On October 12-13, Soulforce will be visiting PBA during one stop on their 2008 "Equality Ride.""Soulforce is a GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) activist group that seeks to bring about "freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance."
On September 17, PBA sent out letters to both Soulforce and the campus community , expressing their sincere intentions for dealing with Soulforce's request to visit campus.
Now, we would like to open up a forum to you, the loyal Bacon reader, to give your serious thoughts on how PBA should respond to Soulforce's intent on visiting campus.
114 comments:
The second link requires a password. For all of us alumni who no longer have access to the site, would you so kindly paste it on this forum so we are informed?
thank you
https://my.pba.edu/ICS/Departments/“Truth-in-Love”/
There you go alum.
As for Soulforce coming and how we should respond, I really wish that the organization would have enough respect to just pass PBA on by but since they decided they want to come anyway, I guess we'll just have to deal with it. I guess the best way we can respond is to show them the respect they didn't show us and try to use this opportunity to share the gospel with these folks.
can someone paste the contents of the article, rather than just the link, we still need a password we no longer have.
Sharing the gospel? They already know the gospel. They are Christians.
Most of the content on the link is in pdfs or word documents, so we would need someone with their own server to put them up.
I was under the impression that soulforce was not coming to pba. An e-mail was sent out saying that pba declined their request to come and visit.
PBA did decline their request, but they are planning to come anyways. But we're the ones who thrust our beliefs on everyone, right?
haha...Soulforce doesn't "request" visits. They just tell you that they are coming, and then they do.
It is up to PBA to handle this well. They should not try to stop them, instead they must open up a forum for them to speak and discuss with students, give them some grub in the caf, and keep control of the situation.
Please don't mess this up PBA. Be accommodating. Look and see what other schools have done, and follow the best example.
There's a huge difference between saying you're a Chrstian and actually being one. Soulforce may say they are Christian, but that doesn't mean they are. I say I'm a Christian, but that doesn't mean I really am. It's how you live your life and not what you say about your life that makes the difference. We probably can;t determine if they're Chritian until we meet them and get to know them. Something about by your fruit you will recognize them comes to mind.
They would argue that you can be an open homosexual and still be just as much a Christian as anyone else.
If they profess that Christ died for them and believing in him will save them, but they are gay and not sorry, do you consider them a Christian?
I do. 100 percent.
My encouragement would be that everyone practice hospitality here, and keep your wits about you. The press would like nothing more than to show PBA as a bunch intolerant bigoted students, and that's exactly what the PB Post and the press will do, unless there's a 2 way dialogue (which means listening a lot) , and everyone on campus just chill. Soulforce, under the guise of "tolerance" tries to discount the Christian message by making Christians look like idiots, but that only happens when Christian students at Christian universities become reactionary to them being on campus. No one has to agree with the message of Soulforce. The best thing everyone can do is chill. Sit down, have a dialogue, eat with them, and off they go. Controversy is what they are looking for. Don't give it to them.
The Endgame: PBA 1- Soulforce -0.
Watch and learn.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzUb5M3C34Q
i beg you pba, as an alumni, please, please please be smart about this. don't make a big fuss. don't feed the stereotype of the press.
If someone professes to be a Christian and continues to live in sin, this does not necessarily mean that they are not a true Christian, but it does mean that they have either A) ignored the convictions of the Holy Spirit, B) decided that the fact that they think they're alright trumps the fact that the Bible clearly and unequivocally speaks out against ALL sexuality immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, lust and incest. Or C) do not honestly have the Spirit dwelling within them, regardless of what they may think.
I look forward to them coming to campus and having a meaningful exchange of ideas, but I do earnestly hope that students on this campus are mature enough to talk with these people without getting upset or defensive. The truth of the matter is that these people are as hard-set in their beliefs as most students at PBA are, and neither side is likely to convince the other that it is wrong in a day and a half.
We should keep in mind that homosexuality is explicitly listed in both the Old and New Testaments as sin.
If I was a proud liar (or murderer, thief, or incestuous adulterer), my Christianity should be called into question, and the same should be with homosexuality.
I do think that to "contain" Soulforce, PBA should give them a classroom to give their views. People should be discouraged from going, but PBA should them a place other than the street.
Why wait till the end of the year? Leave at semester if it's so bad. I did last year and never regretted it.
While it is important to discuss the validity of homosexuality as sin on the Bacon, understand something regarding Soulforce; they want to embarrass PBA if possible. They want to "out" PBA as a place of Christian intolerance, which I believe is incorrect. PBA may have its faults, but compared to other Christian universities, it isn't intolerant. If they can get you mad at them,they have won. They can only win if you fight back. Don't do it, students. As an alum, I beg you, don't get mad or upset about them being on campus. Don't fight this battle. Go to class and ignore them. While we all know who wins the war, you won't win this battle.You won't convince them, nor will you convert them. They aren't here for that, and they've had many experiences on Christian university campuses already, which has hardened them. They have a political agenda, and they have friends in a sympathic press, especially in this town.Instead, pray for them, and pray that your attitude will be Christ like to them.
Let them come on campus. Welcome them in the spirit of Christian hospitality, and give them nothing but a positive experience at PBA.
wow, even the "underground" newspaper at PBA has censorship.
thanks for removing my post guys. i mean, i know you can't curse on campus - but wow, this is just too much.
