Re: Chapel speech on March 15 by Damon Parker

Until March 15th, I was unaware that ACU allowed Chapel speakers to express socialist opinions disguised as piety. The speaker could’ve saved himself and everybody else much time had he simply said in one sentence what he obviously thinks: Rich people are money-hungry, selfish sinners. The speaker said it is wrong to live in a gated community, own a new car or build a house. He said that if you own a Hummer, “you better not go to church.” Who is he to tell hard-working people what they should or should not buy? As Americans, we live in a capitalist society where people have the freedom to make money and spend it. I can’t find a passage in the Bible that says that’s wrong. I also thought it hypocritical of him to address the issue of prejudice when he is obviously prejudiced toward wealthy people.

The speaker said never to pass by a person on the street without giving them money. He said they were probably “ripping you off,” and they might use the money to buy drugs, but to “do it anyway.” If he wants to help, perhaps he should buy them a meal, tell them of Jesus’ love, offer them a job, etc. Those things are more beneficial than throwing some money at them.

The speaker “cleverly” alluded to Luke 18, saying that he would never say something as radical as “sell all you have, give it to the poor, and follow me.” Unfortunately, he took that verse out of context. Jesus told that to one man because the man’s wealth was too important to him.

He said that white people should apologize to black people for what their ancestors may or may not have done. Why stop there? Perhaps he should’ve told students of German descent to find a Jew and apologize to them. Why can’t we just be friends and stop bringing up issues that divide?

Here’s a tip for Tuesday’s speaker: Disregard how much or how little money people have. Love people, and stop judging them based on skin color or social strata.

Abigail Payne
junior music major from Abilene