Discussions
Jesus camp
Posted by morgantj • 2/09/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: jesus, jesus camp, movie, movies, religion, religious movies
I just finished watching the movie, "Jesus Camp." It has to be the most frightening movies I have seen in a long time.
Here is the trailer - www.apple.com/trailers/magnolia/jesuscamp/trailer/
User Comments
-
I saw that too....I felt the inherent need to take a scalding hot shower afterward....it freaked me out to no end. There a bunch of youtube videos about the same thing, I guess it was done as a sort of documentary, and there is this part where a couple of kids are talking to the camera (Maybe, 6 years old?) and they're talking about the "War for God" and going into battle for God and Jesus....
*shudder* -
I grew up in an evangelical home and spent some some being home schooled. That blond boy made me cry. That was up against Gore's file for Best Documentary that year I think. I'm glad to see its still getting new viewers despite not taking the award.-
It was up against Gore's An Inconvenient Truth? WOW!
Thank's 4 the link MTJ you rock! -
Yep, 2006 was a great year for feature length documentaries. The 2007 awards nominees were:
Inconvenient Truth, An (2006) - Davis Guggenheim (WINNER)
"P.O.V." (1988) {My Country, My Country} - Laura Poitras; Jocelyn Glatzer
Deliver Us from Evil (2006) - Amy Berg (II); Frank Donner
Iraq in Fragments (2006) - James Longley; Yahya Sinno
Jesus Camp (2006) - Heidi Ewing (I); Rachel Grady -
Thanks Techfun, I will look for those documentaries, this is great! My brother makes documentaries (short-movies), maybe he already knew this, hehe, but if he didn't, then I can have my say there, yaiy...
-
How do you know all of this stuff?
-
Anok: A near eidetic memory. I have tons of little compartments in my brain and even though I don't remember things photographically, I remember enough to track down the details when I need them.
-
I also have lots of little compartments ... and one of the most interesting lint collections you've ever seen.
-
-
It's always scary when monotheism is taken to it's extreme.-
What I found to be extra creepy though, was - in the videos I watched - the reactions of the kids. I mean, these kids were young! Babies! And some of them just had this look in their eyes....and others, I think they were too young to know what was going on, they thought it was all a game and so they were running around speaking in "tongues" while the adults were preaching about battling for God....
Its just creepy, thats what it is....
-
-
The thing I thought was the scariest bit was when they had the cardboard cut out of Bush and were almost worshiping it. -
I just want to throw a few more links out there - in case anyone else was having trouble with the original link (I was) these are from youtube, about four minutes into the first one it gets freaky...although apparently these camps have been suspended...there are nine in total.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c94b1_dx9Q8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS6LwHJz1jk&feature=related -
I feel so bad for those kids. And I'm afraid for my kids. The lady that was brainwashing those kids said she can go to a playground and make all the kids believe at the playground in no time at all. They take advantage of the children's open and innocent minds to brainwash them.
-
I felt it was child abuse when I watched it, to be honest. It made me feel ill during and after.
-
I felt it was child abuse as well. It was sickening.
-
What bothered me the most I think is how vulnerable those children are, like you pointed out. I am all for letting mine read and study and learn about ALL relgions and then when they are adults, if they choose to follow a particular path, I will respect it.
Hopefully that way their choices will be made from a place of personal understanding and not just blind acceptance. -
My Brian couldn't finish the DVD. It upset him so much he had to leave the room.
-
Chelle, the sad part is most of those parents in the movie would consider your way of raising kids to be child abuse because you are letting them decide something that they consider to be MORE important than a matter of life and death since it extends beyond death.
-
I agree with techfun... there is not logic reasoning with these people. They have an answer for every angle.
-
-
And to think I almost didn't click on this for fear that it was another one of "those" threads.
-
Stoneman, as long as you control your behavior, what is there to fear? I'm surprised how few new threads and discussions there are now on religion ever since blogcatalog posted some rules on hate posts. It's almost as if the religious people are avoiding the religious threads now because they can't avoid reverting to attacks and reverting to the "my feelings are hurt" card in such discussions.
-
I'm willing to bet that this is a passing phase. I would suggest to you that many of us are just burnt out on them. That too will pass.
