Street evangelists or controversy seekers? You decide. PreachingJesus777Ministries 'taking the gospel to the streets where it belongs' seems to believe Metuchen High is a good target and has been to the school a couple of times this week. They were told to move it off of school grounds. Parents are hoping to remove the video from YouTube. The organization doesn't seem to have much support - according to critics, they target groups where controversy will get them attention. Here's what one person had to say:
"I think you are running a scam. A look at your blog shows that you prefer to "preach" in locations in which a confrontation with people nearby is a possibility. You've "preached" near Islamic worshippers, gay pride marchers, pleasure-loving college students, and minors (high school students). And the tone of what you say is confrontational and offensive; boiled down your message is "You are going to hell." And always, your video man is there, shooting videotape and posting it online."
I heard about this incident and video while at work in New Brunswick and not from a Metuchen Resident. I watched the video several times trying to keep a detached mind set and thought wow, what a "teachable moment". This video can be a great way to bring about discussion about intolerance, the right of free speech, comparative religions, religious cults, property rights etc., to young people. I can understand how some parents would want this video removed if their child was shown in it but I'm hoping they are actually discussing what happened both in school and at home.