Pirates hold non-theist demonstration

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - People walking through Purdue's campus on Friday may have been caught off guard by what looked like a band of pirates.

The Society of Non-Theists held up signs and chanted while dressed in full pirate regalia outside the Class of 1950 Lecture Hall.

Group organizer Jennifer McCreight said the group's mock preaching is meant to show that religion should not be immune to criticism.

McCreight said students should speak up when they do not agree with what some on-campus preachers say.

"Our main goal is to let people know that it's okay to criticize religion especially if it's saying things that you think are hateful or ridiculous. You don't have to be quiet just because it's a religious topic," said McCreight.

Purdue Senior Chelsea Conley said she thought the demonstration would have a positive impact.

"I think it will change people's opinions, but it's definitely better think this is a lot better than what the people normally do on campus," said Conley.

McCreight said the goal is to raise awareness of the group and its cause in a peaceful manner.

September 19, which falls on a Saturday this year, is celebrated by many as International Talk Like A Pirate Day, as popularized by humor columnist Dave Barry.

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