Gene Nichols Doesn't Get It
Published Mon, Nov 27 2006 12:36 PM
Technorati Tags: Political Correctness, Education
Gene Nichols still doesn't get it... From the W&M News Service via Conservative Beach Girl...
Some have thought that my steps disrespect the traditions of the College, or, even more unacceptably, the religious beliefs of its members. That perception lies heavy on my heart. I understand that I tread on difficult ground.
That doesn't stop you from continuing though does it? More than the perception that your actions disrespect the religious beliefs of the members should weigh heavily on your heart. You are disrespecting a sanctuary consecrated to Christ. The building may belong to the college, but the sanctuary does not.
It is, by now, well known that I am taken with William and Mary students. All William and Mary students. And though we haven’t meant to do so, the display of a Christian cross—the most potent symbol of my own religion—in the heart of our most important building sends an unmistakable message that the Chapel belongs more fully to some of us than to others. That there are, at the College, insiders and outsiders. Those for whom our most revered place is meant to be keenly welcoming, and those for whom presence is only tolerated. That distinction, I believe, to be contrary to the best values of the College.
Actually, that distinction is not contrary to the best values of the College. It may be contrary to your values Mr. Nichols, but that is because you are apostate. The display of a Christian cross, in a Christian chapel, sends no such message. Opening a place of Christian worship to the practice of other religions is a desecration of that place of worship. It most certainly does not honor the One to whom the chapel is consecrated.
It is precisely because the Wren Chapel touches the best in us—the brightened lamp, the extended hand, the opened door, the call of character, the charge of faith, the test of courage—that it is essential it belong to everyone. There is no alternate Wren Chapel, no analogous venue, no substitute space. Nor could there be. The Wren is no mere museum or artifact. It touches every student who enrolls at the College. It defines us. And it must define us all.
This is precisely why your actions are seen by many as an abomination before the very God you claim to serve Mr. Nichols. In your misguided attempt at political correctness you've stepped over the line. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to be inclusive, you have forgotten what the true purpose of a chapel is. People of all faiths are welcome in the chapel, but because of its very nature as a place dedicated to Christian worship, they should be led to the Christian faith.
Your actions instead lead to the perception that you view the Christian faith as somehow inferior to the faith and belief of non-Christians. This should more than weigh heavily on your heart. It should shame you.
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