Spring semester is special because it signals the return of campus classics like food court pigeons, student organization tabling, and my personal favorite, the street preacher. That's right folks, step right up and witness the marvel that is the disheveled zealot in khaki shorts and Hawaiian shirt come to save your soul!
Having an evangelical background, I respect the tradition of spreading the gospel, but the majority of the individuals and groups who migrate to campus in the spring appear to only be interested in telling students that they're damned to Hell for attending their Women's and Gender Studies classes. Last year, a small congregation from Washington stood in front of a university church carrying huge signs listing all the sins that will damn us to Hell and sported tasteful "No homos in heaven" tees.
I must admit, I admired their style, because they didn't hide what they really thought about people. For example, when some Christians meet someone who they believe to have committed a sin they may think, "you're a sinner and need to repent." But these guys were bold. They pointed out students from the crowd and said "you look like you (insert sin here), repent or go to Hell! I LOVED IT!
Entertainment factor aside, when these kind of "Christians" descend onto campus, I often find myself more angry and annoyed than any student heckler. Angry because, to me, they seem to thrive on conflict. What happened to "spreading the GOOD news?" How can they hope to effectively relay the message of hope, love and peace that Jesus preached when they negate them in their speeches? I am annoyed because, this is the face that many remember when they think of Christians. This angry, screaming, judgmental bigot blocking your way to class and proclaiming himself to be a "warrior of Christ".
On the subject of "warriors" for Christ: This glorification of warfare that has found a niche in the American church is irresponsible and dangerous. Am I the only one who cringes when I hear Jesus and war in the same sentence? The whole narrative of the the oppressed yet persevering Christian in a hostile, heathen world has never resonated with me. Sure it's a great political tactic, but it is possible to stand up and be counted, without pushing someone else down. And seriously, to whoever thinks that dressing kids up in military fatigues, and telling them they are soldiers in a "Holy War" is cute...it isn't. Aren't we supposed to be peacemakers?
Comments (6)
Hi Satina,
I understand what you are saying. I was especially intrigued by your comment about the need to spread "the Good News" which is what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. That said, let me challenge you to do something that revolutionized my Christian walk, and that is to really find out what Jesus said and did as documented in the four gospels of the NT. I have been reading the 4 gospels, one per month, in order (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)for well over a year. After I finish John, I start back with Matthew. I have learned a lot about Jesus that I didn't know before from this systematic reading of the gospels. I believe Christians (little Christs) should learn as much as they can about the one they follow. Give it a try. You won't regret it.
Posted February 28, 2008 9:06 AM
Posted on February 28, 2008 09:06
Hi Norrie,
Amazing, isn't it how similar the statements are in each religion? I just wonder why more people don't look for those commonalities that tend to get buried under lots and lots of dogma.
We need to work together, not use 'holy books' to tear one another apart. I just wish others felt that way..
Yours is a gentle voice amongst all the shouting, Norrie. Much appreciated.
Blessed be. :)
Posted February 26, 2008 12:05 PM
Posted on February 26, 2008 12:05
Hi, Priver,
"I have nothing against the golden rule- we have something similar- Our Rede which states 'An it harm none, do as you will'..."
And Martin Luther said, I've been told by a Lutheran Pastor,
"Love God and do as you please."
Regards.
Posted February 26, 2008 10:42 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 10:42
Hi, Priver,
"I have nothing against the golden rule- we have something similar- Our Rede which states 'An it harm none, do as you will'..."
And Martin Luther said, I've been told by a Lutheran Pastor,
"Love God and do as you please."
Regards.
Posted February 26, 2008 10:33 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 10:33
Santina Stewart writes: "On the subject of "warriors" for Christ: This glorification of warfare that has found a niche in the American church is irresponsible and dangerous. Am I the only one who cringes when I hear Jesus and war in the same sentence? ..."
I generally agree with your essay, but after reading the last paragraph I have to wonder: have you ever actually read the bible? I don't mean just the warm fuzzy parts like John 3:16 or whatever, I mean all of it. Have you?
Posted February 25, 2008 6:16 PM
Posted on February 25, 2008 18:16
Hi Satina,
Your post was interesting. It's exactly that whole 'repent or burn in hell' thing that makes me wonder what it is about Christianity that appeals to so many. People appear so angry sometimes. As someone who was raised Jewish, I was often confronted with the 'going to hell' people, albeit sometimes it was couched in that old Southern favorite expression 'Bless her heart'. (I had someone down south explain it to me when I was older. I had no idea that's what was meant.)
Why can't people just make a choice everyday to do the right thing, to help someone who needs it just because it's the right thing to do?
As a Pagan today I am really surprised at all the talk of Jesus and love and telling folks right and left that 'they're going to hell', which directly contradicts that 'loving thy neighbor as thyself' message. It makes no sense that some Creator would make people different and then punish people for all eternity for not being all alike.
I have nothing against the golden rule- we have something similar- Our Rede which states 'An it harm none, do as you will'- but I can't help but wish that more people who say they follow Jesus actually follow what he said.
It's those people who may share a quiet conviction about their Jesus who make taking care of others a priority in their lives that are the best examples to me of what Christianity could be about.
Blessed be.
Posted February 25, 2008 4:02 PM
Posted on February 25, 2008 16:02