San Antonio, Texas -- At its annual "Smut for Smut" event, the atheist organization at the University of Texas San Antonio handed out pornography this week to anyone who turned in Bibles and other religious materials.

Atheist Agenda president Carlos Morales said the group collected 23 copies of the Bible and other holy texts.

Morales called the Bible “an ancient text that condones violence, genocide, misogyny towards women and is almost completely fictional.” He added, “I wouldn’t want to live by what they call ‘morality’ in the Bible.”

A group of Christians stood nearby to pray and protest. Some shouted at the atheists, calling them the devil. Adam Zepada said he was tempted to “call up some homeboys” and “take care of it real quick.” He added, “But because I’m saved…I don’t live like that anymore.”

Some agnostics also gathered, advocating peace. “We believe both [groups] foster hate,” said Victoria Arzu. “Either party could be mistaken in their beliefs. We choose an agnostic position because it’s the smartest thing to do.”

Cecilia Tapia, a Christian, stood quietly, holding up a Bible. “I’m here to make sure they know the word of God,” Tapia said of the atheists. “Jesus teaches us that if we do not preach the word of God…then it’s our fault if [someone] doesn’t enter into heaven because it’s our job as Christians to preach out to everybody else.”

But Jaye Brison said the atheists just wanted attention and a reaction. “If you just ignore them, they will go away,” he said.

Sources: paisano-online.com, the ranger.org, cbsnews.com, foxnews.com

Discussion Questions:

• How do you feel about this event? Do atheists have the right to hold it on a campus? If you attended this university, what would you do about the event, if anything, and why?

• Is this just a publicity stunt, in your opinion? Does showing up to protest just give the event more attention? Explain. Is ignoring atheists the best approach to dealing with them? Why or why not?

• Do you agree that both atheists and Christians foster hate? Why or why not? How sure are you of your beliefs? If you have some doubts, does that mean you’re an agnostic? Is claiming the title of agnostic just a copout? Why or why not?

• Why do you think these atheists have such problems with the Bible? Do they have any valid points, in your opinion? Does the Bible contain moral advice that’s relevant today? Why or why not?

• Do you think the Bible contains shocking, questionable, or contradictory material? If so, explain. Does that mean some or all of it isn’t worth following? Explain.

• How do you react when someone demeans your faith? Do people ever try to provoke you to sin, just to see if you’ll stay true to your Christian beliefs? If so, how do you respond?

• Do you feel personally responsible for preaching God’s Word? for trying to convert nonbelievers? Why or why not? Do you agree that it’s your fault if someone doesn’t have the chance to learn about God and have eternal life? Why or why not?

Scripture links: Psalm 119:97-105; Proverbs 19:11; Luke 10:8-12; Acts 8:26-38; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; and Titus 2:7-8.

Stephanie Martin is a freelance writer and editor in Colorado.