God's Army

..has new recruits.

I'd like to share my thoughts on a soon to be controversial independent film on the verge of breaking through to mainstream culture. I would expect quite a backlash when the populace gets wind of this. (^_^)

At first I was excited when a friend posted a link to the trailer (which I posted below) and said that it was about evangelical camps for kids. I of course was thinking of sound Biblical based evangelism and not some crazy militia the likes of Karesh. I do believe that these things are woefully under valued by current Christian teachers by and large. So to have a revival of youth who are "divinely flammable" as a friend likes to say, is a beautiful notion to me.

Then I saw the trailer and my first reaction was a mixed one. I saw what I hoped but I also saw what others had seen. Namely, the potency of the film. The clips and trailer alone contain more emotional potency than most films made these days and the reason is clear. Dealing with matters of Salvation, love, hope, and revival for God (especially in the eyes and words of children) is bound to not just tug at heartstrings but yank at them. So I watched it abit more and read a few of the reviews from both sides of the fence and let it all sink in. Asking myself the question, was this right or wrong even though at it's core purpose, its intent, it was clearly right.

Ultimately I believe this to be a work of God and I pray that it produces the good fruits that one might expect. Watching the actions of the little kids (who are the focus of the film) makes one just so much more aware of his or her own lack of passion. These kids have yet to be tied down to bills or responsibilities beyond that of salvation, faith, and a few chores. The burn brightly for God while the rest of us glow. Inspiring I hope, I know it inspires me.

So I think I was right to defend this film and its purpose initially. In truth the words and actions of the camps leaders, at least in the reviews/clips I have read/seen, are a bit confrontational but certainly not out of line. I actually, though timidly, applaud them in their desires to raise up an "army of God" with this coming generation. I had hoped that mine would be more than it is. We are of course there, moving and effecting, but no more it seems than the one before us or the one before them. May God bless and maintain this opening salvo to a spiritual war.

Tagline:
"A growing number of Evangelical Christians believe there is a revival underway in America that requires Christian youth to assume leadership roles in advocating the causes of their religious movement.

Jesus Camp follows Levi, Rachael, and Tory to Pastor Becky Fischer's "Kids on Fire" summer camp in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, where kids as young as 6 years-old are taught to become dedicatied Christian soldiers in "God's army".

The film follows these children at camp as they hone their "prophetic gifts" and are schooled in how to "take back America for Christ". The film is a first-ever look into an intense training ground that recruits born-again Christian children to become an active part of America's political future."

Trailer:
Jesus Camp Web Site