• Format
  • Publications (documents)
• Type
  • Text
• Source institution
  • Western Carolina University
• Identifier
  • HL_WesternCarolinian_1986-10-02_Vol52_No10_05

The Western Carolinian 5 Thursday, October 2, 1986 United Campus Ministry I Want You To Like Me Phil Woody I want you to like me. Isn't that what life is all about? Spread a little love around, peace on earth and all that stuff? Sure, everybody wants to be liked and be accepted. So to make sure everyone likes me, I give you your space and you give me mine, right? What is right for you is okay and what is right for me is okay. You don'tjudge me, I don'tjudge you. That's the way God planned it, isn't it? Well, I hate to be the one to tell you, but it seems that there aren't many around anymore who are willing to. Someone must tell it like it is, and if I lose some potential friends, then I'll get used to it. But first, the apparent good news. You can live exactly the way you want to. Any way you choose. No one can make you do anything you don't want to. Who says you can't have it all? You can lie, cheat, steal, party all night, make, take, and sell illegal drugs, be a homosexual. It's up to you. You can sneer, jeer and spit at the system, the government, the church, your parents, and Reaganallyouwantto. It'syourlifeandit'syour choice. Now for the real good news. The Word of God says you are created in God's image, for His own pleasure.(l) The Bible is a love story, one of God's love and His search for our company.(2) It is also a story, not of advice or suggestions, but of God's commands for living. Commands given not to bind, or hinder, or squeeze the fun out of living, but rather to instruct us about what living is truly all about. Commands given to enable us to live at the highest level of human fulfillment, excitement and freedom. Why does God say pre-marital sex is sin?(3) Why does God say homosexuals will not inherit salvation?(4) Why does God say we ought to respect those in authority?(5) Why does God bother to say anthing at all? Unfortunately, many segments of "the church", in order to be liked and not "offend" people, in order to make people feel good, are proffering a cheap message of neutrality and compromise, a mushy "I'm ok, you're ok" philosophy. Well that just isn't the message of Jesus Christ, Jesus says "there is a right way to live, and there is a wrong way!" Jesus says, "Repent!" Jesus says, "Turn from your evil deeds!" Jesus says, "Only I can give you real life!" Why does God speak? Because He loves you and me so very much. And because he desires you to live, really live. Well there I've gone and done it. You think I'm being too cold, too narrow, too moralistic. But the gospel of Jesus is not neutral, is uncompromising, and is not cheap. Often it offends, even at the risk of losing a number of potential friendships. So if I've lost you and you forget me, you've really lost nothing. But if you meet Jesus and lose orforget Him, you've tost everything. Why not exchange your way of living for God's way? After all, it's your choice, a choice He gives you.(6) (1) Revelation 4.11 (2) Revelation 3.12 (3) 1 Thessalonians 4.3 (4) Romans 1.28-32 (5) Romans 13.1 (6) Joshua 24.15 Phil Woody is from the Covenant Student Fellowship. Western Carolinian (7W> 227-7367 Western Carolina University P O Box 66 Cultowhee. NorUi Carolina 2KT23 Dazzle Them With (Concievable) "B.S." The author of a book I once read commented that part of the art of holding power is for an individual or organization to make everything they do seem as mysterious and impressive as possible. Shamans, priests, and kings have prospered, or perished, depending on how well they intuitively followed this maxim. Will you feel special in some way once you've finished with this often boring, complex, isolating, and expensive initiation ritual (i.e., college) we are involved in? Won't others be intimidated, or at least impressed by the credentials you will be granted in your specialized field of study? Well, hopefully both these things will be true, or else our educational system wouldn't have been doing its job. A high degree of specialization with a corresponding mastery of a protective coat of baffleing jargon, complex paraphernalia, elaborate rituals of form and existence in temple-like surroundings is essential if you want to get that coveted, prestigeous social position and high salary. This is expecially true if you happen to be not very talented or intelligent. Maybe the way I present the true goal of higher education seems a little depressing or negative. Understand though that it is the power to impress or even fool people that allows shamans and doctors, kings and presidents, war chieftans and generals, priests and psychologists to heal, rule, defend, comfort or even inspire others (it, of course, also puts food on their tables and women at their sides). I myself expect to be able to b.s. with the best of them by the time I get out of here. All, however, is not in actual reality bright and rosy. Even though the power to mystifyand impress serves us "higher educated" people in many useful ways, we also have a bad tendency to mystify and fool each other and even ourselves. This would be no big deal, unless of course one is actually concerned with increasing the understanding we are gaining of the world and ourselves. The thought of looking through one of the professional journals of another specialization of knowledge (orin truth, even my own), trying to learn how to use their bizzarr mechanisms or standard operating procedure makes me, like most of us, feel weak in the knees and slightly naseous or dizzy. Don't ever think that you can get an article published in some professional journal just because it happens to be clearly written and insightful. Don't ever think you can practice your profession without those cyclotronil spectomonographeric analyzers, or without any esoteric