Overall, I really do not have a strong opinion on the whole "Power Team" act and how Jacob runs his operation. I have personally seen the performance when I was younger and thought that it was pretty cool. However, our class discussion made me see how some people could find the act troubling. In particular, I enjoyed how Justus brought up the controversial ending of the performance when they ask for the people that have been spiritually moved to, step forward, and than fill out a "Decision Card." The team than sends a card to that person welcoming them to their crusade of spreading the word of Christ's strength. This was very interesting because it represents that some people do/will get left behind by not stepping forward. Another way how I could see this article to be offensive, is how Shazer states "The Team's display of masculine muscularity is derived from, and provides a model of, an idealized Christian Patriarchy." Throughout history, there has been a notion that, only the strong survive. I feel the Power Team's performance supports this idea and that, they try to give their opinion that Christians are not sissy's and in fact, are the strongest in their faith.
In my own opinion, your religious decisions should be made whenever you are capable of forming an educated opinion on religious beliefs. Also, I feel that the stage of life in which a person is exposed to a religion is important. I for one grew up Catholic and was forced to go to CCD every Sunday up until I made my conformation in 8th grade. I never used to enjoy it, but now after becoming older and understanding the world a little better, I can see why it was important for me to go. I think that people go through trials in their lives and that they deal with these trials through a set of personal beliefs that allows them to cope and understand why things happen. I did not agree with all of Sharon Mazer's opinions's, but I did listen to them and respect what she thinks as an individual.
I agree with you when you say the time someone is exposed to religion is important--I too went to church a lot more when I was younger and remember despising it greatly. However, I know the morals and ideals I learned when I was little has helped me become the person I am today. I learned at a young age the basics of religion and the decisions I make today, both good and bad, I still refer back to whether or not it will positively affect me or if it is wrong. Nice response!
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