBob Squarepants to celebrating over getting the last bag of fruit snacks. This uninhibited quality of childhood is something that is universal, and can't be pointed out as a qualifier especially when viewed in the context of such intense indoctrination.

The "Kids on Fire" camp footage was scary, especially because of the numbers that were presented. While I don't necessarily agree with Ted Haggard about the Evangelicals controlling the elections, it's obvious that the religion is growing. There isn't any outside interference with these kids being homeschooled and completely inundated with religious views both in home and church. Their friends are evangelical, their teacher is evangelical, and they constantly are informed that to even question these force fed beliefs is to give in to the devil. I feel that following many of these kids would prove that they would eventually question these beliefs, and some would rebel. Many kids in today's society could benefit from spending less time watching television and playing video games, but this militaristic environment is not as nurturing as Becky Fischer believes it is. In my opinion the Evangelicals are creating a generation of scared kids who will eventually be left with resentment and unanswered questions. This movie did a fair job of portraying a n extreme group in a fair light; letting them speak for themselves. The results, wrapped up in a slick presentation, are disturbing.