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6The Daily Tar Heel Thursday, February 26, 1987 The Daily Tar Heel Thursday, February 26, 19877 its nice to have you home, pear, things have been sotense in tulsa LATELY... TENSE? YOU PONT KNOW ABOUT THE MONEYS 60ING0R A GOOP IT SEEMS LIKBXHANA BUSE OF POWER FFOGOP. THERE HAS TO BE A BBTmAYfORHlM OVER. ORALROBERTS 'ULTIMATUM ESPECIALLY IN THIS MARKET. WELL.YES. THINK OF HOUJ NICELY HE COULD DO IN FUTURES. WHAT, HESAIPQNTVTHATGOPWw MOM THREATENED TDKILLHIM IF HEP0ESNTRAl$E4.SMIL- LION BY MARCH! vf. TOR&E MONEY! i 1 US? Me 062 (Dftafi &obetts iaie a Jutute? God, it's me, Oral. Oral. . . .Oral Roberts. I'm returning your call. Uhmhm. But . . . . Well, listen, God, ..... I'm really not into ultimatums, but .... Raise what? Raise $4.5 million before March 31? Or die? Call it hotline to the Hostage Crisis. Religious figures are taking stands. MOM, YOU PONT REALLY BELIEVE ORAL ROBERTS I MIILL DIE IF HE POESNT PONT i GET THE MONEY, PO KNOW. I j'TZZi' YOU? MIKEY... 1(9 I I DO KNOW THAT IF BOP CALL'S ORAL HOME, THERE MILL BE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE KICKING THEMSELVES FOR NOT HEED" urJNG HIS MORNING. WE CANT STAND IEY BY, MIKEY. THE EYES OfTHE WORLD ARB NOW N OKLAHOMA'. HI! T$ DAY 12 ON THE ORAL ROBERTS DEATH WATCH FOR AN UP PATEONGOPS PEMANPS.LETS GOTO TULSA'. , In a recent "Doonesbury" series, cartoonist Garry Trudeau refered to evangelist Oral Roberts' crusade as a "death watch" By CHRIS CAIN Staff Writer Oral Roberts, television evangelist and taith-healer extraordinaire, has surprised Americans many a time beiore. But lor many-religious leaders, his most recent claim beats them all. II his proclamations are to be believed, the chips are down for the Re. Oral Roberts, and the stakes are sky high perhaps heavenly high. For in Oklahoma, where in the bygone days of the Wild West roulette wheels whirred and 5-card stud olten ended with duelling six shooters. Reverend Roberts may be caught up in a deadly poker game of his own. And he has set himself up against what some would call a might) p'werful adversary God. According to Roberts, the Deity has given him an ultimatum: Either raise a lot of money quick or. quite simply, die. The evangelist claims that if. by March 31. Americans have not sent in S4.5 million for overseas medical missions. Ciod will strike him dead. Consequently, over the last few weeks Roberts has been pleading with the American public to do him a good turn to save his life by sending in donations of at least $100. His son Richard writes in a recent mass mailing. "Let's not let this be my dads last BIRTHDAY!" With this news revealed, doubtless many eyes will be looking toward calendar date March 31 most especially Roberts'. Though the press has raised many questions concern ing the TV preacher's thoughts and motives, they haven't uncovered what is going on in Roberts' head. Howevci. he may well be thinking about the four way s this deadly game could end. First, he may fail to reach his goal and consequently be called home tit lace a disappointed God. The Rev. Jim Bakker's press secre tary. Neil Escalin. says that such a move, though uncomfortable for Roberts, could well convert half of America's atheists on the spot. On the other hand, if Roberts doesn't raise the money and lives, he may see himself as the butt of a few distasteful jokes as he tries to explain (iod's benevolent bluff. Assuming, however, that he does reach his $4.5 million jackpot and he's moving toward it at a rate of WELCOME BACK TO DAY 32 OF 1MB ORAL ROBERTS DEATH WATCH! MYPROPUCER JAKE i AND I ARE STILL TALKING t ABOUT GOD'S EXTRAORDINARY 4.5 MILLION SHAKBOOWN, himself from the evangelist. "It's a poor representation of the Methodist Church." he said. "The Methodist Church recognizes the power of the TV medium," but as far as TV preachers are concerned, "every time I look at one. they're looking for money and there's a lot of money to be made," said Gattis. At the heart of the Roberts debate, according to some religious figures, is not the amount of money he will make, but rather the way in which for it. "Partners" were to send in donations of $7, $77. $777 or $7,777. In 1980. with the hospital ncaring completion. Roberts had another vision, this time of a 900-foot-high Jesus. As a result. Roberts pulled in S5 million and completed the "Citv of Faith" in 1981. Jesus called" again in 1984. in abridged form, this time for a seven hour interview with Roberts. Jesus' instructions were that each "prayer partner." a TV viewer, send in $240 in order to find a cure for cancer. Foi such u donation, the viewer received 48 tapes of New Testament commentary, each with a retail value ol about $5. Along with the tapes came 14 special blessings, including health and financial success, accord ing to Roberts. Roberts said Jesus told him. "Jell them that this is the JAKE, I THINK WHAT CONCERNS ME MOST IS THE CLAIM THAT GOD IS HOLDING A LIFE HOSTAGE FOR FUND-RAISING PURPOSES, THAT