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Gramster Rant: Mall Security vs. Religious Expression
A curious incident at the Mall of America highlights growing religious discrimination. Paul Shoro was confronted by mall security for wearing a shirt reading "Jesus Saves" on the front and "Jesus is the only way" on the back, with a crossed-out "coexist" logo. A week prior, he had been cited for handing out gospel tracts, which he complied with by stopping and observing a 24-hour ban.
When he returned wearing the shirt, security demanded its removal, claiming it was "offensive." Despite maintaining his composure and simply asking why it was offensive, security insisted he either remove the shirt or leave. After some discussion, they eventually allowed him to continue shopping.
This incident exposes a troubling double standard. While the mall has legitimate policies against solicitation, demonstrations, and obscene clothing, would security approach someone wearing attire promoting other religions? The Christian message seems uniquely targeted for censorship. The Mall of America's reaction exemplifies how society has become hypersensitive to Christian expression while other religious and ideological displays face no such scrutiny.
The Florida Solution to Campus Protests
The University of Florida has successfully prevented anti-Israel protests through a three-part approach implemented by President Ben Sasse:
- Distinguish between speech and action: Speech is central to education, but unlawful action faces zero tolerance.
- Say what you mean and do what you say: While protecting free speech rights, crossing clearly prohibited lines results in immediate campus removal and three-year suspension.
- Recommit to real education: Focus on argument and persuasion, recognizing that minds are changed through reason, not force.
This approach has proven effective, with no protest disruptions despite UF's elite status as the #1 ranked public university. The university's seal still proudly displays "In God We Trust" with the motto "The welfare of the state depends on the morals of its citizens."
Current Events: The Coordinated Nature of Campus Protests
Over 2,100 anti-Israel protesters have been arrested nationwide in coordinated demonstrations. Evidence shows activist groups trained students for months before the protests began. Many protesters express not just anti-Israel but anti-American sentiments, with some even defending Osama bin Laden's actions.
These protesters operate under severe misconceptions, believing Hamas seeks to establish a secular Palestinian state and viewing Israeli Jews as European colonizers who should "return to Poland." They incorrectly see Hamas as part of a progressive coalition advancing causes like climate change and LGBTQ rights.
Right On or Way Off?
"Life is a preparation for the future and the best preparation for the future is to live as if there were none" WAY OFF! While we trust God with daily bread, we're called to be good stewards and consider future consequences of our actions.
"Some ideas are so stupid that only intellectuals believe them" (George Orwell) RIGHT ON! Sometimes people become so intellectually sophisticated they lose touch with basic truth and reason, particularly when pride leads them to reject biblical wisdom.
"Everyone loves Jesus as long as you don't define him biblically" RIGHT ON! Many embrace a watered-down version of Jesus but reject His biblical identity as God incarnate who died for our sins and rose again. The real Jesus - fully God and fully man - remains offensive to those seeking a more palatable savior.