-
-
Like Techfun... i grew up evangelical fundamentalist... a born-againer. It's what I blog about. hotforjesusformerfundie.blogspot.com
I too consider it a form of child abuse what takes place in churches and camps like in Jesus Camp. To be totally honest, I haven't yet watched the movie. Each time I saw the Previews I got too upset... to the point of shaking. It is still too personal... but slowly losing it's power.
Many friends have asked me about my opinion of the movie... some wanted to go see it with me, just to see how I would respond. I've watched a number of other documentaries on christianity and evangelical fundamentalism... working my way up to Jesus Camp. Also... I actually worked in a similiar baptist bible camp as a camp counselor... baptists aren't as into speaking in tongues, but everything else goes.
Thanks for bringing this up again. I need to watch it, and am sure to write about it once I do.-
This speaking in tongues... really it's just them speaking rubbish right?
-
We were taught that speaking in tongues was something that was most prevalent and needed during the very early days of the church... the times when christians would "literally" evangelize on the street corners in cities full of people from many languages and lands... and that it was when the holy spirit was strongest in the church. As an evangelical fundamentalist, we weren't very charasmatic/pentacostal
-
Yes... rubbish which they believe are ancient/dead languages... or languages that people in the far corners of the world would understand. Some people start channeling recognizable foriegn languages. Anything that did or did not make logical sense had an explanation behind it.
basically it is just a feeding frenzy on the human brain.
-
-
I wrote a much more concise answer... but the system cuts me off. WTF?
-
the part that freaked me out was watching Ted Haggard with those boys. he looks like such a predator!!! -
The charasmatic/pentacostal are the denominations most likely to speak in tongues. We were taught that the speaking in tongues that took place every Sunday morning in church were more about personal glorification than glorification of the holy spirit.
It was a gift, and some people were more blessed with it than others. Nevertheless, after I left the church and started studying yoga and the mind/body connection, I believe speaking in tongues is just another form of "kundalini rising". People get worked into a trance and their energy gets so wound up that it creates convulsions and mumbo jumbo.
I believe now that speaking in tongues is basically unsafe psychological breakdown and release. This is different than "letting go"... it is more about totally losing control. On a number of times when I found myself beginning to speak in tongues, I remember making the mental note that I had the choice to totally go over the edge and surrender to this flow of energy or I could reign it in.
I strongly believe that when you've got kids and adults in convulsions on the floor and screaming and mumbling nonsensical words, you've got a dangerous breeding ground for psychological damage... and opening people up for more brainwashing.-
This is a first... but I totally agree! =)
-
-
Ok, I can’t get the link to work, so I’m going to throw it on the table and not be very politically correct. I haven't seen the film, but I'm going to check it out.
Are these camps anything like the radical Muslims teaching children to become suicide bombers?-
No... in that, so far we don't have too many children actually going out and committing suicide and taking other people with them. Yes, in that they teach that it is an honor to be a matyr for God. They are obsessed with the End Times/Tribulation/Rapture/Armeggedon, to the point, in my dead-serious from-experience opinion, that they praise god to see war and famine and horrible things happen in the world, because it points to jesus's second coming... and would be willing to sabotage or ignore peace efforts in certain parts of the world because they conflict with their middle-eastern war-zone view of the world. They loved to see "babylon" burning (Iraq) during the first gulf war... it was taught from the pulpit, and the radio, and the christian media as a blessed sign from god... that things were moving in the right direction for the end times... They are more than happy to see the world go to hell in a handbasket if it means JC is going to show up and fix it all... and they look forward to dying for the cause.
I'm not making this shit up.
They elected both the bushes. -
Interesting and scary.. I've never heard of these "Jesus Camps" before. I guess I need to do some more research.
-
Actually... by spending enough time with any middle or right of center christian church... jesus camp or not... you'll find a lot of people who believe this... and often times blatantly preached from the pulpit or an underlying reference to it. In my opinion, any camp that takes children away from their parents and brainwashes them to believe in a god is part of the problem... but I hit harder on the hardcore churches because it is more obvious.
-
Bob, while they have not advocated outright violence, they do have the kids geared up in cammo's and talking about holy wars.
Yeah, its pretty freaking creepy.
-
-
I have serious questions about that stuff and the welfare of the people involved. But I need to point out that I am very comfortable with Jesus and am not anti-Christian, in fact if I look up from my computer, to the right I have the most beautiful Jesus picture. That material resembles a cult mentality and in no way reminds of the teachings of Jesus. I did actually see parts of that movie on TV. One of the gentlemen in that movie resigned his post at some point after the movie was made, I didn't particularly like some of the questions he asked some of the young men in the movie, they were inappropritate.
