Reverend hurling insults was no way to save souls

Editor,

Christopher Sanchez's article, "Preacher reaches out from an unlikely pulpit," in Monday's Daily Lobo seems too reverent.

First, the Rev. Michael Venyah's choice of venue is hardly unlikely, as many people visit campus to preach God's word.

One who preached from the exact same spot caused even more of a ruckus. This isn't original. And to call what he's doing "reaching out" is a complete misrepresentation.

If his goal was to reach out and save souls, he would do it the way Jesus did, and instead of throwing stones, speak to sinners as though they are fellow human beings worthy of salvation, especially considering that he was once a "sinner" himself.

He should show the understanding and compassion he says Jesus feels for us.

Many people told Venyah that if he wanted to help others find Jesus and stop sinning, he should use a method other than hurling insults at those whose character and personal habits he knows nothing about, since that clearly doesn't work.

Judging from the article, one might think everyone who disagreed with Venyah, his wife and his friend Chris Nada were simply "screw(ing) with them." "Some were hostile," it says, though the hostility began with Venyah.

I don't condone violence against him, but I also don't think it's OK for him to be verbally abusive just because he has a Bible in hand.

Sanchez heads the article with the fact that Venyah's been attacked by students before, but he waits until the middle to briefly mention Venyah's comments that all American Indians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics and homosexuals are going to hell.

Sanchez said students "didn't take it lightly," as if anyone possibly could.

The article doesn't mention Venyah's screaming at a group of elementary school students that they were going to hell or his saying slaves deserved slavery.

Alison Carrillo says in her letter published Tuesday, "It's hard to believe that someone would dedicate his life to intentionally making people pissed off."

But that's exactly what Venyah does to feel like a martyr. Carrillo says, "Venyah accomplished what he came to UNM for: Attention to his words."

He did want attention, but he didn't speak as though he thought anyone there could be saved. Instead, he screamed that everything they do is a sin worthy of hell.

He knew he wasn't going to get anyone to repent just because some stranger said to.

And what do you call telling others they're going to hell for doing the same things you've done?

Their goal is not to save souls, but to condemn others so they themselves can feel superior. They may have the legal right to come preach their hate to us, but we have the right to speak out against it.

Joela Bezzeg

UNM student