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Book Signing at University an Unqualified Success

By James Butler | April 17, 2007 |

David Shelton’s presentation of his book The Rainbow Kingdom: Christianity and the Homosexual Reconciled was a major success for the Austin Peay Gay-Straight Alliance. According to the official count some 43 people attended the event making it the largest event the GSA has hosted on its own this semester and competing well with its partnered venture with Clarksville Pride, Inc.

Shelton’s performance began with an introductory speech by Miss Amber Gaulden, vice-president of the GSA which started off the night’s pattern of somewhat offbeat humor with Miss Gaulden making slight jabs at the potential controversial nature. That was followed by Shelton doing a brief presentation on the upcoming Day of Silence to warm up the audience before beginning his presentation with an analysis of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, before then proceeding to read from his book.

Shelton’s presentation was both highly thought provoking and somewhat irreverent, with Shelton at one point joking, “If God doesn’t destroy Los Angeles, he owes Sodom and Gomorrah an apology.” However, despite the worry of controversy none appeared during the presentation. Attendees were courteous, and polite, including during a somewhat tense question and answer period where attendees asked Shelton a variety of questions including several about his interpretation of certain verses from the biblical scripture.

When asked after the presentation, however, about his feelings over the appearance that some attendees deeply disagreed with him, Shelton stated, “There are plenty who read my articles who disagree with me on nearly everything. I’m okay with that. I contend one thing: the dialogue must continue.” It appears that Shelton certainly opened dialogue that night.

About James Butler

James Butler is a student at Austin Peay State University pursuing a double major in both Chemistry and French. On campus he is particularly active with the Gay Straight Alliance and also somewhat less so with the AP Playhouse. Politically, he is often described as a libertarian, although he would personally affiliate himself with Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism.

Email: jbutler19@apmail.apsu.edu

Sections: Arts and Leisure
Topics: David Shelton, GLBT, Rainbow Kingdom

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