But to each his own-
I understand that you have a respectable relationship with christianity/jesus. Anymore I let it all hang out. Jesus and religion and "true christianity"/"teachings of Jesus" hold no weight for me anymore. They have lost their power. I have no more respect for any aspect of christianity than any other slippery slope religion. I've seen too many "nice" christians slide into the cult aspect of christianity, and once they get in, they rarely get out.
But I think you and I, AC, may have discussed this dilemna elsewhere. I should let it rest. Sometimes I'm pretty impatient with christians of all stripes. I feel everyone in the throes of the fundamentalist/cultish christianity deserves a lot of patience and compassion. I know I wouldn't have gotten out of Jesus Camp without it.
-
-
I'm a Christian and a pentecostal also and from what I have read on this film I dont want to watch it. They go into this all wrong. They shouldn't be forcing kids to believe in this religion. It's ok I think to present it to kids but these people are basically forcing it upon those children.
I really hate the church in the southeast I think it is that is alot like this. They are pressing for war and Armageddon and all that and they believe that us soldiers die cause they are gay and its God striking them down. Those people are insane. They give Christianity a bad name by far and I really hate seeing things like that. Christians are suppose to be loving and representing Christ. Not condemning the world around them and being happy when homosexual people die its just not right at all.
*ENDS RANT*-
guitarjockey: Curious... totally up to you if/how you respond: Do consider that in ANY way you were forced into the christian belief system?
-
i was born Christian by default, it wasn't forced on me, it was an osmosis thing. I see a lot of problems in all religions but I won't throw out what i calkl the good bits, there are many good things. I'm still hooked on the Sermon on the mount
-
-
No I was never forced growing up. I've grown up in church but it was never forced upon me. At an early age my parents always told me I could do whatever I wanted to. I didn't have to believe in God if I didn't want to. Within that last couple years though is when I have really learned who God is to me and why I believe in him though. I was never forced into religion but when I first believed I didn't pick the choice for the best reason's.
-
Always interesting to hear different perspectives.
Yes, i too was always told it was a personal decision, but looking at it now, I have to admit that the propaganda of there being only one god and one way or else (and that it always comes down too... the "or else"...) meant that the (excessive) exposure to christianity defaulted my "choice".
-
-
Yeah I see what you mean. I think it's hard for almost everyone to grasp that cause alot of Christians make it so condemning. Yeah its true but the word Christian means Christ Like and Christians should be representing Christ and showing his love instead of making people feel like they are judged so much.
-
For those who are scared of religious folks - I honestly can't blame you after seeing this kind of crap.
It makes me sick to see people misrepresent Christianity. UGH!-
Yeah I honestly don't blame anyone for not liking Religious people after this. They falsify Christianity like crazy.
-
And the funny thing is, they would say that you falsify and misrepresent christianity.
-
-
Yeah but if you start using the bible they are taking stuff from it and twisting it its pretty crazy.
-
so would you be scared of them too? What if they got a hold of your kids?
-
-
Freeatlast, it's not funny but I get your point.
I think more people agree that Jesus Christ is all about love and not scaring people off. Under that assumption, I can definitely point who falsifies Christianity.
If we can't agree on that one thing, then it's every man's opinion. Either way, I don't look at movies or "documentaries" to determine what Christianity is all about - I look at those people who claim they know Christ and see if they genuinely live for Him or for something else. I only hope others do too.-
Really good point.
-
All these people, people who I know and knew through any version of Christianity, Jesus Camp or not, claim to these exact same principles about Christ's love, and every aspect of christianity I've ever been exposed to would be seriously offended that someone would say that they are falsifying christ's message.
I guess the point is... I too look at the people and their hearts... and when it comes right down to it, everyone truly believes that they've got the right idea of god and others don't. I got out of that vicious cycle and have nothing to say about who is and isn't interpreting their prayer, meditation, bible study, worship, signs from God correctly. I can tell my own story, and that is what my blog is dedicated to. If some aspects of christianity come out tainted and warped and ironic, so be it.
