NEWS EDITOR WILL FISHER AND FEATURES EDITOR ANDREW WADOVICK
A preacher identifying himself as “Saint John” drew a crowd as he talked about his faith and ministry on Wednesday, Sept. 7 in the University Center Plaza. He condemned all sins and talked about subjects ranging from homosexuality to adultery and drug usage.
The man’s website reports his real name is John E. McGlone IV and he will continue preaching at APSU until Thursday, Sept. 8. McGlone’s preaching drew a crowd of students, many of who debated and heckled him.
McGlone’s preaching focused on sins and God’s judgment. He said both heterosexuals and homosexuals who engage in anal sex are “a threat to national security.” McGlone also quoted from the Bible and said, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man.”
Megan Ziegenbein debated John McGlone IV in the University Center Plaza over issues regarding the role of God’s love and salvation. THE ALL STATE
McGlone would not directly answer questions from The All State.
His statements angered several students in the crowd, including sophomore music education major Megan Ziegenbein. She responded to McGlone’s message later in the afternoon and said she felt too strongly about it to ignore him.
“I saw his sign, full of hate, and I was just too opinionated to ignore it,” Ziegenbein said. She also said she was speaking to the surrounding crowd more than the evangelist himself and said that “isn’t my God.”
Ziegenbein continued and said, “In John 8:14, the Bible talks about how Jesus died for us. He doesn’t judge us for our mistakes.”
McGlone began preaching publicly in June of 2004 and reports the first college campus he visited was the University of Hawaii, his alma mater. He also said the Holy Ghost made him a saint.
The Morgan University Center Plaza is the university’s designated free speech area and non-university members can reserve space to speak on any subject.
Megan Ziegenbein
John 8:14-15
14Jesus replied, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going.
15You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16But even if I do judge, My judgment is true, because I am not alone when I judge; I am with the Father, who sent Me.
John 8:7-11
7When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Whoever is without sin among you, let him be the first to cast a stone at her.” 8And again He bent down and wrote on the ground.
9When they heard this,a they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there. 10Then Jesus straightened upb and asked her, “Woman, where are your accusers?c Has no one condemned you?”
11“No one, Lord.” she answered.
“Neither do I condemn you.” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”
John McGlone
Will, were you honest that I would not answer any questions? Really?