HE IS, IN EFFECT, A COM- ! MM TERRORIST. AS ONE OBSERVER HAS PUT IT, "NO CAUSE CAN JUSTIFY TERRORISM. IT ISTHBCR1ME0FCDWW&. TERRORISM IS HEINOUS AND INTOLERABLE! WHO SAID THAT? I RONALD REAGAN. STRONG STUFF. BUT WOULDN'T GOD KNOW HE POESNTMEAN IT? over $100,000 per day he can't discount the possibility that God would, well, strike him down anyway. The rosiest scenerio of all. though, has about $5 million rolling in and Roberts, smiling and healthy, pro claiming victory. Thus the Roberts' organization would be happy (they have lots of money to spend), the TV audience would be happy (they have saved a life), and America's cartoo nists would be really happy, for they will have something to lampoon for a couple of months. Not everyone is pleased with Roberts and his fatal claim, including many of his fellow ministers. Roberts has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church for years, but the Rev. William Gattis of University MeJhodiM X quick. i.distjapc. he will make it. Gattis said Roberts "has done some marvelous things" with his evangelical earnings in the past. "The deciding factor for me . . . is the predicting of his death." Gattis said. He finds the prediction unset tling and theologically unsound. "1 donH know of any other historical or biblical precedent for such action." he said. "He has gone beyond his limits with this as a way to persuade people to donate money." Roberts has stretched the limits of conventional etiquette before. His most recent pleas have been for money for the City of Faith Medical and Research Center, w hich he began building in 1977. In that year, he said, (iod came to him in the California desert and gave him instructions of how to build the hospital, how large . iu'Jiuild it. and JwSw to .raise, money . Lord speaking through you. Oral Roberts, to them. When are you going to obey me? When?" Roberts is betting that his congre gation will obey this time. If it does, he will not only gain a few more years, but also some much-needed money. The New York limes reported last year that the "City of Faith" hospital complex was rarely over hall lull and was draining millions of dollars from his ministry . In 1986 Jan Dargatz. Roberts' press secretary, said that the hospital wouldn't have to close but that "Plan A isn't working and it's time to start looking for plan B." Could this vision be plan B? Probably not. thinks the Rev. James Ahrahamson ol the Chapel Hill Bible Church. "I think he probably believes that it is' a genuine. vision."'he' said.: ; "Biblically speaking, the idea of (iod speaking in dreams is legitimate, but ordinarily it should be open to the confirmation or refutation of the community." Ahrahamson sees Roberts as a "lone ranger' of sorts and has strong reservations about the evangelist's message, "(iod is not a terrorist." Ahrahamson said. Though the min ister admits that he and Roberts are both fundamentalists and share many of the same beliefs, he draws .i line between what he sees as two types of. fundamentalism. He calls himsell a "classical fundamentalist." holding "historical, doctrinal values and beliels." He sees preachers such as Roberts and Jerry Falwell as "cultural fundamentalists" that are outspoken, arrogant and anti intellectual. Roberts does little to inspire trust in the minister; "He's not the kind of guy I would buy a used car from." Ahrahamson said. f ather By ron at St. Thomas More Church doesn't believe Roberts' claim either. "It's a hype thing." he said, adding. "Theologically, this is not the way (iod acts." Roberts' action springs from imagery that is not restricted solely to the Protestant religion. Byron said. "We have the same type ol thing with the Catholic faith. The Blessed Mother is sup posed to have appeared somewhere and people flock to the sight it's happening today in Yugoslavia." Like Ahrahamson. Byron doesn't view Roberts cynically: "Oral Roberts is not venal, but deluded." National mass media preachers have less to say on the matter. Jerry Falwell in Lynchburg. Virginia and presidential hopeful Pat Robertson had no comment on the matter. Closer to home. Billy Graham's ministry in Montreat did not com ment. Jim Bakker. who runs the PTL Club from Charlotte, said. "We are praying that Oral Roberts has a long and happy life." Fscalin. who is an old associate ol Roberts, cited a recent Gallop poll that found a majority of Americans feci (iod speaks to them. "Then, when someone says they have heard from (iod. the media is always surprised." He said, however, that nothing as dramatic as a death threat has come to Bakker. While Roberts' weekly TV audience is down by about half since 1977. PTI 's ratings are up. Fscalin said. The most recent vision "will probably increase Roberts' ratings." Escalin said. He says he can't deter mine whether Roberts' v ision was a hoax or not. "I don't have the answer. Only God has the answer . . . and Oral will ultimately have to stand before God." Dr Grant Wacker. who teaches contemporary American religion