Andy Routzahn- Jesus Camp

Giroux would view the film, Jesus Camp, as evidence of how Jefferson’s principles of separation of church and state and freedom of religion are comprised in today’s society.  Giroux echoes Jefferson’s principles towards religion and politics.  Giroux’s article cites how both parties Democrat and Republican take their understanding of the Scriptures and form it to their party ties to view the world and issues.  In Jesus Camp, Pastor Becky sees children as a great weapon for the future.  She says that parents should indoctrinate their children, a particular ideology to view the world.  This ideology is emphasized in the Levi’s mother and him during their science lesson.  She says to Levi that “science doesn’t prove anything” because her ideology’s borders don’t allow science to habit there.  She never really gives evidence for the disproval of science just pure ignorance of the fact it exists.  Her ideology and her children’s are formed by recycling history and the beliefs of the 1st century church.  The families and individuals in the movie are considered with an enemy and constant threat of immorality in the nation.  They replicate the Gospel of Mark speaking of martyrdom for God’s glory and living out the call by going to war.  Their discourse is embedded in Christianity and at a very narrow polarized way of life in which everyone who doubts like the little boy at camp is considered the enemy.  This is evident by the fact of praising the George Bush cut-out.  The New Testament says that government is flawed, so people of morality have to get the right guy in.  That right guy occurring to this group is George Bush.  The movie is set during a crucial time as well to help redirect the nation on the moral path again according to this group and its their duty: the appointment of a Supreme Court Justice.  They want to put one justice in that will reverse Roe v. Wade (i.e. all those talks and cries about children’s fault they are for causing abortions).  One feeling I had after the film is are they no different than the jihadists?  Faith through understanding or natural law is forbidden in this group, so Jefferson would be an enemy and not pleased about the intolerance of this Christian group that constantly mixes religion and politics together.  Paul on the other hand, would be right at home with this doctrine (Romans 6).