Jesus Camp
I had been meaning to watch “Jesus Camp” for a while now, but just couldn’t get myself to rent it. Now, after having watched it, I feel deep empathy for the kids who were followed in the film.I was, by almost every measure, one of those kids. I was deeply involved in my Christian faith. I was drawn into it through an evangelical organization called AWANA. I was attracted to the Biblical message of the love of God expressed in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Later, as a teenager, I became even more involved and devoted. I witnessed to friends, I read my Bible, I went to Church, Sunday School, and participated in a youth group. I was fast becoming a youth leader, and seriously considered the ministry for my profession. All this because evangelicals target youth.I am grateful that my mind was never closed. I am grateful that this allowed me not to trust in the radical teachings and examples of many evangelicals. But of course, I was too young and too new in the faith to understand or be indoctrinated to those levels. Thank God for that!
When my social situation in life changed, I found it difficult to continue with church and the activities associated with it. I stopped going, and started searching anew for God’s purpose in my life. I eventually wound up becoming a Latter-day Saint, where I once again dedicated myself to my religion. This wouldn’t be lasting either. Again, I am grateful for an continual open mind.
I really hope that the realities of the world overcome the notions built in the minds of the youth in this film. I hope that they may see what was really important and precious about the teachings of Christ. I hope they will learn to love others without regard to their faith, and learn to live in society peacefully. I hope they will one day be able to think critically for themselves, and not through the lenses of the church.
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