Crossing campus could lead to a religious experience. That’s what the members of Gideons International are hoping for as they pass out thousands of New Testaments.

“All it is is God’s word; we let it do the work,” explained Lew Gordon, a member of Gideons International, which gave out between 4,000 and 5,000 bibles yesterday at Saint Louis University.

Some students raised concern that the Gideons were allowed to spread out across campus while just a few weeks ago, Hari Krishnas remained on public property along Grand Avenue.

“We approved them to pass out New Testaments,” said Michael J. Doody, S.J., director of Campus Ministry. He added that the Hari Krishnas did not seek permission from SLU to spread across campus.

Doody explained that he approves a variety of ministers and ministries onto campus to serve people of their faith.

“It’s OK to pass out information so long as they don’t try to undermine the religious foundations of our students,” Doody said.

He will not approve any person or groups who will proselytize, evangelize, or convert students. Doody recalled that a Mormon group approached him in the past, but he declined their request, as their goal was solely to convert of non-Mormons.

Matt Love, a junior, expressed concern that although the Gideons only passed out information, that information was meant to convert. He suggested stricter policies on such groups.

Doody uses the criteria that the groups not attempt to evangelize and must respect the students’ religious backgrounds. The groups must also be established religions.

“We don’t want Wiccas coming to give out books on witchcraft,” Doody said. “If it became annoying to our students, then I’d put a stop to it.”

Another student, Rich Bergin, senior, added, “They were a bit unnecessary. They were all over the place.”

Kathy Humphrey, vice president for Student Development, said, “If students are annoyed, they should let us know, and we will respond.”