by Kyle Zick
Contributor
Tolerance: how far is too far?
In the last issue, an article was run by Ian Crane posing the question of what defines “Loma Appropriate?” Now, the article had little to do with what is “Loma Appropriate” and much more to do with homosexual rights as well as perceived “homophobia” on campus. I use “homophobia” in quotes not because I don’t think anti-gay people don’t exist, but because being anti-gay has been vilified to the point that anyone who holds a certain position is considered mentally unstable. Please understand, my political views are mostly libertarian and I believe the government should have as little to do with our lives as possible. So much like the government should be race-blind they also should be gender-blind, meaning if homosexuals wish to marry, that’s fine. Neither the government nor the church or any other governing authority should stop you from any act unless it hurts the property or person of another. Under the law, all people should be equal. However, I am heavily opposed to two things Crane wrote in his article.
First, Crane stated that “if even one student thinks that my ‘Legalize Gay’ shirt is not ‘Loma Appropriate’ then PLNU is doing something very, very wrong.”
I’m not sure Crane realizes the narrow-mindedness of his statement when, just a few sentences later, he states one should encounter a vast array of opinions, people and worldviews at a university. Apparently, we should encounter a wide array of opinions except the ones that offend us. Those holding unpopular, counter-cultural or traditional ideals should be crucified on the cross of intolerance. Which is, ironically, remarkably intolerant.
Secondly, a place like PLNU is a religious institution filled with (for the most part) religious people. I think what Crane believes to be “close-minded closeted homophobia” may actually just be referring to people who are sensitive to their beliefs and may not agree with pro-LGBTQ propaganda being associated with their religion and belief systems. These people have the same rights to their beliefs that anyone else does. And in my opinion, calling someone a closed-minded closeted homophobe is far more offensive than saying a shirt is not “Loma Appropriate.”
Beyond these small and inane arguments, I would ask for everyone to just develop a little thicker skin. How much are we going to sacrifice on the altar of “do not offend?” How often will we blast someone for saying something “insensitive” or “homophobic?”
By asking people to limit their First Amendment right of free speech, you are telling the world you are too weak, insecure and feeble to make it in the real world. People are going to offend you no matter what you believe. People are going to hate you no matter how you act. People are going to disagree with you no matter what your opinions are. Do you really need protection by the law from someone disagreeing with you? I really hope not.
by Jennelle Gee
Contributor
Coming to PLNU was my dream. I couldn’t wait to meet other people like me, conservative and striving to please the Lord. Now that I’m here and have been for a couple of years, I am gravely disappointed.
We all know this is a Christian school. So why do I constantly hear swearing on my way to class, talk about drunkenness, last night’s sex, smoking, etc.? Sure, we are human and we all sin. But why are students boasting about it? They shamelessly participate in these acts and ignore the roots of this university.
On top of this, students are fighting for homosexual rights. What part about Point Loma Nazarene University do they not understand? Their fight here is pointless. Neither the Nazarene doctrine nor the Word of God is going to change. Homosexuality is a sin and always will be.
The argument for homosexual rights is irrelevant, so stop stirring up commotion. This isn’t directed toward only students, but professors as well. I can undoubtedly say that PLNU needs A LOT of work if it expects the vision and mission statement to be a reality.
The bottom line is, as a Christian and Bible-believing school, out of respect and the love for Christ that students should have, they should abide by the religion and its morals. If anybody doesn’t like the guidelines, they shouldn’t come here.