The people in that video talked as if they were being arrested for being gay....
In reality, they were being arrested for trespassing on private property. The university asked them not to come and they did anyway!
To Anonymous: I wouldn't call it censorship so much as intolerance of insolence. This is set up as a place of intelligent discussion of ideas - not making a profane racket to bring attention to yourself.
PBA will be in a precarious situation: The Palm Beach Post and other news outlets will be predisposed to bias on the side of Soulforce; history has shown that.
Knowing this, PBA should do exactly what they preach: Follow Christ's example.
When the Soulforce kids get here, they will be hungry. PBA should buy them lunch.
They will have time to fill. PBA should give them something to do. PBA does gay related forums every year...the only difference here is that it there is an opposing view. PBA should stage a forum for discussion in upstairs Lasitter.
I also think the Workship office should organize a project for PBA students to work with the Soulforce kids. There are plenty of projects to be done in the community.
We are all Christians who differ on theology, but we can agree that our faith should lead us to help others. Let us join our similarities and work with them, not against them.
A great idea, golf cart! Feed everybody, and put them to work in a workship project, if they'd be willing to do that together. Lord knows that there is much work to do, and workship has projects, I'm sure. What about something on campus to beautify the school, or yard clean up in a depressed community?
The way PBA has thus far handled the situation is, in my opinion, very well - I think that PBA's schedule should be more flexible than they claim it is, but I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt and assume that represents no sin on PBA's part. As far as the actual arrival of Soulforce goes - it's important to follow Christ's teachings of loving all, and remember that following Christ means being persecuted, not engaging in persecution.
Basically, love with a spine
I also think that golf cart had a great idea with the workship project. We would be meeting the Soulforce team and showing them love while also helping out less fortunate people in the community. Come on PBA, we don't need to look like idiots.
I really hope Drs. C. and S. are reading these comments.
Why should they? All the Bacon ever does is say how stupid they are and how much students hate them. Why should they keep logging in every day to see the next big slam by some ignorant student?
Now that there is a good discussion going on, what makes you think they'll set aside three years of ridicule and finally take notice? You reap what you sow.
The point of the Bacon is to discuss topics of concern, whether they are in favor or against the good Drs.
We all know they check the Bacon. Even if the Bacon is the enemy, aren't you supposed to keep your enemies closer?
I don't think there's any question that MS and DC and other adminstration folks are reading the Bacon, and I think it makes sense for the Bacon readers, whether students or others, to keep to issues, not to make personal slams against individuals. I think that this was what the Bacon is supposed to be all about (issues) and I don't have any problem with the Bacon editing personal comments against people. Let's stick with issues, not personalities.
I will admit the Bacon is responsible for comments that they have the power to remove, but it is also fair to say that the comments do not particularly reflect the views of the bacon.
with that in mind: hey bacon people--when are u going to go back to the comments on the Admissions post and delete the hateful comments against people?
it really is time you go over those and delete some of them. really guys, people said some mean stuff.
Ideas are one thing, personal attacks are entirely another.
Please keep the standard high.
I'm with golf cart, (and for that matter, so is every dept. at PBA). PBA should welcome soulforce with a free lunch and forum in lassiter.
Also, keep in mind people, that not everyone involved with Soulforce is necessarily gay/lesbian. Some simply support the cause. And whether or not you agree with their purpose, they are not here simply to raise a fuss. I think they have a genuine concern for sharing their beliefs, as does PBA.
Hey but i read on their web site that they promise to come peaceably and then mount protests and try to get arrested for trespassing so the press will cover them. It doesnt seem that they want a meaningful interchange of ideas but just to impose their ideas on others. They are militants and angry folks it seems. Some schools that welcomed them the first time then would not allow them back because they lied about what they would do on campus. It is clear from their site they had no sincere interest in dialogue just arguments. So how do you deal with militant protesters who want to create a scene for the press? Welcoming them may just encourage violent behavior.
Why is their logo a picture of MLK and Gahndi? Neither of them was gay.
militant? please...
They want us to be militant to them, so they can look like victims and get good press while we look like bigots. That's the agenda.
How should we respond to their coming? Everyone is going to respond differently. How we "should" respond won't affect anything, really. Some people will be nice to them, some will ignore them. Hopefully no one will be hateful towards them but you never know.
I have a feeling, though, that if Soulforce was paying PBA to be able to visit, the administration would be encouraging us students to welcome them with open arms... just a thought.
I think that the administration hopes the bus blows a tire in Jacksonville, and they can't come to town. I bet the administration hopes they'll just go away, but you know they won't.
The MLk/Gandhi logo is because of Soulforce's commitment to non-violent protest, but protest nonetheless.
A wide variety of Christian schools have handled Soulforce visits with honesty and grace. The Workship idea is excellent. Is there an AIDS Hospice in Palm Beach County?
The key: Open forums. Insist that PBA people get to respond. Hand out materials from groups PBA supports on this issue, when Soulforce hands out its materials.
Freedom of religion is messy, but it beats all of the alternatives.
I bet the press tries to play this as PBA homophobia, which is not correct, but I bet they try.
