Covenant College to Deny Equality Ride Access to Campus

A few of them were arrested by ND cops when they were here a few weeks ago. Things probably would have been a lot more interesting if they hadn't decided to visit campus over spring break.

Both parties may be acting like children but while Soulforce represents a sexual orientation, Covenant represents Christ, and this is a greater responsibility.

This was a perfect oppurtunity to love as Christ love's and the response is a box lunch and a vague threat of arrest.

Imagine if Jesus had said "I'll feed the 5000 fish and bread, as long as they don't talk about sex, and if they get to close to me and the disciples I might have them arrested"

I thought Soulforce was a superhero team...

I've exchanged a couple of e-mails with one of the SF riders and they conveniently circum-navigate questions and heart provoking comments. They admit that they think there is only one way to be open-minded and loving: accept their point-of-view. It would have been great to allow them on campus, that's what I was hoping for, until The Ride kicked in to high gear. They have been dilberately disobeying warnings in the name of "peace" and "justice". I'm still not completely sure what went down in Clinton, MS. They sat in front of Al Mohler's office, demanding he change his opinions about the THEORY of doing genetic therapy on unborn children that might carry the gay gene. They are clearly demonstrating that they will not rest until administrations show signs of conforming to their point-of-view and share in their opinions.
Covenant has a duty to their students and while they may not execute their duties perfectly, they do seek to do so biblically. For the first time since graduation, I am whole-heartedly behind the administration and their decision. I was really pulling for allowing SF to make an appearance on campus, but considering how things have unfolded over the last couple of weeks I can't fault Covenant for their decision.

At this moment, I have no snide comments. But just this: I'll be praying and hope many other are too.

I think its morphin time.... SOUL FORCE EQUALITY DYNAZORD POWER NOW!

"OH NO COVENANT IS TOO POWERFUL WITH THE DADE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT!!! WE CALL UPON THE GREEN RANGER!!"

GREEN RANGER REPORTING! WE"RE GOING TO NEED THE ULTRA FLAMING SOULFORCE MEGAZORD.
----battle of ideas ensues-----

"Go go soul force power Rangers..."

You know, while it might sound like a wierd way to help someone, I agree that invoking police action might well be the most caring thing that Covenant could do in that situation.

Though it is very easy to play the armchair quarterback on this one and say "This is what I would have done:" We don't have the responsibility for hundreds of students as this administration does. I believe they have considered this both thoughtfully and prayerfully. I agree with their decision.

It seems to me that Covenant offered them dialogue and they rejected it. They made it quite clear at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary this week that dialogue is not what they are looking for. Who better to dialogue with than one of evangelicalism's "reigning intellectuals"? Go to their website, read the press releases, watch the video. They had no intention of engaging Mr. Mohler. They were out for blood.

Even if they were out for blood I'm sure that Jesus says some things about how to treat our enemies.

--Which might conflict, you say, with the administrations responsibility for the well being of its students except for two things:

1. They aren't out for actual blood, unless they are vapire gays.
AND
2. I have a hard time believing that Covenant students would actually care if they came on campus. And even if they do, they are big boys and girls now and it might do them well to have to deal with some real world issues, i.e. vampire gays.

Yeah, Jesus showed us how he dealt with his enemies, the pharisees. CC's letter also points out that the riders are acting as false teachers, because they claim to come in the name of Christ.

Jesus sometimes engaged the pharisees, but he spent the bulk of his time with people who were teachable.

The college is praying for them, asking others to do so, and giving them food. If it rains, maybe they'll give them umbrellas. But the college doesn't want to be complicit in their teaching, and doesn't want to set precedent for other groups.

Tell me, what exactly is the college doing that is actively hateful? Nothing. They are merely saying, "No thank you."

Aw, sweet! Soul Force is actually vampires! That must make covenant college the Lycan's! Its like Underworld! Does that make me a Lycan for being a covenant alum? I hope so.

If covenant is made up of Lycan's than why don't we have a football team? If we are Lycans it would stand to reason that we could dominate division one football.

I wonder who Selene is on campus? A lone vampire who is trying to bridge the differences between Lycan (Covenant) and Vampire (Soulforce). And if we're lycans, and soul force are vampires... then really who is the real monster? Is it not humanity? Hm... there's something to ponder.... indeed... troublesome times we live in... troublesome times indeed...

