The controversial Jesus Camp in the US has shut down after a documentary film which featured events of children praying in tongues and sobbing with repentance in the camp met with a negative response.
Camp director Becky Fischer commented to Christianity Today: "Christians go after me because of doctrinal issues, whereas the world is going after me because they think I'm another Adolf Hitler."
She added: "They're accusing me of raising a Christian jihad."
The documentary "Jesus Camp" was launched last September, featuring kids worshipping at Bible camps and youth events in the US.
But the film has caused a scare to some audiences for its raw depiction of white evangelical children being 'radically trained' to lay down their lives for the gospel.
Many condemned Fischer, accusing her of 'manipulating' or 'brainwashing' children.
The film features kids shouting out for forgiveness and sobbing over social issues such as abortion and war. "Air America" radio host Mike Papantonio is among many who disagree with the tactics used at the camp.
"I think when you look at what occurs in the camp, there is a use of guilt. There is a use of shame," Papantonio said. "That is not directed all at Becky. I mean, what is a 5-year-old capable in ways of sin? Maybe stealing an Oreo from a cookie jar."
Papantonio asked Fischer why children needed to be so emotional at such a young age.
"One repetitive theme is a child crying, a child laying out on the ground and crying. Well, what are they crying about?" he asked. "Why does a 5-year-old feel like it is necessary to cry about their spirituality?"
"I do not use guilt. I do not use shame or manipulation in those ways," Fischer said. "This is a very intense moment. These children are passionate about their faith in Jesus Christ. Most people don't really have much emotion going on in their religion at all."
Since the past decade and a half, enrolment at Christian colleges is up 70 per cent in the US. Sales of Christian music in the US are up 300 per cent. Tens of thousands of youth pastors have been trained.
Young people are the majority who are targeted through Christian music festivals, skateboard competitions and rodeos.
"I think there is a push right now in a lot of evangelical churches to definitely keep the teenagers and keep the children in the faith," said Heidi Ewing, co-director of "Jesus Camp". "And this is one version of that attempt."
Have your say on this article
The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Sunday, October 19, 2008, 7:10 (BST)
Omg!!! The director of this camp is insane! This camp was evil and I can't believe parents would place their children in this hell! lol. God is the biggest mind control ever created by mankind. You god believers are so brainwashed!! Open your eyes and research you "God" Free your mind and step outside the bible!!!
vanessa, fresno, ca
Added: Friday, September 19, 2008, 23:53 (BST)
I'm happy the camp was shut down as well. I've been to these kinds of camps during my school years, and I hated them all. Somehow, even back then, I could see what was really happening. Becky struck me as one who has some real psychological "issues". I've had "teachers" similar to her, and they all seemed to have "issues" of one sort or another.
I wonder how Levi feels now that the Haggard scandal has occurred. He looked so happy up on that stage getting to meet the man who would later be exposed for what he was. Here's a boy with long hair & a pony tail. I thought boys & men were required to have short hair cuts. Isn't that what "the bible" teaches somewhere ? Or did I miss something ? I see hypocrisy and double-standards all over the place. I also saw numerous violations of Matthew 6: 5-6...see if you can find them.
This is why I've totally dropped out of organized religion. For me it was a nightmare unlike any horror movie made. I'll never go back, and no amount of their false promises could ever persuade me. Sorry guys, find yourselves another fool.
PaulH, Atlanta, GA
Added: Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 10:21 (BST)
It wasn't THAT bad! Come on, you guys. I am a happy atheist, but I was raised almost exactly like the kids in this film. The only thing I saw that was not completely familiar to me was the whole speaking in tongues bit, which I think kids will likely do out of peer pressure but I put on all sorts of acts in my own church out of peer pressure as well and while it was stupid, I don't think it was abuse. Parents try hard these days to instill a code of ethics into their children. If they are Christians and they want their kids to believe in God strongly, well they have 18 years to try to convince them he exists. My own parents clearly failed to convince me, but I don't disrespect their attempts, because that is what they believe. I think the problem people have with this is that there was a clear political agenda and of course that disagrees with a lot of people's political views. You don't want to lose future elections due to brainwashed children, so you put up your fuss about this. If they were whipping the kids, you wouldn't care as long as it doesn't affect future elections. The problem people have with Becky Fischer is her political push on these kids, but it has nothing to do with real concern for them. There are plenty of kids who actually ARE being abused in this country. Teaching your kids an unpopular theory doesn't consitute abuse.
All for Jesus, San Francisco
Added: Saturday, September 6, 2008, 5:11 (BST)
Watching these children cry was very sad.
As for their believes, well, children also believe in Santa Claus. They believe anything they are told..and so do many adults.
The people in this move deprive children from free thinking. I just hope that some of those poor children will one day see everything they are missing.
Ash, San Diego
Added: Thursday, September 4, 2008, 21:17 (BST)
Pretty alarming.
I know not ALL evangelical Christians are like this but still... everyone should be Catholic, then this wouldn't happen.
Carlos Gonzalez-Chavez, Jacksonville, Florida
Added: Monday, August 11, 2008, 4:59 (BST)
Organized religion at it's rawest. All organized religion takes advantage of the weekminded. It robs them of independent thought and eventually money. What a farce. This camp was despicable and I'm glad it closed.
