Evangelists cause student protests, debates
TNJN/Hoaglin, Jessica
Evangelist John McGlone drew a crowd of approximately 150 students to the Humanities Amphitheater Wednesday afternoon. Many came in protest, some came to support his teachings.
published: April 01 2010 12:49 PM updated:: April 01 2010 05:47 PM

Wednesday afternoon, around noon, many students gathered as freelance preacher, John McGlone and his friend, who prefers to remain nameless, preached the Gospel to students at Humanities Plaza. The two preachers attracted more than 150 students.

"These same guys were on the beach for spring break in Daytona," Derek Allen, a UT student, said.

"We started in Daytona [Beach], Florida," McGlone said. "We have traveled north from campus to campus preaching the gospel."

According to Sal, an evangelist who frequents UT campus regularly, McGlone has been preaching for five years and used to work at the post office.

While many students have speculated that these men only are wanting to record an attack in order to gain money through a lawsuit, McGlone says that is not their goal.

"We have only been involved in one lawsuit where a university would not let us teach on the public campus. We won the lawsuit and only asked for $1," he said. "We're not doing this to make money."

After almost two hours, students with instruments began to join in on the noise. Multiple saxophone players and guitar players sang and tried to overpower the voices of the preachers.

While a majority of students were in protests, there were some who were right there with the preachers.

"I agree with what is going on...this is a spiritual warfare. I'm not completely agreeing with the fire and brimstone, but he is trying to save lives," Kevin Warhol, a UT student, said. "What he is saying is relevant."

Some students were feeling surprised by something like this happening in such a public place and were quick to create signs, posters and anything else they could find to send their message right back to McGlone.

Another student, Mary Powell said, "I think what is happening is a lot of disrespect. I have never seen anything like it."

McGlone continued until late Wednesday afternoon.

"We're praying for a revival," he said.

 

Editor: Kayla Kitts

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Story Images John McGlone grabbed many students' interests, including one student who stood right in the front row in agreement.
TNJN.com/Hoaglin, Jessica
PinPoint Evangelists have traveled to colleges around the region to teach the Gospel. After UT, the two will head to UK Lexington.
TNJN.com/Hoaglin, Jessica
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It didn't take long for students to gather at Humanities to create theological debates with the two traveling preachers. (TNJN.com/Hoaglin, Jessica)

Students used many methods, including instruments, to drown out the preacher's voices. The preachers and students stayed until late in the afternoon to get their views across. (TNJN.com/Hoaglin, Jessica)

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