Review of Jesus Camp (2006) by Justin N — 11 Feb 2011

A very well-made film, though horrifically painful to sit through, especially considering the camp and churches examined here are in Lee's Summit, a place I often find myself nearby when visiting my grandparents.

The emotional manipulation of children that is shown prevalently throughout the movie reminds me of some similar (granted, milder) things I went through in the churches I grew up in. A great emphasis is placed on not swearing, not watching movies that have magic in them (example in this film: Harry Potter), putting tracts in people's hands, and being patriotic. All of these things are emphasized while kids wash their hands in Nestlà (C)-branded water, wear "Go Army" t-shirts, and proudly don American flag merchandise.

One of the most sickening moments in the film shows a teacher at the camp holding up a cardboard cutout George W. Bush, declaring that he has surrounded himself with spiritual people, and then asking the kids to call down blessings upon him. Of course, this is all topped off by statements toward the end of the film about how quickly these sorts of churches are growing, leaving me with a lovely feeling of doom.