Danielle Riddle - Jesus Camp

    The video Jesus Camp uncovered an interesting aspect of the various differences in religion and the relationship between church and state. After looking at how entangled religion and politics are today it seems that the radio announcer could be right. The actions of people in Jesus Camp may have seemed extreme and radical, but to them it is completely normal. For instance, it seems odd to others that evangelical’s do not allow their children to tell ghost stories because they do not support the truth. Their ideology doesn’t allow them to know anything different from their “norm”. The minister even says that children do not learn by choice and that they do not have a choice in life. Another aspect I found very controversial was how the minister told the children that the cost of abortion fell onto their shoulders and practically placed blame on them. An interesting point was brought up in the movie that if a country does not have central morals then it will indefinitely fall apart. This country was founded on religious morals, so it seems to make sense that the central morals for the United States of America be those with religious weight. However, people can interpret and teach these morals in different ways. The evangelicals in Jesus Campsupported the government, but at the same time thought that parts were corrupted and needed to be “corrected” by putting the “right” people in powerful positions. Lots of people both political and theological have different views on religion. Jefferson believed that there is more than one view and he felt strongly about religious freedom. Fisk thought we should be curious about religion and to ask questions about our faith when compared to history. Giroux highlights that Jefferson’s thoughts about separation between church and state were compromised. Whether you are training an “Army of God,” fighting for religious rights or a weekly church goer each person has their own opinion about the separation or combination of church and state. Who knows if this discussion will ever end or whether this is as much a part of our country’s history as religion itself?