CLC Director at Southeastern

                                                                                                              Vol. VI, No. 6, August 1993

Richard Land spoke in chapel and lectured in four classes at Southeastern Seminary, Wake Forest, NC, 13-14 April. Concerning free speech and the First Amendment, Land said Christian young people in the public schools should have free exercise of their religious convictions. "Christian students have the right to gather for Bible study and prayer and even to share their faith. ... While we hear this is offensive to non-Christian people, I say, 'So what!' There's nothing in the constitution that says you are protected from being offended." Land said he is offended when he hears God's name taken in vain, "and I'm told that's protected speech under the first amendment. Therefore if God's name uttered in profanity is protected speech, even though it is offensive to believers; then God's name invoked in prayer is protected speech, even if it offends non-believers."

In an interview Land challenged preachers to motivate church members to get involved in the political processes of America. "Our pastors need to preach to the issues and tell Southern Baptists that they must vote based only on their loyalty to Christ." Land said too many Christians vote on misplaced loyalties such as their party affiliation, geographical location, "and some are even venal enough to vote based on economic benefit."