Given the influence of postmodern culture on many of the films we've been watching, this week, Dr Shane Clifton looks at postmodernism in more detail. He discusses, first of all, the transition from a medieval worldview to a modern/scientific understanding of the universe, after which, he focuses on the more recent post-world-war disillusionment with modernism and the subsequent transition to a postmodern way of thinking.
BTW, in his latest of internet discoveries Shane has stumbled across a website which may be of interest to you in your theology & film studies. Check it out...
Both reviews are insightful and interesting, but Chris's 'Jesus Camp' review particularly stood out to me. I was impressed by his honesty and the way he critically analysed its content without 'picking a side'.
I don't really know what else to say apart from the fact i'm in awe of how much of my own thinking has been influenced by postmodern ideas.
Posted by: Angie Bulic | August 29, 2007 at 05:38 PM
i really enjoyed this podcast as it has given me more insight and helped me to understand a bit more about modernity and postmodernity. It was good to learn the general history and development of postmodernity from modernity.
While it may seem like there is a pattern from supersition to rationality, reason and science, and hence a return to premodern 'supernaturalism', I agree with Shane that postmodernity simply recognises the weakness and ambiguity of modern thinking and challenges that prior to acceptance. It is not trying to return to a prerational or premodern society.
While there are advantages of course to postmodern questioning and critique, there is also the disadvantages that we see so predominantly in society today, especially the western culture. Nihilism is one such example and the difficulty of the openness and unattainability of 'truth' and 'belief', but not to force them upon anyone, is another. I agree with Shane that it is potentially easier to share the gospel to postmodernity, than to modernity whose truth was only proven by science.
The closing remarks was a good way to finish the discussion. Upon understanding this background of postmodern criticism towards the Church and Christianity we must, as Shane suggests, after recognising weakness, exercise grace and humility.
Posted by: Neil Castro | August 30, 2007 at 10:41 AM
It wsa great learning more about Post-modernism. Mostly because it obvisouly has a huge impact on understanding the society and culture to which I am desiring to minister to and be the light and salt of God to. Understanding further what Post-modernism is, where it was drawn from, where it is possibly going, helps know more about people, about how they think, why they think certain ways, why they respond in the ways that they do, etc. But it also make sense of why I think certain ways, of why my thought process is the way that it is being one who has grown up in the post-modern age.
One thing that stood out to me was when Shane discussed the beginning of the modern age, where science began to take charge, where people began to question things. My thought was, God was being taken out. People began relying on their own selves to figure out the world. So God's truths were being replaced with Man's logic. Man began to no longer need to rely on God because we can figure it all out for ourselves now. Kind of funny I think. Because that is where we are at alot these days, that people don't need God. And where alot of religions are around, so many people don't follow it because of a need for God, they follow it because it seems like a nice thing to have in their lives. just a thought.
The review was also good, that it raises very relevant points. What are we passing down to the next generation? Is it right?
Posted by: Kasie Carpenter | August 30, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Chris asked the question: Is it right for fundamentalists to indoctrinate children with their beliefs? Do they have the right to teach their children lies? I think fundamentalism itself is a failure of stewardship. It is an abuse of the precious gift of rational thinking that God has given us and expects us to use. Therefore it is not right for people to be fundamentalists in the first place let alone inflict it on their children. Anyone who teaches in any capacity has a responsibility to ensure they are well informed on the topic, to teach from ignorance is irresponsible. So I think it is wrong and does not please God BUT how can it be stopped?
Posted by: Katrina Freeston | August 30, 2007 at 01:59 PM
I found Shane's discussion on Post Modernity really interesting, especially his closing remarks. We do live in an age of suspicion and the church is not exempt from this. It is informing to know that a lot of people see claims to religious truth as a form of control. Like Shane said, we need to be open to engaging and responding to criticism.
I think 'Saved' critiqued the churches portrayal of God, mainly the evangelical church, and that some of the criticism was justified. As Shane said, the church is framed by sin and we need to accept our own weakness. We can take the criticism and use it to improve what we are presenting to the public domain. The best response is grace and humility, not offense and manipulation. If the post-modern thinker desires to tear down through negativity, then the post-modern Christian needs to build up with God's grace.