Love casts out all fear, nor do I think anyone is afraid of homosexuals- that's silly. I think these contributions by so many have been honest efforts at figuring out a way to show Christ's love to those that have intentionally rebelled against biblical precepts. For anyone interested, I refer you to
1st Corinthians 6:9-11.
Soulforce coming here is such a great opportunity for us students to further develop and deepen our views on homosexuality and Christianity.
So far I've been really encouraged by the rest of the comments, especially when people talk about showing Soulforce nothing but love. Even further, I think that the administration and school has been handling it well by holding all of the open forums.I just hope that nobody will hurl any slurs or ignorant comments to Soulforce when they are here.
Does anyone know what conclusion the school has reached?
I know they asked Soulforce not to come, but they are coming regardless.
So now what? The Bacon comments are one thing, but what is the school officially going to do?
If anyone has any word that you know is true and confirmed, please post it. (Please, no hearsay)
PBA is doing the following....
"meeting and greeting" them when they arrive, they will also bring food to them. The bus will need to be parked OFF campus, PBA is not allowing them on campus property. So, olive, smokers wall, funeral home, first baptist, etc. is all free ground. What will most likely happen is, they will talk to kids all day, and eventually get the media here and pick the most public place to cross onto property and get arrested. The media will film and document the arrests, headline will look like...
"PBA, 'Christian University' silences and bans non-violent Homosexuals"
All they want to do is make a big scene, make us look like Christian bigots, and use that to further their agenda.
They don't care about us.
They don't care about our school.
They don't care about our reputation.
They are using our campus as an avenue to target and point fingers at christians.
I say we all line up and hug them as they get arrested, so all that the media gets is a bunch of college kids hugging the activists.
I like that idea a lot, res life worker. Hugging solves a lot of problems. Heck...maybe well even hug out all the gay activism.
Also, many of you mentioned debates and panels.
PBA contacted other schools that had Soulforce come, the schools that offered and hosted debates and panels said that soulforce either never showed up, or came ill prepared.
The schools recommended to PBA not to host anything, because soulforce simply doesn't care. They aren't looking for logical, educational, or theological debates.(probably because they know it's futile)
Soulforce plays off emotions and media hype, they aren't coming to talk rationally.
IMO, PBA has done an excellent job preparing for the visit, Julie Hamilton(PBA Prof and Psychologist) has also done work preparing, and she is highly accredited and experienced on the issue. Check out her video if you want at www.homosexuality101.com
thank you res life worker.
Wait, so PBA said they will be arrested if they come on campus?
That sounds like a foolish ultimatum to make. They should just do it on campus, and not worry about it.
I've read that forums/discussions went over very well at other schools...soulforce kids don't cause a scene everywhere...
Soulforce is known for going wild with sidewalk chalk, which I think is a bit childish if the school accommodates them. If PBA says, "hey guys, please don't write on our property," and they don't respect that wish (after giving a space to meet on campus) then soulforce will lose a lot of credibility in my eyes.
Gosh I hope this goes well. I can just see the PB Post salivating over any part of this they can get to print.
If it does go well, I think we all need to give PBA a standing ovation for a job well done.
pba should cancel classes and go to the beach when the aggressive protestors arrive. let soulforce dance on the green and color the sidewalks. otherwise, if pba people stay on campus, the media will find the 1% who appear homophobic and ignore the 99% that behave lovingly. that's just reality. bigotry against christians who have a definite theology is not tolerated by the media.
cancel classes. go to the beach. let soulforce dance naked on the green to clay aiken music.
"Also, many of you mentioned debates and panels. PBA contacted other schools that had Soulforce come, the schools that offered and hosted debates and panels said that soulforce either never showed up, or came ill prepared. The schools recommended to PBA not to host anything, because soulforce simply doesn't care."
I do not think this is an accurate description of many of the events from past tours. The key is whether the school is ready and has set very specific rules and boundaries. Don't ban. Limit and surround. Talk back. Sing. Pray. Be graceful, but stick to your school's beliefs.
Maybe the theater department could do a Broadway review for them...either that or hire a good Judy Garland female impersonator and do a concert...they'd love that.
Whether or not Soulforce comes and picks a fight is a completely moot point - their behavior should have no bearing on our following Christ. The kind of Christians Jesus spoke of were ones who were not concerned about having their toes stepped on or having their 'rights' violated.
Jesus said it best:
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
I didn't know MLK and Ghandi were gay. That's news to me!
dear black falcon,
i think everyone should keep their tunics on.
and wear a belt.
anybody can get it
I love that song!
Performed by a former caf worker actually.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ZzVoxYtYg
is that video a soulforce rally?
Ready I got one for you..... Who CARES!!!!!
Well, time for an ol' timer to check in to the discussion: I'm a 2000 grad, Outstanding Graduate from the school of ministry. And in my day, when we had to walk to PBA uphill in the snow (both ways), we had enough sense and critical thinkers to not be intimidated or so narrow-minded as to turn away a ministry as viable as Soulforce. Sure, you may not agree with some of their core beliefs, but Soulforce is also for families struggling with issues dealing with gender discrimination.
Hey, PBA, where have all the critical thinkers gone? Are we so scared we won't even offer hospitality to the "strangers among us?" Isn't that why Sodom and Gomorah got wiped off of the face of the earth--Inhospitality? I think so (just read Luke 9 and 10).
