The University News

Issue date: 9/10/07 Section: Forum

Roolistically Speaking

Thursday night at UMKC turned out to be much more than just another cluster of night classes. Those who work all day, perhaps feed their family, then hop in the car and zoom just south of the Country Club Plaza and past the University Center, must have gotten an eyeful that evening.

Picketing at the entrance to the University Center parking lot was a group of people who may view themselves as religious. It's not a description most would offer as an account.

The terminology that comes to this writer's mind with regard to this group might include hate mongers, bigots, or to borrow a couple of terms from our U-News News Editor Joshua Seiden in last issue's Forum section, zealots and fanatics.

Just across the quad in Royall Hall, another student organization was holding court in what seemed a much more wholesome and encouraging manner. The local chapter of Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) was holding its version of "American Idol" in front of a raucous crowd of approximately 70 students.

Termed "Cru Idol," the event was used to introduce new students on campus to this year's small group leaders. This small group initiative is meant to build a community on campus, through Bible study, where people can be vulnerable and determine their mission not only as an individual, but as part of a group of Christians as well.

"We want people to see this organization as a safe haven, a place to learn to love others as God loves us," said Cru student director Mike Nelson. "We want to invite people to come join us, certainly … but no one is looked at in a lesser light if they choose not to attend."

Two other Cru student leaders, Christa Gilbert and Abby Bergen, shared outreach activities the chapter had put on early in the semester. The functions included giving out cookies to residents in the dormitories as they returned to campus and passing out more than 150 popsicles to students during the recent heat wave.

What was the catch?

"We also offered them a flyer, though no one was required to take it," said Gilbert, now in her fourth year as a member.

And just what did the flyer say? Were they bible verses or tracts warning people about impending doom?

"They were invitations to a pizza party," Nelson said.

It is less the intent of this article to praise or condemn any groups with religious foundations or otherwise that are housed on campus. It is more that such contrasting views should not be lumped together as one in the same, which hopefully will be conveyed.

Continued...

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