I feel like it has become a cliché at this point for Rowan students, including myself, to complain about the preachers who loudly stand in the middle of campus with signs and Bibles, trying to convince us all we are sinners and should convert to Christianity. But one thing I don’t often hear about is the constant invitations to Christian clubs on campus as well, particularly when trying to do work in the Chamberlain Student Center. 

As a commuter student, I practically live in the student center. So, whether it’s because I’m there all the time or maybe my eyes evoke a need for saving, I am approached weekly by students asking me to join their Christian club or asking me about my beliefs in God. 

To be clear, I do not have a problem with the Christian clubs here. Unlike the street preachers on campus, the students who have invited me to these clubs have never been judgmental, rude, or condescending, and even if they were, they have every legal right to approach me. With that being said, I can’t help but grow tired of these multi-weekly conversations.

Each starts the same. A student will approach me, and a friendly, normal conversation follows. Soon enough, an initiating phrase or question will be said relating to the Bible. 

“I just want you to know that Jesus loves you,” or “What are your thoughts on God?” seem to be the most frequent introductions. 

I must admit, and maybe hypocritically so, that I actually enjoy having conversations relating to God. I find it intellectually satisfying to challenge others and my own beliefs, and potentially learn more about a particular topic. However, these conversations are rarely an exploration of beliefs, but rather a sales pitch for a Christian club.

Now I am sure none of these students have nefarious intentions, that their friendliness is not superficial, or that they have some incentive from within the clubs to recruit members. Instead, from what I can tell, these students genuinely believe what they say, and want to invite me to feel the same joy and safety they feel.

Part of my brain understands their persistence. If you genuinely think that those without a belief in Jesus Christ would be sentenced to hell, whatever that may look like, you should do all that you can to prevent that. However, the other part of my brain sees the danger in accepting this as a universal principle. 

Truth is important, and it is what we all should be seeking, but we can’t confuse objective truth with belief systems. If everyone in the student center were to come confront me in the name of what they perceive as truth, I would never be able to get my work done. 

There is a time, place, and way to spread ideas. Flyers and tables around campus, holding approachable signs with a question or phrase, are ways in which all clubs try to recruit members. Christian clubs are the only ones out of roughly 400 organizations that consistently recruit in this way, and if I wanted to join, I would. 

I’m glad I am on a campus where the open spread of ideas is allowed and encouraged. All I’m trying to do is suggest that if I, someone who enjoys these conversations is growing weary of this approach, then I am sure other students must be feeling frustrated. A change in tactics might actually help these organizations’ cause. And although I may look stressed doing work sometimes, I can assure you the student center is not the place to save my soul.  

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