Seeing the crowd gather next to Fawcett Hall usual creates an atmosphere of excitement—a good argument is at least some entertainment and a diversion from school work. But for others, the presence of the nicknamed “Quad-gods” is upsetting, infuriating, or just something to ignore as students hurry off to class. For me, Quad-gods are interesting and, depending on how lively the conversation, I might miss class to listen to them rant—shouting about our countless sins as if they know each of our personal lives. However the primary emotion I feel whenever I listen to them is disappointment, bordering on shame.
For the past couple Fridays this year, Brother Micah has occupied the eastern corner of the quad. I have stood there listening as he says “God is the only way, the only truth” and that any sin in our lives will prevent entry into heaven. His associate handed me a piece of paper with the reason why they come to WSU: in order to “be a witness to them [those without God] of the great things [God] hath done.” Ten years of parochial schooling and I had heard this message of God’s mercy countless ways, but never with such condemnation for those who sin because, well, who is without sin?
Yet, I stood there, hearing a message spoken, seemingly without mercy and heavy with judgment wondering who would ever believe a message of mercy and grace if it were to be presented in this fashion? I was ashamed that anyone who also claimed to be a Christian would share our faith like this. Then one Friday, I saw a college student coming around to small groups of students who were listening to the Quad-god. He introduced himself, said he was Catholic, and proceeded to apologize for the Quad-god’s inaccurate depiction of the Christian religion. The Quad-god had misrepresented his faith, and the young man seemed disappointed that God’s overarching message of mercy had been somewhat overlooked. As he walked away, having said his apology, I knew what he meant—the God of the Quad-god is not the same God in whom I believe, not even close.
