If anyone glanced over in my direction during any point in the movie, they most likely would have seen my jaw completely dropped. I found that documentary to be extremely fascinating yet unsettling. I have been raised without major emphasis on religion; my mom tried to teach my sister and me some things about Christianity and God, but we never went to church or really practiced it. My main religious influence has been Buddhism, since both my parents have found solace in that practice. I have personally found Buddhism to be a way of life that I feel the most connected with. Therefore, I don’t really understand much about Christianity, so seeing these children who are completely consumed by it is absolutely mind-boggling to me. It reminded me of a scary movie in which the minister Becky was brainwashing these children who would believe anything she said, and using them to start an “army” against non-Christians and the government. As a non-Christian I find this a little freaky.
I guess to me Becky just seemed like a huge hypocrite. She kept talking about fasting and focusing all one’s attention on God, yet she obviously hasn’t fasted in a while and she didn’t look too concerned with God while she was using all that hairspray and make-up. It really troubled me to hear that boy Levi say that his soul felt “yucky” whenever he was around a non-Christian. I don’t understand how they he can claim to be accepting of people, when all others who aren’t exactly like him are considered “yucky?” I don’t think it’s fair for these kids to be put under such pressure at such a young age. Like for example that boy who felt so guilty for having a hard time believing in God that he stood in front of the whole crowd crying and repenting his sins. I personally don’t think a child should have to deal with stress like that! These kids aren’t even allowed to act like kids (tell ghost stories… read Harry Potter- come on, really!?). It seems to me like these kids are going to have a lot to deal with when are older and have to face the real world. I’m really sorry if my analysis of this movie has offended anyone who is Christian. I am very accepting of all religions (especially since I believe in different parts of many); I just found this documentary to be very shocking.
2 comments:
I am a non-Christian myself, so the Jesus Camp documentary really kind of opened my eyes on the horrors of the people who believe in Christianity. I'm not saying Christianity is a bad thing, I'm saying that some that believe in it take it too far and make it into a bad thing. Religion, to me, is there to help a person be able to cope with life. It was developed as a way to help people deal with everyday situations and to be at peace with the spirit. I don't think Fisher should have taken it so far and say things that sometimes had nothing to do with Christianity. Not to mention that she is a hypocrite, like you mentioned. I hate it when people tell others to not do something and then go and do it themselves. Fisher was talking about sins and about how it builds, and then I look at her and think "You have been sinning yourself!! Just look at you!" No offense, but she has sinned on not fasting, first of all, and on caring about her appearance. What's that sin called??? Oh...sin of vanity. Hehe...I don't know. I think Fisher was just a big joke. I have nothing to say against the children, however. They just believe what they are taught to believe, and I think all children should decide for themselves what they want to believe in instead of being heavily influenced by adults.
I really enjoyed reading your post! I especially liked how you said it was obvious she hadn't fasted for a while...! And you weren't the only one with your mouth hanging open...I was shocked as well. It's disheartening to see how twisted some religious leaders are and how they'll go to any lengths - even telling children they are evil - to spread their doctrine.
Anywho, it's awesome that you were raised with a Buddhist background. I've been looking into Buddhism lately, and I also feel like it's the closest thing to truth I have found thus far.
Nice writing!
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