Rob Turner, Tampa
Added: Saturday, May 24, 2008, 21:24 (BST)
I watched 'Jesus Camp' today and all I can say is that the "faith" shown through the children on my TV screen was not a true faith. These children were simply speaking in tongues because the the other children and adults in the room were doing it. As a 15 year old KID I can tell you that to anyone who is the age of me or especially those very young children, nothing means more to us than acceptance. I am ashamed to say that at that age I would have easily fallen into that trp. Yes i probably would have tried to speak in tongues if I know that my parents and peers would adore me for doing so. What they did to those kids in that camp was WRONG! Those kids need tons of love and attention in order to grow with a good self-esteem and having to speak in tongues and tape upi your mouth is NOT the way that they should be compelled to do so. Those children need love and acceptance, obviously as do the parents for putting such young people in that HELL house.
sierra faucett, alpharetta GA
Added: Thursday, May 8, 2008, 22:03 (BST)
I just watched the documentary this week. I was horrified by it. Everything in the documentary was negative. The word "love" was never spoken. These children are not being taught to share the gospel that Jesus paid for the sins of everyone who believes in Him and we can have eternal life with Him... they are not being taught to serve their neighbors and friends in love. They are being taught to be harsh, and judgmental - like modern day Pharasees. I am glad they closed this camp.
Jeff Verkerke, Rochester, MN
Added: Thursday, May 8, 2008, 20:47 (BST)
As one involved in the Evangelical movement, I can say that Jesus Camp is a real portrayal of Evangelicalism. The beliefs, preaching, and practices are totally congruent with a majority of Evangelical churches. Yet I believe there is a slant to the movie to display the subjects as weird or out of touch with society. Christianity as packaged in Jesus Camp seems to be radical and extremist. Has Evangelicalism Protestantism gotten off track as the film supposes? Or are Evangelicals truly being holy and pure, God's chosen people to proclaim His truth to a hurting world? Are Evangelicals practicing human doctrines by making unhealthy extensions to God's Word? And the question arises: are we understanding God correctly today, how are we doing to live the faith as presented in the Bible? The Christianity of Jesus Camp is only one slice of American Protestantism. The beliefs are based on the Bible, yet we must work harder to ensure the practical output of these beliefs are in line with the whole of God’s Word.
Tyler, Los Angeles, CA
Added: Wednesday, May 7, 2008, 0:20 (BST)
This kind of manipulation and brainwashing is exactly the type of nonsense that has thrown the world into the state its in. Religion is the use of fear and submition to dumb down and manipulate generation after generation taking away the most powerful tool we have as a species to QUESTION.
Dont get me wrong if you have looked and studied every faith and have had the ability and most importantly the chance to make up your own mind on what you believe then you can not be attacked for your faith. However when people blindly follow without question it leads to radicalisation and hatred. The best gift you can give your children is knowledge of a wide range of subjects so they can decide for themselves what they believe even if you do not like the outcome.
Not everything that you yourself dont believe in can just be reduced down to the work of the devil. To make this statement is just plain ignorent and damaging to progression. If god exists do you not think that he would be sickend by the division and bloodshed that MANS interpretation of the words in each book has resulted in. Open your minds to other interpretations and instead of dividing yourselves over the differences consolidate within the simalarities. The core of each religion is the same learn about each one and question everything your told, otherwise religion will result in total war destroying everything in the world.
Religion results in war when in the wrong hands and killing in any gods name in my opinion is just fundamentaly wrong. Think for yourselves, use your free will and be good to each other, you dont need the fear of hell fire to do that now surley.
john, bristol england
Added: Tuesday, May 6, 2008, 23:43 (BST)
This is child abuse. These people should be charged.
Patrick Eccles, BELFAST UK
Added: Saturday, May 3, 2008, 18:49 (BST)
It is sickening to watch small children be brainwashed like this. To tell a child that they are "unclean" and that they should start a Christian "war" is disgusting. The bible says that man was given free will, the right to choose, and yet these Evangelicals are taking small children who don't know any better yet and turning them into little tools for their own political agenda.
Jayden, Madison, WI
Added: Thursday, April 3, 2008, 14:17 (BST)
Thank God for places that teach children how to worship Jesus and walk in their gifts! It upsets me to hear Christians get so upset about this type of thing, which was made by someone outside looking in, with no godly wisdom. How influenced by the world the western church is! So let me ask this... Christian parents... would you prefer your children to be 'indoctrinated' into the ways of this world? Pornography, sexual immorality and perversion, drugs, materialism? Do you realize how early children these days begin engaging in these things? 10 year olds who are having sex and getting high and drunk? We need a powerful experience of the Holy Spirit today to confront the flood of evil and wickedness in our culture. This attitude in the church is the spirit of Religion, that says we believe in Jesus and God and all, but not enough that it actually effects our lives. If the Bible is true and Jesus is who he claimed to be, then you owe him EVERYTHING. Like Elijah on Mount Carmel, how long will we waver between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, then worship Him! If Baal is God, then worship him. Stop sitting on your fence of complacency and make a decision who you're going to devote your whole being to.
Erin, Elgin IL
Added: Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 22:33 (GMT)
Well...If the camp is closed, that is one less thing I need to protect my child from!!! Thank God.
Matt Good, Texas, USA
Added: Friday, March 14, 2008, 21:52 (GMT)
I am a Christian but unlike the folks who were running Jesus Camp. (I just viewed the film today.). I believe that Jesus is who He says He is. I also spend my days looking at the way Jesus interacted with people. At the end of the "Jesus" movie he was wearing red tape on His lips too... He had replaced the "if" with "OV", however. Did you notice that the true agenda of the JesusCamp was to get kids to be anti-abortion activists? That's what disturbed me. Lets indoctrinate kids to "Love ALL and Serve ALL" To live their lives focused and dedicated to, each day, looking for people and situation where they can love and serve. Let them focus on who Jesus was and how He acted!