Joe, I am not sure what critical thinking has to do with hospitality? You might want to consider re-reading Luke 10. We expect a better tone from the Ministry graduates who are currently in the ministry. I do not think it is about "fear", but rather this organization that you claim helps families with gender issues has a record of not following guidelines set out to them by the schools they claim to want to dialogue with. Keep in mind these are guidelines they agreed to keep but failed to do so. If PBA were afraid to address the issue they wouldn't bring it up in various forums, offer counseling to those struggling while allowing them to remain students, and even hold open panels in chapel. They would probably welcome a real dialogue with Gay Scholars or community leaders but not with activists that merely want press time.
PBA has yet to include gay scholars in any forums. Only "former homosexuals"
We should Matthew 18 the Soulforce people.
...lest they Genesis 19:5 us first!
^^^LOL - Genesis 19:5
that would hurt
okay bacon...we, the readers, did our job by discussing the issue.
now it's time to live up to your end of the bargain.
I want you to make me laugh again.
Read:
All this serious stuff is great, but I'm shallow and would rather be amused. Amuse me.
Love the people, but not what they do. That's exactly what God does with all of us. He loves us, but hates our sin, whatever sin that happens to be.
FROM THE BEACON:
BUT IT STILL DOESN'T ANSWER THE QUESTION: WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN THEY ARRIVE?
A gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) activist group still plans to visit Palm Beach Atlantic’s campus even though university officials turned down the group’s request for a forum on October 13 and 14, 2008.
The Equality Ride, part of the group Soulforce, contacted PBA on Aug. 1 through a letter stating that their tour to Palm Beach Atlantic. Soulforce has been to 50 Christian colleges since it began in 2005.
The Equality Ride is a group of 18 to 28 year olds who travel on a bus to universities all over the country to create and promote dialogue surrounding the issues of faith, gender and sexuality.
Shorty after the invitation, PBA put together a task force group, consisting of six faulty and staff members, to decide on the best course of action to take regarding the group coming onto campus.
After several prayerful meetings, research of Soulforce’s prior visit to other colleges and emails with the group, PBA declined the opportunity to host the Equality Ride.
"We made it a priority to respond in the way that we believed was right," said Dr. Julie Hamilton, an assistant professor of psychology. Hamilton was also a guest speaker who presented the talk "Homosexuality 101" in chapel on September 11.
"We want to talk about these issues with students and want to educate them, but this group doesn’t seem to be educational but more activist," Hamilton said.
A letter was sent to Soulforce explaining the university’s reasoning, and an email was sent out to all students.
However despite the university’s decline, Soulforce still plans on making the trip to PBA.
"We certainly still plan on coming," said Jarrett Lucas, the Equality Ride’s co-director. "We feel like it is our responsibility to make ourselves available to the student body."
The organization’s goal is to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals "freedom from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless and nonviolent resistance," according to Soulforce’s website.
The Equality Ride is planning on visiting 15 colleges in the South with PBA being the fifth stop. In the mass email sent out to all students, PBA stated that "a visit by the Equality Ride would fail to meaningfully further the mission of either organization."
The email also said that PBA is already a safe place for all students, and harassment of any individual is†not tolerated.
However, homosexuality is stated in the Navigator as being an act that is inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and, therefore, is a punishable offense according to PBA’s Office of Accountability.
"The point [at which] a student would be held accountable for homosexuality begins with behavior and activity, not with beliefs attractions," said Eric Lowdermilk, director for Student Accountability.
PBA also states that there are already avenues for discussion about the issue of sexuality set up on campus, such as designated chapels related to homosexuality and group discussions in the residence halls.
The university has ‘safe places’ on campus such as the Health and Wellness Center, counseling services and the amnesty program, where students dealing with GLBT issues can have discussions without the fear of punishment or harassment.
In an attempt to be as open and transparent as possible about the decision regarding the Equality Ride, PBA has posted several resources on mypba.edu under the quick link "Truth-in-Love." This link provides many primary sources of information regarding GLBT issues and Equality Ride, including all the letters exchanged between Soulforce and PBA and a listing of various speakers and upcoming chapel opportunities which address the subject of homosexuality.
We can't really know what will happen once they get here. It is different at every school. It probably will not be a big deal though; they may walk on our campus property and get arrested calmly as they have at other schools. Really, it’s just so the media gets a good picture in the paper or on the news so their 'agenda' can be more publicized.
What's the possibility of not arresting them, and basically ignoring them? I mean, are they going to take over a building or something? I don't think so. Are they planning civil disobedience, just for a photo op with the PB Post and trying to get in the paper and make us look intolerant? Possibly.
I'm sure the adminstration is checking into what they can do legally,thinking about what they can do if they start chalking up the sidewalks, as they have done at other schools.
I feel for the administration and campus security on this one. Welcome all to the space between "a rock and the hard place"!
We want to be welcoming and kind, but at the same time, we don't want to be used and abused to advance incorrect anti-Christian stereotypes.
Here's a thought: take a group of highly motivated and very positive students to go and witness at Compass, the gay and lesbian center here in WPB!
http://www.compassglcc.com/contact.html
See how long it would be if you went in there uninvited and started writing Bible verses on the sidewalks and witnessing to everyone before you'd be arrested.
hold on a sec...pba isn't planning on arresting anyone, right?
is the school really just going to try and ignore it? no forum? no pba sponsored discussion?
don't they understand that to keep order , pba must engage with soulforce?