jargon. Especially don't ever expect any (great amounts of) money, prestige or other support ifyou are seriously (both consciously and unconsciously) here to learn instead of learning to hustle. Letters to the Editor Our Choice Dear Editor, I would like to write in response to the interview with Chris, the founder of Lavender Bridges. I can identify with much that she reveals about her background, i.e. raised in a moral, religious home with fundamental beliefs, etc. In 1980, upon returning to Indiana University my sophomore year, I openly rejected these long held values and went my own way. I too felt ostracized, an outsider in my own home, content in my rebellion, "free" from former constraints. Over a period of time, I found that my "freedom" was in reality bondage - slavery to my own personal whims, desires, and passions. That, is truly hell. Yet, I have since found that Christ provides the way to be truly free. I question the article's assumption that people are born gay, like it or not. Everyone is partially who they are because of experiences very early in life, as well as heredity and relationships. But we all have a will, the power of choice. Someone tempted to steal isn't a thief until he / she chooses to give in to his / her desire to steal Likewise, a homosexual is not someone with a strong attraction for the same sex, but one who has made the decision to yield himself / herself to these desires. A gay is therefore homosexual by choice, not fate, regardless of their predisposition to such. Only Christ gives us the power to choose rightly. In his word, the Bible, homosexuality is clearly condemned in both Old Testament and New. God is not a kill-joy trying to prevent us from having fun. He wants us toget the maximum outof life. Since he has the "patent on the human race," he knows how we work best and wants a real relationship with us. When we choose ways other than his, we cannot expect happiness or fulfillment, only cheap counterfeits. I am not perfect. I struggle daily with my own tendencies to sin. I am not better than homosexuals. Let*us not delude ourselves however by tickling our ears with what we want to hear and believe. We are all responsible for the choices we make in life. Sincerely, David McCarty Student Upset With You To the Editor, I operate the Cullowhee Quik- Stop convenience store, and for the pastfiveyears I have welcomed the opportunity to distribute the Western Carolinian. But as long as you continue to advertise for and seemingly endorse this Lavendar Bridges organization, I don't even want to see your paper, much less distribute it. It's bad enough to have to face the fact that there are people this sick running around loose in Cullowhee, but it's even worse to see people endorse and encourage them. I know that many of the students are angry at your promotion ofthisorganization, and I know that most all of the local people feel that the gay lifestyle is not only abnormal but also illegal and immoral and certainly not something they want their children exposed to in any manner. I feel you are doing a real disservice to the community by promoting this group, and you're doing an even greater disservice to the majority of the student body by calling your newspaper the "Voice of the Students" and openly endorsing the acceptance of this ofganization. Sincerely, Mike Clark Editor's Note: Lavender Bridges is an officially recognized student organization, and, as such, is allowed to advertise in the student newspaper. Publication of articles about the organization on the pages of the student newspaper is in no way an endorsement of the organization by the newspaper or its Editor-in-Chief. These articles were done simply in the interest of passing on information. Erik Horn is Special Assistant to the Editor. Andrew Dawkins Editor-in-Chief Randy Rosenthal Business Manager Erin Millner-News, The Arts and Entertainment Editor; Joan Tucker-People Editor; Barbara Rosenthal-lnternational Affairs Editor; Chris Geis Sports Editor; Gray Erlacher-Advertising Coordinator Mike Doerner-Photographer Typesetters „. ,. Kim Morns Bernd Horn Lisa Cable Shannon McCool Kirk Mitchell-Chief Typesetter Writers Lena Coggins Andy Hornsby Scott Stalmasek Mike Doerner Layout Artists MaryAnna McElmurray Winnifred Hall Sheila Gunter Scott Goins Chief Layout Artist Margaret Crites Proof Sharon Smith Distribution Manager Marianne BaHles Special Assistant to Editor Erik Horn Please Note: Deadline for Articles is Friday by 5:00 p.m. for the next week's issue. Speak Out! Scholarships Dear Editor, Just what the athletics program needed: more football "scholarships." If avid football supporters out there insist on throwing big money at our "poor, pove rty -stricken" football program, at least do not insult us by calling them "scholar" ■ ships. Considering the fact that the football team had a grade point average just barely over 2.0 in 1984, you are in effect subsidizing academic underachievement and mediocrity at WCU. If you want to call them "Scholarships," then give them only to high school footballers who graduate with a "B" average or better. If not, then call them "athletic salary subsidies" which is what they seem to be in reality. Jeffrey W. Neff, Ph.D. Stray Cat Security Rape To the Editor: REACH of Jackson County, Inc. provides assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; we also support those providing information on the crime of rape, its causes and consequences. Mr. Gene McAbee (Letter to the Editor, Western Carolinian, September 18,1986) has provided concise information on the elements of second degree rape. It is also necessary to understand that rape is a crime of violence committed to control and manipulate. There are resources in the University community accessible on a 24-hour basis to assist victims of rape; the WCU 24- hour Emergency Service, the WCU Counseling Center and REACH. These organizations