Spring Break
Students respond with hostility to preaching
By: Teri Ruland
Issue date: 2/10/09 Section: News
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Nasya Taylor, a sophomore psychology major, said she did not agree with the sermon.
"He is being biased. He isn't letting people ask questions," Taylor said.
Holes asked the spectators if they were virgins. "That is none of your business," Taylor replied.
Because Taylor was rebutting Holes' arguments from beyond his "classroom," or group of spectators, he told her she could not participate unless she would "come back to class."
"If he believes in what he believes in, then there is a way to show it without cutting down other people's beliefs. He is shoving his religion down other people's throats," Taylor said.
Holes said abortion, viewing pornographic material and smoking marijuana are sins.
"I know it comes across as loud, but we want to be heard. We want people to know the truth," said Holes of Lake Placid, New York.
He said it may not be something people want to hear, but he preached solely to bring glory to God. He said he doesn't get anything from it; no more members in his church, but he just wants to proclaim the gospel.
Not all students agreed with his methods.
"I understand in the southern United States, especially this time of year, there will be people coming [to speak], but I would prefer it being in a closed space. We are being bombarded. He's up on a pedestal and it's not a way to do it in a place of learning. People come from all over the world with different religions, and they have a right to not listen," said Kyle Millican, a junior biomedical and agricultural engineering major.
Other students compared the way Holes was preaching to the way Jesus preached.
"Jesus Christ taught tolerance, not forcing ideas and beliefs on others. It's embarrassing," said Braden Deckard, a junior agricultural leadership and development major.
Holes gave up his speaking position to his counter-preacher from South Africa because he said his voice was giving out. When Holes began to take pictures of the other preacher with his cell phone, he stood on the Memorial Student Center grass, causing the crowd to yell, "Get off the grass."
"We can't bring people to God. Only God can bring people to him. We're just obeying the call and not everyone is called to preach, but surely that's what I'm called to do," Holes said.
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