Just four weeks into the semester, several groups and individuals have preached their version of Christianity to the university community.
The first week of school, students heard the Woroniecki family shouting, “You’re going to hell,” as they walked past the bookstore near the Union Free Speech Zone.
A week later, Tom Short, a non-denominational preacher, came to the U to preach his faith. Short told The Chronicle his goal was “for everyone to turn to Christ (because) he is our savior and lord.”
Now, the words “Would Jesus go to your kegger?” are appearing in chalk on various sidewalks around campus, as The Rock U, a Christian student group, has also become part of the Christian displays on campus.
Laura Olsen, who works in the dean of students’ office, said the demonstrations have been one-sided thus far, but she expects that to change.
“So far this year, it has been predominantly a Christian side of things, but I’m sure as the year progresses, we will get a more diverse group,” she said.
Not only are most of the demonstrators Christian, but many of the campus’ visiting preachers have spoken against organized religion. For instance, the Woronieckis carried a sign that read “Follow Christ, not church.”
Some students have been less than happy with the demonstrations.
“I found it offensive, I felt as though they were pushing their beliefs,” said Teresa Moreno, a sophomore in business management.
She said the preachers would be more effective if they spread their message in a less abrasive fashion.
Josh Whitney, a leader of The Rock U, said the group has taken a different approach in its message from the other preachers.
“I don’t know how effective screaming at people that they ?are going to hell is, but I am not going to judge that family,” he said. “My ?personal experience has been that people respond better if you are kind, ?thoughtful and have something intelligent to say.”
The group has written the “Would Jesus go to your kegger?” message on sidewalks around the U, but Whitney said most students would be surprised by the group’s answer to the question.
“Probably most Christians ?wouldn’t (go to a kegger), but if we look at the stories of Jesus in the Bible, I think there? is a good chance Jesus might go to your kegger,” he said. “He would probably even have ?a drink or two, but he wouldn’t get drunk.”
The Rock U is sponsoring a “Losing My Religion” series this fall to discuss common stereotypes about religion and religious people.
The discussions are open to the public; for more information about The Rock U, visit www.therocku.net.