I had the displeasure of listening to a speaker on campus this week known by the name of “Brother Ross.” He is an amateur street preacher who is sharing his unique and controversial interpretation of the word of God. His question-and-answer format deals with issues primarily focused on homosexuality and the role of women within Christianity. I do not have an issue with street preaching; they do the honorable job of spreading God’s word to the masses, just as Jesus and his disciples did 2,000 years ago.

What I do have an issue with is his version of Christian theology and delivery. He takes biblical passages out of context and molds them to fit his version of the Word. In doing so, this causes error and makes them contrary to what the Bible actually says. He also personally attacks his listeners with verbal insults and incorrect lifestyle assumptions.

On three separate instances, he specifically stated “most” of the University’s female students are “whores” without ascertaining if this is true or not. If I started preaching in the Brickyard without permission and started shouting profanities about my fellow female students, I would probably be arrested, sent to a disciplinary review board and rightfully offend all of the women who attend school here.

I fully support his right to speak, but as a Christian, I am instructed by the Bible to renounce this false prophet. An important distinction for non-Christians to remember is I am not “judging” Brother Ross for sin as he does to you. I am already a Christian and he is my brother in Christ. There are certain fundamental truths all Christians believe in, such as accepting Jesus as our Savior, forgiveness of sins, etc. But when he distorts the Word — as in when he said, “even if you repent, God will not forgive you of your sins” — I have no choice but to publicly renounce him as a false prophet.

So why does this school allow this man to preach on campus? It is not preaching with love as Jesus did. His brand of preaching is called hate speech. I urge school officials to reconsider allowing him to continue preaching under the umbrella of “free speech” or “religious freedom” protection.

Regardless of the religious aspects, his words and actions clearly violate the school policy with regards to discrimination and verbal abuse. You drilled this point into my head during student orientation when you said that this type of behavior is unacceptable at anytime, anywhere.

So why do school officials give permission to allow a stranger to come to our campus and shout at the top of his lungs that we are whores, sodomites and various other names under the guise of religious freedom of speech? Why do you allow this double standard to exist?

I apologize to my fellow students, a supposed fellow “Christian” with questionable theological education and background would condemn you for sins you may or may not have committed. Not all Christians are like Brother Ross and I personally have a genuine concern for your spiritual well being. You don’t have to agree with Christianity or its principals, but it is my Christian duty to shed light on false teaching, so you may make an informed decision on which avenue of religious expression you choose to follow — or none at all.