I have been overcome by God's presence in times of worship so I know that the tears of the kids were tears of Joy (one of the fruits of the Spirit).
Also, George W Bush is not God's man. He is the servant of the rich and corporations. If you don't see this you have been deceived by his collusion. The kids should have been led to pray for God's love to overcome George, the Christians and the Muslims.
Lord have mercy on us all,
Kurt Gustafson, Corvallis Oregon USA
Added: Tuesday, March 4, 2008, 7:31 (GMT)
SORRY, I DID IT AGAIN, ONCE AGAIN MY CONCLUSION.
THIS SETS THE STAGE FOR THE VILE HATRED SATAN HAS FOR GOD AND EVERYTHING HE HOLDS DEAR, I.E. ME, YOU, AND THE REST OF MANKIND. SO TEMPTING EVE INTO THINKING THAT GOD WAS HOLDING OUT ON THEM. SHE CHOSE TO LISTEN TO THE LIES OF SATAN, THE ONE WHO WAS OUT TO DESTROY HER AND IGNORED THE VOICE OF HER FATHER, CREATOR WHO LOVED AND CARED FOR HER. THIS IS WHAT BROUGHT THE HUMAN RACE, ALONG WITH THE EARTH AND EVERYTHIGN IN IT UNDER THE CURSE OF SIN. AND SINCE THE BEGINNING AS WE KNOW IT, SATAN HAS DONE HIS BEST TO TAKE AS MANY OF GODS PRECIOUS CREATIONS TO HELL WITH HIM AS HE CAN, BECAUSE HE HATES US BECAUSE WE WERE CREATED IN THE LIKNESS AND IMAGE OF FATHER GOD, OUR CREATOR.
IN THIS FILM THESE LEASERS AND CHILDREN ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT HATING PEOPLE, THIS IS NOT ABOUT HATE, IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVE. IT'S THE SIN THAT THE BELIEVER HATES, BECAUSE UNCONFESSED, UNREPENTED SINIS WHAT SEPERATES US FROM GOD. THAT IS WHY JESUS CAME, SO THAT WE COULD HAVE THE DEBT OF OUR SINS ERASED. BUT HE IS A PERFECT GENTLEMAN HE WILL NOT FORCE HIS WAY IN WHERE HE IS NOT WANTED. WHAT I SAW IN THE CLIP I WATCHED WER CHIDREN HAVING A GENUINE EXPERIENCE WITH GOD. THEY WERE CRYING OUT FOR THIS THEY WANTED TO EXPERIENCE THIS, I KNOW BECAUSE GOD WILL NOT FORCE HIMSELF ON ANYBODY.
NOW AS FOR THE TERMS THEY USE, ABOUT BEING SOLDIERS, AND TALKING WITH AGGRESSINVE AUTHORITY. LETS USE A PHYSICAL ANALIGY TO EXPLAIN WHAT GOES ON IN THE SPIRIT WORLD. BECAUSE EVEN RIGHT NOW THERE IS AN UNSEEN WAR BEING WAGED, AND THE BATTLE IS FOR THE YOUR SOUL AND THE SOUL OF EVERYONE YOU KNOW. IF YOU AND YOUR CHILD WERE STANDING SIDE BY SIDE ON THE STREET CORNER, AND SOME MAN CAME OUT OF NOWHERE AND BEGAN TO BEAT PROFUSELY ON YOUR CHILD. WOULD YOU RESPOND BY SAYING PASSIVELY, "UM, I DON'T THINK YOU SHOUL DO THAT, IF YOU DON'T MIND I WOULD LIKE YOU TO STOP." NO, YOUR RESPONSE WOULD BE TO DO WHATEVER WAS NECESSARY TO BRING YOUR CHILD TO SAFETY.YOU AREN'T GOING TO BE TIMID OR SHY ABOUT DEALING WITH THIS ATTACKER. IT'S THE SAME THING IN THE SPIRIT WITH THE DEVIL AND HIS COHORTS. GOD HAS GIVEN US AUTHORUTY AND FULLY INTENDS FOR US TO USE IT.
CONTRARY TO SOME BELIEFS, THIS IS IT THERE'S NO OTHER WAY TO CUT IT. IT'S NOT IF GOD EXSISTS, HE EXSISTS. THE QUESTION IS, ARE YOU GOING TO BE A PART OF THE FEW WHO ARE WILLING TO LAY IT ALL DOWN AND LIVE YOUR LIFE TOTALLY FOR HIM. EVENIF IT MEANS BEING CALLED A FRIEK AND FANATIC. TRY AS HE MIGHT SATAN WILL NOT QUIET THE VOICE OF THE CHURCH. AS FOR WHAT HAPPENED AT JESUS CAMP, I THINK YOU BETTER ALL GET READY, BECAUSE THIS IS GOING TO BECOME THE NORM. THE RIVER IS FLOWING, YOUR EITHER GOING TO JUMP IN AND BE A PART OF IT, OR YOU GOING TO LET THE OPPROTUNITY OF A LIFETIME PASS YOU BY, AND THAT IS WHAT WOULD BE VERY SAD.WITH MUCH LOVE AND COMPASSION, GOD BLESS!
