“[What] is this convo tomorrow this is insane??? [sic]” read a Fizz post published Oct. 27 at 11:36 a.m.
“I’d be cautious with what she has to say,” another user replied at 12:47 p.m.
“It’s so stupid she’s a terrible representation of modern Christianity [sic],” wrote another commenter later that afternoon.
These were all Fizz posts made in anticipation of last Tuesday’s convocation, in which the Office of Spiritual Life hosted author and apologist Alisa Childers for three events: 10:00 a.m. campus worship, a lecture at 1 p.m. and a Q&A session at 4 p.m.
Alisa Childers shared her testimony during the 10 a.m. convocation hour, in which she discussed her struggles with the deconstruction of her faith, denounced the ideals of “progressive Christianity” and touched on several current hot-button topics such as the LGBTQ+ community and the late Charlie Kirk.
At her 1 p.m. event, she discussed the spiritual ramifications of statements such as “you are enough,” “authenticity is everything” and “live your truth.” At 4 p.m., she answered students’ questions about how she believes Christians should live in and engage with culture and the modern world.
“I think that often, when we get tricked into bad ideas, it’s because we don’t have a biblical understanding of [family, church and the government], and how Christians should engage politically, how we should engage in our culture,” said Childers. “I think that’s why there are these hot-button topics that a lot of Christians have been shy to talk about.”
The student body held some mixed opinions about the beliefs Childers shared.
One student, Kaela Keith, who is a sociology major and minors in race, ethnicity and social justice, attended Childers’ talk during campus worship — and stepped out when Childers brought up the late Charlie Kirk during her message.
“Her memorialization of the late Charlie Kirk brought a political undertone that seemed inappropriate for Tuesday morning worship,” said Keith in an email to campus pastor Bobby Gatlin. “Hearing those comments in a setting meant to unite the student body left me feeling alienated rather than included.”
But while some students, such as Keith, hesitated to accept Childers’ message due to the controversial topics she discussed, others did so readily.
“I don’t care if you’re controversial, I care if you’re right or wrong,” said Hugh Taylor, a sophomore biblical studies major who attended the 4 p.m. Q&A. “So, yeah, I don’t care. I think it’s good. I think people are kind of too soft today, about certain opinions… I’ve lived a life with many of the people who wouldn’t agree with what she says, and I didn’t feel offended on their behalf at all.”
Convocation credit is a requirement to graduate from Samford. While there are many convocation events available for credit, many students choose to attend the Tuesday morning campus worship — and Keith is wary of the mixing of politics with religious beliefs when students are coming for worship.
“I understand these events aim to challenge and inform, but I hope future speakers are chosen with greater care for how their views may impact the campus community,” Keith said.
Staff Reporter
