To state that John Esposito’s Danforth Lecture at Hope College on Sept. 28 was “torture,” as Thomas Dunkelberger did (Sentinel letters, Tuesday), is ridiculous and demeans those who have been tortured. The lecture I witnessed was an unbiased presentation of an issue on the minds of many — Islam and the people who practice it.
The lecture was an unbiased presentation, it contained no emotion, no propaganda, and presented facts that demonstrate that Islam and the United States are not at odds with one another. This was not a debate, so there is no “other side” to present.
Presumably students who go to college do so for an education, to enrich their lives, and come out with a greater appreciation for their world. If you do not want your children to be thoughtful, productive adults, if you do not want them to encounter new people, ideas, cultures, then do not send them to school. Do not let them think for themselves, or discover the world outside. Hope provides several opportunities throughout the school year for lectures or seminars on a given topic. The few students who attended Esposito’s lecture likely chose to do so. Kudos to them for getting an education, hearing a renowned speaker who may present different ideas and facts, and maybe, open their minds to question the bigotry around them.
