Jesus camp

Jesus Camp - the 2006 American film/documentary was broadcast last night on Franco-German TV channel ARTÉ. The film shows the 'extreme' fundamentalist brand of America Charismatic Evangelicalism.

Jesus camp is about the 'Kids on fire School of Ministry' ; a Summer camp for children.

I was deeply shocked by what I saw. Kids as young as 5 being manipulated, put on a guilt trip in order to repent of their 'sins'. Not only 'manipulation' but also acute 'indoctrination' was in clear evidence. The kids were made to think that they were the only ones who were 'saved', 'going to heaven' (instead of hell), which is a narrow sectarian view of God, salvation and his relationship to us human beings.

The political leanings were also blatant - both patriotic and right wing - pro republican/George Bush.

Also another aspect of their belief was that of 'War' - War against the devil - which implies war against those who are not one of them - ie gays, muslims, liberals, non-Christians...

I was repulsed by this bigoted style of religion which is at odds with the teaching and life of the Christ.

Jesus was all embracing (he ate with 'sinners', touched the untouchables...), his message was Good News! (Forgiveness, healing, acceptance) based on love (for God, neighbor, enemy and yourself)...His way was that of humility and service...

I was also saddened when I thought back to some years ago when I was part of a similar church...the film was a reminder that we can be so misguided into thinking that we're following God when we're actually feeding our own ego!

May God guard us from such folly!