![Nelson Hall Resident Director Kendall Engelke Davis looks over to see what Resident Assistant Chloe Smith paints. For her weekly 8 p.m. staff development meeting in Nelson Shack April 16, Engelke Davis held a watercolor event to relieve stress. “It’s a unique opportunity to get to really invest and be in [RAs’] lives,” Engelke Davis said, “which I consider such a privilege.”](https://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/041624_KendallEngelkeDavis_Holland_05-1200x800.jpg)
Bethel has a problem with welcoming the stranger.
By the Editorial Board
Benson Great Hall hosted the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Feb. 1. The night featured prominent gospel artists, such as Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Sounds of Blackness and many more. Then there was Snoop Dogg. Yes, the rapper who wrote “Drop It Like It’s Hot.”
Critics trashed Bethel University in Clarion letters to the editor and in Facebook comments for allowing Snoop to perform on campus. Some asked for the university to publicly apologize. Some called for those in charge to resign. According to a social media post from a campus pastor, some thought Bethel was “going to hell” for the decision.
Not everyone feels this way, in fact, The Clarion talked to handfuls of students last week asking their opinions on Snoop Dogg’s appearance and the response was almost entirely positive. So clearly, the critics are fewer in number than the volume of their voices makes them seem.
The Bethel community, which includes current students, faculty, staff and alumni, has a problem with welcoming the stranger. For a university whose vision is to demonstrate Jesus Christ, we need to start welcoming the people Jesus welcomed. When we limit admittance to pietist Christians, we’re limiting Christianity to an exclusive, closed club for the healthy.
And who did Jesus come to serve?
Campus pastor Laurel Bunker addressed the situation in chapel Jan. 31 saying,“the minute (Snoop Dogg) steps foot on this place, he ought to be met with the Holy Spirit.” Christians are good at judging each other, but like Bunker said, “if we, ourselves, were the judge, none of us would be allowed.”
We can list all the things we shouldn’t do and all the things we aren’t supposed to be, but what about the things we should be doing, the things we should be and the things Christ did?
How are we to be the salt and light while policing who can and can’t enter our campus based on the outward appearance of their faith walk? As far as we’re concerned, Snoop Dogg, the Samaritan and anyone else is not only welcome on Bethel’s campus, but invited.
Karen Hummel • Mar 8, 2018 at 10:00 am
Welcoming people of many different backgrounds to campus for debates or discussions or educational purposes is one thing, allowing someone to perform or promote ideas or beliefs that are clearly against what the Bible teaches is quite another. If he was allowed to perform songs that are offensive or will draw people farther from crisis of toward Christ then that should not be allowed. If you fill your mind with garbage it will also fill your heart and affect your walk.
Ryken • Mar 7, 2018 at 10:34 am
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_question https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man
Roy Swensen • Mar 1, 2018 at 2:31 pm
I would post something but my opinion doesn’t really matter. I have posted things in the past and they have never been put on the site. People wonder why Bethel is losing students. It can’t even keep the alumni happy.
Kim Nelson • Feb 28, 2018 at 9:59 am
Invited? Absolutely! Welcome? Absolutely? Allow to lead? NO!