James Dobson's Bastard Kids 63. The Power Team: Pumped Full Of Christ
Aug 24, 2022
Dive into the outrageous world of evangelical spectacles with a hilarious look at John Jacobs and The Power Team. Explore the blend of hyper-masculinity and faith in the 1980s, critiquing the absurd expectations of masculinity within Christianity. Enjoy stories about the quirky financial tactics of modern churches, and reflect on the blending of entertainment with faith. The hosts also shed light on the Power Team's unique marketing strategies, its financial struggles, and the legacy of masculinity in pop culture. Get ready for laughter and thought-provoking insights!
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Muscular Christianity As Spectacle
- The Power Team packaged muscularity and spectacle to attract youth away from 'satanic' or drug culture.
- John Jacobs turned feats of strength into a conversion tool blending pop culture and hyper-masculine imagery.
Hot Water Bottle Stunt Sparked A Ministry
- Chaz recounts John Jacobs blowing up a hot water bottle in his mouth to draw crowds at a small rural church.
- That stunt inspired Jacobs to build the Power Team around attention-grabbing physical feats.
Stealth Evangelism In Schools
- The Power Team disguised religious intent during school assemblies to bypass rules and reach teens.
- They used secular messaging (suicide prevention, 'just say no') to funnel students to church events.