Preacher of Hope

Adamant civil rights activist and well-respected evangelical preacher Dr. John Perkins told a campus audience that "there is a merging in America" brought by a new generation unbound by post-racial constraints.Dr. John Perkins, a passionate speaker for the rights of the young, discriminated and poor, criticized the corrupt governmental system which is not providing basic care for the needy and instilling fear in peoples' minds.

"We are stagnated by fear and greed," he said to the audience of students, faculty and members of the community who filled the seats in the crowded Walter Theatre on Feb. 1. Perkins argued that at this juncture in time, we are capable of great achievements led by the inventiveness of young people who are capable of accomplishing great deeds. "Now is the moment, now is the day" to take action, he reaffirmed.

Perkins, an author of more than ten books and the founder of the John Perkins Center for Reconciliation Leadership Training and Community Development Center, grew up as the son of a sharecropper in rural Mississippi. He built a reputation and became known as a "preacher of hope," as titled by Dr. Robert Pyne, director of the Peace and Justice Center (PJC).

Perkins' visit, sponsored by the PJC and Student Government Association, marks just one in a series of events which celebrate Black History Month at SNC.

When introducing Perkins, Pyne reflected on the meaning of reconciliation as a path to justice, pointing out that "peace and justice can flow together in a common stream," and emphasized PJC's role to raise awareness, compassion and global commitment among SNC students.

Building onto the topic of justice and compassion, Perkins acknowledged that a large portion of justice is actual peace building.

"If you want peace, work toward justice," he stated. Furthermore, he went on to criticize the government and the lobbyists who are denying the poor of health care, and the former government administration that engaged in a bloody war to acquire rich oil resources.

"All the world is driven by energy," Perkins observed. However, he noted, if it was human energy led by brainpower, we would be much better off.

Trust in the youth and expecting great achievements of each individual who found Christ in their life was a common thread woven through the arguments and opinions spoken by Perkins. "They [youth] today think about how they can do something for others," stated Perkins, as he acknowledged that the timing is perfect for making the dream of those who died for equality and justice possible.

Perkins also touched on the theme of developing a new "national curriculum" that can produce just leaders for the 21st century. Perkins emphasized themes such as family, faith, purpose, courage, identity, suffering and faithfulness that need to converge in order to create a stable platform for the development of leaders "that can lead us to justice."

"It was empowering and inspiring to hear we are the generation he [Perkins] believes in," said sophomore Jessica Lococo.

However, not everyone agreed with the passionate and skillful orator, and as a sign of personal protest left the room.

After the lecture ended, the floor was open to questions, and one particularly dealt with Perkin's idea of the so-called "new curriculum," which is firmly rooted in the idea of Christianity and acceptance of Christ. One SNC student inquired whether there is a non-religious way of attaining justice, and Perkins responded by suggesting that Christianity has taken the first initiative toward establishing justice, and noted that unlike Christianity, which is striving for goodness of humanity, "Islam is killing people."

When later asked to provide more detailed response, he offered the following statement: "When asked questions I stopped with the affirmation, I didn't get into derogatory stuff. I didn't want to get into the negative, even when that girl wanted me to. She didn't really like the Christians." Perkins went on saying he avoided answering the particular question, labeling it as "adult-talk," or as suitable for those "over thirty [years of age].