I meant to blog about this earlier when i first got to penn state, but i have been such a terrible procrastinator. let's just say that the burden to talk about it returned, perhaps feeling the need more urgently now than i did before.
(above: christian preachers on campus)
i found these relatively fascinating when i first got here-- a group of people carrying huge banners that assert (maybe too strongly) that hell's awaiting for those who do not call upon the name of jesus. the message is true, no doubt. and as christians we know that this message is not going to be welcomed with open arms--after all, who enjoys being told that they got it all wrong, their life's goals, dreams and aspirations? that this world, no matter how hard we try, is flawed, just because its filled with flawed people like us?
yet, i cannot help but feel a nagging uneasiness, as such actions have seemed to spawn off more negative responses than i would have liked to see. frustrations, anger expressed by my classmates, cynical rallying by the atheist societies (see the cards they flash just beside these christian preachers during their one organised event), and more recently, a campaign/ challenged organised by these clubs that really got me thinking.
(above: retaliation)
so the gist of the entire event was this: denounce christ, and get a free piece of pizza. Signs of these flooded the student center, and according to my friend, lines of students queued up for free pizza. I wasn't there to witness it, but the thought of it was depressing enough. Is the gospel that repulsive; how can a message of love be greeted with such hostility?
(above: christian preachers on campus)
i found these relatively fascinating when i first got here-- a group of people carrying huge banners that assert (maybe too strongly) that hell's awaiting for those who do not call upon the name of jesus. the message is true, no doubt. and as christians we know that this message is not going to be welcomed with open arms--after all, who enjoys being told that they got it all wrong, their life's goals, dreams and aspirations? that this world, no matter how hard we try, is flawed, just because its filled with flawed people like us?
yet, i cannot help but feel a nagging uneasiness, as such actions have seemed to spawn off more negative responses than i would have liked to see. frustrations, anger expressed by my classmates, cynical rallying by the atheist societies (see the cards they flash just beside these christian preachers during their one organised event), and more recently, a campaign/ challenged organised by these clubs that really got me thinking.
(above: retaliation)
so the gist of the entire event was this: denounce christ, and get a free piece of pizza. Signs of these flooded the student center, and according to my friend, lines of students queued up for free pizza. I wasn't there to witness it, but the thought of it was depressing enough. Is the gospel that repulsive; how can a message of love be greeted with such hostility?
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