AMYBASSETT, READER, WV
Added: Tuesday, March 4, 2008, 7:05 (GMT)
I ACCIDENTALLY SUBMITTED AND I WAS NOT FINISHED. HERE IS THE CONCLUSION OF MY ARTICLE.
THEN SATAN ENTERED INTO THE PICTURE. HE KNEW VERY WELL OF THE PRECIOUS RELATIONSHIP THAT ADAM AND EVE SHARED WITH GOD. FOR HE TOO KNEW WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. CREATED AS AN ANGEL, LUCIFER, HUNGRY FOR 1ST PLACE REBELLED AGAINST HIS CREATOR, AND THUS WAS EXPELLED FROM GODS PRESENCE, TAKING 1/3 OF THE ANGELIC POPULATION OF HEAVEN WITH HIM.
AMY BASSETT, READER, WV
Added: Tuesday, March 4, 2008, 6:59 (GMT)
I JUST WATCHED EXCERPTS FROM THE JESUS CAMP FILM. IT DIDN'T LOOK LIKE ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY FOR ME. THIS IS WHAT A LIFE SATURATED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT IS LIKE. I THINK ALOT OF THE CONTORVERSY AND CONFLICT ABOUT THIS CAMP LIES IN THE FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALLY KNOW GOD. AND WHEN HE SHOWS UP IT SCARES PEOPLE BECAUSE ITS FOREIGN TO THEM.
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ANYONE SAY, "YOU CAN SIT IN THE HEN HOUSE AL DAY, BUT THAT DOES NOT MAKE YOU A HEN."? WELL YOU CAN READ THT BIBLE FRONT TO BACK, QUOTE EVERY SCRIPTURE WITHOUT MISSING AN AND, SO, OR SHALL,YOU CAN ATTEND CHURCH EVERY TIME THE DOORS ARE OPEN, YOU CAN EVEN CALL YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN. BUT THESE THINGS ARE NOT WHAT MAKE US CHRISTIANS.
A TRUE BELIEVER OF JESUS CHRIST WILL BE MARKED BY AN UNENDING RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR SAVIOR, THEIR FRIEND. SEE THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT CAN ONLY BE LEARNED AT THE FEET OF JESUS. AS BELIEVERS WE HAVE ACCESS INTO HIS PRESENCE AT ANY TIME, AND AS WE JUST SPEND TIME WITH HIM, THE SEED OF THE WORD THAT YOU HAVE READ IS CULTIVATED IN THAT TIME OF SOAKING IN HIS PRESENCE. THIS IS THE PLACE WHERE HE REVEALS HIMSELF TO YOU IN WAYS YOU NEVER KNEW EXSISTED, BECAUSE HE'S GOD, AND THAT IS HIS NATURE. WE WERE NOT MEANT TO UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING, JUST TO TRUST AND BELIEVE IN HIM, AND HIS PROMISES.
TO HELP CLEAR UP WHAT HAPPENED AT JESUS CAMP WITH THESE KIDS, LETS START AT THE BEGENNING. GOD CREATED A MAN AND A WOMAN, YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF THEM, THEIR NAMES? ADAM AND EVE. THEY AND THE WORLD GOD HAD CREATED FOR THEM WERE PERFECT, THEY DID NOT HAVE TO WORK, EVERYTHING WAS PROVIDED FOR THEM, GOD WOULD COME AND VISIT THEM, HE WOULD ENJOY THIER COMPANY, THEY WOULD ENJOY HIS. THIS IS WHY WE WERE CREATED.
amy bassett, reader, wv
Added: Tuesday, March 4, 2008, 5:44 (GMT)
I MYSELF HAVE NOT PERSONALLY SEEN THE JUSUS CAMP FILM, BUT EVER SINCE I'VE HEARD ABOUT IT, I'VE WANTED TO. FROM WHAT I GATHER THESE CHILDREN HAVE HAD A REAL ENCOUNTER WITH A REAL GOD. I HAVE TO ENCOURAGE LEADERS LIKE YOU,BECKY, WHO SACRIFICE BEING SCRUTINIZES BY THE PUBLIC, AND EVEN WORSE BY PEOPLE WHO CLAIM TO BE SERVING THE SAME GOD THESE CHILDREN ENCOUNTERED. I SAY "BRAVO SISTER!" KEEP ON KEEPING ON. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT. IN CHRIST!
AMY BASSETT, READER, WV
Added: Thursday, February 14, 2008, 0:02 (GMT)
I saw parts of Jesus camp on Youtube and was very disturbed by this movie! I am a nanny and love children, I am also a believer in God! My belief is that all good things come from God. God is fully loving and you do not have to be a Christian to be loved by God, or to get to Heaven. After all, many loving people are born into many religions never knowing about Christianity, and to tell me that they are going to hell and burned because they are not Christian is twisted. Its not what I personally believe God to be. I am spiritual and not religious, I know I will see God one day when I leave this earth. I also see God's creations and beauty every day! I am looking forward to the never ending beauty God created in this life and in the next. Children get to know God in many ways. By forcing them into beleaving that they are born sinners, and need to beg for forgiveness, and making them to attend Bible Camps and Churches is making them later on going to be angry at God, scared of God, and very closed minded and unloving of other people. I
Jamie, Longmont, CO
Added: Monday, February 11, 2008, 3:19 (GMT)
After seeing the film "Jesus Camp" I was sickened.
What I mainly saw was brainwashing, child abuse, twisted ideas on abortion and homosexuality and adults that heard children like sheep into a life of hatred, lies and pain.
