“The end is near. Are you saved?”  Most definitely not. I think I might need to smother myself in Yeshua’s blood a few more times to make up for my heathenistic activities.

While walking through the carnival of shouts and chaos that surround competing religious zealots on campus, I begin to wonder what the actual purpose of these campaigns is. I have a hard time believing that they are legitimately attempting to “save” students for the afterlife when they spend more time antagonizing students than they do preaching the love that Jesus Christ was known for.

I should note that there are varying degrees of radicalism and authenticity among these self-proclaimed messengers. Perhaps the most beloved member of this religious circle is Doug. His love for the Ducks, Jesus Christ and people in general is written all over his broad smile and optimistic attitude. When asked why he wants to spread the word of Christ, he quietly responded, “Because God instilled it in my heart to do so.”

I buy it. I only wish the other zealots were as subtle and understanding as Doug is.

What’s truly disappointing is that radical Christian preachers give good people like Doug a bad name. Members of the church, like the infamous Brother Jed, are nothing more than hypocritical attention fiends. Berating people for sexual preferences, religious differences and other “flawed” lifestyle choices — who doesn’t love masturbating? — is pitted in hatred, not love. While I admit my depth of knowledge in religion is limited, at the core, I think most religions preach two basic things: Don’t kill anyone and don’t be a dick. The ultimate irony is that religion spawns both of these sins more than almost anything else.

The most curious thing about these preachers is that they recognize the futility of their message on a college campus and yet they continue to aggressively preach the Bible. When asked about the pointlessness of it all, preacher Scott Smith responded by saying, “I can’t convert anyone. It’s simply a test of my faith and commitment to God.”

The truth comes out. Are they really trying to save others, or are they trying to save themselves? If, in fact, they are trying to save themselves, then I would prefer that they stick to their house of reverence instead of desperately showing others their passion for God.

Self-proclaimed atheist and University of Oregon senior Tara Porchia had her own thoughts on the matter. “I can honestly say that I have a certain amount of respect for the amphitheatre Bible-thumpers. I know what it is like to want to shout about my convictions or about things that have given my life meaning, but I cannot deny they are going about it the wrong way. They can’t change me just like I can’t change them.”

Using fear tactics is the wrong way to change hearts and minds. Monte is a prominent figure on campus known for his sign which references the end of the world and the necessity of accepting Yeshua’s (Jesus’) blood. He is a humble man and does not like confrontation, which I appreciate, but I think trying to scare students into salvation makes his cause illegitimate and ultimately fruitless.

I think that in many ways the students are as much to blame for religious confrontation as the preachers are. If it truly bothers you that they are voicing their opinions, don’t engage them. They only want the attention to make it feel like they are doing something noteworthy. Bringing up the scientific evidence of evolution is not going to impact their beliefs.

While I ignorantly wait for religious disturbances to be resolved, I am going to continue to be a nice guy and hope that when I die God forgives me for my sinful ways and pornography collection.