It's an uncomfortable situation to watch. A man or woman standing in a crowded area holding a massive sign made of poster board that says something along the lines of "God hates sinners" or "Those who abide in Jesus don't sin." These aggressive signs are typically coupled with threats of "repent or burn." He or she has a megaphone and is screaming at students, children, adults, the elderly alike to repent of their sins, abide in Jesus, and be saved.

It happens everywhere: university campuses, big cities, small towns, bus stations, sidewalks, subway stations, airports. The location changes, the signs are updated — made bigger, redder, scarier — instead of a megaphone they use a wireless headset and speaker. This time they stand on a box, or a bench, or the base of a lamp post. They hand out pocket Bibles instead of business cards or business cards instead of Bibles. Each event is different, changing. But no matter the location, the hand-outs, the signs, the speaker, or the time, the reactions of the witnesses are the same: terrified glances and uncomfortable stares.

The idea behind these radical sessions is rooted in Christian belief to "Go and make disciples of all nations." Christians are called to be a witness to others — to support one another and spread the Gospel. But what happens when the Gospel is forced down your throat, screamed in your ears, and becomes a source of fear in your heart?

It's hard being a Christian in college. Not because of the temptations of freedom or the plethora of colorful language. It's hard being a Christian in college because of the misconceptions other students have about Christianity. They see it as the religion preached by the man with the megaphone and the colorful signs. To them, it's made up of close-minded, unchanging, judgmental people who don't care about anyone personally — they just want to recruit more members.

There are a million reasons why people think this way that are not rooted in one singular group of people. But the fact of the matter is the man standing on the street corner and screaming the Gospel at those passing by leaves a bad taste in the mouths of non-believers and believers alike. It only makes the gap between non-believers and believers even larger. That man or woman makes it difficult to share your religion with others. They facilitate the spread of misconceptions about Christians and the Christian church.

These people on the street corners, grocery store parking lots, university sidewalks, and bus stations preach of alienation, separation, and judgment. They absolutely contradict everything I have been taught. It's a complex religion, old enough to have multiple divisions and denominations, so differences and changes are inevitable. However, the ideas preached by the persons on the street corner are drawn from a place of conflict and upset. They are preached with the intention of "shocking" or "scaring" people into believing.

You see, there's a difference between "radical" and "passionate." Radical often implies conflict, division, anger, and aggression. Usually the "radicals" support an unfavorable position — they effect/change the fundamental nature of things. Yes, radical can be used positively, and it often is in this progressive era. But when you hear the title "radical street preacher" does it sound positive? The answer is most likely no. There's a major difference between "radical" and "passionate." Passion comes from a place of love and respect. Those preachers on the street aren't passionate.

This article isn't specifically for believers. It's not specifically for non-believers. It's simply a way to spread a message — one without megaphones, signs, and harsh tones — one that suggests that maybe it shouldn't be the norm to assume every Christian or religious person is just like one of the street preachers on the corner — loud, judgmental, and close-minded.