Jesus Camp probably ended up being much scarier than any other movie that has come out in the last decade. Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing provide a relatively objective look at a Christian summer camp and the evangelical Christian community in North Dakota. The film bounces back and forth between a rational Christian radio broadcaster, who provides a counter argument throughout the film, and the kids and counselors of the "Kids on Fire School of Ministry" camp. The most alarming part of the film is how it reveals what a huge influence a group of people, no matter how crazy their ideology, can have over government and policy. The film in particular illuminates the evangelical Christian community's support for particular candidates in all political offices, all the way up to the supreme court, and their influence on policy. They are among the most vocal skeptics of global warming, and personally I find that pretty horrifying.
Equally horrifying is the way that the counselors and leaders of the community are essentially brainwashing the children. They are intentionally raising them to act, think, and feel exactly the same way as they do. They are basically ensuring that the next generation will carry on acting the same way as they do. Additionally, through methods such as home schooling, they are ensuring that the children are never exposed to any other conflicting views. With these kids growing up learning nothing but what they are being taught by their parents and counselors, the cycle is bound to continue.
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