Jesus camp documentary. First viewing.

[rexbeccarox]

The version on NetFlix doesn't seem to have been cut.

[Jenny A]

"Highlights" or perhaps all time lows:




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Different note, but still worrying--- I have nieces and nephews who participate in among other things a prison entertainment program. They tour prisons every summer and put on a Christian music show. The stories the kids come back with make it clear that they are exposed to some pretty foul language from and occasionally lewd physical contact with the prisoners. The program tries to minimize that of course. But none the less, the idea of convincing a 13 year old that it's good for their soul to sing in prison bothers me. These child ministries can't be good for the kids.

[Rev. Rye]

Different note, but still worrying--- I have nieces and nephews who participate in among other things a prison entertainment program. They tour prisons every summer and put on a Christian music show. The stories the kids come back with make it clear that they are exposed to some pretty foul language from and occasionally lewd physical contact with the prisoners. The program tries to minimize that of course. But none the less, the idea of convincing a 13 year old that it's good for their soul to sing in prison bothers me. These child ministries can't be good for the kids.

Kids? Performing in prisons? Who the Hell thought that was a good idea? I mean, I can imagine adult Christians performing in a prison for some kind of ministry, (Jah knows Johnny Cash did it enough times) But even putting aside the whole issue of indoctrinating children like this, bringing extremely sheltered kids into contact with some of the worst specimens of humanity any given jurisdiction can muster (definitely including some who were sent there in the first place for sexually abusing children) seems like a recipe for complete motherfucking disaster.

[Jenny A]

Kids? Performing in prisons? Who the Hell thought that was a good idea? I mean, I can imagine adult Christians performing in a prison for some kind of ministry, (Jah knows Johnny Cash did it enough times) But even putting aside the whole issue of indoctrinating children like this, bringing extremely sheltered kids into contact with some of the worst specimens of humanity any given jurisdiction can muster (definitely including some who were sent there in the first place for sexually abusing children) seems like a recipe for complete motherfucking disaster.

Portions of the Southern Baptist Church in North Caronlina apparently--my in-laws church in particular. And yes they are otherwise pretty sheltered kids.
So far as we know there hasn't been a disaster yet, but. . .

But, supposing I raised a stink and reported my in-laws for child abuse, would I win? And if the result was the kids ending up in foster homes, would it be better? I'm really not sure. There is no physical abuse at home and their parents truly love them and want what's best for them. That I can see. But what they think is best makes me want to gag sometimes.

I don't believe, but I'm not militantly against most churches. This kind of thing however. . .

I know the SBC is in the minority here (I grew up Lutheran and I can't imagine a program like this in any church I attended), but like the Jesus Camp, I think it is a form of child abuse.

[Rev. Rye]

But, supposing I raised a stink and reported my in-laws for child abuse, would I win? And if the result was the kids ending up in foster homes, would it be better? I'm really not sure. There is no physical abuse at home and their parents truly love them and want what's best for them. That I can see. But what they think is best makes me want to gag sometimes.

Have you told them your concerns about it yet? Honestly, I think it'd be best if you explained (calmly, if at all possible) to them why kid's singing groups (Christian or otherwise) and prison are not two great tastes that go great together before you reported them.

[Jenny A]

But, supposing I raised a stink and reported my in-laws for child abuse, would I win? And if the result was the kids ending up in foster homes, would it be better? I'm really not sure. There is no physical abuse at home and their parents truly love them and want what's best for them. That I can see. But what they think is best makes me want to gag sometimes.

Have you told them your concerns about it yet? Honestly, I think it'd be best if you explained (calmly, if at all possible) to them why kid's singing groups (Christian or otherwise) and prison are not two great tastes that go great together before you reported them.

I think you are being good, but naive here. A quick google search shows that this kind of youth group choir activity is common in the South. http://www.firstbaptistnashville.org/min...usic/youth http://preludemusicplanner.org/2013/04/s...ur-part-2/ http://mtenderemainsdachurch-lusaka.adve...vents/1284 Like the Scared Straight programs it requires cooperation from the prison officials. There is simply no way that child services across the country are unaware of this. So while I think it is child abuse, I doubt social services will see it my way.

Second, I've watched social services in action, and I would have to have much greater concerns before I'd find reporting them to social services a better option.

[Rev. Rye]

I think you are being good, but naive here. A quick google search shows that this kind of youth group choir activity is common in the South. http://www.firstbaptistnashville.org/min...usic/youth http://preludemusicplanner.org/2013/04/s...ur-part-2/ http://mtenderemainsdachurch-lusaka.adve...vents/1284 Like the Scared Straight programs it requires cooperation from the prison officials. There is simply no way that child services across the country are unaware of this. So while I think it is child abuse, I doubt social services will see it my way.

Second, I've watched social services in action, and I would have to have much greater concerns before I'd find reporting them to social services a better option.

Like I said, the important thing is that you voice your concerns to the parents long before you report them. And, even then, reporting them is probably not a good idea.

[Mister Agenda]

Both watched it and lived it. I like to think I turned out okay, but on the other hand every stage of my life has felt delayed.