With 'Saved' the other response is to laugh, it is a comedy!
Chris Tiling put forth some interesting questions about 'Jesus Camp'. I think the first thing to do is to decide if it is evangelicalism or fundamentalism? I haven't seen the entire film but parts of it did not sit right with me. Chris asked if it is appropriate for young and impressionable children to be indoctrinated by fundamental thought, such as talking to Satan, or dividing culture. I do not think so. But what do you do when the parents are responsible?
Posted by: Matthew Lowe | August 31, 2007 at 12:53 PM
I haven't seen the movie 'Jesus Camp' but I watched the trailer on YouTube and it gave me a greater understanding of what Chris Tilling was saying.
It disturbed me to see that young boy standing on a stage, preaching to everyone like he was. Chris Tilling responded to that scene by asking 'is it right to allow someone so young and impressionable to teach others?' He answered - no it isn't and I agree. I'll admit that seeing these kids' passion for Jesus is inspiring but you have to wonder whether the way these children are expressing their passion is in any way effective to what they want to achieve.
I read some reviews that the general public had posted in response to the film and every one of them were negative - referring to suicide bombers and 'religious hogwash'. They detested the concept of 'brainwashing kids'. It's interesting to look back on the way we 'do church' and teach children and youth and even adults. We have all this Christian jargon that we use and all these practices we have and yet, it seems we don't often think about how this looks to those who have never experienced Jesus or church before. I can relate to aspects of charismatic Christianity but this film review has made me think - are we so far from the world in our beliefs and practices and words that we no longer are a part of the world?
Chris Tilling concluded his review with this question - 'Can we have a faith that doesn't break into the public domain?' It's an interesting question to think about.
Posted by: Jessica Edward-Paul | August 31, 2007 at 03:26 PM
i really enjoyed the podcast and made me think really think alot more about this state we seem to find ourselves. i guess it even answered alot of questions about myself and why i didnt fit in the fundamental church i used to belong too.
to be honest 'jesus camp' actually scared me a bit as we see how this is not some made up narrative so to speak but i reflection of what may actually be happening out there...*think of Jaws theme music*
Posted by: Janelle Acevedo | August 31, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Mee too shall i say.I do think i am a Postmodernist in a way that i question much often that take things as face value which has often seen myself rather outside of circles i guess.
Nonetheless i see such an approach necessary in all institutions to refrain from ending up producing prodigies such as the little kids from the 'Jesus camp' documentary.It is necessary to reevalute ourselves and keep people accountable in thier dogmatic approaches that like to isolate people with a different opinion rather than embrace diversity.
Nevertheless they as much as us are stil human i guess.
Posted by: wendy Acevedo | August 31, 2007 at 11:14 PM
I haven't seen Jesus Camp and i was absent when the class watched Saved.
Around the start of Podcast 6, shane asked a question "How do we deal with critiques, that targets Christianity?". So from the Documentary 'Jesus camp' where the media has attacked and criticised, when the footage came out on youtube, the media grabbed it, and without finding out what it's about, made such a offset judgement. It sickens me because i see Jesus Camp, as empowering the generation to becoem soldiers of Christ. However that is a Evangelical pentecostalism perspective. And it is true with what shane said, how aroudn the middle age the world see every event is connected with God. and it affected western society, to the extreme where its all about criticising now, but not wanting to change it.
The movie 'Saved', i haven't seen it either, but it does give a stereotypical image of Young Christians, and what they go through. And how religion these days does affect people's behaviour, which in the eye of an unbeliever, Christians is what the movie portrays.
sorry if it didn't make any sense..i didn't read through it..just read my notes and tried to answer the question.(if i did?!)
have a great weekend! =)
Posted by: Chris Lee | August 31, 2007 at 11:55 PM
The podcast was interesting, good to hear your a fellow Trekkie Shane!
Inregards to the film review it definatly does ask the question if we are teaching the next generation the right way/thing.
I remember a discussion with a friend who's an evangelist and he told me of a discussion he had with an athiest. The athiest said that he(my friend) only believed in God because his family did. And my friend just asked, are your family members Christians? he answered no, and my friend said, then the reason your not a Christian is because your family isn't on that mentality.