ULTRA SOULFORCE MEGAZORD TO THE ENTH DEGREE POWER NOW!

Camille Halstrom, YOU KNOW IT!

Indifference is hateful, first of all.

Secondly, how do we know that the college is praying for them? Are they having a prayer meeting that is specifically focused on Soulforce?

How is Soulforce (outcasts of the Church) comparible to the Pharisees (religious leaders)?

You must admit that inclusion is not exactly Covenant's strong point.

I think we can all agree that Covenant's strong point is the Celebration of Praise. That was always pretty awesome.

What, exactly, is the argument here?

I mean, do you people like old-school R&B or not?

Hmmm, Wholeton, I don't know who would be the "Selene" on campus, but I think you've clarified who'd be the "sci-fi lovin' dork" on campus.

by banning soulforce, covenant continues its forty year plus streak of ensuring that absolutely nothing happens on its campus. this is one of the longest such streaks in the country. go scots.

There are flyers up advertising the prayer, place, and time. Yes, they actually are praying.

If Soul Force is out to get publicity, arresting them right at the entrance to campus on film for the evening news doesn't seem like a great idea pragmatically. I'm sure these folks would likely to try some silly hijinks if they got on campus, but they probably not much more trouble and disruption than I did when I was a student on Catacombs. I think that Covenant students are adults who should be capable of handling people who teach heresy, and I hope perhaps handle them with more grace and intelligence than students at other colleges. If any Covenant students "come out of the closet" some day I really doubt it will be because of anything Soul Force did to convince them.

I think that worst thing that can happen is Covenant acting in a cruel or reactionary. Unfortunately I think --despite their best efforts-- they could end up seeming like both on this one.

here's to hoping almighty covenant thwarts the certain evil that is "soulforce" this way our vulnerable homeschoolers will be sheltered from encountering an actual homosexual until they graduate from covenant seminary 4-7 years from now.

Gillikin's got a point. It's a magnificent feat. Still, I think Covenant is right to be erecting strongholds against the Soul Force Equality Ride. They represent a real threat to our legacy of keeping things swell.

I guess as long as they don't take Ma's cookies from their spot cooling on the window sill for those box lunches I'm fine.

If the lunches are from the Great Hall, and are anything like the portable crap they used to make for us, I recommend that the SF folks get arrested and eat the jail food.

Is Rip Taylor coming?

They're praying for the SF riders individually, by name, from floor to floor.

And you may accuse the college of other things, but I think they've shown they are ANYTHING but indifferent to the situation.

But they shouldn't eat the food. Maybe it's improved in 20 years?

and as we all know anonymous prayer is always much better than face to face ministry. because the integration of faith and learning really only applies to an integration of said faith with like minded reformed individuals who enjoy the selected works of c.s. lewis and arthur gauthier.

I think Covenant is trying to do both here - pray, and face-to-face. It's fascinating how some people demand the college show kindness, and then refuse to believe that it's possible for the shcool to do so.

Why bother to talk with that?

i've just received word that in anticipation of the soulforce visit covenant college is in the process of revising their outdate motto to the following: to know him and to make him known - but not to gay people. because seriously, that's just gross. we would never have any gay people enrolled at our esteemed institution - certainly not individuals who were integral members of our community and spent countless hours leading prayer and worship in our glorious chapel. that woul never happen. not here.

a little bit wordy if you ask me - but i might change my mind if i could see it on a letterhead.

You know, I've been torn by the whole Soulforce issue. On one hand, I understand and support Covenant's position. If Soulforce refuses Covenant's offer (which I thought was quite generous), then Covenant has every right to prevent them from running amuck on campus. I would like to think that Covenant would do the same thing if Tenn. Temple wanted to come up and "dialog" about predestination & infant baptism (if that does happen, someone needs to call me...being a Presbaptist/Bapterian, I think I could learn a lot).

On the other hand, if Covenant groups Soulforce into the category of false teachers, then I would like to think that most Covenant students are grounded enough in their faith that they would see this as an opportunity to minister to the Soulforce group. *If* the Soulforce group just wants dialog, I'm sure there are more than enough Covenant students (and staff, faculty, administration, and even alumni) willing to engage them in dialog... *If* the Soulforce group only wants to force change, then an eager-to-talk Covenant Community would probably deter them from a long visit.

