Thursday, October 5, 2006

"Jesus Camp"

A documentary recently released has caused dismay among many Christians because of the image of the faith it presents to the secular world. A reaction to the reviews of "Jesus Camp" at the "Looking Closer" site:
"Jeff Sharlet at The Revealer reviews Jesus Camp and says, 'I can't recommend it strongly enough. Jesus Camp turns out to be perhaps the best work of journalism — or art — dealing with contemporary Christian conservatism.'

Let's say that he's right, and Jesus Camp really is the best work of journalism dealing with contemporary Christian conservatism.

Then why is it that 9 out of 10 Christian conservatives I've talked with, or read, say that the film is far too narrowly focused on one extreme corner of the map of Christian conservativism? Why is it that I can't even get through the preview without feeling rather sick to my stomach and thanking Jesus's Father that I never  attended Sunday schools like that one?

I mean, yes, this kind of activity does go on, these people do exist, and this kind of teaching does take place. But if anybody watches Jesus Camp and comes away believing that they've got a good idea what American Christianity is about, well, that's kinda like tasting Welch's Grape Soda and then claiming that you've experienced what soda pop is all about."

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