With this discussion, and in the review, people are going to be impacted by what they are taught. And because they will always be learning in some way and form then there should be that obvious teaching of God. But I guess its finding that balance between leading someone in making a desicion to follow God and brainwashing.
The critique of such films, and then further churches and movements should be done in an attitude of grace. However with that grace one should not simply dismiss alarming findings.
Posted by: Pete Hordern | September 01, 2007 at 12:52 AM
Jesus Camp! Are we supposed to be watching this film. I listened to Chris Tillings podcast and he raises some concerns that two years ago I probably would have argued with him over, but today I see the validity of the points he makes about the excesses of over zealous Christianity if you can call it “Christianity”? And a faith spilling itself over into the community.
We hear this all the time - “It’s a movement” - the woman pastor says. This I do not doubt, but of what spirit?
Like Jess I wanted to watch the trailer to get an idea what Chris was talking about and it made me smile at times because it was too close to home. I do not see that much of a difference between this trailer and a youth conference I attended here in Australia a few months back. Ok, ok a little more extreme and patriotic, but some elements of the service are pretty close...
The warfare theme, waging war on the enemy, the problem is that I was unsure by the preachers teaching if the enemy was people or satanic evil lurking out there - She spoke of “fixing the world” something Christianity has not yet been able to do after 2000 years. Then there was the tongue talking (chity, chity, chity, chity – I was just waiting for the bang bang!!!) and the crying, shouting “Jesus” as a chant. What about the euphoria on the faces of those kids and then the tears as the guilt of their sin was realised for watching Harry Potter. The whole army thing is something I grew up with so it came as no surprise – we are soldiers who may never march in the infantry, zoom over the enemy, shoot the artillery... But we were in the LORD’s army - Yes Sir... Haha gotta laugh but it was there and when I look at it now it is actually rather disturbing.
As Chris alludes – there was the elitism: We are a “chosen people”, God’s generals, Superior and Special, somehow unique to the rest of humanity (to me this is just “Christian supremism that produces alienation and elitism – something we should not encourage). I think if we really step back and look at the closeness of what is seen in the trailer to what you hear and see at some of these youth conferences, there is not too much difference in content – youth get zealous (not saying this is wrong), they are more readily swayed, and will not question as we may, but they are also passionate and take what the leader says as gospel. This is not all bad if directed in a right manner. The outworking of what was happening to the kids was very “Pentecostal” however the words of their mouth did not speak of peace and true love but of elitism. Those who did not know Jesus, well there was something perceivably “yukky” about them. Yet the thing that caught my eye the most was the chanting with the raised arm, that disturbed me the somewhat. Zealousness without wisdom is just dangerous and here I agree with Katrina that we have a responsibility to those we teach and to be well informed on what we teach...
The problem is, brainwashing is evident in all circles – Christian or non. We are being conditioned to think one way or other; a truth we all have to deal with as we study and grow. We think one way today and go on to think another. There is a “good and positive brain washing”, but what is good for one may be detrimental to another. I for one love the challenge, but it has changed the way I see church, life, and “my ministry”. We see this BW and elitism in Church - where we hear things like; “don't have friends with people who will pull you down – hang out with those that build you up”. “bad company corrupts good character” “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” and all that. I see some truth in it but if it were the case then what the heck was Jesus doing hanging out with prostitutes and sinners, why did he choose such a motley crew of “loser” disciples, or what was David doing hanging out with the “down and outs” in the caves when he was hiding from Saul – Was it not these same men who were to become some of his mightiest. We have BW from the media. It drives our thinking in many ways and its causes us to follow its path without even knowing sometimes.
I love this class because I see the diversity of thought each of us can bring to the table, and can gain depth of insight from others views and responses. That is why this type of forum is important because we can challenge the status quo and be challenged see the folly of our ways. Something this course is most certainly doing for me.
That said, I am sure that the woman in the Jesus Camp Doco is doing what she felt was right. She would probably say Jesus told me or I got the inspiration from the Holy Spirit. After all it was taking the kids out of “Devil Lake” to become “soldiers” who would be martyrs for the cause of Christ. I bet she goes home and sleeps well at night - knowing she has done what "Jesus wanted her to do". This for me is the scary thing – who and what is directing the Church today? - As I watched the trailer over and over again – I ask myself, “is there a much needed change in what we do and how we present ourselves as God’s people today?
