Dear Editor:
Although I do not remember his name, I saw that the same “evangelist” has returned to exercise his right to free speech in Borchuck Plaza. I want to cast my vote against having these visits become annual events. The very term “evangelist” means “one who proclaims good news.” The message I heard was neither good nor new.
I consider myself a Christian, and I have high regard for the Bible as an authoritative revelation of God’s will and of God’s nature. There is no such thing as un-interpreted use of Scripture. There are simply some interpretations that are better grounded than others.
In order to know what the Scriptures are saying, we must take a careful look at the cultural, literary and historical contexts in which they were first written. Furthermore, we must look at the witness of the entire Bible rather than hand-picking passages that seemingly support our views.
We must be honest enough to let some passages of Scripture sit in tension with others. We must admit that we do not always have easy answers.
Above all, we must have the humility to acknowledge that none of us has a direct line to God on speed dial. Even passionately held convictions may be mistaken.
As I study the Scriptures, certain principles emerge as being primary. These principles include love, grace, forgiveness, humility, social justice and respect for the intrinsic worth of every person. I hear none of these principles in this man’s message.
Instead, I get the distinct impression that he not only believes that gays, educated women, people with piercings and tattoos, divorcees, people of other ethnic groups, and people who disagree with him are damned, he does not particularly care. He gives me the impression that he is simply discharging his perceived duty to cast seeds of the “gospel” and not worry about what happens next.
While I cherish our right to free speech, I believe this man’s rhetoric may cross the line into the realm of hate speech. I strongly believe that dialogue is needed and all sides should be heard. Even so, this megalomaniacal one-man show is the wrong venue for genuine progress in hearing and understanding one another.
-Joel Tramel

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