BTW: I don't get my views of christianity from movies and documentaries, but from over 20 years of experience and counting. I get tired of hearing every corner... EVERY CORNER... of christianity saying that the ones in the other corner are wrong. I've been in every corner, or close to it, and am not interested in pointing fingers at anyone other myself. That's the only person I answer to when it comes to my loss of faith/belief. I have not lost love. Love exists outside christianity. I've never been happier or healthier.
Trying to determine who is a "true" christian lost its charm for me too. I'm out... for good.
If I occassionally underline and italicize and capitalize things that I experienced as found in Jesus Camp... it's because I want people to look closer at ALL aspects of christianity and religion and "spirituality"... even if it means they learn about it through a movie or documentary.
If people don't want to see this part of our humanity, they always have the option of turning their head. -
Freeatlast, obviously your experiences and theological views are very different than mine.
I am genuinely interested to hear more about your "ex-Christian" views from your blogs and upcoming BC threads...
Personally, I believe "ex-Christians" either 1) never had a genuine relationship with the Lord (if he/she did, why leave such a perfect thing?) or 2) is at a difficult stage in life where he or she is drifting or stumbling away from Him yet ultimately believes in His grace and power. Yes, I'm one of those "once saved, always saved" believing-type folks.
In either case, Christians should love these folks and everyone else anyway. After all, WWJD, right? You don't have to believe in Jesus as God to know that his teachings of unconditional love are admirable. Even my Anti-Christian friends acknowledge that.
Good discussion - I love the honesty and respect (for the most part) shared here on BC threads. -
Mewie: Once saved always saved is a matter of theological interpretation. There are quite a number of people who will disagree and quote scripture to the opposite. I could care less either way. That argument either way is for the people who fear for their own life and death. Not me.
Those arguments you made about 1 and 2 I've known about before I started going to sunday school. I'm not here to defend myself. If you need to talk about and judge the discrepencies among black-sliden to the dark-side people such as myself, you'll not get any defensive argument from me. That is for your own heart to deal with. Not mine. Say and think what you want to about people such as me. You are the one that has to live with yourself, not me.
Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself. Love yourself. Amen.
BTW: I won't be returning to this conversation. So discuss amongst yourselves if you must. Good talk. -
freeatlast, in case you actually do read this thread again, I'm not trying to convince you to be anything you don't want to be. I'm just trying to figure out what could have happened for you to switch from one extreme side to the other.
And yes, yes... I know your blog will reveal that some day... just letting you know that a Christian noob like myself is patiently looking forward to it. Take care. -
"reason" happened.
-
-
By the way, the Jesus camp has been suspended, because of so many complaints by folks like you and me, and Morgan, and parents who I'm sure were scared witless.
That doesn't mean they aren't teaching, only that they aren't teaching it en masse, in the summer, by seriously indoctrinating lots of kids all at once. -
I'm a born-again, evangelical, fundamentalist, ultra-conservative, far right-wing (and whatever else you want to call me) Christian....and that made ME sad. I would like to watch the whole thing now...I'm curious.-
Hi Krist
did the content make you sad?
I don't think you are consrvative or right wing. Although you may be evangelical and are dedicated to your faith, what you post is a little different because when you post in discussions, you have tolerance of the diversity of views
So I think you have got your stuff pretty right, you know who you are and where you are going and have always seemed tolerant of other views...that's not far right...and you're probably sdilly enough not to fall into the category of conservative. -
Yes, the content of the trailer made me sad...to see small children writhing on the floor like that, and it all just seemed very emotionally charged. I just think those adults are being incredibly irresponsible in presenting that type or "brand" of Christianity to small children.
-
-
-
Just for the record, the war that they are referring to is not against people,though the editing would make it appear that way.
As for it being abuse, I have seen football camps just as radical but it is a cause that people accept. -
The shaking on the floor comes from being touched by God,it is powerful,but it doesn't hurt.It usually happens when someone is being healed or called into ministry,usually missions.
-
Did you see the movie? For the record, I have not.
-
And the information about the audience members comes from god, or an in-ear receiver?
-
I have been both healed AND called into ministry (missions) and that didn't happen to me. I was a member of a church with emphasis on missions, and I have known about a hundred people called to missions, and that didn't happen to them.
I have been a member of a church where we believe fully in the power of the Holy Spirit and believe that spiritual gifts are alive and well today...and I have NEVER seen anything like that in my church. I would be very skeptical if I saw that in my church.
-
Add Your Comment
Login to leave a message.