Posted by: Stephen Wall | September 01, 2007 at 02:14 AM
We are - i had problems getting the video from us, but have it now
Posted by: Shane clifton | September 01, 2007 at 07:55 AM
It was rather amazing that just a day before I could respond to this Podcast, I said to my girlfriend that I ought to read and resource to advance my knowledge on
Modernism/Post-modernism. Thank you Shane that you so awesomely covered that
for me in your lecture, which has given me an understanding in great depth of Modernity and Post-Modernity
JESUS CAMP - Firstly, I want to say that I have not viewed the movie, hence I moved onto responding to Podcast7, which I now dont have to do next week.
On listening to Chris Tilley's review, some of his comments were very interesting.
In answer to his question -Is it right for Fundamentalists to indoctrinate children with their beliefs?
I would say YES - but, we should not force our beliefs on them.
Perhaps the question should be - What should we indoctrinate our kids with?
In the example of the girl in the movie commanding the Bowling Ball "In the Name of Jesus" - is not a good example of what we should indoctrinate our kids with.
I was indoctrinated with "Religion", and I have no regrets because I am better of for it today, because it gave me an innate sense of God and also a Fear of God.
My view is that indoctrinations happens whether we like it or not. Whether it be from a teacher in school; parents at home; or the internet or TV - kids will get indoctrinated, no matter what. So why not indoctrinate them with the Word of God -
Deut6.
I found the lecture very informative and I can see how Post Modernists looking at the Pentecostal movement would think that we have reverted to medeival beliefs and traditions. When Christians say they have the Absolute Truth,and even go to the extent of critiquing other denominations in Chrisendom, could automatically cause conflict.
I liked your advice Shane to be open to engaging in responding to criticism. I reckon that our senioir Pastors have set an outstanding example for us at Hillsong Church, in that they respond to their critiques in absolute "Grace and Humility".
The subject of Theology & Film and the
lectures have challenged me to take a deeper look at my own views and thinking, which is considerably changing - Praise God!
Posted by: Jacqueline Worcester | September 01, 2007 at 08:35 PM
Question: Is it right for Fundamentalists to indoctrinate children with their beliefs?
My opinion: My response is the same as Chris' wife- Yes, I believe it is.
Parents have the ordained responsibilty of bringing up their children in the ways of the Lord and yet I think where it gets funky is in the interpretation of what that means.
When Chris referred to the subjects in the movie of speaking in tongues, dancing in the flesh, etc. I understood the reason why the children believed as they did...these are views and practices upheld by many Pentecostal churches today in modern society. Because of these outward displays of faith, the world looks at it with disdain and labels christians as emotional fanatics.
It is in sharing our faith that the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5) play a role in persuading the world that we don't hinge our faith on pure emotion or judgement, but in living lifestyles that are stable, consistent, humble, and filled with integrity. I loved the personal response of Chris when watching the movie and how he applied what he saw with the passion of the children and his own zeal for the Lord. This is an attitude of a servant heart and I pray that I can have such a perspective in everything I see and learn.
Posted by: Christie Valentine | September 03, 2007 at 03:55 PM
(thought I already posted this but I cant find where, I got confused by trying to post on Chris Tilling's blog)
Chris Tilling ‘Jesus Camp’
I really related with the opening feelings of inadequacy that typically follow after a conversation with Dreu Harrison and can only imagine having to lecture after him.
I was fairly frustrated listening to this podcast simply because we didn’t get to watch the film in class. I would have been able to appreciate the review at a far deeper level had I actually been able to watch the original. However, it was very helpful to hear the summary at the beginning.
I have to confess I relate at an almost scary level. I was homeschooled. I did learn the reconciliation of creationism and science. I wasn’t specifically told that global warming was a non-issue but I have certainly been exposed to it as a belief. However, I was NEVER taught that Galileo was right to choose God over science. That was presented as an issue of culture than faith. I don’t remember first getting saved, I do remember wanting relationship with God at various stages in life, and moving away from Him during other stages in life. How on earth a five year old wants more out of life is beyond me! And after consideration which for myself began far earlier than this review I do not think it is appropriate for a child to preach. I think they could give a testimony, share a short thought, but I now believe that more maturity is needed before someone is selected to preach.