can also provide information on rape prevention. Catherine S. Scott by Eileen Darren Hi, my name is Eileen and I am the Public Relations officer for Stray Cat Security. I know that a lot of you are familiar with our organization and have patronized us in the past. We would like to thank you for your patronage. But as sure as I am that some of you know us, I suspect that there are some of you who don't. With this article I would like to acquaint you with our organization and show some good reasons for our services to be offered. Stray Cat Security is a student-run volunteer organization, advised by the department of Traffic and Security, and funded by the Student Government Association. Our organization's purpose is the safety of students on this campus at night. We escort students all over campus, and have expanded our scope of operations to include Hardee's and the escorting of faculty and staff. Since safety is our number 1 concern, our motto is..."Don't walk alone!". I know that this still doesn't tell you a lot about us, so I would like to answer a question or two that come up frequently when people use us for the first time. Concern for your safety is our number one priority. Our walkers (escorts) are not allowed to escort until they have passed a security check, done by the department of Traffic and Security, and then trained by a member of our staff. Harassment is forbidden. Solicitation of phone numbers, dorm name, dates, etc. are strictly prohibited and will result in the immediate dismissal of the member. As soon as we can, we will have an ID for each member, telling you that this person is indeed a Stray Cat member. If you wish, you may also ask to see their student ID. One of the parts of our training is to teach a walker (escort) to allow for the escortee's mood. Some people like to talk while others don't, and our walkers are taught how to handle this situation. Stray Cats was organized about fouryears ago when a need for an escort service on the campus of Western Carolina University was felt. Stray Cats is one of many student escort organizations, e.g., the Guardian Bulldogs of UNC-A and Pirate's Walk from ECU. There is a need on campuses for escort services. Walking alone at night is not only a dangerous thing to do, but a very lonely thing, too. People walking alone are the best targets for an attacker. Two people, usually, make an attacker stop and think. An attacker doesn't know how to handle two people. He (She) knows they can overpower one person, but with two people, they can't control the situation. So walking with someone is a good idea after the sun goes down. It is for your safety. Stray Cats also gives programs in safety. Any interested parties who wish to know more about the programs, can contact any Stray Cat member. We are happyto do this at anytime for any group. Ifyou can't find one of us, please contact the department of Traffic and Security and leave a note for us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you have any questions or ifyou would like to join the Stray Cat organization, feel free to come by our office in the lobby of Helder dorm or come to our meetings, Monday nights at 7 pm in the Cardinal Room of the UC. And please remember "For your safety at night, DON'T WALK ALONE!". Dalten is Public Relations Officer for Stray Cat SPEAK OUT! This column is your chance as a student to express yourself about any issue relevant to campus life that concerns you. It was designed to accomodate the once-in-a-while contributor, or someone who has much more to say than would be able to fit in the section for Letters to the Editor. Manuscripts should be kept to about 500 words, and preferably typed. A photograph of contributor will be made by The Western Carolinian to accompany article. Send manuscript, brief biography including name, hometown, status, and major along with phone number to: SPEAK OUT'./The Western Carolinian/P.O. Box 66/Cullowhee, N.C. 28723 Good Job! Dear Editor, Congratulations! You're doing a terrific job as Editor-in-Chief, and I am not the least bit surprised. I've had a chance to see two issues, and can only admire the near- porfessionalism shown by you and your staff. The whole approach seems much more mature than I've noticed in recentyears, though I admit I don't see the Carolinian regularly. Particularly do I like the upbeat columns and those columnists who can find some positive things to say about WCU. You must know that there is very little comparison between the fine newspaper you are publishing now and the little "folder" which I edited 50years ago. I'm pleased to note the difference, for to me it means progress on all fronts for my Alma Mater. Keep up the good work. I shall look forward to reading future issues. Sincerely, Lillian Hirt The Western Carolinian welcomes your feedback on any issue, especially those arising from articles published in the newspaper. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor The Western Carolinian P.O. Box 66 Culowhee, N.C. 28723

The Western Carolinian is Western Carolina University's student-run newspaper. The paper was published as the Cullowhee Yodel from 1924 to 1931 before changing its name to The Western Carolinian in 1933.

• Creator
  • Western Carolina University
• Format
  • Publications (documents)
• Type
  • Text
• Date
  • Date original: 1986-10-02
  • Date digitized: 2019-03-29
• Extent
  • Dimension: 22.75" x 15"
  • Pages: 16 pages
• Subject - Topic
  • College student newspapers and periodicals
  • Cullowhee (N.C.) -- Newspapers
  • Universities and colleges -- North Carolina -- Cullowhee -- Newspapers
• Location
  • Jackson County (N.C.)
  • Cullowhee (N.C.)
• Source institution
  • Western Carolina University
• Source Collection
  • WCU Students Newspapers Collection
• Identifier
  • HL_WesternCarolinian_1986-10-02_Vol52_No10
• Repository
  • Western Carolina University Hunter Library