Excellent point there, anonymous above me. If we went to Compass uninvited and wrote on their walls and floor, staged a quiet peaceful protest, held hands in front of the door...the media would cream us.
PBA is private property. If they are asked to leave the property and they refuse they have stepped over a legal line and are trespassing which is an arrestable offense. The same way PBA students would be trespassing and arrested if they did the same thing at the Compass. I hope that message can get into the media. Somehow I doubt that the liberal local news papers and TV news reporters will cover that aspect of the story.
OK Bacon...we've got the story here, we've all talked about it and shared our ideas. Time for some new Bacon.
Yep, I honestly think this forum was a successful one. Thank you Bacon for providing the space and the time to talk through these ideas.
When Soulforce comes in two weeks, we can re-address the issue, but in the meantime there's lots of satire to write.
Seriously, you guys suck this year.
That's very mature of you.
I'm glad some Bacon readers are completely shallow and thoughtless and expect so much from a free blog (yes, the writers get nothing for doing this) that they make statements like the above anonymous.
Stop flaming people you don't even know and get a life.
Why don't you submit a story if you want wun so bad?!
Write a story and submit it.
This is test time...give The Bacon writers a break.
To the various anonymous users who keep demanding things of and insulting the Bacon:
Keep your mouths shut and fingers bound - Apparently the most basic of childhood rules of "Unless you have something nice to say don't say anything at all" is lost on you. Let me simplify it: Shut up, and stop complaining about something that's free. Get off you posterior and do something intelligent if you have something to say about the quality or quantity of stories here.
Later
-KW
Good article by beacon...where did you find it, anonymous? thx
www.pba.edu/beacon
PB Post Article
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/search/content/local_news/epaper/2008/09/25/a1a_campus_ban_0926.html
WEST PALM BEACH — A national gay students' rights group is making its inaugural trip to Florida next month to preach tolerance in places where homosexuality is not just considered a sin, but also a violation of the student code of conduct.
The organization, called Soulforce, plans to visit 15 mostly Christian colleges and universities around the South. Palm Beach Atlantic University in downtown West Palm Beach is the only Florida school on Soulforce's schedule.
PBAU officials last week rejected a request from the 10-year-old group to visit their campus, saying that after careful consideration the visit would not "meaningfully further the mission of either organization."
Soulforce, which supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality, is coming anyway.
The group delivers its message through "relentless nonviolent resistance," and its members have been arrested for trespassing during visits to schools in other states after treading on private campuses without permission.
Although it's unclear whether Soulforce will try to get onto PBAU's campus or meet with students at another location, its request to talk about religion and homosexuality already has spurred discussion at the school, where same-sex relationships are considered immoral and contradictory to biblical standards.
Jarrett Lucas, co-director of Soulforce's college "equality ride," said several PBAU students have contacted him saying they are willing to talk.
"It's always heartbreaking to hear the student body express the desire to speak with us and then have the administration say they can't," Lucas said.
Comments on a PBAU student blog vary, but several fear their school will be perceived as intolerant or radically religious by refusing to offer Soulforce a forum.
"How we 'should' respond won't affect anything, really. Some people will be nice to them, some will ignore them. Hopefully, no one will be hateful toward them, but you never know," wrote one student.
PBAU senior Hannah Mitchell said school administrators were open with students about Soulforce's request. She believes they made the right decision.
"I appreciate that the university looked into this matter, thoroughly researched it and then presented both the student body and the Soulforce team with an answer," Mitchell said. "I am not against the homosexual lifestyle; I have many friends that are engaged in that activity and the Bible says that no sin is better or worse in the eyes of God. However, although I would never condemn that behavior, you also have to be careful that you do not condone it."
PBAU spokeswoman Becky Peeling said a committee of faculty and staff made the recommendation against allowing the group on campus.
Besides PBAU's differing beliefs about homosexuality, other campus events already were scheduled for the days Soulforce plans to visit - Oct. 13-14.
"We agree people should not be harassed at all, but we differ with them when we get into the acceptance of homosexual behavior," Peeling said. "Frankly, part of our issue has also been timing."
Soulforce began its equality rides in 2006, targeting colleges and universities that members say have policies that discriminate against gays.
The goal, the group says, is for members to discuss their religious belief that homosexuals can be Christians and "give a voice to students who are silenced on campus."
"The whole reason we go is out of a sense of responsibility," Lucas said. "It's about promoting safety and acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students."
There are, inevitably, gay students on Christian college campuses. But it's likely they aren't open about it, said Keith Platt, a licensed clinical social worker and professor of social work at Florida Atlantic University.
Platt has two gay friends who attended PBAU. They stayed closeted throughout their time there, he said.
PBAU does not ban the enrollment of gay students, but the school's student handbook spells out the prohibition on homosexuality.
"It sounds a little like a 'don't ask, don't tell' thing," said Platt, who is openly gay. "Don't act like a homosexual and you are OK by us."
Platt, however, supports PBAU's right to ban Soulforce from campus.
"I take seriously the separation of church and state and it's perfectly within the rights of an individual church to say we don't believe in homosexuality and we think it's a sin," he said.