I am interested in children and youth ministry and the use of spiritual giftings in those ministries. What our expectation of children and young people in the church should be. I found it very hard to make the transition from child to adult in the church especially spiritually. I don’t think that Jesus camp presents a good option however, it does show people wanting children to experience the power and presence of God in their own life.
But, it sounds so harsh to be preaching unrighteousness and hypocrisy that makes children cry. Maybe I am biased towards the love and grace attributes of God…I don’t know but I would like to see the film to make a more educated judgement and think more about the issue.
I had never thought of Charismatic/Pentecostalism as a subculture. Yet after it was isolated I found it
In-doctrination
I think that this film presents a criticism of how many evangelical parents raise their children. I didn’t agree with the remark about parents teaching their children ‘lies’. Parents are teaching their children to the best of their ability. Being taught creationism didn’t ruin my critical thinking, nor does it dominate my relationship with God. Right now I remain fairly ambivalent to the entire issue. However, out of creationism I was taught environmental responsibility ‘stewardship’ of the planet God has entrusted us with. And in remains a core belief in my heart.
I also agree with what Becky said in response to this question. We are all indoctrinated in some form through education or life experience growing up. Ultimately I think it is much more fulfilling to be indoctrinated with ideas of a loving God than any thing else. However, the additional beliefs that often go along with it, such as the political agendas should definitely be questioned.
Raising children with these beliefs doesn’t assure they will have an easy life either. I can speak from experience that most will wrestle with their faith as they grow up. Despite Charismatic experience and relationship with God, as the hypocracy sometimes evident in even the local church becomes apparent they will often struggle with a sense of feeling let down even betrayed by their faith. However, ultimately it comes down to a matter of personal belief and relationship. I am grateful for my upbringing but I also sense its shortfalls. I am far more grateful to a loving heavenly Father whose love has never failed me.
Posted by: Ann-Elise | September 03, 2007 at 04:11 PM
I haven't watched the movie 'Jesus Camp', but after listening to Chris Tilling’s review I am interested to watch it.
I think indoctrination of believes in life are inevitable. The responsibility of parents to do this in a correct way is big. Even as mature Christians we have to be open minded towards news things that happen in this world and maybe with this change some of our opinions. The bible talks about growing in faith and has stories of humans making mistakes and having to start again. I think it’s important to teach or kids the dogma’s that are crucial to Christianity. When it comes to doctrines and opinions we have to teach our kids to have an open mind towards what God wants to teach us. As we follow the process of sanctification after salvation, we should allow our kids to do the same.
Posted by: Prisca Post | September 03, 2007 at 05:07 PM
Commenting Chris Tiling:
I would like to give a couple of comments to today’s podcast.
Firstly, Chris Tiling asked the question whether or not it was evangelicalism or fundamentalism? And in response I have to say, I was very challenged by the question. On the one hand I can see that as a parent one would want to make things understandable for kids. The danger in doing so can tend to be simplistic teaching. I believe that maybe the result of this, is somewhat what Tiling refers to as unbalanced evangelical pop culture teaching. There is created a distance between “them” (non charismatic Christians) and “us” (charismatic Christians). One of the reasons might be that the children can understand what is “us” and “our doctrine” however one could rather focus on the fact that we all are Christians – with Christ in the centre. On the other hand whenever any teaching becomes simplistic and generalizing it is in danger of becoming “black and white” and even fundamentalism.
Secondly, if that is so, is it right for a fundamentalist to indoctrinate their children? Tiling points out the question and again I must admit I am challenged and I do not know the answer. On the one hand it is the responsibility for the parents to raise their children. And to some extent because the parents are in leadership and have a task to train the kids, they will also influence and shape their kids’ attitudes and so on. However I would suggest that the kids have a mind of their own therefore another part of being a parent is to give kids love and understanding for others. Therefore I wonder; should not that be possible without giving the kids unbalanced teaching? ... I guess I am pondering upon whether or not it is possible to avoid the inevitable...?