Emma , fort collins USA
Added: Saturday, January 19, 2008, 17:45 (GMT)
I believe and witness that every children have a special way and always find a way to communicate with God without too much interference from the adult whom sometime ruin their pure faith at the very young age.
believekids, Indonesia
Added: Saturday, January 19, 2008, 6:06 (GMT)
The stats mentioned are a little out of context:
"Since the past decade and a half, enrolment at Christian colleges is up 70 per cent in the US." That would be because over the past decade and a half, more Christian colleges are being built/established, not necessarily because we are getting more religious. Perhaps both reasons, but not just one.
"Sales of Christian music in the US are up 300 per cent." Probably because over the past two decades, the music industry has grown, including the number of Christian bands and therefore the number of Christian CDs available for purchase. If only one Christian CD was available in the nineties, and a year later there are 300 CDs and people buy them, of course sales would increase 300 percent!
I really dislike statistics taken out of context.
And most people disliked the film because of the emotional havoc the kids were put through. Children of that age are not old enough to understand theology or religious context. They are made to feel guilt and paranoia and pressure about things they don't really understand. At that age, they'll believe in Jesus like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. But to make them break down crying and torture themselves emotionally is child abuse.
elizabeth grey, US
Added: Sunday, January 13, 2008, 22:29 (GMT)
I am not against teaching children about Jesus and how to live your life in accordance with his word. I'm not against them speaking in tongues, if they have the urge from within to do so. However, these children are not given the opportunity to make their own decisions or to interpret the Bible for themselves.
They are told what to believe, and they are scared into believing it. No one should worship God simply because they are afraid of eternal damnation, they should worship him because of his love and sacrifice for us, and because they are thankful to him and to Jesus Christ for saving us.
Likewise, they should not be told when to speak in tongues. When they are ordered to do so and their peers are doing it, of course they are going to join in. However, this is not truly from God, this is them wanting to fit in and wanting to do what Becky told them to do.
For a child to fully understand what it means to be a Christian, they need to experience the holy spirit naturally, and for themselves.
I am a Christian, but was not raised as one. I have recently come to study the Bible and to know God, and this has come from the encouragement of God and from within myself. Because of this, I have been able to read the Bible and form my own beliefs about how to live my life. I don't believe in or love God because of force, I do because of the conclusions I've drawn and the love I've felt from Him.
I'm not saying children should be raised as I was, but they should be given the opportunity to question and to determine their own feelings before they are forced to believe those of someone else.
Emma, Ohio, USA
Added: Wednesday, January 9, 2008, 3:48 (GMT)
It is amazing to me that, after over a year, I only first watched this documentary this evening. It is equally amazing to me that someone can do such a thing to young, impressionable children. The first moment when I heard young Levi speak of needing "more Jesus Christ" in his life, I knew without a doubt that these children had been forced into believing these things. No person decides at age 5 or 7 that they need "more Jesus Christ". They might need more toys but that's about it. The little girls were the most disturbing of all. Seeing their little eyes overflowing with tears and appearing completely overwrought was enough to make me never want my children anywhere near someone wishing to include them in a Bible camp. Religion is a serious thing and we don't need to keep up with fanatics to win the war on fanaticism. We need to when it with diplomacy. I hope one day that these poor youngsters can somehow recover from the psychological damage caused by these experiences.
Clint, Tuscaloosa, AL, US
Added: Saturday, January 5, 2008, 22:19 (GMT)
Having watched the documentary, it is obvious that Jesus Camp is the worst kind of brainwash. When all of us were children, we took everything that was said to be true as the truth; therefore, being surrounded by these ideas in such a forceful manner imprints these ideas and makes them clueless to the world in which we live. Telling children to hate others for not being Christian, convincing them that abortion is murder, showing them how war is necessasry for the Evangelical agenda, and every other extremely conservative teaching is hurting them by not allowing them to make their own decisions. I left the Catholic church for this reason and I personally renounced my Christianity, so you may call me biased. Yet, after taking a step back myself and reevaluating so many important social issues, I am extremely liberal.
My question is: Why should religion have such a forceful role in our social and moral views anyway? Our country was founded on a separation of church and state. It was not founded with the goal of placing children into a conservative political worldview to carry out Evangelical views in our own society.
"Jesus Camp" frightened me, and Evangelicalism is certainly a disgrace to Christianity, which is truly beautiful when practiced anmd interpreted properly in my opinion.
Mike, Malvern, PA
Added: Wednesday, January 2, 2008, 0:45 (GMT)
"I am only 18 years old. I go to a Pentecostal church. I speak in tongues."
lindsay, TX
Added: Tuesday, January 1, 2008, 20:09 (GMT)
I was raised like the kids in the movie, the pledges to the bible and the Christian flag I hadn’t said or heard in over 10 years but I knew them all by heart, I am a Christian, and don’t get me wrong, but being raised like that made me fell like my faith wasn’t my own but something drilled into me, I know the people in the movie all meant well, but the kids don’t know what there are doing, they are just praying and speaking in tongues because all the other adults and kids in the room are doing it, I’m not saying the kids don’t believe in God, I am just saying there faith isn’t there own choice at this young age.
Bekah, mn
Added: Monday, December 31, 2007, 23:19 (GMT)
Libby, speaking in tongues was the least of my concerns here. What bothers me is the vacuum these kids live in, how all consuming their beliefs are, how there's room for so little else in their lives. Religion is supposed to guide your life, not dictate it. You're supposed to take the Bible and apply it to your daily life, not make it your whole life.
