Jesus Camp, the newest documentary from Oscar nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, explores the growing relationship between religion and politics in America, centering on the í¢â‚¬ËœKids on Fireí¢â‚¬â„¢ Summer Camp set up by the evangelical Christian preacher Becky Fischer. Initially designed to engage a new generation of evangelical Christians to play an active role in American politics, the camp encouraged its young attendees to í¢â‚¬Å“become dedicated Christian soldiers in Godí¢â‚¬â„¢s armyí¢â‚¬  and to í¢â‚¬Å“take back America for Christí¢â‚¬ . These powerful mission statements are reflected throughout the film in scenes ranging from an anti-abortionist handing out tiny embryos for children to pray over, to a room full of children blessing and praising a cardboard cut-out of George W. Bush. It becomes clear that these evangelicals are not only raising their kids with a strong religious ideology, but also a political one.

As the film progresses, the children who attend Fischerí¢â‚¬â„¢s camp seem to alternate between confusion and empowerment. As well as learning about Intelligent Design, the kids are taught that Harry Potter is the devilí¢â‚¬â„¢s work and that global warming is a farce. The strength of the message to spread Godí¢â‚¬â„¢s word even prompts some kids, like 12-year-old Levi, to aspire to a life in Evangelical preaching. Through scenes showing the kids dancing, singing and playing, ití¢â‚¬â„¢s clear that they are just that: kids. But Levi articulates the difference that he feels from other children. í¢â‚¬Å“I do think Ií¢â‚¬â„¢m different from other kids because we know Jesus and we are hungry after Jesus. But you know what, I wouldní¢â‚¬â„¢t be different from other kids if everyone did their calling.í¢â‚¬ 

While Jesus Camp has no real narrator, radio announcer Mike Papatonio acts as the sole liberal voice in the film, counter-balancing the strongly right-wing politics of the other subjects. í¢â‚¬Å“We thought there needed to be a dissenting voice in the film,í¢â‚¬  Ewing and Grady stated at the Canadian premiere, í¢â‚¬Å“one that would reflect the feelings of the audience.í¢â‚¬  Papatonií¢â‚¬â„¢s radio show, Ring of Fire, regularly takes aim at the religious right in the United States. In one scene from the film, he interviews preacher Becky Fisher on his radio show. í¢â‚¬Å“Why are kids supposed to be the new army of God? Why are we using kids to do that?í¢â‚¬  he asks.

í¢â‚¬Å“The reason you go for kids is because whatever they learn by the time they are 7 or 8, is pretty much there for the rest of your life,í¢â‚¬  she explains. Papatonio responds, í¢â‚¬Å“There is a difference between teaching and indoctrinating.í¢â‚¬ 

Papatonioí¢â‚¬â„¢s presence in the film is mostly aural, his voice providing a soundtrack to images of the Missouri landscape. His sporadic appearances are somewhat incongruent with the rest of the film, the one aspect that feels somewhat contrived. Ewing and Grady consented that his inclusion in the film was somewhat of an afterthought, a necessary addition to provide a liberal voice for the audience to relate to.

Discussing the closing gap between church and state in American politics, Ewing explained that, í¢â‚¬Å“Evangelicals actively court politicians. Ití¢â‚¬â„¢s unwise for anyone to just write off evangelicals as not relevant to them, because when it comes to the larger issues, they definitely want to weigh in and that can affect everyone.í¢â‚¬ 

The filmmakerí¢â‚¬â„¢s became interested in the evangelical movement after completing their critically-acclaimed documentary, the Boys of Baraka. One of the characters from that film, Devon, was interested in becoming a preacher. Ewing and Grady followed Devon for some time and became fascinated by the relationship between children and religion.

In both Boys of Baraka and Jesus Camp, it is clear that Ewing and Grady have mastered how to gain the trust of their subjects and the incredible frankness with which their subjects speak about their beliefs is testament to this.

But it wasní¢â‚¬â„¢t always easy, í¢â‚¬Å“When we hoped to schedule an interview, some people would respond by saying, í¢â‚¬Å“I have to pray on it. Ií¢â‚¬â„¢ll let you know. There were moments when we wondered, í¢â‚¬Å“What if God suddenly said, í¢â‚¬ËœNo more filming.í¢â‚¬â„¢ What if God said, í¢â‚¬ËœTell those filmmakers to take a hike.í¢â‚¬â„¢í¢â‚¬  Luckily for documentary-lovers, that didní¢â‚¬â„¢t happen.

But how did the deeply evangelical subjects of the film react when they saw it? í¢â‚¬Å“They thought it was an accurate representation of their lives, and when all the hoopla ensued after its release, they were shocked,í¢â‚¬  said the filmmakers. Due to the controversy sparked by the film, the í¢â‚¬ËœKids On Fireí¢â‚¬â„¢ camp was eventually closed. í¢â‚¬Å“Weí¢â‚¬â„¢d like to continue to follow the kids in the film, to see where they end up. These kids havení¢â‚¬â„¢t even gone through puberty. How will their relationship with religion change as they grow up?í¢â‚¬ 

The response to Jesus Camp has been phenomenal, sparking controversy and fierce discussion wherever it is shown and with its nomination for Best Documentary at this yearí¢â‚¬â„¢s Oscars, it seems that the debate will continue for some time yet.

Images Courtesy of Magnolia Films