Collideoscope

Posted by: David Bunch

The film "Jesus Camp" has received a stinging rebuttal from someone who actually makes an appearance in the movie.

Rev. Ted Haggard, who has a short cameo, is decrying the documentary as propaganda and an attempt to equate Evangelical Christians with militant Muslims.

The film includes kids speaking in tongues, having spiritual experiences, and witnessing to their friends, but also is reported to show them protesting abortions and dressing in military garb.

Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, said he "can learn as much about the Catholic Church from 'Nacho Libre"' - a campy wrestling comedy starring Jack Black - as a nonevangelical can learn about evangelicalism from "Jesus Camp."

It does represent a small portion of the charismatic movement, but I think it demonizes it," said Haggard, a charismatic Christian who does not usually speak in tongues from the pulpit. "Secularists are hoping that evangelical Christians and radicalized Muslims are essentially the same, which is why they will love this film."

The makers of the film state that they are trying to portray no message at all, rather, they are simply presenting the facts as they are.

Since I have not seen the film I cannot comment on these two sides of the issue, but I will say that anytime Hollywood does anything involving Christianity, I am skeptical of their motives.

Check out Kent Curry's contribution to Collideoscope on this issue, which includes a link to the movie trailer.