Thump Bible Thumpers
Sara Gregory
Issue date: 9/11/09 Section: Opinion
On my only stroll through the University Union on Wednesday, I was offered a green Bible three times. Typically, I deal with these groups of people the same way I do hobos in Chicago - avoid eye contact. Against this habit I took the first Bible to be polite, but after the third time I had something to say.
I'm sure these dudes are from a friendly church just trying to make disciples who make further disciples, but the point here is that organizations can actively approach any student headed for the Union no matter where they're coming from or what the message is.
Last year abortion protesters were shouting insults regarding homosexuality and pro-choice around the Union with huge dead fetus signs. Those ignorant bullies came all the way from Wisconsin.
I turned down a Bible from a dead fetus protestor that year and was emphatically told I would "burn in hell." Maybe I will, it's been suggested before. But last I checked, man is not in charge of eternal life placement. So thank you for your concern, but I'll be just fine.
I was raised to never discuss money, politics or religion. These are the three most controversial topics that will likely end in a heated argument, but since it appears to be legal to preach on campus about anything, why don't I give it a try?
Anyone who feels compelled to make others believe exactly as they do has a very narrow mind. We may just be sinning college students, but we have a good chunk of life under our belt that led us to the beliefs we currently have.
Religion supposedly began from one truth, yet somehow we ended up with hundreds of denominations. People are different, and so are their opinions on religion regardless of how many Bibles are handed out. You can't change past environments or life experiences.
So this time it's polite older guys wearing sweet cowboy hats who may just want to spread God's word, but when will it stop? Abortion? Euthanasia? Health care? Sexuality?
It doesn't matter - we must be strong enough to defend our opinions against this trend of mass conversion. Diversity is a beautiful thing, and no one should be ashamed to be different, especially on the way to class.
I'm sure these dudes are from a friendly church just trying to make disciples who make further disciples, but the point here is that organizations can actively approach any student headed for the Union no matter where they're coming from or what the message is.
Last year abortion protesters were shouting insults regarding homosexuality and pro-choice around the Union with huge dead fetus signs. Those ignorant bullies came all the way from Wisconsin.
I turned down a Bible from a dead fetus protestor that year and was emphatically told I would "burn in hell." Maybe I will, it's been suggested before. But last I checked, man is not in charge of eternal life placement. So thank you for your concern, but I'll be just fine.
I was raised to never discuss money, politics or religion. These are the three most controversial topics that will likely end in a heated argument, but since it appears to be legal to preach on campus about anything, why don't I give it a try?
Anyone who feels compelled to make others believe exactly as they do has a very narrow mind. We may just be sinning college students, but we have a good chunk of life under our belt that led us to the beliefs we currently have.
Religion supposedly began from one truth, yet somehow we ended up with hundreds of denominations. People are different, and so are their opinions on religion regardless of how many Bibles are handed out. You can't change past environments or life experiences.
So this time it's polite older guys wearing sweet cowboy hats who may just want to spread God's word, but when will it stop? Abortion? Euthanasia? Health care? Sexuality?
It doesn't matter - we must be strong enough to defend our opinions against this trend of mass conversion. Diversity is a beautiful thing, and no one should be ashamed to be different, especially on the way to class.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Michael O'Brien
posted 9/11/09 @ 9:06 PM CST
On the onset, "Bible thumpers" is pretty judgemental and offensive. I, however, will not call all of the staffers of the Western Courier judgemental or offensive because that would be wrong in it's assumption. (Continued…)
Mike
posted 9/12/09 @ 4:44 AM CST
Wow you really know how to utilize fallacy's very well. That set aside...Do you really think it is productive for religion (of any kind) to sit outside class rooms and have bibles handed out like candy on halloween? I don't believe in heaven and hell or god for that matter. (Continued…)
socratic_mudd
posted 9/13/09 @ 10:19 AM CST
Wow. How exactly does one "force" their opinion onto others? Isn't this what we Americans refer to as "free Speech?" I don't know why it still amazes me that nontheists have so much to say about how religions "force their view" while claiming they are not doing the same thing?! Sheesh. (Continued…)
Piker
posted 9/13/09 @ 4:41 PM CST
Way to make all of us atheist look like whinny babies. These people are just expressing their beliefs and they have a right to do so; you know that whole freedom of speech thing. (Continued…)
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