Piaget's Stages

In class, we have discussed Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development and Kohlberg's six Stages of Moral Judgment. The purpose of this paper is to explore these concepts in relation to some of the children that participated in the film titled "Jesus Camp." Moreover, this paper will also include my thoughts and opinions on this matter.

When watching this film, I could see that some of the children were frightened by the way "Pastor Becky" portrayed sin like a big lion that was going to eat them alive. After she accused Harry Potter of being an "enemy of God" and told the children not be hypocrites, there was a washing of the hands ceremony where emotions ran high. The children who were crying seemed like they knew from observational learning when to cry, shout, ect., as they have gone through his practice before. Verbal or physical cues can direct these children into what kind of emotions/actions are "supposed" to be engaging in. Many of these children may be doing this to please their parents; which also correlates with "blind obedience" (Piaget). It is apparent throughout the movie that the kids are expected to behave in a certain manner with the consequence of ultimately going to hell if they are disobedient (stage 1: punishment, Kolberg).

Rachel, who was nine years old, shows characteristics of being in both the "pre-conventional morality" and "conventional morality" stages (Kohlberg). Evidence for this is suggested by self interest; she prays for a strike at the bowling alley instead of something that has more meaning such as praying for a sick grandma, for example. Rachel is also rewarded with a smile and a hug (stage 2 of pre-conventional morality) after she spoke to a woman about God at the bowling alley. This reinforces Rachel's behavior to want to please others which relates to the conventional morality stage. In one scene of the film, she is seen playing /coloring by herself which offers more evidence that she would want to please people and be accepted.

Levi, who was twelve years old, shows characteristics of being in Piaget's formal operational stage. He displays abstract thinking when he's on stage preaching; he talks about not letting "satan throw you off your path, off the race." This implies that he understands and can correlate situations with other things metaphorically similar. Levi does receive reinforcements for his exceptional behavior; along with the applause and look of approval from Pastor Becky, he is singled out by one of the adult leaders that tell him in front of an audienece, what great plans God has for him. Levi uses logic and moral reasoning when he is explaining how "this world feeds you trash and it's like giving out candy, but I don't want candy. God is like meat which good for you." He uses the meat and candy in a symbolic fashion.

In contrast of this