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Josh showmanship is entertoinin
It wasn't a hoax after all. There really is- God
help us-a creature called Josh.
And Sunday night he gave a Nebraska Union
Ballroom audience what they wanted (sixty
minutes of intellectual meandering that are also
available-you guessed it in his book), not what
they needed-a lecture on where religion ends
and showmanship begins.
One of the most e ffective-and
irritating-publicity campaigns ever to engulf this
campus preceeded the 33-year-old lecturer. So
much so that when Josh passed a water fountain
on his way in, there was some question as to
whether he would drink the liquid or try to walk
on it. ---
The biblical blitzkrieg got underway officially
early in December. Little rectangular signs saying
simply "JOSH" began appearing in the lower
right-hand corner of residence hall windows.
The planning began long before that. Members
of the Campus Crusade for Christ began seeking
approval for McDowell's campus speeches in
June 1974. Approval was given with the
understanding that such speeches must be
secular, philosophical, historical or cultural in
content. Religious worship or testimony would
not be allowed.
The groups agreed. Somebody should have
told Josh. He met all the qualifications for
testimony except swearing on a Bible.
Most irritating of all was the final week before
Josh's appearance during which his devotees did
everything to prepare the way but line the streets
with palm fronds and sing loud hosannahs.
Every corner on campus seemed to have
someone antagonizing passers-by with cries of
"Go see Josh". Leaflets were crammed into
unwilling hands. Those who took the long way to
class to avoid a confrontation got the leaflet
anyway-under the windshield wiper of their car.
Even the classroom offered no respite. Few
were the rooms whose blackboards didn't carry
the message: "SAVE. JOSH-Resurrection is an
uplifting experience. SAVE." If the University is
going to allow blackboards to become billboards,
let's hope they at least charge a suitable rate.
Fosters were everywhere. Josh gazing into a
crystal ball and warning that "what you don't
know may hurt you." Josh posing with a woman
in front of a junk pile and promising "Maximum
Sex." (If the posters are right-speeches on 400
campuses in 42 countries-one wonders when he
finds time to practice.)
And it would have taken the talents of a John
O'Leary to make it to class Friday without
stumbling over the multitude of cardboard boxes
that were sliding their way around campus
proclaiming the wonders of Josh.
The lesson to be learned is simple. Madison
Avenue messiahs are entertaining but leave you
empty. Inner peace is something you get on your
own.
Wes Albers
g, but empty
V A'
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i
Josh McDowell
RHA-morethanrefrigerators
Deur editor:
I am conducting an investigation into the uses and the propriety
of the Religious Preference Card, which is placed among each
student's registration materials each semester.
I would appreciate comments and information from any
member of the University community on the Religious Preference
Card. A particular point upon which I would especially appreciate
submissions would be on justifications for the Religious Preference
Card, and on the opposing side, reasons for elimination of the
Religious Preference Card.
Please direct responses to me at the ASUN office.
Doug Voegler
ASUN Senator
Yell squad complaints
Dear editor:
Has anyone taken a serious look at NlPs pride and joy, the yell
squad?
i don't mean to cut them down if at all possible, but I can't
understand why they're so afraid of change." Sure . . . the girls
finally got new uniforms, but those things aren't really uniforms
for a cheerleader. They're something kids might wear.
But getting to the real point ... the yell squad to me is grossly
disproportioned as to the number of girls and guys. Other visiting
squads seem to always be in equal proportions which gives a
well-rounded appearance to the squad. Our squad seems to have
the impression now that fancy stunts will make up for the lack of
male equality on it. They're dead wrong!
Increasing the guys to maybe six or seven would be a step in the
right direction as they could really create some new enthusiasm, .
which seems to be lost right now in NU crowds.
A tew extra guys with a genuine desire to lead yells .and ignite
spirit is all that's necessary as they'd soon realize if they'd just try
it. Last week, Kansas St. didn't have any super cheerleaders. . .just
a well-rounded group of kids who liked to cheer. I hope NLTs
squad can "get it together" soon.
Christie
Editor's note: Tim Evensen is RHA president.
Everybody is well aware of, and not too
happy about, the upcoming $95 increase in room
and board rates next year. RHA is not too happy
with a $95 increase either-and we know that
this is an inopportune time to ask-but RHA
would like to propose an additional $1 increase.
This additional $1 would be split evenly
between RHA and the individual residence hall
governments. Right away some will say "What
are they going to do with this money"; and "Do
they really need this additional $1"?; or "No
way am I going to pay one more dollar for
housing next year"!
No matter what your first reaction might be,
please read this and then make up your mind.
There are two things everyone should
understand. First, this is just a proposal and if a
large majority of the people do not agree to it, it
will not be put into effect. Second, as RHA
president, I will only be addressing my answer to
RHA and not to the individual residence hall
governments. I mention this second point
because most people are aware of the services or
programs their residence hall governments
provide for them, but when it comes to RHA
they are unsure of what it has done or what its
purpose is.
The most common thing people think of
when they hear of RHA is refrigerators. Yes, we
are involved with relrigerators, but RHA is moa
than that. RHA's main purpose is to make the
residence halls a better place to live. Mainly,
RHA does that by acting as the voice of the
residents to the administration, with
emphasis put on the housing office.
FUIbjNIIAL. That word can be used to
describe RHA. And with this additional $1 per
person, it can reach this potential. . . What can it
do? It can increase the type of things we have
done this year and initiate new ones in the
future.
As outgoing RHA president, I cannot say
what will be done in the future. Possibilities are
for RHA to sponsor more activities for all of the
residents, such as having dances more tMn once
or twice a year. RHA could subsidize activities or
programs of the individual residence halls then
open them to everybody with the financial aid
and vocal support of RHA. . :
But reaching this potential will need your
input: tell your representatives what you like or
dislike or what you would like your $1 to be
spent for.
to
main
One last point I would like to make is that for
the $95 increase, the Housing Office is giving us
only one new service, the Centrex phone system.
I feel that for an additional $1, the residence hall
governments 'and RHA can provide many new
services and activities next year. That $1 could
help make the residence halls a better place to
live.
So, you see, RHA does more than just rent
refrigerators.
We would like to know what you think about
this proposal. Either express your opinion to
your RHA representative or to your residence
hall government so they can bring it to the next
RHA meeting. Or tell us personally. The next
RHA meeting will be Thursday in the basement
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page 4
daily nebraskan
monday, january 27, 1975