This year's equality ride begins Oct. 1. The first stop is in Virginia at Liberty University, which, with 20,000 students, is touted as the world's largest evangelical school.
Liberty also has rejected Soulforce's request for a campus forum, but not all schools have banned the organization outright.
Officials from Columbia International University in Columbia, S.C., agreed to meet with Soulforce members off campus.
"We had some professors and staff who felt like this would be a good opportunity to communicate with them and minister to them," said Mike Blackwell, vice president for communications at the school.
In a letter explaining PBAU's decision, school President David Clark said students already have opportunities to discuss the issues raised by the group.
"We have a number of programs to educate students and create an atmosphere of dialogue on campus in the area of human sexuality," he wrote.
"While we do not permit behaviors that are inconsistent with biblical standards of conduct, we certainly know that sexual temptation is common to all."
You know, for being a forum for free speech, some of you are pretty intolerant of diverse opinions. And just so you know, I actually have submitted ideas to the Bacon for stories, they're just too lazy to follow-up on them. Let the attacks on my opinion commence in three, two, one...
I won't attack you...I just want to say that i've sent in ideas and they were recieved well and i got a thanks in return. However, once i sent one in and didn't get a thankyou...it happens. The Bacon isn't a perfect intentity and I forgive them.
I've sent in ideas too, and some were ignored. Others were brushed up a little and used, and were pretty funny.
When I wrote them I knew that I was releasing it to the Bacon for acceptance or rejection. Once you pass it on, it's not yours anymore. I figure they've gotten hundreds of submissions by now. I will say that I think it is time they pull out something, dust it off and put it out there. Either that or write something original. This Soulforce article is pretty old now. Time for some fresh Bacon!
They probably weren't quality work.
To all the alumni, the contents of the email sent out on the PBA listserv can be viewed at:
http://doorstop.org/soulforce
thanks for posting that, but still.
When (not if) Soulforce comes, what is going to happen?
...silence...
^^^ Anonymous said:
"When (not if) Soulforce comes, what is going to happen?"
Are you serious? I already covered this above..... read my two posts and I describe everything that PBA has announced they will do.
hey the bacon and it's current readers. first: i was around at the birthing of the bacon. at that time, it was a safe place, an outlet to vent about frustrations--whether it be an administration issue, a discipline issue or what have-you. i hope that the bacon has not conformed to pba's standards--curtailing the freedom to express an opinion or utter grievances (see also: josh leonard). let's not forget the freedom fighters who put the bacon together so that students could express their love, hate, or general neutrality about pba.
second: in the real world, absent the pba bubble which some people may not realize is a bubble, there will be people from all sorts of different backgrounds. soulforce should really challenge you to step out of your comfort zone (if the thought of their visit makes you uncomfortable) and really force you to say "how do" to the world. i really hope that you guys, the students, don't further the stereotype of harsh "christians"...regardless of what the administration does (is it forbidding soulforce from coming on campus? i'm not sure what the plan is) i really hope that the students do what is moral, right, ethical, and most of all, loving. even in spite of the administration's actions, you have a right to disagree and act as you think the Lord would have you act.
p.s. its readers, not it's readers. and also, i didn't intend to use the favored christianese in that last sentence. act in the way you think is loving, right etc.
The impending visit of Soulforce might be a hoot, just think of PBA administrators confronting gay, lesbian hisexual protestors - I don't know too many media outlets that could resist such a misadventure
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
We have been told that Equality Ride, the bus tour organized by Soulforce, a gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender (GLBT) rights group, intends to visit West Palm Beach Monday and Tuesday regardless of the University’s communication with the group. While PBA continues to view their uninvited arrival as inappropriate, the University has extended a simple courtesy to meet with the group on a limited basis. While individuals have the right to believe as they wish, no one has a first amendment right to come onto a private campus and promote their views.
A group of selected students, faculty and staff has volunteered to talk with the group members and listen to their concerns during a two-hour meeting Monday. Due to other activities occurring on campus that day and throughout the week, the University is limiting the extent of this meeting and the extent of Soulforce’s interaction with our campus. We have told Soulforce that:
• They are permitted on campus for the duration of this meeting only and must remain with their escorts.
• The meeting is open only to guests invited or allowed by the University
• Media coverage, photography and recording of the meeting are not permitted.
• The University will not allow other gatherings or activities to take place on campus, permit distribution of literature, or allow members of the group to interact with PBA students, faculty or staff on campus outside these guidelines.
We have told Soulforce that we desire to share the love and message of Jesus Christ among the members of the group. To that end, we want to share more information and the University’s expectations for you as faculty, staff and students during this visit.
• Although the Equality Riders will be very limited as to time and location of their visit, faculty, staff and students are free to interact with them at off campus locations.
• The meeting is scheduled Monday morning and the location will remain undisclosed until that time. This is to facilitate the riders staying with their escorts and to limit them from wandering on campus. However, the Equality Riders may or may not honor this request and guidelines; and, therefore will not be provided access to our campus. Historically, the riders seek to create a forum in which they attract media coverage through such actions as violating trespass ordinances, conducting sit-ins, and other behaviors that frequently result in their arrest by local authorities. We have been informed that the riders have been in contact with the local media and have made inquiries with the local authorities regarding the cost of bail in the event an arrest takes place. This may be an indication that the riders plan to replicate their pattern of behavior on other campuses at PBA. It is important to note that the riders have demonstrated through the use of civil disobedience and have not exhibited violent or aggressive behaviors, so there is no reason we should anticipate bodily harm or physical danger.
