Valdosta State University - Pinecone Yearbook (Valdosta, GA)

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I ' O 0 Y Evangelist Disrupts Campus While Exercising Constitutional Rights Ninas 4 44 Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound . The Constitutional rights which guarantee the Freedom of Speech and the Freedom of Religion came under fire during the week of Febru- ary 9-13 as the controversial campus evangelist Jim Gilles brought his ministry to the VSC Campus. Gilles, who spoke on campus during the previous year, has preached on Q10 campuses in 49 states. Gilles' ser- mons have provoked angered students to attack him on many of those campuses. ln fact, he was struck by a riled student on the first day of his visit in February of 1986. Gilles, who was saved during a Van Hal- en concert a number of years ago, infuriates students by calling them whores whoremongers and perverts , Student reactions to Brother Jim were mixed. Some thought he was a professional comedian. Others assumed that he had been hired by the Campus Activities Board. Some students went as far as calling Gilles a false prophet spoken of in the Bible. Shouts of disgust echoed from the crowd as Christians, whose faith and beliefs were being tested, asked such questions as Who gives you the right to judge us? What gives you the right to condemn us all to Hell? Regardless of whether or not he was right or wrong, the U.S. Con- stitution allowed Gilles to say the things he did, and to get away with it. The Freedom of Speech as well as the Freedom of Religion, among other rights, are shared by every citizen in this country. In some coun- tries outbursts such as Brother Jim's would not be tolerated, lndivid- uals making such bold comments would be reprimanded by the gov- ernment. lt is refreshing to know that in America one can speak one's mind freely and openly with no fear of being jailed for having beliefs which differ from that of the government or another individual. lt was also comforting to witness VSC students, and in some cases faculty members, exercising their rights as they challenged Brother Jim on vari- ous points of interest. What is even more fascinating is the knowledge that as our Constitution celebrates its 900th birthday, it is stronger to- day than lt ever was. f .3 I-J. . -. ,,- .-1 ---.u . 4' , 5 V , - ,- :- Q - 1- ,-. .- . f , A g . - .. o ,- FORNICATION ' If N Carl Parke is personally sentenced to Hell.

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An International Affair l Each year exchange students from around the world come to spend time in America. For one year these students live with a family sponsor and attend school in the US. The Society of International Students acts as a forum allowing ex- change students and American students an opportunity to learn more about each other by sharing ideas, beliefs and customs, One of the year's highlights is the annual S.l.S, International Dinners Members of the Society prepare their favorite dishes from their native countries. A few of the students even dress in authentic costumes to make the evening more realistic. .Nm lmw,,.' Opening 7