Exaggeration is a powerful weapon. It has the power to ruin a person’s reputation permanently or irrevocably cause damage to someone’s credibility. It can ruin relationships, and it can cause long-lasting friendships to evaporate into thin air.

So after reading last week’s column about the goings-on at the Nationball event, I was a little taken aback. Pointing out some uncouth actions committed by a few irresponsible students at the game is one thing. Likening the game to a Bacchian orgy of drunken debauchery is another thing altogether.

With all due respect, there was no “bumping and grinding” (at least in the typical sense) happening on the floors of Chase Gymnasium that night. People were not booing at the gentle reminders to “please keep the dancing clean.” I have seen that we Biolans are made of nobler stuff than that. Actually, from my point of view, I saw that the people were booing the few people who decided to dance inappropriately.

I think it’s important to point out that there was a bit of exaggeration in the way events were described in last week’s column. I don’t deny there were rather scandalous things happening that night. Believe me, I know. My roommate was one of the contestants during the dance competition and, honestly, some of the things his opponents tried to do to him during the dance-off were incredibly inappropriate.

But to call out all of Biola because of what those few people did is simply wrong. Canceling Nationball would be akin to firing the Eagle mascot – it would be removing an important symbol of school spirit, a time when Biolans can let out all that excess energy in a healthy manner – to HAVE FUN and support their dorm halls. And indeed, it isn’t wrong to have fun. Ecclesiastes 3 says “To everything there is a season… A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance.” There is a time to be pious and respectful; there is also a time to let loose and to “twist and shout.”

Of course, I am completely an advocate for being clean and keeping to a no-compromise atmosphere during Biola events. After all, this is the school that prides itself in providing a “Biblically Centered Education.” But the main thrust of the argument shouldn’t lie in the condemnation of the sinful actions of some at the Nationball game. I don’t think it’s right to talk down the event altogether. I believe the discussion should be focused on dialoging with AS about perhaps laying down some ground rules to ensure that Nationball remains safe, clean, and fun for the majority of the students, who truly want to have good, clean fun.

As for the few people that do cause trouble, perhaps the judges and referees could be a little more vigilant in monitoring what students are wearing or doing? Maybe if someone is being overly aggressive and violent, they should be removed from the game? I don’t claim to know how rules should be made. After all, I was one of the Nationball players. But again, I ask that the decision makers pursue everything in the grace and mercy that Christ would have us all demonstrate to each other. Forgiveness, in this case, is important – condemnation would be counter-productive, I think.

Don’t take away Nationball, Biola. Let’s make it better.