Free expression on the University Plaza
Students debate with group on religion, sex
Jennifer Corbett
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: News
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That was the basic message of a religious organization that started a second display on Northern Kentucky University's campus Nov. 12.
Faithful Soldier, a group from the School of Evangelism in Milwaukee, Wis., made its second appearance holding signs featuring things such as "Love is not lustful, self seeking, manipulative and whatever feels good. Love is pure, sacrificial, committed and faithful," citing 1 John 4:8.
Nicole Rinaldo, a student in the school, said the group came back to NKU because there was a good response when they first protested on campus Nov. 7.
According to Jason Storms, the director of the school, the point the group was trying to make was the importance of sexual ethics: one man and one woman, no masturbation and no premarital sex.
However, some students didn't understand why they came back to campus for a second time:
"God made everyone equal and (Storms) is sitting here degrading us for the choices we make," said freshman undeclared Nikki Meaninch. "Who is he to judge us? He is not God himself."
Student Sarah Enzweiler saw where Storms was coming from, but didn't agree with how he was preaching it.
"We don't mind he's here preaching the word," said Enzweiler, a junior education major. "Those of us Christians who know the word don't agree with him."
Dean of Students Matt Brown saw both protests as a good exercise of First Amendment rights. Brown said he didn't know the group planned to come. However, under the revised Free Expression Policy, outside groups are allowed on campus as long as they don't interfere with NKU's educational environment.
The irony of the situation, Brown said, was that students were getting upset with Storms' preaching, when they could have ignored him or walked away.
Overall, Storms was positive about the event; though there were mixed responses:
"Initially there was a lot of hostility… Then it got to a reasonable conversation," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 16
Rick
posted 11/14/07 @ 2:24 AM EST
Corbett's lede sentence immediately interjects her own personal bias into the article. Her mocking use of Wizard of Oz terminology is disrespectful to the subject matter and to the religious and moral views of the Faithful Soldier group, as well as the beliefs of other Christians such as myself who just happen to be NKU alums. (Continued…)
No Introduction Needed
posted 11/14/07 @ 4:44 PM EST
I dont think there is an bias at all in this article. Someone who is homosexual could have easily said that it was poking fun at them. I feel that most students who have Christian values were upset with how the message was presented even though their beliefs are somewhat in line with this group. (Continued…)
Comm Student
posted 11/15/07 @ 3:12 AM EST
The reporter couldn't find any students speaking praise about the demonstrators because the majority of students in attendance were upset by the message, the means, or both. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 11/15/07 @ 11:14 AM EST
To begin, I wish to state that I disagree with the group's message. Not only do I disagree with their message, but their means of portraying that message. (Continued…)
Uncle Raisin
posted 11/16/07 @ 8:10 AM EST
I am stunned at the ignorance among young people today. What is this "thou shall not judge" thing? Are you kidding me? Is that really what you think the highest charateristic of a Christian is, not judging? I get it that you don't want to be judged (as in, don't be an impediment to my actions); but any right thinking person isn't going to read the Bible and come away with this "thou shall not judge" tripe. (Continued…)
StreetPreach.com
posted 11/16/07 @ 9:30 AM EST
The "Christians" on campus need to understand that the method is right and biblical, even if they do not agree. They need to quit whining. Besides, most of them (campus Christians) are sleeping around just like the world. (Continued…)
Charlie (Westfield Free Church)
posted 11/16/07 @ 9:39 AM EST
"Comm Student" stated that the Faithful Soldier School of Evangelism created a hostile atmosphere. As a veteran street preacher of thirty years, I have seen this attitude over and over. (Continued…)
dan holman
posted 11/16/07 @ 2:25 PM EST
I suppose those who opposed this group of evangelists should also oppose someone warning them if their house were on fire?
It is not the evangelist's method but message that is upsetting to these students. (Continued…)
dan holman
posted 11/16/07 @ 6:00 PM EST
Stephanie,
A baby is not your property. It is not your baby to kill, it is your baby to name and love.
Your baby is not your body your choice, she is a totally separate person entitled to the right to life. (Continued…)
A call to be open minded
posted 11/17/07 @ 3:56 PM EST
I thought I respond to the Anonymous comment on November 15th, 11:14PM
"Yes, they have a right to protest, but if their right to protest interferes with my right to practice my own beliefs, then we have a problem. (Continued…)
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