Although some felt that the advertising used for the event “Maze” that was held last week was misleading, I think that the information was presented in a way to reach out to a diverse group of people who may have never taken the time to explore the Christian viewpoint.

First off, let me say that I am a member of The TCU Campus Crusade for Christ, or TCU CRU and that I was informed to tell people the show was a series of illusions that makes you question what truth really is. If there was further questioning about whether it was related to TCU CRU’s Christian core, no lying or misleading answers were to be given, just simple answers to the questions being asked. I am aware of my bias but still affirm that “Maze,” along with its promotions, was not intended to deceive, but rather to receive those with an eagerness to investigate the nature of reality.

Most advertising today is filled with subliminal messages about why people should buy certain products or visit certain venues. It uses stereotypes to create target audiences and therefore associates certain products and events with an idea of a people or group.

In this case, the goal of TCU CRU, was to appeal to everyone’s basic sense of curiosity to attract a broadened group of people. They did not want it to be shoved into a category of “Christian events” reserved only for those churchgoers who have already chosen to follow this particular message.

The fact that the message of the gospel was going to be presented during the show was kept on the down low for this purpose, but it did not take a highly skilled detective to find out these details.

This was a show where a magician not only stunned the crowd but also admitted that above all else, his illusions were all fake, that he held no ultimate power but shared that he believed someone else did. He attested to a truth in which he personally believed without a judgmental or condescending tongue.

Furthermore, an article was published in the Skiff Wednesday telling about “Maze” and the sponsoring organization. It stated that TCU CRU was “a movement of students on thousands of university campuses around the world who are seeking God.”

The various signs and flyers distributed around campus clearly stated who sponsored the event, contact information and a site to visit for more information. This site displayed a promo video that included quotes from various Christian groups supporting the cause as well as those who did not believe in Christianity giving praise to the cause. The “about” section the site stated that “deception” would be “exposed” and that the show might leave viewers “disturbed” and questioning their own truth.

If this did not make clear that the extraordinary illusions were to be accompanied by something more, it was stated directly by the performer, Jim Munroe. He asked people to leave if they felt uncomfortable hearing about his Christian beliefs and his struggle with leukemia.

I personally was unaware of many people leaving and was surprised at the enormous turnout. It is true that many stayed for the magic being performed, but there were those who also showed interest after the show, according to a few TCU CRU correspondents.

Like most things in life, one could take what they wanted to out of “Maze.” An awe-inspiring show was delivered, and a faith was explored. It provided a chance for students to take some food for thought, if, and only if, they were willing to take a bite.

Sarah Greufe is a freshman journalism major from Ardmore, Okla.