I hope that Covenant will treat them lovingly, and will take the opportunity to dialog with them. I can't think of any better way to show Christ's love to sinners (regardless of the sin).

physicalpants, gillikin and lowen -

i know its popular to take every oppertunity to take a shot at covenant's weaknesses (its a regular habit of mine), but it is hard for me to take your criticism seriously. From your tones, it sounds to me like you would do absolutely nothing if they came to campus while you were still here, unless the administration handled the situation exactly how you would. How would you handle it, by the way? If you are actually worried about showing love, or helping covenant students (which, I can gurantee you, are not nearly as sheltered as even a few years ago) overcome any and all traces of homophobia, then do something about it - even if it is simply writing emails and letters to board members, deans, faculty members, students, etc.

as for the actual situation, and the actual people, maybe you could spare the mocking rhetoric and pray for all the parties involved.

as someone still on campus, its hard to support the idea of giving them free range to come onto campus, interrupt classes, and consistently increase the level of disruption in order to get attention. their track record has led most to lack faith that they are here for dialogue. if they were, most of campus - students, faculty and staff - would definitely be open to talking. Most students can hold their own in a true debate/exchange of ideas - without leaning on tired catchphrases or by closing their minds.

I've made my peace with this issue. I'm kind of over it.

But I keep on reading references to how Soulforce could possibly "interrupt classes" and as someone who went to a public university with over 25000 students and where all kind of protests and hullabaloo were allowed- the idea that classes are in danger of being stopped by a bus full of queers is laughable and insane.

As far as I was told, they don't wish to interrupt any classes, they aren't going to disrupt any lessons, they won't take any hostages and these aren't the guys from "Airheads".

It seems the most ruckus they want is just some good ol' fashion public square protest.

If they want to have a water balloon attack on the biology courses then I stand corrected.

stu - covenant students are no longer sheltered? did they stop admitting midwestern homeschoolers who wander around campus in jean shorts and petra t-shirts talking obsessively about tolkien? i've been on campus in the last six months and frankly i don't believe you.

and here is why i don't believe you. if in fact the student body is prepared to dialogue with these soulforce folks then you kids should be demanding that the administration allow soulforce to come. this would be a perfect opportunity to show just how progressive covenant has become complete with a laser light show and a lip synch contest to the newsboy's boycott hell

but enough of my mocking rhetoric what kind of message do you think the administration is sending to current students who happen to be homosexuals? if covenant is not willing to deal with an allegedly militant group who descend upon small liberal arts colleges like locusts and -gasp- disrupt classes, how can they possibly minister to members of the student body who are struggling with homosexuality?

my experience with covenant has been that it is often an institution comprised of closed mindedness and tired catchphrases. you kids have a chance to change that.

Please don't insult me with your mention of the Newsboys. "Boycott Hell" will always be a DeGarmo & Key song.

Read the latest Bagpipe to see students who disagree with the administration's decision:
http://bagpipeonline.com/index.php?path=/archives/000651.php

stu, it's hard to say how i'd have reacted if soulforce had come to covenant during my time, since no such group ever did. i'd probably talk to them until i put them in an intellectual and spiritual full nelson, hear them call uncle, then go lie on my couch. not really. i now go to a school (unc) where interaction with groups like soulforce are a dime a dozen. it's such a contrast to covenant, where interaction with groups like soulforce are discouraged, apparently. obviously soulforce should be more accommodating. but the lack of interaction between covenant students and those of differing opinions (and i mean of any different opinion) suggests an environment rather, uh, unique, to the academia. very few schools have so little on-campus intellectual friction as covenant. i'm not hating on covenant; it's just kind of how it is. professors always seemed to encourage dialogue and getting out a whole lot. voyles and nielson aren't quite as intent on that. i'm sure there's some wisdom to their decision. after all, the belligerence of soulforce isn't too appealing. but all and all, i'm left dissatisfied with how this has played out. and from what i can gather from current covenant students, i'm not the only one who feels this way.

