I think these videos present us with a great opportunity to discuss perhaps some of the likes, dislikes, concerns or agreements we may have with certain aspects to the evangelical Christian movement. There is much to be discussed here and so I will start things off with my own personal thoughts of the films. Please feel free to add your own thoughts or disagreements with any aspects of the films or my thoughts.
*Be sure to watch the films before you read my thoughts.
JESUS CAMP (part 1)
Jesus Camp Part 2 (the rest of the parts are on youtube.)
HELL HOUSE (part 1)
Hell house Part 2 (the rest of the parts are on youtube.)
My thoughts on the films
Jesus Camp
I first watched this film as a Christian quite some time ago. Even in my Christian mindset I was absolutely disgusted at what I witnessed. First and foremost I think there needs to be a clear distinction between this type of Christianity and the Christianity I was subjected too. While similarities are there they are definitely two different world views. Becky Fisher and company make up a small (unfortunately not small enough) fraction of the evangelical Christian movement. Many of my Christian friends would absolutely object to this kind of child abuse. But in fairness, I think it’s a lot easier for the non Christian to find the indoctrination of children in this manner morally concerning. After all, if there really is a hell, then wouldn’t it be ok to condition kids at such an early age in the ways of a “true” Christian?
To me this film displayed actions and behaviour that were nothing short of child abuse. I feel for these children, as do many Christians. In my opinion children should always be given the freedom to make their own minds up and never have beliefs pushed upon them. But If were being realistic, parents are always going to instil their own morals and values onto their children, so naturally a Christian or a Muslim is going to pass on what they believe to their children. I don’t feel I have a right to tell parents how to raise their own children. But I do have a right to raise my own concerns for children in general. I am a participating member of this society and I object whole heartedly to the idea that a child from an early age should be subjected to the kind of brain washing, fear driving, religious indoctrinating bullshit that we witnessed in this video. Children are our future.
Hell house
I really enjoyed this documentary. There were some people in this video that scared me, and no, they weren’t any of the people dressed in demon outfits. It was mainly the church pastor with the moustache. There were also people that I absolutely loved. Such as the single dad raising all his kids, my heart broke watching his littlest one have a seizure. Again a lot of my objections are on the same page as Jesus Camp and again, my personal experience with Christianity was nothing like what you see in the film, and the two should not be confused. But there are similarities that need to be addressed. This films focus is a lot more on the fear driving aspect of Christianity rather than the indoctrination of little ones.
My main issue with this film (to state the obvious) is the fear! Why so much fear? Is it really so necessary? Surely at this point in history we can look back and see some of the biggest mistakes made in the past have been caused by unwarranted fear. Governments use it, disastrous political regimes have used it and many religions use it. Fear can drive a person to do almost anything and is a great way to keep large groups of people in line. However If we want to keep our minds straight and think clearly, we need to rid ourselves of unnecessary fear. If you fear the afterlife it’s obviously going to radically cloud your judgment. You’re going to cling to the first thing that comes along and promises you some sort of comfort.
The truth is no one knows what happens after we die, and Christianity isn’t the only religion claiming eternal torment for those that don’t follow. We can’t live our lives in fear of what might or might not be in the afterlife. We can however learn to make good moral choices without fear and intimidation. I love my dad, he doesn’t have to threaten me with punishment for me to listen to him, and neither does God. Although to be fair to God, he (or she) is never the one doing the intimidating, Gods not the one writing the books, building the hell houses and spreading the fear, it’s the people conveniently passing on the message for him. Bless people :)
My other major objection was the final scene of the film when some of the church members began describing their view of the world and how it’s all about to come to an end. Here is one young lady’s response:
“I truly believe the end times are right upon us and there happening right now... the world is the worst that it have ever been, its and ugly evil world, and that’s a scary thing, but at the same time it’s a good thing because that means that Jesus is close to coming and is about to come back for his bride.”
Any belief system, religious or otherwise, that builds in you such a pessimistic view about the world as the one above, is not one that is going to further the progression of a civil, free society. The day we stop thinking or caring about the world and its future is day we find ourselves in big trouble.
These are just some of my thoughts and concerns. Please help me out and share with me your thoughts, wether you agree or disagree.
Much love
Jason
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