• Remember that you could be recorded without knowing it, so do not argue or incite others to argue. Conversations should be civil and kind; the Riders are well-versed in their own rhetoric, therefore real dialogue is unlikely to occur.
• It is wise to conduct conversations as an interview, keeping in mind that they are God’s creation; for example: ask the riders their name and about their own story, the highs and lows of the Ride, where do they go to school, and where they are from. You may choose to start another topic of conversation before it turns to your own views on homosexuality, gay marriage, etc, in order to avoid debate.
• You have the right to use public sidewalks and roadways unimpeded. If you feel harassed walking to and from University buildings, you may request a security escort.
• You may not carry signs, placards, or posters; your clothing may not have hateful, profane, or disrespectful messages; you may not engage in disruptive behavior including name calling, shouting, aggressive acts such as pushing, or disruption of the normal flow of activities; and you may not incite others to any of the behaviors cited above.
Additionally, we want you to always be mindful of who enters buildings alongside you; non-resident access to residence halls or PBA apartments is not permitted.
For the purposes of the visit days, any person who comes onto campus in support of the Equality Ride will be considered to be trespassing and will not be permitted to enter University buildings. None of the following will be permitted on-campus without pre-arrangement: cameras, microphones, megaphones, or public address systems; tables or booth displays; handouts or flyers.
PBA takes seriously its responsibility to provide a safe and meaningful learning environment for all of its students. Please also see the attached “Frequently Asked Questions Sheet” concerning the visit.
Finally, please join us in prayer that God will be glorified in this next week.
Sincerely,
Eric Lowdermilk
Eric Lowdermilk
Chair, Equality Ride Task Force
Sounds like a pretty good response to me.
I think PBA handled itself and the situation very well today.
Adios, Soulforce. Nice try, but no cigar.
Soulforce is just as "evil" as the so called oppressors that they are trying to be freed from. As a Christian in the world I am aloud to have my own view of homosexuality. If I agree with it our not, which I dont, it is none of their business and they shouldn't try and push their own opinions (being a homosexual is ok) on us. So for them to come to our campus, one that as students we pay about $18,000 a year for (around $25,000 for pharmacy students), and disrupt our day is a very rude thing to do. Enjoy your night in jail!
They will be on campus tomorrow as well.
I think its interesting that they think we push our beliefs on people and yet they seem to be doing the same things.... This seems a bit hypocritical.
Anon two anons up,
I agree. They are no better than the Bible thumping, doctrine pushing stereotypes they hate so much. I have no problems with any man, woman, gay, lesbian, transgender, democrat, socialist, republican, libertarian. I'll even attempt an intelligent conversation with someone who shares a different viewpoint. I draw the line when the conversation turns into someone trying to jam their beliefs down my throat. Accommodations were made. Even though administrators, teachers, students and parents had to re-arrange their lives to deal with people who invited themselves, they refused any accommodations provided in favor of the photo op of being arrested. I hope they enjoy their stay in the PB county detention facility. From what I hear it is not the nicest place to spend the night but after all, this all boils down to decisions and choices. Consequences are a nasty reality of life.
As an aside, the word is allowed, not aloud.
I was pretty impressed with how both sides handled the situation. However, when I read Soulforce's write up of the event, I lost most of my respect for them. They showed their true colors with that article, in my opinion, by twisting so much of what happened yesterday. They said they didn't really want to get arrested, they said they were confined to the far end of Olive, on and on it goes, and most of it is a distortion of what really happened.
I expected them to twist the Bible, but I didn;t expect them to twist what happened. When I saw their report, it greatly saddened me.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist (or a pharmacy student) to figure out that Soulforce had an agenda all along, and "truth" is not held very highly with these people. "Perception" is all that matters. If they can make Christians look like idiots (as I mentioned weeks ago on this post)then they have achieved their biased agenda and goal.
I don't care who it is, if somebody's going to try to disrupt a private Christian school's chapel service (as they unsucessfully tried to do) then they deserve to be thrown in the pokey.
Thankfully, the PB Post articles seemed subdued (when they could have done what the press usually does, which is to subtly support such liberal agendas) and for that I'm thankful to the PB Post, for being relatively "fair" for once. I encourage everyone to go online to the PB Post, and read some of the postings by the Post readers under the articles. They are much more supportive of the way PBA handled this than I thought they would be.
I'm thankful it's over.
"Back on the bus everybody...on to the next Christian school to embarrass."
Good riddance, Soulforce.
PS- Here's a good follow up question: who pays for the bus and the meals and the hotels and extras for Soulforce? Now that would be a good article for the Palm Beach Post to check out!
This whole situation breaks my heart. Especially the simple-minded gay-bashing...
You really don't get it! I read all of the comments, give me a break, "gay bashing"? Is there a similar phrase for the lies they post on their site? Who decided tolerance can only run one direction.You obviously did not stand in the rain with your friends.
