I am a part of a fraternity of sorts known as the “PK” or the preacher’s kid. For these reasons, my parents exposed us to Biblical teachings at a young age. I remember when I was growing up as a kid, one of the programs we had was vacation Bible school in the summers. It was a time when we were educated on fundamental Biblical principals in a relaxed setting with the information presented in a fun and exciting way. We would have lunch and it was also a time to connect with our friends at the church. We looked forward to it often times because it was not forced upon us. It would last for about a week and was typically half a day. Programs like that were good for children, whether their families were religious or not, because it reinforced character, integrity, and accountability for actions in life and the messages related to all people regardless of their religious affiliations.

Fast forward to 2006. There is a new “evangelical” Christian movement in America that, in some ways, seeks to “push” Christianity through television, film and politics. This would be fine if they were simply focusing on the teachings of Christianity, but the self proclaimed “evangelicals” take it a step further. They engage in right wing political endeavors under the name of Christianity. They use the name of Christianity as a tool instead of as a lifestyle. There is a new camp that is a result of this agenda. It is simply referred to as “Jesus Camp.” There is a new documentary on “Jesus Camp” coming out that shows first hand how this agenda is being either shared or forced upon children. I am curious to see what people from all walks of life feel about this camp program. Here is the trailer:

[youtube=http://youtube.com/w/?v=y_EKHK1C2IE]

How does this trailer make you feel? I don’t hide the fact in any of my writing that I am a christian, however, I do not associate myself with the self proclaimed “evangelical” movement in America. I think that it is agenda based rhetoric instead of Biblical based teaching. If it were simply a camp for children about Jesus and Biblical teachings in America, I would support the program, but I feel that something else is driving this program. What do you think? The Republican party won the white house on the basis of “evangelical christian” voters in 2004. “Evangelicals” are taking on political issues from their pulpits, trying to sway the electoral process. They are also trying to push their political rhetoric on children. Once again, I feel that they are and continue to exploit the name of Christianity to push forth their political agendas. This film has caused a tremendous controversy because of this story featured on ABC news:

[youtube=http://youtube.com/w/?v=7UWIb4FwHPg]

ABC news raises the question of whether or not this is indoctrination or christian education. Does this camp go over the top? Is it fair to put young impressionable children in this camp? Should the children be forced to pray at a cut out of President Bush? Is this a move to share Christianity, or is it something else? Although I feel that they tried to slant the story using a “secular liberal feminist” as a source, I believe that the general question is valid from ABC news. Is “Jesus Camp” simply a christian camp or a representation of the evangelical political agenda in America. I do not think that Becky Fisher has a tainted philosophy about children being passionate about Christianity, they should be. I am concerned with where she is trying to focus that passion. I do not believe that praying to a cut out of President Bush is warranted and her rhetoric can be dangerous. Her intent is good, but her means is where I have an issue with this camp. It is treated, in my opinion, more as a stamp for “war” and intolerance than as a banner of God’s true love. Here is an interview clip of Becky Fisher…watch the language she uses.

[youtube=http://youtube.com/w/?v=JECP9qzjmF0]

Is this message being portrayed right under the umbrella of Fisher’s rhetoric? I believe that Christians should stand firm on their beliefs, but I do not think that in pursuit of those beliefs Christianity should be used as a weapon instead of a message. What is the “evangelical” weapon form of Christianity? Two words…President Bush! We must separate the message of Christianity from the rhetoric of “evangelicals” or our true mission will be sacrificed.