LETTER: Patio preachers cross the line
To the editor:
The preachers who stand around by the Taggart Student Center all day, every day, have gone too far this time. I respect free speech and have no problem with them sharing their beliefs or explaining why they think Mormonism is wrong. But when they start pulling quotes out of context for shock value in a manner that would rightfully earn any student’s paper a failing grade, they are abusing the privilege. I will describe what I’m referring to, not to try to convert anyone, but simply, to prove that I’m not just blowing hot air.
On their little white board they quoted Brigham Young as saying that he would kill any of his wives with a javelin if he came home and found her committing adultery with his brother. Though the quote is genuine, they ignore details, which would be readily apparent if they looked at the entire speech or read the Bible more carefully. Young was referring to what should happen for violation of covenants of chastity made in the temple, but specifically said that this part of the law was not being enforced because few understood the seriousness of their actions. In the book of Numbers, chapter 25, in the Bible, on the other hand, this exact same principle was not only taught but proudly practiced. Double standard, anyone?
As I said, I do not object to the preachers being on campus, but they ought to be held to a certain standard of honesty and integrity. This brand of shock value is no better than the “yellow journalism” of a past century. The carefully selected quote is not truly reflective of Young’s speech on the subject, and I invite anyone who doubts me to read the full thing in “Journal of Discourses 3,” starting on page 245 – available online. I repeat, I am not trying to proselyte or convert anyone. I don’t care if you believe in the speech or not – but merely to set the record straight on this shameful misrepresentation. If it was directed toward any other demographic there would be an outcry and lawsuits. Why do we allow it on our campus?
Christopher Nicholson