Circle speaker shares his thoughts
Published Sept. 17, 2002
You may have never heard the name Keith Darrell before, but you almost undoubtedly know the man. He is the Christian pastor who lectures on Wednesday afternoons in Speaker's Circle to the delight and displeasure of many.
Opinions differ on both Darrell's strict Christian message and his confrontational, unyielding approach ' an approach that says Christianity is the only sure route to salvation.
Darrell's combative method always draws its share of opposition.
Because so many students say they dislike him, one has to wonder why Darrell even comes to MU.
He said it is his duty to do so.
"Part of my responsibility as a Christian," Darrell said, "is to call them to be disciples of Christ."
He said his goal in speaking is to "orchestrate a day that includes the confrontation of sin, a defense of the faith or intellectual discussion, yet is popular enough that I can engage the student body."
Darrell defends his controversial speaking style.
"Confrontation gives it that special element of setting yourself apart," Darrell said. "I'm looking to draw a line in the sand, so to speak, between you and me."
Darrell also said his audacity attracts more people than a restrained approach would, which increases exposure to his message.
However, he is unlikely to have any dramatic conversions, he said.
Spectators' reactions to Darrell's tirades are mixed
Some, like freshman Adam Gross, say they approve of his methods.
"Some people need a more extremist approach to get to God," Gross said. "I think it's great."
Others agree with the basic tenets he preaches, but say they dislike his controversial style.
Senior Miranda Phillips, a fellow Presbyterian, said he's pushing people away with his hostile tactics.
"We're not a hostile people," Phillips said.
Religion professor Jill Raitt said there is some give and take among Presbyterians, which accounts for the differences in their viewpoints and approaches.
There is also a group of people who like to watch Darrell simply to combat boredom.
"He's good to make fun of if you have time between classes," freshman Tim Zes said.
The final, and perhaps most visible, of these opinion groups is people who disagree with Darrell. Arguments between the speaker and onlookers are not uncommon.
"I should steal his Bible," junior Keith Hamm said.
At times, these people become so incensed that screaming matches ensue.
The first Wednesday of the school year, during a discussion of terrorism and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the police were called. Darrell had his driver's license checked by units on the scene and was told not to incite a riot.
Darrell said he hopes his speeches will bring about change on campus.
"Me being in the Speaker's Circle is a catalyst or springboard for more discussion," Darrell said. "Hopefully, the Christians on campus can follow up."
Darrell plans to continue speaking at MU until the end of this year, at which point he will graduate from seminary and possibly move to Ohio.