Posted by: Christina Hodol | September 03, 2007 at 09:01 PM
Thanks Chris for your honest and very relevant reflections! Listening to his review made me really want to see Jesus Camp. My first response - before I've seen it - is the question of the objectivity of media. My statement would be that everyone presents the truth they want, by choosing their material carefully. I myself have been part of a church in Norway which went through a serious crises. The "truth" about the situation, as presented in the newspaper, was at times not recognisable. It told me that whatever I see on TV or film, is a presented angle of the truth. However, what people said in an interview, they said! So when it comes to some of the things Chris commented, which he summed up the question: Are we presenting fundamentalism or evangelism? That is a very, very real and important question we must ask ourselves, totally independent from the contet of Jesus Camp (or Saved for that matter). On one hand, I believe that radical faith may be perceived as fundamentalism by people who oppose that faith, no matter how well balanced we live our lives or present our faith. On the other hand we need to check our beliefs, our practises and our motives, to see if we're on the right track compared to the demonstration of love and grace we see in the life of Christ. Am I pushing people away by my convictions, or am letting my faith become practical by involving in people's lives and showing the same love Christ did?
Posted by: Oystein Udnes | September 04, 2007 at 05:02 PM
I really liked Shane's lecture on postmodernism, and the explanation of modernism, and how postmodernism thinking is directly in response to the modernistic rationalistic way of thinking. Whereas modernism did advance the current world, there was little or no room for the non-rational, or supernatural. I liked Shane's perspective in regards to presenting the gospel to a post-modern world - that in a sense, it is almost easier to share the gospel to in the post-modern world - as there is a general openness to the supernatural and non-rational thinking. I could say more but I will get into the film reviews...
In regards to the movie, 'Saved,' the question i asked myself was "Is the church more focused on the cliche's of Christianity than the actual gospel itself?"
I have not personally seen the movie "Jesus Camp" yet, but have read several film reviews. Chris Tillan stated that the movie made him enjoy it and be uncomfortable at the same time. He questioned whether the problem was with the extreme evangelicalism or fundamentalism, and questioned the validity of children 'teaching' the truth at such an impressionable age. He also mirrors the question raised in the film, "Is it right for fundamentalists to indoctrinate children with their beliefs?"
I thought this review was brilliant, because Chris was very balanced in his critique - validating the need for zeal in our christianity, while at the same time, questioning the extremist behaviours shown in the film. I think that as Chris said "uninformed" zeal will do no one any good, and is not true Christianity at all, and will reach no one. I did like his conclusion that faith must break into the public domain - but the question of how this is actually done in an appropriate manner is one that I am hesitant to answer. I think that certain extreme behaviours as described in the movie do nothing to 'further' the gospel, and, as also portrayed in the movie "saved," can end up being a total mockery of the true agenda to further the love of Christ and reach and change the world. Having said that, where is the place for radical Christianity, the kind of Christianity that we see in the book of Acts - people entering into the public eye - doing amazing miracles etc? We must not put out the flame of passion altogether - but how do we express faith correctly? Extremism is not the answer, but neither is avoidance and trying to fit in. I think, that the appropriate response is in both. We must never lose the passion and excitement for our faith, and the prompt obedience of the Holy Spirit. However, I also believe that the Spirit moves in order, and the fruit is evident - there is no chaos, and 'indoctrination' as such. The combination of these two might be an appropriate response in regards to Chris's question of how we handle faith in the public arena, but there is no definitive answer as such. I thought the lectures and reviews on this subject were absolutely brilliant, and very mind challenging.
Posted by: Autumn H | September 04, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Firstly I would like to say Ben McEachen's review of Seventh Seal was first-class and summed up the concepts and themes of the film in such a thoughtful manner with a poetic use language that made it entertaining to listen too.
As with those above, I have not yet seen Jesus Camp, however after having listened to Chris Tilling's podcast feel more than adequately prepared to engage with the issues raised by the film. Chris' review was reflective and considerate whilst still arriving at the nub of the film's purpose and key arguments. I particularly liked the way Chris contemplated the young boy's comment in the film on yielding to Christ at age 5 due to "wanting more out of life".
