2008 Woodie Awards
Religious groups provoke debate on campus
Catherine Roberts
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: News
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"(The man) was preaching loudly as people walked by saying that they would be accountable for their actions," Peterson said. "That Buddha will be held responsible for leading Buddhists astray and so will Joseph Smith."
For some students, school is the last place they wish to experience religious confrontations, especially when they are rushing to get from one place to another. Freshman Shannon Hail credits the men handing out Bibles for causing her to miss her bus.
"I was headed out to the bus, trying not to make eye contact, but he chased me down asking me if I wanted a Bible," Shannon Hail said.
Public Safety received complaint calls a couple of weeks ago for the aggressive nature in which some students felt they were being approached by a religious group on the Quad.
"We watched the group on cameras and although they were being aggressive, they did not break any laws," said Management Assistant for Public Safety Terrilee Hancock.
Some students, however, said that religious advocates should be restricted to certain areas.
"Maybe if they weren't right at the door; they should be away from the building, like the smokers," said sophomore Alicia Bell.
"I think there's too much on campus," said Washington native and ISU senior Josh Hail. "I grew up religiously and never saw why there was a huge deal with religion and state until I moved here."
Josh Hail added, however, that being able to practice free speech is democracy at its best.
Although most of those interviewed about this issue agreed on the value of exercising the right to freedom of speech, some were of the opinion that exercising this right should not prove to be a hindrance to others. Others simply felt there were better ways of gaining converts than being so aggressive.
"I find that if you make your church/religion more appealing, it's a better way," said Peterson.
For some students, school is the last place they wish to experience religious confrontations, especially when they are rushing to get from one place to another. Freshman Shannon Hail credits the men handing out Bibles for causing her to miss her bus.
"I was headed out to the bus, trying not to make eye contact, but he chased me down asking me if I wanted a Bible," Shannon Hail said.
Public Safety received complaint calls a couple of weeks ago for the aggressive nature in which some students felt they were being approached by a religious group on the Quad.
"We watched the group on cameras and although they were being aggressive, they did not break any laws," said Management Assistant for Public Safety Terrilee Hancock.
Some students, however, said that religious advocates should be restricted to certain areas.
"Maybe if they weren't right at the door; they should be away from the building, like the smokers," said sophomore Alicia Bell.
"I think there's too much on campus," said Washington native and ISU senior Josh Hail. "I grew up religiously and never saw why there was a huge deal with religion and state until I moved here."
Josh Hail added, however, that being able to practice free speech is democracy at its best.
Although most of those interviewed about this issue agreed on the value of exercising the right to freedom of speech, some were of the opinion that exercising this right should not prove to be a hindrance to others. Others simply felt there were better ways of gaining converts than being so aggressive.
"I find that if you make your church/religion more appealing, it's a better way," said Peterson.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Helen Delahunt
posted 10/24/07 @ 7:56 AM MST
I agree with Josh Hail, there IS a huge deal about religion on this campus and in this state... and what about the LDS "Institute" smack dab in the middle of campus?
And who seems to be complaining? Those who judge the rest of us who do not subscribe to the 'local' religious persuasion?
PJ
posted 10/24/07 @ 9:25 AM MST
As an alumnus of ISU I am ashamed that a secular institution like a University is hijacked by these bible thumping hypocrits who want to push their religion down others throat. (Continued…)
Big A
posted 10/24/07 @ 1:09 PM MST
I think Helen's arguement is weak, because she is attempting to prove a point with all of her questioning.
Take some responsibilty for your own actions and quit blaming those who "are" or who "are not" part of a certain religious affiliation. (Continued…)
Alumni06
posted 10/24/07 @ 4:09 PM MST
Education is about learning different points of view. If you close your mind to everyone's point of view but your own you are depriving yourself of a true education. (Continued…)
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