Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk

I decided to check out this new movie because it sounded like the type of indie coming-of-age movie that I tend to like, well that and I was curious about Eric Stoltz's directorial debut, and Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk did not disappoint. The film is a really interesting story about a young man who is having to deal head on with sexuality as he is getting older, yet balance that with the fact that he is a Jehovah's Witness. Now I wasn't that familiar with what being a Jehovah's Witness entails, but it became clear that this created a unique yet still relatable situation for the lead character and many of us watching who have had to deal with perhaps different, but similarly conservative upbringings. One of the early scenes is an incredibly awkward encounter where the guy doesn't even know what to do with bare boobs in front of him.

If you're interested in a well made indie coming-of-age film that deals with the complexities of maturing within a conservative religion, then definitely check out Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk! Highly recommend.

Jehovah's witness religion has always been on the periphery of my mind. After watching this film I learned alot about what it must be like to be trapped inside this cult. The family is it's own self contained unit, reinforcing and entrapping all members to the faith of JW. Anyone that challenges their ways is seen as an outsider and can be punished through humiliation.

I'm actually a huge fan of Eric Stoltz and this film. This story he crafted takes us on the journey of one adolescent man who tries to navigate modern life in a funny, satirical and dramatic way as a JW cult member.

This is a really intriguing story about a teenager trying to figure it out. Trying to figure out his sexuality as what he knows so deeply goes against his religion. These types of stories are eye-opening, especially if you've never lived anything like this. This film is real, and we need more real films.

Growing up as a Jehovah's Witness myself, the film is very relatable, a good peek into what it's like as a teen in the religion. Very worth a watch even if you have never been involved with any JWs.

I used to live in Belgium, in a big city, where Jehovah's Witnesses were constantly harassing people trying to get you on their train of ridiculous beliefs. I really enjoyed talking to them, just to let them see how dumb they sounded, but I have to admit it's like talking to a wall, a bunch of brainwashed retards from the Middle Ages. I talked with them for hours, mainly just to amuse myself, and to answer their questions with scientific facts, and sometimes I saw the younger ones that were not completely brainwashed yet that there might be a logical answer to their questions. The elder of their groups are just lost forever, no reasoning with those mentally challenged ones. Now I live in Spain, very remote, and never have anybody knocking on my door anymore. Jehovah's Witnesses are now replaced by very catholic people, they basically believe the same nonsense but don't harass you about it. To me it doesn't matter what you believe, whether you're Muslim, Catholic, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, or whatever other of thousands religions, as long as you keep your disillusions for yourself and don't harm anybody, be my guest, but I'm entitled to believe you're all a bunch of idiots, that's my belief. That said this movie is a good representation of the Jehovah's Witnesses. I can say that as I know a couple of friends that used to be in this sect, before they finally saw the light and left their congregations to live a normal life, and finally truly enjoy life like everybody should. Confessions Of A Teenage Jesus Jerk is more a coming of age movie, about children questioning everything and experiencing their sexuality. To me all religions are crazy, but some are just a bit crazier than others, Jehovah's Witness is one of them. The movie is well made, has a comedy touch to it if you're a non-believer, but I can see believers being offended by it, but then again they are so gullable and dumb I wonder if they would really get the irony.