Wow, yes, you are right whoever implied soulforce was thrusting their beliefs in your face... standing peacefully and engaging in conversation is just CRAMMING those Biblical beliefs of love and grace down your throat. I wish I could attend PBA again so that I could meet some of you and smack you silly!
It breaks my heart that PBA has become such a judgemental and hateful place. I suggest removing the PLANK out of your eyes before you remove the speck in someone else's eye. That is Scripture word for word. You are violating... just like you think Soulforce is.... Hmm maybe you are more alike then you think.
God is love. God is grace. This is why Christ humbled himself to come to earth and die for us. Don't make a mockery of this sacrifice.
In response to:
"PS- Here's a good follow up question: who pays for the bus and the meals and the hotels and extras for Soulforce? Now that would be a good article for the Palm Beach Post to check out!
October 14, 2008 2:58 PM "
If you did your research you would find that each of the Soulforce members raises money for their ride. They have sponsers. Family, friends, other open minded Christians like themselves. Not really worth an article in the post, huh?
I truly pray God would humble any person who feels that a non-violent group of protesters deserves to get arrested.
Maybe I'd say a rapist deserves to get arrested, or a murdered.... but think about it, do you truly consider these people in the same group with murderers and rapists?
If so, I urge you to do some soul searching, talk with God b/c those kinds of attitudes are not at all in line with scripture.
Lets bring it back to what matters... God, love, being Christlike, and reaching others for Christ.
They may have been physically non-voiolent, but there was nothing peaceful about their visit. They were making an all out attack on people's personal beliefs. They didn't get arrested for being gay, they got arrested for tresspassing after they were told three times to step back to the sidewalk.
I wish alumni with an axe to grind would not express their opinions on here as if they knew what PBA was like now that they're gone. Talk about judgemental...
Non violent protesting is exactly that: It is non violent. It respects the law while protesting an issue or situation. Crashing and disrupting a student worship service is not non-violent.
Forcingfaculty,staff,administration,campus security, alumni,parents, students and (probably) the custodians to be on their toes for weeks in anticipation of a gay publicity stunt during the middle of mid-terms is not non violent. It's intentionally intrusive and disruptive.
Another point: No one is saying that Soulforce people are the same as rapists and murderers, nor were they treated as such. Yes, they were arrested but you can be sure that campus security and WPB police treated them with the utmost respect and courtesy. They've got some heavy handed lawyers on their side, and nobody wanted lawsuits to follow.
pba was put in an awkward situation by a group that is known to be deceptive and agressive. pba overturned its initial decision to ban the group, and instead offered hospitality, a place to meet and converse. the hospitality was turned down, because Soulforce is not about conversation. it's about force. they tried to force their way into chapel. that is not christian. pba acted with grace and tolerance, while remaining true to its doctrine and mission. you can try to make homosexuality an accepted practice, but it's never going to happen within traditional, orthodox, christianity.
I give a loving affirmation to Loving's loving affirmation.
Soulforce came to PBA knowing it was going to cause a problem. They looked into how much bail was going to be "if" they were to get arrested, which everyone knew was going to happen. They come with FORCE, hence the name soulFORCE. I understand that they were standing in the rain, but they did not come until after the six people were arrested. I don't have a problem with people sharing their beliefs. I may not agree with everything but I can promise you won't agree with all of mine either. I feel that they should have met with PBA but they chose not to. On their website it says: "When: Monday, October 13th, 2008
10:00 am, Equality Ride arrives
12:00 pm, Equality Riders attempt to walk on to campus"
They knew what was going to happen. They wanted to make people look bad and that's what happened. They were thrilled that a student "came out".
Honestly I think everyone needs to just move on. I was walking on campus this morning and heard students talking about soulforce and bashing the students who stood in the rain to talk to them. This is wrong. We need to just move past this, if you don't have anything to say, don't say anything at all.
Well put, anonymous...now, let's all get back to the reason we're here...to get our edumacation.
If you want edumacation start with accuratley reading the Bible in its Historical context. Do you actually think gay Christians ever believe they will find acceptance within the Christian church? Do any of you know what its like to be drawing close to God and crying yourself to sleep at night b/c you desire a relationship with a member of your same sex? Do you have any clue? You don't. Belittle all you want, but coming out in " " but nothing will ever change unless you try to understand and you try to look at homosexuality through the eyes of God's grace. These people are trying to educate, trying to open up Christian's minds to look further into the Biblical passages that are used to condemn homosexuals, if you truly read all translations and research the issue, it isnt as cut and dry as you think. The word "homosexual" wasn't even an actual word when they Bible was written. Stop giving scripted answers and consider with your hearts what it is like to be a Christian struggling with same-sex attractions that will not go away.
Sy Rogers put it excellently yesterday: God does not hate homosexuals but he wants them to crucify their homosexuality to Him.
Here's start:
Exodus International.
Homosexuality might not have been a word (especially since the english language hadn't been invented yet...) but its ridiculous for you to insinuate that the topic of homosexuality is not directly referred to over and over in the Bible. There are passages directly dealing with homosexuality in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
There certainly is grace for sin! But in light of that grace, shall we go on sinning that grace may abound. By no means! We died to that sin that we might live to God.
Even your recognition that we need to look on the situation through the eyes of God's grace is an admittance that one needs grace...which is likewise an admittance that one has sinned.
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