Spring Break
Preaching to a campus full of questions
Rev. Shawn David Holes of New York preached the 'power of Christ' for over four hours on campus yesterday
Candice Ruud
Issue date: 12/2/08 Section: News
"This is the wrong place for him to be preaching fire and brimstone. He's missing the aspect of love," Curry said. "He's taking a metaphorical text and treating it as a literal doctrine."
Holes preached for most of the several-hour session but was open to questions and comments from the audience, of which some members came to the front and directly challenged him for several minutes of debate.
Many confessed that while they were religious, they disagreed with the way Holes was turning the ideas of Christianity into literal interpretations that had nothing to do with love or faith and more to do with scare tactics and the fear of God.
"I'm a Christian, but I don't like what he's saying, how he's shoving it down people's throats," said Danielle Asson, a sophomore in marine biology.
"Someone's right, be it Hindus, Jews, Christians, Muslims, etc. Just because you believe in one kind of God, why would He send you to hell if He's all-loving?" Asson said.
Vahag Azaryan, an international student from Armenia, spoke not in defense of Holes, but in defense of his right to be there and to speak his piece.
"I just think he's doing his job," Azaryan said.
"He didn't change any of my opinions after listening for an hour. He's speaking rhetorically … he hasn't directly answered any questions, and he contradicts himself. He's just saying whatever he wants to say."
Holes held a variety of signs, one reading "The Truth Shall Set You Free," and others discussing the hellish power of "evil-lution."
More information on Holes and his mission can be found at salvationjunction.com.
Candice Ruud, news editor
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
Holes preached for most of the several-hour session but was open to questions and comments from the audience, of which some members came to the front and directly challenged him for several minutes of debate.
Many confessed that while they were religious, they disagreed with the way Holes was turning the ideas of Christianity into literal interpretations that had nothing to do with love or faith and more to do with scare tactics and the fear of God.
"I'm a Christian, but I don't like what he's saying, how he's shoving it down people's throats," said Danielle Asson, a sophomore in marine biology.
"Someone's right, be it Hindus, Jews, Christians, Muslims, etc. Just because you believe in one kind of God, why would He send you to hell if He's all-loving?" Asson said.
Vahag Azaryan, an international student from Armenia, spoke not in defense of Holes, but in defense of his right to be there and to speak his piece.
"I just think he's doing his job," Azaryan said.
"He didn't change any of my opinions after listening for an hour. He's speaking rhetorically … he hasn't directly answered any questions, and he contradicts himself. He's just saying whatever he wants to say."
Holes held a variety of signs, one reading "The Truth Shall Set You Free," and others discussing the hellish power of "evil-lution."
More information on Holes and his mission can be found at salvationjunction.com.
Candice Ruud, news editor
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
hollyplace
Renee
posted 12/03/08 @ 4:32 PM PST
For a campus that is supposedly "tolerant" and "open-minded" many sure seem to be intolerant of one person's opinions - especially if the opinion differs from their own. (Continued…)
talkSOFT
Kyle
posted 12/05/08 @ 11:41 PM PST
If you looked at the reply to Renee's post, you'll see that I just posted this comment. But I did not want this comment to be hidden (because I'm interested to see how people respond) so I'm re-posting it as a general comment. (Continued…)
wayne
posted 12/30/08 @ 5:14 PM PST
well, it has been written in the past that "youth is wasted by the young". Not sure about that but I have come to realize that some of my "youthful" thoughts and ideals have evolved over the years, and quite sure will continue to do so as each year passes by. (Continued…)
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