at I'NC. also thinks that Roberts is at least sincere in his claim. "He believes he', gotten a message. This is no different than what he's been doing for decades." Were it simply that Roberts needed money, he could raise it in a less dramatic manner, he said. "Next to Billy Graham he's the most effective fund-raiser this country has ever seen." Thus, he sees the press coverage given Roberts as unneeded. "They are acting like sharks circling for the kill. He is simply taking advantage of the means of publicity available to him . . . w hat he's doing is very much like many advertisers. Revlon or whoever." He cites adver tisments that claim cigarettes cause cancer as being much more damaging than an Oral Roberts broadcast. But he hastens to say . "I'm not sending him my money." Many, however, have already sent their money, and Roberts is calling the nation (through TV ads. mass mailings and personal appearances) to keep the contributions coming. He is scheduled to speak to a PTL Club banquet in Charlotte on March 7. II. on March 31. death should strike, it would do so on the heels of another Roberts family tragedy, the suicide of his son in 1982. After that event, he called death "The devil's last card." Now he says it is (iod's last card as well. And accord ing to Roberts, if America doesn't send in a lot more money, he will be forced to use it. oundup oh te&gious opportunities By JOANNE GORDON Staff Writer Far from Oklahoma as it is. UNC has plenty of religious organizations. Among the religious organizations on campus are those affiliated with the University Chaplain's Associa tion, a group of local ministry leaders and university administrators. What arc these organizations? Baptist Student Union, sponsored by the Baptist church nationwide, yet open to non-Baptists, has about 50 to 120 students attending its regular meetings. Rev. Robert Phillips said. The ministry has a choir that tours in the state, holds weekly Bible discussions, mission projects at Koinonai Farms outside of Plains. Ga.. fellowship meetings, parties, retreats, works at Chapel Hill's soup kitchen, and sponsors missionary students. Phillips said. Student fellowship meetings arc held on Thursdays at 5:45 p.m. at the Baptist Student Center. 203 Battle Lane. Newman Catholic Student Center, which functions as both a church and a student fellowship, offers "prayer and worship, service to the commun ity, and prov ides a place for students to gather for social events." Pastoral Associate Sister Mary Lynch said. The center has serv ice and mission ary projects including a senior support program, soup kitchen volunteer wock. and Yokefellow communion services. The center, located at 218 Pitts boro St.. holds masses at 1 1 a.m.. 12:15 and 5:15 p.m. everyday and at 9 p.m. on Sundays during the school year. On Wednesday evenings, stu dents attend dinner and a program featuring speakers and peer presen tations by students in the group. Campus Christian Fellowship, although associated with the Churches of Christ, is a non- denominational group, minister Frank Dodson said. In addition to weekly programs and Bible studies. Campus Christian Fellowship sponsors service and missionary projects, conducts monthly activities, conferences and prayer brunches. Locally, the fellowship conducted last year's Carnival for Kids for the Frank Porter Graham after-school pro gram. Fellowship members work with nursing homes, provide gifts for needy children and mentally retarded adults, work with the pregnant support services and support . mis sions through offerings, according to Dodson. CCF meets Sundays at II a.m. in the Student Union and holds a supper and program at the Campus House on Glenburie Street at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Episcopal Campus Ministry (Anglican Student Fellowship) is directly integrated into the parish of the Chapel of the Cross. Fellowship members participate in other local service projects, working with the YMCA. repairing and building homes and volunteering at the soup kitchen. The 35-to 40-member fellowship meets on Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. for dinner and group discussions and for Saturday morning breakfast at 10 a.m. ' In addition to the fellowship meetings. Chapel of the Cross, located at 304 Fast Franklin St.. holds serv ices on Sundays at 7:30. 9. 1 1 : 1 5 a.m.. student group meetings at 5 p.m. and Eucharist at 5:15 p.m. Communion is also held at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday and 5:15 p.m. Thursday. Dailv evening prayer occurs at 5:15 p.m.. Hillel Foundation, a Jewish stu dent community center on campus, has been active for over 50 vears. Rabbi Frank A. Fischer said. Students participate in the Soviet Jury Committee, a community action program to free Jews in the Soviet Union who want to leave and the Isrcal Committee, a program on Isreal education and political events. Students also raise money for social service in the community and Israel. The Hillel House, located at 210 W. Cameron St.. holds Friday services and dinners. Sunday morn ing brunches twice a month. Tuesday evening fellowship. Monday and Tuesday evening Hebrew classes and Saturday study groups. Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, which has 375 to 400 members, is the largest of the 800 IVCF chapters across the country . Its members meet weekly in 45 dormitory and apart ment Bible study groups. These groups conduct outreaches. work with the soup kitchen and in nursing homes, and sponsor full dorm discussions. Twenty-five members will travel during spring break one group to Ft. Lauderdale to conduct beach evangelism and the other to the inter-city Washington community, according to director Jimmy Long. IVCF members participate in the Young Life summer camp at Windy Gap in Ashcvillc. N.C. About 20 students will go overseas on mission projects this summer in Mexico. Ireland and Kenya. Intcrvaristy is helping to sponsor the Micheal W. Smith concert to be held on March 17. Lutheran Campus Ministry, although affliated with the Lutheran church, is open to students regardless of their denomination. Pastor Larry Hart sell said. Ministry members participate in retreats, gatherings with N.C. State University and Duke, other Bible study groups, and service projects. ORAL ROBERTS PEATH WATCH, YOU'RE ON THE AIR I I YEAH, I AGREEWE SHOULDN'T CAVE INTO GOD'S ULTIMATUMS. OTHERWISE, MERES IT GONNA STOP IFWEPAY45MIUI0NT0 SAVE ROBERTS, NEXT THING YOU KNOW, WE'LL BE COUGHING UP 5 MILLION FOR WOODY ALLEN, OR W MILLION FOR JERRY GARCIA. IT COULD JUST GET OUT OF HAND, YOU KNOW I MEAN, HOW MUCH DO YOU SUPPOSE GOP COULD GET FOR SOMEONE LIKE VANNA WHITE? GOO EXACTLY! ONLY HEP HAVE KNOWS. US OVER I A BARREL! u irr WE'RE BACK, , AND HELPING : CALLS... ...WITH JUSTTWO MINUTES LEFT IN PAY 32 OF THE ORAL ROBERTS PEATH WATCH'. GO AHEAD. YOU'RE ON THE AIR'. YEAH, I THINK Y' ALL SHOULD BE COOL. NOWAY GOPS GONNA PUT OUT BROTHER ORAL'S LIGHTS, PIG? OOP'S JUSTWORKIN'A MEGA- EVENT, TO GET HIS PEOPLE INVOLVED IN A GOOD CAUSE ! ITS LIKE A COMBINATION OF THE "WE ARE THE WORLD' AND . THE " HANDS" PROJECTS. AS IN, "HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD RIFFON, NOW MY MAN! DAY 33... S -JT- I .1 IE 1 L. 1- I u i m such as the community kitchen. This vear students will participate in Chapel Hill's first annual CROP walk to raise money for world hunger. And over the past five years the Lutheran Campus Ministry has sponsored three refugee families. Hartsell said. " Ministry meetings are at the campus center on 300 East Rosemary St. On Mondays the Lutheran Peace Fellowship group meets to discuss ways to promote peace making: on Wednesdays the ministry offers a group fellowship, communion ser vice and a meal at 6 p.m.. and, on Thursday evenings, the fellowship holds a Bible study and discussion. The Holy Trinity Lutheran Church holds services on Sundavs at 8:30. 9:45 and II a.m. Presbyterian C ampus Ministry has about 45 to 50 students involved in its programs, w eekly dinners. Sunday Bible studies and mid-week Eucharist services, according to Reverend Rebecca Reyes. The ministry sponsors retreats, special speakers, occasional activities with N.C. State. UNC G and Wake Forest groups, and service projects with the soup kitchen. Habitat for Humanity and the Rape Crisis Center. The Presbyterian Campus Minis try holds programs at its student center at 1 10 Henderson St.. United Christian Fellowship, although non-denominational, is associated with the Charismatic churches thoughout the country, according to Pastor Michael Evans. The 50- to 75-member fellowship does door-to-door witnessing and evangelism and raises funds to help people pav electric, heating and food bills. The fellowship holds services at Chase Cafeteria in the Upendo Lounge every Sunday, weekly Bible studies in dormitories and commun ity homes and informal fellowships on Friday nights. Wesley Foundation, sponsored by the United Methodist church, is non denominational and open to any student, according to Reverend Manuel Wormian. Students partic ipate in weekly programs, discussion and community sen ice projects. This year. Foundation students have repaired and winterized three or four homes in the community. In the past, the Foundation worked with the Interfaith Council and with the Habitat for Humanity. Wesley Foundation sponsors com munities in Kenya and Central America and a mini-dorm in which II undergraduate and graduate indents live together in a multi-racial community. Sunday services are held at the University Methodist church on Franklin Street at II a.m. Student church school class meets at 9:45 p.m. The 45-member Wesley singers rehearse at 6 p.m. and graduate and young professionals meet at 7:30 at the Wcslcv Foundation on 214 Pitisboro St ,,.w ... v .. .'. - . . it-
Daily Tar Heel (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
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Feb. 26, 1987, edition 1
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