Most disturbing was the comment that non christians are "sick". Funny, I was thinking the same thing about these people.
Evangelism is not christianity, it's show business, a sales pitch. Only when these kids have been given a chance to think for themselves and explore their own spirituality and commune privately with God can they be called true christians. A faith freely accepted is a beautiful thing. One forced on you through isolation and indoctrination is nothing more than enslavement. '
Pray on that.
Lisa, Kansas
Added: Monday, December 31, 2007, 15:40 (GMT)
I watched "Jesus Camp" last night as it was broadcast on regular TV. I have to say that I was completely and utterly disgusted! And that is an understatement. I was born and raised as a Catholic, which also means, that I am Christian...(I believe in Christ) But what I saw last night was not religion, it was a sick, twisted, fanatical cult, brainwashing innocent children into believing that they are NOT to sin, not to live normal lives, that non-Christians are going to hell etc. You HAVE to be kidding me! Becky Fischer should be committed. She is breeding a generation of religious fanatics, and God help them! Levi will probably grow up to be the next David Koresh. There is something to say about having faith, and worshipping God, but these freaks are taking it to a whole new level.
I have never been so sickened in my life. Becky has set out to achieve a goal of creating a counter religion of Islam, and she is succeeding with these confused little children. Of course they were crying! I would be too if I was a child and a group of adults were calling me an evil sinner, and telling me that satan would take me. They are praying out of fear, NOT faith. Get it straight people. As far as speaking in tongues, that is ridiculous! Anyone can speak in tonuges. Its not real. Its gibberish. I could start talking gibberish right now...would that be the Holy Spirit talking through me?? Of course not! these kids are speaking gibberish because that is what they are being forced to do.
This woman deserves to be locked up for what she is doing. She is nothing more then a cult leader and she must be stopped. People were given the freedom of choice, and she is trying to take away that right. God bless all those poor kids, and PLEASE save them before they grow up to be David Koresh, or David Berg.
Lynn, NY, USA
Added: Wednesday, December 12, 2007, 13:58 (GMT)
WOW. I'm impressed with the youth in this video. I am only 18 years old. I go to a Pentecostal church. I speak in tongues. I don't see anything satanic or wrong about this. I'm disapointed to hear some of these comments.
HELLO? There's this guy 2,007 years ago that sent his one and only son Jesus onto this earth to take are sins! I promised to serve him and live a life he lived. What is wrong with pooring my heart out and praising him for all that he had done for me!
Yes, sometimes that means get on your hands and knees and worship him. When ever I ask God for something I always speak in tongues...it's God's language...the only language satan can't touch. AND GUESS WHAT I speak in tongues anytime I like...it's just another way of praying. I'll speak if I'm in mall, in my car, where ever.
And no the person or people I should say that mad this documentary is not the next Hitler. We're asking for help when we pray and weep and speak in tongues...we are not asking God to demolish anything.
This video is no harm to anyone. The only reason why some people don't agree with this is because it's out of sheer ignorance. Just because there are only several denominations in the world that believe in speaking in tongues...that does not make it wrong.
A lot of Christians have a misunderstanding of the gift God gave us. (anyone can attain this gift, as long as they have a RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST) Hmm...the only reason why some people would rebel/rebuke this video is because they are convicted by the holy spirit, and they have issues in their lives that they are not admitting.
COME ON LETS JUST ADMIT that if they weren't speaking in tongues, the show would of stayed on the air. All this complaining....over good. NO ONE is harming you, if you don't like it don't watch it.
Before you acuse anymore, GO READ YOUR BIBLE, PROPERLY, because your missing something =) I love you all and care about you. If you have any questions here is my website. Feel free to leave a message, my profile is blocked though due to safety reasons. Thank you for your time.
www.myspace.com/libby8929
Libby, Lancaster, PA
Added: Friday, November 30, 2007, 2:03 (GMT)
I watched the documentary in class today and I have to say it was an embarrassment to me. Now, don't get me wrong here, as I am not embarrased at all of my love for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What is embarrassing is the film itself, as well as the camp and the so called pastor who was running that operation.
The film was supposedly shown to us (a Government class comprised of seniors) as an example for why are nation needs to have a separation of church and state, which I fully support; however, the film accomplished more than just that. It portrayed non-fanatic non-extremist Christians like myself as a bunch of slanderous brainwashers who regularly speak in tongues and throw guilt upon the childeren of the congregation.
It made all of the non-penecostal and non-episcipolian Christians like myself look bad. And the trouble of it is, this film is still being shown in public school classes across the nation (talk about an ironic breach of the separation between church and state) even more than a year after the closing of Jesus Camp. Furthermore, many of my peers who know very little about Christianity now think of all Christians as war drum banging, hate instilling, tongue speaking, guilt delegating, brainwashing baffoons.
I honesty have no idea why anyone would want a Christian version of jihad! Remember the Crusades brothers and sisters? Those were not our finest hours and today Becky Fischer and others are trying to wage crusade on non-believers. They need a new aproach, and they now have the opertunity to attain one thanks to the closing of Jesus Camp. Praise God!
Justin, California, US
Added: Friday, September 21, 2007, 0:33 (BST)
I also want to point Hannah to the bible where Jesus went in to the temples and drove out all the people in there using it as a place to make money. He was angry and used whips to drive them out. Where is peace in that? I see righteous anger but not peace.
Joel Osterman, Portland, OR
Added: Tuesday, July 24, 2007, 17:06 (BST)
In response to
"Jesus was a peacemaker, not a warrior. He would never have allowed this kind of indoctrination to happen in his name. Read the bible.
