Sharon Mazer, author of "The Power Team: Muscular Christianity and the Spectacle of Conversion", creates a visual and makes many points in her article. When I began to read it, I was confused and not sure what exactly she was talking about. I understood that it was a religious congregation of some sort that also showed some types of strength and body building. As never being exposed to this before, I was confused and found myself trying to picture such a scene. To get a more accurate picture, I went on YouTube and found this video:
This video was actually more shocking to me than the article. I was thrown by the contrast of the religious music paired with the body building activities that had no relation in my mind. I fully understand and respect that everyone has a right to choose their own religion and religious views but this was something that seemed hard to grasp for me. Maybe it was the fact that after reading a certain section in the article about how the objects that are broken can be prepared to make it easier changed my views. Yes, maybe they are changing lives and reaching out to people in a different way. I just feel that maybe there should be a lot less emphasis on the strength and a lot more on the sermon. As being a frequent church - goer, I understand that sometimes it is hard to relate to the old ways of the church. But this, to me, seems a little too far fetched. Once again though I state that people are entitled to their own views and I will not think less of anyone who follows the Power Team, but as for me, I will be found in the traditional church setting on Sundays.
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