Burning Man apparently isn’t as inclusive an event as it claims to be, according to one group of attendees. A Christian camp, known as Shift the Atmosphere, was reportedly kicked out of the annual “anything goes,” counter-cultural event held this week (Aug. 30–Sept. 7) in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert after being accused of aggressive evangelism tactics.
Organizers of the Christian group claim they were targeted for their faith, according to the Reno Gazette Journal/USA Today Network. Meanwhile, witnesses said the group didn’t respect the event’s culture.
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What happened?
To attract crowds, the camp offered attendees — known as “Burners” — coffee and matcha, and then that’s when the friendly vibe reportedly shifted into an unwelcome form of sharing the gospel. Burners began to complain members of the camp grabbed attendees’ hands and recorded some of them without permission, the Reno Gazette Journal reported.
Burners also reportedly complained about loud Christian electronic music being played by the group after repeated requests to turn it down and about a tent not being properly secured.
As a result, volunteer Black Rock Rangers and federal law enforcement reportedly forced the group to leave. Burners said Shift the Atmosphere failed to respect the event’s diverse vibe, while the camp criticized Burning Man’s culture as hypocritical.
“We are being Kicked out of BURNING MAN for having faith in JESUS!?! So much for ‘radical inclusion,'” camp organizer Calvin Hinerman posted online.
Burning Man coordinators reportedly did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Does ‘turn or burn’ approaches work?
Melanie Lawler, a former missionary with the North American Mission Board, recently spoke with The Baptist Paper about her efforts years ago to lead ministry outreach focused toward Burners entering and departing the event. Lawler, now a children’s ministry leader at her church in the New Orleans area, cautioned those who attempt ministry at events like Burning Man.
Christians shouldn’t approach vacationers with a “turn and burn” mindset, she strongly recommended. “When you’re out there going, ‘Hey you, you’re condemned, you’re going to hell,’ you’re not making a connection. You’re turning people off.” She recommended looking for more natural approaches to conversation while people are attending various events.
Check out related link below:
Christian camp leaves Burning Man, says they were targeted for faith -Elko Daily Free Press/USA Today Network
The links above are a sampling of headlines related to the story and are not an endorsement of all viewpoints or reporting.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was compiled by Shawn Hendricks of The Baptist Paper from various news outlets.