Hannah Bradford, Eugene, Oregon USA"
I'd like to refer YOU to the Bible...Matthew 10:34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."
Jesus was not a peacemaker by any means. His words and actions have caused conflict for 2,000 years.
Jeremiah, Monmouth, OR
Added: Monday, July 9, 2007, 5:45 (BST)
I am encouraged and excited to see children of a lost generation being equipped for such a time like this.These children will know and discern the real thing and not settle for substitute.Becky Fischer is truely anointed to impart into these precious lives. I thank God for bold and fearless women like Becky.
Yes!!! to raising a Samuel generation.Let those who have ears to hear,hear what the Spirit of the Lord has to say.Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his secrets to his servant the Prophets. If Becky wanted to start a camp here in New Zealand I would not hesitate to send our children. I along with many others of like spirit and heart would welcome the winds of revolution in this nation and for God to use his available instruments .This generation will hear the word,speak the word,they will prophesy,they will open eye's and release freedoms cry. Shame on those who have down cried there very own,would they have also down cried young Mary when she was carrying Jesus? God will use children to bring forth things of the Spirit. The anointing is the very thing that breaks the yoke of oppression,darkness, sickness, it releases angelic activity,
heavens atmosphere, it brings new life.Yes! to a generation who seek his face
Yes! to children being anointed to set the captives free. We all need to hear what we don't want to hear. Religon suffocates life. Jesus brings Life. Are you going to be a pharasie or a follower of Jesus?
MANDI, christchurch new zealand
Added: Wednesday, July 4, 2007, 21:23 (BST)
I felt the film lacked the truth of the Christian life ultimately consists of a relationship with God. I was somewhat horrified and impressed at the same time at the children's faith. I just hope that despite the angle of the film that these kids are really being lead into a deeper relationship of love with the Father and the people of the world, and not being conformed into some agenda where they forget their first love.
Maddie, Pleasanton, CA
Added: Wednesday, July 4, 2007, 4:16 (BST)
I am watching Jesus Camp for the first time. This resembles almost exactly the training videos for fundamentalist Islam. I fear that somehow we are raising a fundamentalist group of children who happen to be Christian... and I fear for the country. Lies about global warming, evolution, the birth of the universe... these children are completely lost. This is a sad time for the United States. May these children find themselves in an educational system someday in their lives to put them back on a path of Truth.
J.S., Louisville KY
Added: Sunday, July 1, 2007, 21:49 (BST)
As a Christian, I agree with the views of this documentary (I.E. anti-abortion, living a life for Christ, and teaching Christ to children). However, what we should focus on in our children is love. God's love for us, and thus, the love that we are to show to others. We should be teaching children how to over come the world with Christ's love, not useing them as a political cry! I do not have a problem with the children speaking in toungs and feeling the emotional connection with Christ, but the children need to be taught Jesus's love and how to truly love others and overcome the world with love, not be used as political banter!
Tyler, Alburtis, Pennsylvania
Added: Friday, June 29, 2007, 4:32 (BST)
The poor spelling and grammar of the readers' comments on this website worry me--if these people are teaching their children at home, then the next generation really is in trouble!
Hazel Briggs, Alpharetta, GA
Added: Monday, June 25, 2007, 7:10 (BST)
It is sad that the camp has been shut down, but it is sadder to hear Christian’s comments based on lack of knowledge and experience of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Why do we cry?
There have been times when the spirit of the Lord has spoken to me concerning the Love of God. It was the thought of His love for me that was overwhelming. This combined with the extreme presence of God caused an emotional flood of tears. As I yelled from the pit of my stomach with tears streaming down my face, I was not sad, nor in pain. It was quite the opposite. It was like a bride on her wedding day x5 or greater. Although she may look sad, everyone knows it is tears of joy and gladness. It may be hard to imagine for some, but I feel bad for those who have not experienced it. They can believe in the power of drugs and alcohol, but not in the power of God which is greater, and healthier then any drug. People have come out of His presence healed, delivered and changed in their thinking. It is a wonderful thing that children can experience the awesome presence of God. Some laugh uncontrollably, some cry, some shout and some just embrace it, but it is real and through this awesome presence lives are changed….young and old.
I have never met the lady that started Jesus Camp, but the Lord dealt with me over a year ago to start a similar program. It won’t be an overnight camp, but it will be just as powerful. I believe the Lord has put similar visions in many people. The critics may come with all of their complaints and jealousy, but we will prevail! And God will be glorified!
CRR, Tulsa, OK
Added: Sunday, June 17, 2007, 23:57 (BST)
Jesus was a peacemaker, not a warrior. He would never have allowed this kind of indoctrination to happen in his name. Read the bible.
Hannah Bradford, Eugene, Oregon USA
Added: Thursday, June 14, 2007, 3:35 (BST)
The film and the people in it disturbed me greatly. What I found particularly revealing was the prejudice and disdain for others expressed by some of the kids (and their 'pastor'), even against other Christians.
Imagine if these people actually took the reigns of political power - viewing anyone who had different views from theirs as "evil" or agents of the devil. It would be the end of democracy and freedom, the end of individual rights. The end result of their views, if implemented politically, would be a new form of religious fascism, transforming the US into a nightmare theocracy.
When I read the messages on this site actually supporting the madness of "Jesus Camp" indoctrination (God forbid that kids should be taught anything like critical thinking), I am only more convinced of the very great importance to individual freedom that is the seperation of church and state.
