I don’t see the problem with the ‘Maze Magic’ show

I’ve heard so many comments on Matthew Boyle’s Opinion piece, “‘Maze Magic’ promotes Christianity?” in the Oct. 1 issue of “The Arbiter” that I feel compelled to respond. I must congratulate you Matthew for getting our name, BSUCRU, correct in your article – you’re one of the first.  You got several other things right, but your conclusions confuse me.

I agree when you recall, “The show started out fantastically – it was a great magic show.” I’m glad you enjoyed it! Why then did you end with, “When I’m planning on seeing a magic show, I better see a magic show.”?

You were correct in reporting, “The magicians called a short intermission to allow for anyone in the audience who might be offended by their religious views to leave …”  What confuses me is when you wrote, “I think it is wrong for the magicians to draw such a large audience under the illusion of a magic show to promote Christianity” and “[they] used the bait of another magic trick to keep people there.” It seems like you’re implying a bait-and-switch, and by the “tone” of what you wrote, I gather you’re quite upset about it.

Honestly, they really wanted to avoid upsetting you. You wanted a magic show, they gave you a good hour’s worth.
Nothing deceptive. Then they asked you to leave if hearing their views on life based on their experience would offend you.
I’m confused. Why didn’t you leave? Because you didn’t, you have no room to accuse them. They didn’t trick you. There was no bait-and-switch. You got one other thing right: “The other magician then took to the stage and gave a speech about how a fellow college football player ended up in jail because of his bad life decisions.” What confuses me is your response: “What surprised me through all of this was that the people in the audience truly seemed to consider the magician’s words as important facts, almost as though they were brainwashed.”

Unless he was lying about his football buddy, that was a fact.
And maybe you disagree, but it seems to me that when someone throws their life away by killing their girlfriend because he got her pregnant, that’s important. For people in the audience to consider that as an important fact is not being brainwashed. You asked, “Why, I must ask, does Boise State University allow for a night of entertainment plugged full of Christianity?” I would respond with, why do they allow anything then?

Would a boring night of Christianity be ok? Or can’t the two go together? Or is it just that Christianity is talked about on stage period? Would it be wrong if they had thrown in some personal views on social injustice based on their own life experiences?

Why does Boise State allow it? Ask them if they’re in favor of allowing an event that will draw in 650 students, entertain them, and promote some deep thought and positive values. I bet they’ll respond, “Why wouldn’t we allow it?”

Billy Mogensen is the advisor for BSUCRU

BILLY MOGENSEN
Guest Opinion

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