Liberty University is fending off criticism from evangelicals and conservatives regarding their choices for upcoming convocation speakers who aren't so evangelical, The Washington Post reports.
Scheduled speakers for convocation at the renown evangelical university include:
- Former NFL player Ray Rice, caught on video slugging his now wife.
- Tomi Lahren, who has espoused pro-abortion views.
- Corey Lewandowski, accused of assaulting reporters.
"We love a redemption story at Liberty," David Nasser, the university's senior vice president for spiritual development who is responsible for scheduling convocation speakers, said about Rice.
Others aren't so impressed.
"While Jesus Christ hung out with tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners of all stripes, the son of God never invited the unrepentant to minister to the impressionable. The clergy at the helm of Liberty University are not so cautious," Washington Examiner columnist Philip Wegmann wrote in a column saying Liberty should un-invite Rice and Lahren.
"The evangelical college aims at educating new Christian disciples. Apparently, that task requires bringing a wife beater and a pro-abortion narcissist on campus," Wegmann wrote.
However, Liberty says its view of convocation, taken from its literal meaning of "to gather or assemble," allows it the latitude to bring in wide-ranging voices, the Post reported.
"This distinction allows us to view Convocation as a platform for an artist, a pulpit for a guest pastor or theologian, and a podium for a scientist or politician," the Post quoted Liberty.
"We believe 'how you think' is just as vital as 'what you think.' A fundamental part of the college experience is being exposed to a variety of viewpoints so that students can better understand why they hold their own beliefs and be better prepared to defend them," the Post quoted Liberty.
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