Well, this video is certainly twelve kinds of creepy. As Steve Benen notes, "the line between evangelism and child abuse is rather thin." I'm not sure what creeps me out the most about all this, whether it's convincing eight-year-olds that they can speak in tongues and should sacrifice their lives as "warriors for God," or the simple image of children literally worshipping a cardboard cutout of George W. Bush.
If I remember anything about teenage rebellion, I've got to hope that the Alex P. Keaton Effect can work in reverse and all these hardcore evangelical recruits into the Army of God will rebel against their narrow upbringing, throw off the shackles of the Religious Right, and become card-carrying ACLU members as adults. We can only pray.
8 comments:
I tend to believe those who operate Jesus Camp and those who send their kids to it are fringe extremists. So much so that they will put off even other evangelicals with their talk about becoming Christian jihadists prepared to sacrifice their lives for Christ.
But even though the number of fringe extemists will probably remain small, the potential for trouble is great. Down the Jesus Camp path there's likely an incident in which some emotionally haywaire kid with a semiautomatic weapon shoots up a mosque or a synagogue before being shot by cops or shooting himself. Rebellion can take many forms.
i'm sure you're right about the extremist issue, SWA. Other evangelical groups have complained that the movie is a hit piece, but the camp director is standing by it. In other words, other evangelicals think she must've been misrepresented, but she's wrapping herself up in the crazy.
And i'm positive the second part will happen. This is like a factory cloning Eric Rudolph.
I think for too long, liberals have tried to accept all people regardless of their faith.
On the surface, it's the right thing to do, but at some point we need to call people out when they are nuts. This IS child abuse. They call themselves Christians, but really it’s a bizarre right-wing cult, who should be denounced just like the crazy Mormons who still support polygamy and therefore, child abuse.
When I see stuff like this I am thankful for the second amendment.
The more I think about that video, the more I'm reminded of David Koresh and the Branch Davidians. Only this group is worshiping a different, gun-toting Texan.
I really think you've spelled it out. The lady in the movie spoke in glowing terms and in an almost elated state about raising a generation of kids so willing to give their lives to the faith, just like "muslims."
From that point on, it became apparent that this camp truly is a boot camp of sorts to create an army of militant jihadists.
I wonder: the parents that send their kids there...do they truly know what they are sending their kids to?
Bob, in all fairness, as I understand it, regular Mormons now condemn polygamy and consider those practicing it and calling themselves Mormons to be cultists.
sw-
I agree, which is why I stated "Mormons who still support polygamy" versus all Mormons.
That said, if I wasn't clear, I apoligize.
Can we talk about the real issue here? If you're going to make a statue of Jesus playing soccer, why not just put him in goal? Jesus Saves!
Thank you, thank you. Remember folks, the 10 0'clock show is totally different from the 8'o clock show. And you must be 18, because it gets a little blue.
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