I saw this documentary just now. It's awful; I mean gut wrenchingly awful. The girl M.A. mentioned, Rachael, is really adorable. Articulate, bright, earnest--it makes it all the more terrible to watch what she goes through in this documentary.
M.A.:
Particularly striking is their disavowal of an explicitly political end. They advocate political reform, and actively involve other people's children in their attempt to sway Washington, but when put to the question by moderate Christian talk radio host Mike Papantonio, Pastor Becky Fischer emphasizes that the camp is primarily religious rather than political.I agree with Mad here. If nothing else, this documentary made me certain that atheists' most significant efforts will be towards solidifying the wall of separation. Evangelicals', and the like, consequence is not in their beliefs, or prayer meetings, or professions of faith, or even in the indoctrination of their young. It is in the influence they have gained and continue to gain over the U.S. government. If you watch this documentary, note, despite how radically crazy these people are (and no I do not hesitate in passing this judgment), they revere Bush. He makes political decisions that people like this value. More than anything else about his awful tenure in the White House, it should make any sane, rational person sick that these people honor the U.S. President. We should be mortified to have voted such a person into office, not once but twice. And it certainly does not stop at the White House, or even in federal government. The religious right have "elbowed," as Papantonio puts it, their way into every aspect of government. The reason creationism returns to the classroom again and again is because the school board, and council boards are littered with people who preach such drivel. Philadelphia's mayoral race has a candidate whose platform centers around bringing religion back to the city to end the massive violence. There is a conscious, organized, militant-like movement to take over the U.S. government for fundamental Christianity.
I thought it particularly interesting that, of the minimum references to the "outside world," much of the activity involving the nomination and confirmation of Justice Alito was noted. This is where the significant influence of the fundamental, religious right is dangerously apparent. I really think it is imperative for atheists to stop focusing so much energy arguing the existence/nonexistence of a deity, and focus more on making sure that deity's humble servant isn't sitting in the oval office, on either side of the desk.
What struck me as most significant, outside of the political issues, was how easily manipulated children's minds and imaginations are. Dawkins addresses how religion indoctrinates children, as the young are most receptive to dogma. The ritual, the drama, the theatricality of these religious efforts is what makes them so attractive to young people. Watching moments of apparent ecstasy, being filled with the spirit, raw emotions raging forth, this is pure gold for religious indoctrination. It is not, however, the result of religion or faith or the spirit. Most children can easily tap into their imagination and emotions in equally profound ways. Just watch an untrained child act or sing in any performance setting. The easiest actor to get to find and touch raw emotion is a child. I just never saw it manipulated to such grotesque ends. My heart aches for these kids, but my mind races with the political influence these people are acquiring. We must address it!
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