September 1, 1998

ASU students witnessed a radical way of worship on Sanford Mall last Friday, and many were offended, outraged and even hurt.

Gary Birdsong, a non-traditional evangelist, travels the country in search of college campuses, much like our own, in order to preach his word.  In fact, the university even grants him a permit to stand on his grassy pulpit and speak of sinners and their place in hell.

Does Birdsong have a right to preach his often misconstrued messages using an in-your-face approach? Does he have a right to tell us we are going to hell if we do not submit to his teachings? Yes, he does have a right to do these things; he has a First Amendment right to say whatever he desires.

We at The Appalachian do not agree with his message nor his approach, but as journalists, we cannot deny his right to deliver his message.

As long as this university remains a state-supported, open learning forum, Birdsong and others like him will continue to flock here.  Although their messages may be hurtful and wrong, we should welcome opinions of all types and origins.

Opening our eyes to other beliefs, cultures and viewpoints educates us and gives us food for thought.

If this man chooses to spend six hours denouncing everything that is good and simple, it is his time spent.

Birdsong would not have a job nor a grassy knoll to speak upon if he did not have a following, of either supporters or opposers.

His audience ranged in size from 12 to 100 angry, outraged onlookers Friday afternoon.  If it were not for their continued retaliation, Birdsong would have been nothing more than a whisper.  His “popularity” is what keeps him coming back for more every year.

For those students who do not accept his gruff words or his ignorant name calling, simply walk away; turn your back and close your ears.  Do not let the words of one man offend you.

Regardless of his message and his slanderous comments, we are not “lost souls,” as Birdsong would say.  We are open-minded individuals who choose to worship in our individual, private sanctuaries, where all beliefs are treated with equality and respect.