stu, it's hard to say how i'd have reacted if soulforce had come to covenant during my time, since no such group ever did. i'd probably talk to them until i put them in an intellectual and spiritual full nelson, hear them call uncle, then go lie on my couch. not really. i now go to a school (unc) where interaction with groups like soulforce are a dime a dozen. it's such a contrast to covenant, where interaction with groups like soulforce are discouraged, apparently. obviously soulforce should be more accommodating. but the lack of interaction between covenant students and those of differing opinions (and i mean of any different opinion) suggests an environment rather, uh, unique, to the academia. very few schools have so little on-campus intellectual friction as covenant. i'm not hating on covenant; it's just kind of how it is. professors always seemed to encourage dialogue and getting out a whole lot. voyles and nielson aren't quite as intent on that. i'm sure there's some wisdom to their decision. after all, the belligerence of soulforce isn't too appealing. but all and all, i'm left dissatisfied with how this has played out. and from what i can gather from current covenant students, i'm not the only one who feels this way.

first, i must say i am all in favor of water-ballooning the biology department. in fact, there should be inter-departmental fights.

but about covenant and the soulforce situation: i know how frustrating things can seem to those outside the administration. my personal theory of why they ultimately chose this course of action is because they knew what they would get: a little media attention from the eventual arrest of a handful of soulforce riders. its not the best result, but it is the most predictable.

if they decided to allow them onto campus, the results would be less predicable, and from the administration's view, probably less safe (and i mean physical safety for all on campus and the campus itself). plus the variety of factors including possible preparation strategies and individual reactions to riders creates a big set of question marks to administration.

our size, religious affiliation and location all make covenant more closed off than your average campus, and there is only so much that can be done about it. this isolationism has been on the decline in the four years i've been here, however, and i think the students are connecting with the "outside world" more effectively than before. the administration is even aiding this in some ways.

i agree that there is a problem with legalism and close-mindedness at covenant, but i would argue that it originates largely with the standards of conduct and the multiplication of petty rules through the residence life staff. the student body itself is getting better at thinking for themselves, but this is a natural process, and impatience rarely helps things.

physicalpants, i'd ask as a favor that you scale back your criticisms. the covenant "kids" aren't trying to prove anything to you, nor should you. your perceptions are a result of your experiences and thoughts, unless you are the omniscient narrator of existence. the student you described can be found everywhere, the only difference is that at places like covenant they have a better opportunity to grow beyond their upbringings than at larger and less friendly institutions.

covenant isn't for everyone, and lots of freshmen here figure that out sometime before their sophomore year - hence our dropping retention rate. it has been hard for me to keep coming back, mostly because of issues with various mentalities around campus and administrative decisions. but i've stayed and a damn fine education is my reward (even if a good GPA has not).

pardon me for my garish (read painfully accurate) caricatures of the average un-sheltered covenant student. i do not portend to be the omniscient narrator of existence. but my grasp of onomotopoeia is staggering. also, having been described by many as the greatest southern writer since flannery o'conner i feel a duty to deliver the goods to my adoring public. obviously i did not take into consideration that some of you out there might be newsboys fans. and for that i am sorry.

First off what did the biology department ever do? Granted biology majors do have a superiority complex.

Secondly jean shorts are hip and cool and don't you dare disgrace them.

Did anybody else notice the students engaged in dialogue with the soulforce people before the "crossed over" the line? Obvouisly, the students were engaged in dialoge with them.

Covenant was right, I think. Its their property, SoulForce wasn't invited, Covenant gave them some guidlines if they came, Soulforce said all or nothing, and they came and tresspassed. And now they spent a night in Dade county jail beause the Magistrate was too busy for the hearing.

I'm confused. I'm a current Covenant student who found this discussion looking for what the media had to say on the issue. Why do so many people who aren't here think they know what's going on? And spend time and energy bashing an institution one is no longer a part of... now that you're unsheltered and in the real world, don't you have better things to do?

Liz, Liz, Liz.

By now you should know, Josiah DOESN'T have better things to do.

Hey, we've all got our hobbies!

And such a difficult hobby at that. It's not easy to have distain for aspects of the college and still kiss-up to the administration to in hopes of getting work for coptix.

now that's funny!