Sensationalizing Campus Christians

To the editors:

I was offended and disappointed when I read your Fifteen Minutes scrutiny "Lift High the Cross" (FM, April 13). Contrary to its subtitle, this article does not leave any room for any type of open, fair discussion.

First, false assumptions about evangelical Christians constitute the foundation of the article. For example, your article claims that evangelical Christians are "politically conservative," "don't think the homosexual act is very kosher with the Almighty," and implies that evangelicals do not go to Memorial Church because they condemn Gomes' lifestyle. These statements are sweeping generalizations and completely ignore the fact that many evangelical Christians have totally differing opinions on those topics.

Second, not only did the article base many of its assumptions on the physical appearance of students and speakers, but it also misrepresented several sources by taking quotes out of context. This article irresponsibly uses these descriptions to create a sensationalized and exaggerated image of these evangelical Christian groups.

It seems that quite a bit of work and effort went into the research for this article, and it is unfortunate that the presentation of information failed in its attempt to encourage such a "discussion." However, the article does bring up the important issues of the role of evangelical Christian groups on campus, the ways in which evangelical Christians reconcile their faith with life at a secular learning institution, and how others perceive evangelical Christians and the groups to which they belong.