Shane, this was a very content rich podcast with a lot of food for thought. I enjoyed your description of post-modernism and appreciate the need to come to a more adequate definition by looking at it in the context of the progression of thought through history from the medieval period onwards. It is staggering to think of the impact that post modernist thinking is having on society's perception of Jesus Christ and religion in general for that matter. For those friends and colleagues of mine outside of the church who are on a spiritual journey and are locked in a battle of rationalising faith and attempting to reason for the existence of God, I continue to pray that they will have an undeniable encounter with God and through that revelation of faith, then begin to seek understanding.
Posted by: Mitchell Bailey | September 04, 2007 at 09:49 PM
Jesus Camp seems to strike me as an extreme sect of Christianity/Pentecostalism. I have not seen the documentary but I can imagine it having a very 'us/they in/out' feel to the ministry. I look back on my childhood and laugh at how one day at church I was asked why I cooked muffins to sell for the building fund and I answered 'well it was either for missions or the building fund and we thought missions didn't need it.' - this is purely because I had no idea what the word missions even meant. If people were to place such importance and weight on the words that came from my mouth at such a formative age, I would resent it later on purely for the fact that a child should be allowed to have childlike ideas and not be called upon to give account for them as though they were an adult. I think the fact that Levi from Jesus Camp doesn't understand the importance of global warming or science is completely normal. In a few years I'm sure education, the media or friends will show him otherwise and then he can give an account for his beliefs. I believe there is a time to teach and a time to be taught, a time to listen and a time to speak, a time to be a child and a time to be a guardian and it is very important that these seasons be understood for what we do to be effective. Having said that, I do think that children add tremendous value to the body of Christ as they are constant reminders of what it is to have childlike faith, to easily trust and to love without pretense. As Chris said, may we be challenged by their fervour and expression in their love for God.
Posted by: Felicity de Sauty | September 04, 2007 at 09:55 PM
PS: I poked around on Chris Tilling's blog site Chrisendom, but couldn't see anywhere to leave comments related to our course...
Is this the correct URL:
http://www.christilling.de/blog/ctblog.html
Posted by: Mitchell Bailey | September 04, 2007 at 09:57 PM
Responding to Chris’s review
I think we have to teach the foundation of the Christian faith to our kids but the problem is what the foundation is. As keeping studying in Degree course, I have found a lot of my misunderstanding of the Bible and theology and always fixed it on the right truck. So we have to examine what we believe not just accept what you are told. Likewise, we have to be carefully choosing what you teach our kids as truth. Also we have to give our kids opportunities to examine about what they know or believe, not just only accept all without examination. As a parent of a beautiful daughter, this lecture made me think about how we raise our kids in the Post-Modern society.
TJ Adachi (X07433)
Posted by: Taijiro (TJ) Adachi | September 04, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Is it right for fundamentalists to indoctrinate children with their beliefs?
Yes and no. We live in a world where everyone is influenced by lots of different sources, media being one of the major ones. I would say that we all get indoctrinated to some extend and I would deffinetly raise my kids by teaching them my belief and also my Christian ethics and morals.
I do believe that it depends on the childs age, how you present or teach them. And I do not believe in punishment in Jesus name, “don’t do that, cause Jesus would be sad” etc. but I do not believe that it is wrong to make children of a certain age aware of their moral actions being according to the Christian faith.
Posted by: Ribekka Byberg | September 04, 2007 at 10:29 PM
From the podcast, I am realising more and more just how much of my own thinking has been shaped by post-modern schools of thought! It forces me to take a step back and review the process by which I engage with people of other religious convictions.
With regards to Jesus Camp, I wonder where the line is between religious indoctrination and sound teaching? Perhaps they are one and the same, provided that what is being taught is the truth. Granted, that a critical mind is necessary when grappling with the immensity of the Christian faith, and that faith and reason must always go together. This is where I believe the evangelical community as represented in Jesus Camp falls short. The ability to stand outside one's own set of circumstances and look in from the outside is so vital for us as Christians if we are to remain the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Posted by: paul tan | September 04, 2007 at 11:24 PM