The Pride

Issue date: 2/19/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Ben Roffee

Monday, Feb.18, 2008 - For nearly six hours, Cal State San Marcos was shaken up as the topic of Christianity and religion became the focal point for public discussion and debate on campus. Tom Short, a traveling speaker from Columbus, Ohio spoke about his Christian beliefs on the stairs between Academic Hall and Craven Hall between 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Although CSUSM is no stranger to public expressions of beliefs and opinions, Mr. Short's showing was one of the largest the campus has seen in recent years. Drawing in hundreds of students throughout the course of the day, Short elicited impassioned debates from many students present.

Short touched on many issues ranging from evolution to homosexuality, at times provoking heated responses to his controversial statements. Those who disagreed were most often the ones first to speak out, while others simply listened on quietly.

"I advocate that we convert the gay people," said Short. "Homosexuality is a sin."

One student quickly replied, "That's according to the Bible. Why do they need to be saved because they're gay? Why do they need to be saved because of their sexual orientation?"

Despite some of his inflammatory remarks, Short emphasized that he was not there to place judgment. However, students like Nastajja McDonald disagreed.

"I'm not the one sitting here placing judgment on anyone. That's what you are doing. You just said gay is wrong," said McDonald.

At one point during the demonstration, campus police came out and briefly suspended the display to ensure that classes and campus activity were not being interrupted or compromised. Short continued shortly thereafter following a brief conversation with campus police.

Reactions were mixed among students in the audience. Sopmore Erika Ervin echoed the belief of many students in attendance saying, "While I do agree with some of what he is saying, I don't like his argumentative methods." Some students felt that Short's style was too confrontational and didn't necessarily reflect their Christian religion fairly.

Freshman Travis Wilson said, "We all sin every day. But the fact of the matter is that the God we serve is the only one that can set us free from those things."

Short will continue on to other college campuses to conduct similar demonstrations. More information Short's work can be found at www.shortreport.com.

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