TOW #28: Jesus Camp (Documentary)

In "the land of the free," the limits of free speech are a controversial topic that will continue to be disputed for a long time. This gray area is one of the underlying questions that comes into play in the 2006 documentary, Jesus Camp. In this documentary, three young children are followed as they travel to a Evangelical Christian camp that will teach them more about their religion and help them learn how to spread their beliefs to others. These spotlighted kids are Levi, Rachael, and Tori. They all come from very religious families and intend to devote their entire lives to their beliefs. The woman in charge of the camp is named Becky Fischer, and she shares her goal with the cameras in the beginning of the documentary. She wants these kids to have such strong faith in Christianity that they would be willing to sacrifice themselves for their love of God. She knows that the values that are learned at a young age are the fundamental basis for which children build on. So if these dedicated children are taught the ideas and concepts of Evangelistic Christianity when they are seven, the core values will be instilled throughout the duration of their life. At camp, they do things like repent for their sins, smash ceramic labeled "government," and hear a speech from a man protesting abortion. They also talk to a cardboard cutout of George Bush, and pray for him and his administration. The conflict comes in when political statements are made through religion. Abortion is currently a major political fight, but it is also a religious issue. The separation of church and state is called into question when all parties (whether political or not) have the right to say what they choose. Is this camp brainwashing kids by indoctrinating one-sided opinions into youth? Or is this establishment just passing down the same views that this particular church has always held? Bias is hard to avoid in reality, but this documentary questions the limit that exists. Representing the other side of the argument is a radio-talk show host who is obviously more liberal. He speaks with a few people as the film goes on, even interviewing the leader of the camp at one point. That talk is where their clashing views are most contrasting. Although the filmmakers released a statement saying that this film was intended to have an objective view, there were a few cinematic decisions that created a certain feeling. At points, the documentary seemed to be criticizing the camp and the Evangelical Church. Most of the documentary was set in the Midwest, a fairly rural area. I am aware that, being liberal and growing up in the area that I did, I have my own personal bias, but I am attempting to be as unbiased as I can. The views of the scenery between content scenes create a tone of loneliness and isolation. This mood does not tend to be positive, instead, it makes viewers (at least me) a little apprehensive and off-put by the camp and where it is located. Another factor is the characters that are not at the camp. Early on in the film, the main group of focuses go bowling. In this group is Rachael, one of the featured children. On this trip, Rachael goes up to a stranger and gives her a pamphlet. She also tells this woman how much God loves her and wants to know her. As Rachael leaves, the woman, who was very polite, looks confused and taken aback. This is pretty unusual in today's society and by including this bit, it is clear that some people may not want to be persuaded to change religions. This would be exercising their own personal rights as well. The reaction proves that this type of interference in strangers lives could be negative. A lot of really substantial facts are presented in this film, and it made me think a lot about the difference between sharing a faith and pressuring others to have faith alongside you.

http://www.impawards.com/2006/jesus_camp.html