Jesus Camp
Before “Jesus Camp,” I used to think that the fundamentalist, evangelical Christians who have become such a huge political movement over the past couple of years might have their hearts in the right place, but are just, shall we say, off in their approach. Or maybe I just hoped that was the case. But watching this film, I’m really thinking that I might have given them too much credit. Produced by A&E- but fully deserving of the theatrical release (albeit limited) it’s receiving, it’s kind of shocking- and really, quite disheartening- that this film isn’t receiving more press. Though it’s low-budget origins are obvious, it’s effect speaks volumes. “Jesus Camp” is directed with a surprising even-handedness by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, who also directed the doc “The Boys of Baraka” (unseen by me). What we see onscereen is meant to be- in the eyes of its’ subjects, at least- inspiring, but from the outset, the score by Force Theory sets a very different tone, more accustomed to the reality of what we’re seeing.
In 2005, Rolling Stone magazine- whose political coverage has become a must-read for me over the past couple of years- did an article on the Dominionists, the far right wing of the evangelical movement in America whose purposes are to spread the Lord’s word to effect every aspect of American life- school, politics, art, and so on. This is the same sect that was very much responsible for the Republican sweep in the 2004 election, including- but not limited to- the “re-election” of George W. Bush (some of us still feel as though he was never elected the first time- sorry guys). That article is something of a prelude to this film, which shows how the members of this movement are raising their children to be the most important generation in American history (and the most important members of God’s army- already you see the issue brought forth by some of the language used), through not just their day-to-day living- which includes home schooling and pledging allegiance to the “Christian flag” before every day- but also their sending them to a bible camp in- of all places- Devil’s Lake, North Dakota.
Raising your children with fundamental Christian values is one thing (I know a lot of people who consider themselves Christians- and though I haven’t been to church in over 10 years, I would consider myself one as well- and they’re alright people)- instilling them with fundamentalist thinking that paints the world in black-and-white is quite another, and it’s hard not to see that that’s exactly what these parents and pastors- the main one of which in the film is child’s pastor Becky Fischer- are doing to these children. It’s as true with any other religion in the world as it is with Christianity, but seeing as though this film is about Christianity (and it’s the religion I’m most familiar with, given my upbringing), you’ll excuse me for singling it out at this time. Three children stand out- 13-year old Levi (who was saved when he was 5 and now preaches to children at the camp), 10-year old Rachel, and 11-year old Tori- and all appear to be well-rounded children. They’re passionate about their love of God- and that they’re passionate about something is cause for some hope- but immediately through their language, and the language used by the parents and pastors, something is very off about their approach to religion and faith. Their mindset isn’t one of open-mindedness, loving, and forgiving, which we tend to associate with Christ; to them, they are on a mission to bring Christianity and what they view as Christian beliefs (meaning anti-abortion- something they do instill in the kids in the film- activism and teaching intelligent design over evolution, to name a few) to the world with- in Fischer’s hopes- the same fervor and passion we’ve seen from fundamentalist Muslims. She doesn’t explicitly say that she condons suicide bombers of the kind we’ve seen from that extreme zealousness, but one gets the distinct impression- again, in some of the language she uses- she wouldn’t be averse to the idea (and self-sacrifice in the name of Christ is brought up to the children in the film).
On the opposite end of the spectrum from Fischer is radio talk show host Mike Papantonio of Air America, seen hosting his show and commenting on the rise of evangelical Christians in politics (and it’s important to realize that the goals of this far-right movement are more political than spiritual in nature; they do not represent- in my estimation- the large majority of people who consider themselves Christians in this country, even if some of their beliefs on some issues are similar). Papantonio- whose show I now want to listen to- is in the film to provide the larger context of what this movement means both for Christians and for the country, and we hear excerpts of calls he takes with listeners who provide further illumination as to what a broader view of evangelicals is in this country; the callers seem to me to represent the majority of America, and these are the people I leave the film wanting to talk to. Well, there is one caller, at the end, I’m not sure I could talk to; Fischer herself calls into Papantonio’s show, and the back-and-forth between the two is enlighting in how- when confronted with reasonable questions about their beliefs- fundamentalists are unable to explain themselves with any real depth and are forced to fallback on the same arguments (again, it’s as true with any fundamentalist viewpoint as it is with Christianity, but the film looks intently at Christianity, so that’s where my focus lies). This alone made the film indispensible viewing for me, as did a late scene at a major evangelical church in Colorado Springs that helps bring the film to a close.
Some films are unique in the way they are open to interpretation. Who’s the intended audience for “Jesus Camp?” The film is well-rounded enough in presenting both sides of its’ subject that evangelicals can’t claim the film (which for them could only go to support their beliefs and worldview) completely their own. Neither can individuals like Papantonio, who see the danger in this movement’s political strength and ability to affect change, and to whom this film is a wake-up call to those of us not as familiar with the movement. Ultimately, I think “Jesus Camp’s” ultimate strength is its’ appeal to a group of moviegoers whose minds our open to the ideas of others (even if they don’t agree with ours in the end), and whose concern for the world means learning as much about it as we can, and making up our own minds about how we want it to be. If this review makes me seem like a bleeding-heart liberal, let me just say that neither extreme has it right, and both are just as scary. I trust the middle, whose minds are flexible (but not entirely impressionable) and thought is rational, over either of the far sides any day of the week. “Jesus Camp” just brings insight to one of them; I’ll probably feel the same about any film that comes along about the other one.
