Last week, my university opened a pride center, which serves to provide a safe environment for the LGBTQ+ community on campus. As can be expected, not everyone was thrilled about it.

A group of religious demonstrators, who identified themselves as born-again Christians, stood in front of the library while holding up Bibles and picket signs. They declared that God was furious with everyone on our campus and claimed we loved our sins. They demanded we confess our sins and turn to God.

My peers did not appreciate this. Most walked away, but some argued with the men. There were even a few that made their own improvised picket signs in counter protest. I won't even get into what was scrawled on those.

Contrary to what some believe, the actions of these men do NOT portray all Christians. As weird as it sounds, Christians have differing beliefs and views, even though we believe in the same God. We were all brought up differently, going to churches of different denominations. Our parents, grandparents, and those before them have also passed down their beliefs.

To be honest, it's frustrating. We all love God and want to spread His Word to everyone, but some of us don't have the best approach. Some Christians have the idea to preach in secular environments, like these men have done. Other will simply invite people to church or small group.

I don't support what these men tried to do. I don't believe in spreading hate. I don't believe in condemning everyone who sins differently than I do. I don't believe God is an angry tyrant. Most of all, I believe condemning people to hell and shoving religion down many throats just drives people away from God.

I believe in a God who wants us to spread love and grace to everyone in our paths. I believe God is a loving Father. I believe He is always with us and for us. If Jesus was there at that protest, He would've been standing with the students being attacked. After all, He Himself was ridiculed during His time on earth.

God is love, and I want to share that with the world.