Dan, Kingston, Canada
Added: Tuesday, June 5, 2007, 16:42 (BST)
This movie is simple and strong. True, this is only one denomination of Christianity, but it leaves a strong after glow about the current state of religion in America today. If there is even one grain of truth to this movie, and even pastor Becky indicates no opposition to the content, why the concern? No matter where you go in the world, extremism is present. Is that bad? However in this politically charged world of us vs them, people will find a source of conflict inherent with the content of the film. What scares about this film is the fact that this information is “out” now? I’m not a religious person at all but I don’t need to go to a church to know what tolerance is, do you folks have any? What would be very fascinating will be to do a reunion sequel in 20 years on what Levi, Tory and Rachael are doing.
Jorge, Boise, ID USA
Added: Friday, May 4, 2007, 0:46 (BST)
im 100% on her side...shes doing the right thing in raising up this generation to be the children of God they are called to be...this world is so disgusting with murdering unborn babies, and all the uglyiness in the world. i think it's awsome how younger children can praise God and speak in tounges. they make us christian adults look like nothing... they spoke the truth in that video. no matter what the world closes down. children of God along with us christians will never stop believing and praising in God. God bless
Dana, San Antonio, Texas
Added: Thursday, April 5, 2007, 17:26 (BST)
Saying children are more open to Jesus is just ignorant. Children are open to EVERYTHING not just Jesus.
Tom, Sharon, MA U.S.A
Added: Saturday, February 17, 2007, 19:18 (GMT)
What disturbs me about how Jesus Camp is portrayed is that it is suggesting their is a sect of Christianity brain washing their children to believe abortion is wrong, creation is right, etc. In reality, children all over this nation are being brain washed by the media and by schools teaching children that creation is un-scientific, that sex before marriage is fine, that pro-life is being "anti-choice", etc. For those parents who do not want this secular teaching for their children, they are portrayed as intolerant extremists in the film.
Eric, Tulsa, OK
Added: Friday, December 22, 2006, 6:08 (GMT)
This film isn't so much about is it right or wrong to raise kids in certain religions, or to have a religious belief. From what I gathered with this film is how evangelicals have this agenda to "take back America from the enemy." They have this agenda to force their moral beliefs on everyone because "the bible says so." I never got that message from Christ. I never heard the part where He rallied together a political force. It really isn't part of the gospel. And making kids fall on the ground in repentance is just odd and wrong.
Jeremy, Eugene, OR
Added: Sunday, December 17, 2006, 4:05 (GMT)
Not only is it sad that this camp had to be "shut down" but also that Christian and non-Christian alike are rejoicing. I've seen the film and honestly, I didn't see anything wrong with those kids. I did however see a film that was portrayed and edited through non-Christian eyes. Children are capable of more than we give them credit for. Their faith in God is so open and so huge and it's not fair that their spiritual walks have to be restricted to cute bible stories and coloring books. I'm grateful for any children's ministries that take the extra step to teach their kids no matter the age how to study the word, walk with the Lord, and communicate with Him. Thankfully the ministry wasn't shut down and they have enough support to hold the "Families on Fire" conference elsewhere. The Church is losing it's youth because parents decide to share the gospel with their kids when they feel they're ready to hear it and by that time it's too late.
Savannah, Charlotte, North Carolina
Added: Monday, December 4, 2006, 18:44 (GMT)
i think Jesus camp was a good idea, probably not handled well by the public because of the lack lustre attitude of christians to day. we need more of that passion, and children seem to have the most of it.
frankie.e.o, benin, nigeria
Added: Thursday, November 30, 2006, 0:30 (GMT)
I think that those who do not know what is going on with the children are like I was before I totally surrendered to Jesus Christ. We are not building "Christian jihad". Instead we are surrendering our lives to the One Who Created us. He promised we would be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is to speak through us and if it is to have our children pray for what we as adults have been slack on, then, great! It shows that we are raising up a generation that might just cause God to spare us a little while longer!
It never ceases to amaze me how even those who declare to know Him have so little knowledge of His Ways. Maybe it is time for them to get down on their knees or lay down and prostrate themselves in front of the One who is, up to now, their protector.
God is not a God that will advocate that we go out and kill, as jihad. God is a God that advocates that we love one another. In this action, where is the love?
Melcena Rose Darrah, Dayton - United States
Added: Wednesday, November 29, 2006, 19:18 (GMT)
How sad that some people see this as brain washing. It would be a good thing to read the book written by Mr Baker in the 1920's who was a missionary to China at the time. A lot of orphan kids had amazing experiences at that time which would probably be interpreted as just as weird as what has been reported on at the Jesus camp. The book can still be downloaded in PDF format off the net and is called Beyond the Veil.
I think that anything that the lord does will quite often be interpreted as weird or foolish to most people who have never experienced him. There is an old saying that the best players at a soccer match are the spectators in the grand stand.
Arow1, Masterton New zealand
Added: Wednesday, November 29, 2006, 19:17 (GMT)
I'm very glad to hear that those camps have been shut down. I love my children and I love Jesus, but I've seen spiritual abuse in my own life and those videos made me feel sick. Children are indeed capable of strong emotion, however they don't have the same mental capabilities as adults, nor the emotional maturity to handle such heavy emotional burdens. God created children to play and laugh and to have a simple faith in Christ. That's what is so wonderful about them. Kids do not need to be convinced of how bad they are but rather how great God sees them.
Jon, Vancouver, BC
