 "Photo: Callie Richmond")
 "Photo: Callie Richmond")
 "Photo: Callie Richmond")
Campus Renewal Ministries launched a week of events Monday to dispel stereotypes about Christians and spark dialogue with students of any faith about religion and major world problems.
Since 1995, Resurrection Week, known as Rez Week, has become an annual tradition around Easter for CRM. The organization collaborates with other UT Christian organizations to build displays, erect a "24-7" prayer tent and bring live acts to Gregory Plaza. Speakers from organizations such as Mission Waco and the International Justice Mission will address issues such as genocide, poverty, the sex trade and slavery throughout the week.
"It's good for Christians to work together," said CRM Director Justin Christopher. Christians of any denomination can agree on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, he said.
Christopher said he wanted to present Jesus in a different way and change how Christians are viewed by others.
"We feel that there are now a lot of stereotypes, and that Christians have brought on some of these stereotypes by fulfilling them," Christopher said. He said common misconceptions by non-Christians of Christians include narrow-mindedness and lack of environmental concerns.
Large message boards around the plaza provide a forum for religious debate. Under "How can sex hurt people?" one student wrote, "How do guns hurt people??!" To the question of "Why do people pursue religion?" someone wrote, "It gives false fulfillment." Other students gathered around to read the comments, and some engaged in a fervent debate about the boards.
Christine Beach, an English sophomore, said she believes it is important for students to discuss difficult topics.
"I think it brings out a great conversation for students," she said. "It brings out hidden issues that should be talked about."
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