Jesus Camp

This.
Is an incredible film.


I don't care how you see it; download it, rent it, buy it
- just make sure you see it. And then have the most amazing inner-dialogue with yourself about every subject raised...

It's a documentary focusing on an Evangelical summer camp in North Dakota that trains children to be Christian soldiers as part of Gods army. Here children as young as 6 are taught the lies of evolution, the evil of abortion and the reverence of our lord George W. Bush. As far as the morality of it all goes, I can only splutter with indignation and struggle to find the words to even begin to describe the injustices being dealt upon these children. As a piece of filmmaking, I can say it's an exceptional piece of work.

The movie focuses entirely on the summer camp and its Pastor Becky Fischer. The only voice of dissidence is a Christian talk radio host who argues that Evangicalism has gone too far in Christs name. There is very little misrepresentation in terms of filmmaking - or as far as I noticed - and the staff and children are given ample chance to explain themselves. Opinions are left to the audience to decide, however since the material is so remarkable in terms of displaying and explaining fundamentalism it's very hard to look upon the subjects favourably. Their rational is clear and concise, but their argument dictates that they hang themselves with their own rope. Which they do. Frequently.


What I found most remarkable was the humanising of the subjects; despite that these children are effectively brainwashed, terrified and forced into a belief of Christ, their eloquence, intelligence and dedication is remarkable. Were it not for an indoctrinated faith and coherced alligance they would be exceptional children - smart, mannered, educated, opinionated - but the fevered rocking and speaking in tongues is enough to make you fear for their adullthood.

Not to make grand statements about religion or anything, but those interested in state control and cult movements should take a look. Not all fascism looks like Hitler, and this is a terrific, front row view into the makings of an indocrinated youth. Their dedication and feverent belief makes you wish their efforts were more positively placed than banning abortions and the creation of a Christian state. The movie is frequently hilarious, and frequently terrifying, when the Pastors explain their methods for ensnaring the young minds - there's nothing like the blood font to explain sin, and you can't beat a 2 inch plastic foetus strapped to a 6-year olds wrist to drive the abortion point home.

This movie makes it harder to laugh at those religious nutballs out there, it puts a face to those silly fools who claim dinosaurs are mentioned in the Bible and it gives a legitimacy to a movement that demands ignorance and blind-faith over anything else. It's also a fascinating sociological document, and a very well made movie.

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Adam Curtis' new series The Trap starts on Sunday night, 9pm, BBC 2 - don't forget to watch it. I'll be at work. Bollocks.