North Central has decided not to allow Soulforce on campus during the group’s planned demonstration April 17. According to Director of Media Relations Susan Detlefson, who spoke on behalf of North Central, there are two primary reasons the school will not allow Soulforce on campus: theological differences and a belief that Soulforce’s true objective is not dialogue but publicity.
Detlefson also said the administration views the situation as a twofold opportunity.
“This is an opportunity for us to both look at what we believe and why we believe it,” she said, “and then also an opportunity to extend Christ-like love to people we don’t necessarily agree with.”
Whether or not publicity is one of Soulforce’s goals, publicity and dialogue are not mutually exclusive, and allowing an opposing view to be presented on campus does not constitute endorsement. Furthermore, it does not make sense to deny the group access to campus. Doing so furthers Soulforce’s objectives and hinders North Central’s.
By not allowing Soulforce on campus, we avoid having to consider and defend our beliefs. It is the intellectual easy-out. Theological differences are discussed frequently on this campus, both inside and outside of class. If North Central’s position is right, we have nothing to fear and everything to gain by discussing our differences.
If the administration wants to minimize the publicity Soulforce receives, the better choice would be to allow the group on campus. Refusing them access will only kindle the mainstream media’s interest in a story that will end up reinforcing negative stereotypes about Christians.
If one of the administration’s goals is to show Christ-like love to Soulforce, it makes sense to consider how Jesus would have reacted. He never refused to talk with or listen to people who opposed His worldview. It is impossible to love without relationship. The two are inseparable. If we claim to love while denying hospitality and closing out a chance to build relationships, who is the hypocrite?
The responsibility now falls on the student body to reach out to this group in love where the administration has failed to do so. We can still show Christ-like love. It will just require more individual effort.
Editorials reflect the consensus of the editorial board, whose members are:
Sarah Abbott, sports editor
Hope Bahr, editor-in-chief
Chuck Bahr, news editor
David Kingsbury, opinion editor
Jodi Krause, variety editor
Related content:
Read the news article regarding the Soulforce visit
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