Preacher meets protestors
Heated debates continue in the Free Speech Area as some students prepare an opposing demonstration
Ryan Tubongbanua / The Collegian
The Free Speech Area has become a stage of sorts for Preacher Anthony Munoz. Sometimes bringing multiple signs and supporters, he comes to Fresno State to spread his interpretation of the Bible to students. |
By Natalie Garcia
The Collegian
The campus Free Speech Area is receiving attention with students protesting a preachers way of spreading the Word.
The preachers may soon receive company. Several students, including Breanne Slimick, a women studies major, are organizing a demonstration Monday in the Free Speech Area.
Women’s studies professor Catherine Forbes, said the demonstration is designed to protest the manner the preachers spread their message.
“People are gathering at 1 (p.m.) to counter what some people are considering hate speech,” Forbes said.
The hate speech from the preachers, Forbes said, is directed towards lesbians, women, Muslims and others.
Recently, there have been two alternating preachers on campus, Matt Bourgault and Anthony Munoz. Both have received strong receptions from students.
Students exchanged words with the preachers, with both sides attempting to out-shout each other. The Shouting quickly escalated into a few students standing directly in front of the preacher holding posters to block their view.
The preachers stepped up their activities after a female student paced directly in front of them, holding posters as they took their turns preaching to Fresno State students.
“You know the word women on campus need to learn; submit,” Bourgault said. “You don’t understand that men are stronger in their minds, their wills.”
Although some students shouted back at him, most of the passersby simply looked on.
“They’re idiots. I’m not against God or anything, but these guys are way off the deep end,” Dwayne Joyner, Fresno State senior, said. “They’re hurting themselves. They’re just making people mad.”
Bourgault and Munoz have angered more students than just Joyner. One of the reasons for the outrage is their tendency to judge a student body they aren’t familiar with some students said.
“The Bible says thou shall not judge and that’s what these guys are doing,” Jason Crawley, freshman, said. “They have no clue who these kids are.”
Some students find the ideological message and how the preachers deliver it to students debatable.
“I am not keen to their approach. I think they are very insensitive to those around them,” Eric Niett, director of Campus Crusade for Christ, said.
Bourgault first came to Fresno State to preach a couple of years ago. Before that he did missionary work in countries such as Jamaica, Ukraine and Mexico, as well as in North America.
“The message is to repent to return to Jesus Christ for cleansing and forgiveness,” Bourgault said.
Bourgault said he was not always a godly man.
“I was a drunk,” Bourgault said. “I went to college. That’s where I got saved.” Bourgault credits a Christian student at his college for his salvation.
College may be where Bourgault found his purpose is the world, but some college Christians said the don’t feel he is returning the favor.
David Dixon, a CRU member said, “He makes a mockery of Christ.”
Another CRU member agreed.
It’s not what God would want; he preaches love not condemnation,” Carrie Moore, a CRU staff member, said. “They do give Christians a bad name.”
Munoz declined to comment.
Comment on this story in the News forum >>
|
