"Jesus Camp"

Let me tell you, there are few things in the world that get me infuriated like religion - specifically that which is Christianity.

I watched the film "Jesus Camp" last night and could do nothing but continue to shake my head in disbelief.

You see, I'm an atheist and a believer of Mr. Darwin. I very much believe we are all a product of evolution, and I am one who think it's blatantly ignorant to deny evolution when much evidence exists all-around us.

I personally think the whole "creation is the only answer" thing, is weak and tiring. My opinion is that most God-believing religions are the way for people to believe they were indeed something more than a tiny single-cell organism. If anything, I think the majority of religious followers are merely religious because they are afraid of death. I suppose you can't blame 'em though, most people are afraid of death, especially at a young age. After all, is it not more pleasing believing that when you die you go to Heaven surrounded by Angels, rather than a mound of dirt to be eaten by the earth's worms?

If you haven't heard of the film and/or unaware of what it is, I'll tell you in the simplest of ways: it follows a certain Evangelical who runs a summer Bible Camp.

This film, while indeed good, made me irate with it's various characters. The Woman who runs this camp (Becky Fischer) starts off talking about how in the Middle East they fast for food like there's no tomorrow; implying that they are not only greedy, but take much of what they have for granted. I cannot help but see that as a major contradiction coming from someone who needs to lose as much 100lbs.

What I also found baffling is how they treated George W. Bush as a saint. Haha.. It's amazing how much their religion has blinded them from seeing the real truth about Dubbya and his mission in Iraq.

What continues to shock me (and most everyone else) is how good Becky is at manipulation. These kids - anywhere from 5 to what, 15 years old? - are brought to tears by what Becky and others preach. I specifically like how at one point in the film, Becky implies there are many here (referring to the audience within the church) who are two-faced and actually disbelieving of God and Jesus. Phonies if you will; she then asks those have been unfaithful to come up and be rinsed by the water of Jesus (aka - A $2 bottle of water).

"And the things that we fear, are a weapon to be held against us"
Neil Peart (lyricists for Rush)

She casts her lure out in the pond and the kids (naturally afraid of death and unable to make decisions for themselves) are immediately hooked. These kids are then driven in a direction which makes them believe they have been somehow unrighteous and sinful and need to repent themselves by further worshiping the almighty. What adds for greater comedy is how Becky referred to how kids through out the Middle East are being brainwashed to fight in wars and use machine guns...The irony is that I believe she is no different praying on the innocent and weak hearted.

And as they follow Becky around, they encountered a number of other fundamentalists like herself and other Evangelicals.

Two specific encounters drove me through the roof. The first being a fundamentalist mother who on camera told her two kids that Global Warming was not an issue. Of course, you don't have to be religious to not believe in Global Warming, but the way in which she went about it was so trashy. She said the effect from it would be so little it's very unlikely to hurt us over a long period of time.

Naturally, being one who believes In Global warming and the prevention of further pushing climate change along it's path, this comment angered me very much.

The second was a radio show host who said we should take full advantage of our resources like water, trees and oil because that's what God intended. He says something along the lines that those resources were only put on Earth for us and not to worry about running out because Jesus would soon coming back to take us away. Lol... Is that what many of the past civilizations thought when they made themselves extinct by overusing they're resources? Did they think Jesus was coming back to take them away from this awful place? Furthermore, if so, where was Jesus? In a Bombay bar having a Martini while letting his worshippers systematically kill themselves?

That is by far, the most idiotic argument I've ever heard.

Lastly,

It didn't take very long to realize that these bunch of Evangelicals are hardcore patriots. These are the same bunch who support President Bush, who most likely drive Ford F150's and who truly believe America is the greatest nation on the earth. That last comment though, seems so arrogant. I cannot think of anything more ignorant than in the way in which they treat the United States of America and it's citizens as God's children. Their logic is that America is God's sole nation.

Wow, I didn't know that. What about the other countries on the earth who also worship Jesus, Allah - whatever they may call 'him' ? On the other hand, I suppose living in Alabama lowers you're awareness of things in the real world; you know, outside their generic mom-and-pop operation.

*Canada has telephones?*

Camp Closed:

What makes me chuckle is that not too long ago the summer Bible camp which Becky Fischer runs, was closed. Mrs. Fischer claims that one of the reason being this film which she very much believes puts their beliefs, etc in a negative light. Mind you, she does admit that when she first saw the finished product she was skeptical about giving out a negative message of brain washing on the religion (go figure..). She did say though, that while it would certainly gather a few negative reactions, it would ultimately help recruit followers. That failed (to say the least) and Mrs. Fischer says another reason for the closing is that apparently 70% percent of their regular children members are somehow defecting and leaving the church for good.

Ouch. Doesn't look like that worked too well, does it? Suffice to say, it's far too expensive to run something like this when you're clients are walking out the door.

Freewill, Religious Activities, The people:

Had you actually taken the time to read through my banter of rant you might have gathered the impression that I am very much against religion. Is that true? No, I am not against religion; I very much believe people have the right to believe what they believe. I am supporter of what we all call, "freewill". Whether you're religious or not is of no concern to me. I will like you no less or no more to learn that you are; a friend is a friend - if you catch my drift.

And while we're on the subject, I must make it clear that never been in a relationship with a female who belongs to any religious organization. Honestly, I don't think it would end to well as If I feel someone is starting to preach their beliefs down my throat, the good 'ol story of evolution and Mr. Darwin is a coming out. I'm pretty touchy when it comes to this stuff, so it would be shame to see a great relationship killed by different beliefs

Now, I don't want you to get the wrong impression, I am in no way saying that every Christian is some hardcore thumper. Despite what sounds like a whole lot of hatered for Christians, I don't view them all (of whatever belief) as bad people (although I DO believe some exist), but I strongly disagree with their beliefs.

Verdict: If there really is a God, you'd think the last thing he'd want is for the world's youth to be brainwashed.