When Richard Jeffery started the Penn State Atheist/ Agnostic Association, he had no idea there would be standing room only at the first meeting.

Jeffrey (sophomore-philosophy) never thought the meeting location would have to be changed because so many people came. But that's what happens when Gary Cattell, better known as the Willard Preacher, agrees to guest speak at your first meeting.

Last night, Cattell addressed an eager-to-debate crowd of more than 150, consisting of both believers and atheists, on topics varying from hell to Mormons, in the Thomas Building.

Tension mounted before the meeting even started as many audience members held their own individual debates before Cattell was introduced.

After Cattell's opening remarks, he opened up the forum for questions.

"I'd much rather debate than speak about myself," he said, and with that, sparks flew.

Nathan E. Jones (junior-molecular biology) engaged in a heated debate with Cattell about his views on the existence of God. Many members of the crowd joined in and tension mounted throughout the room.

Cattell said that while he could understand someone being agnostic he did not understand atheism.

"Atheism is foolish," he said. "How do you know without at a doubt that there is no God?"

Pete Hufnagel (sophomore-computer science) asked Cattell if there was a special way to become enlightened to which Cattell replied it was different for every person.

"No matter what, people should seek after truth," he said. "God doesn't care about doubts; that means you're thinking."

Cattell continued to verbally spar with crowd members and kept the audience laughing with jokes about his topics.

"I'm pro-choice about going to hell," he told the crowd. "Certainly there are those who are too lazy to look for God, and a lot of them will go to hell."

Many students, like Sarah Jane Jaffe (sophomore-communications) came out just to hear Cattell debate with those who did not believe.

"I didn't know there was an atheist club," Jaffe said. "I wanted to see what Gary would say."

Jeffery said he wanted Cattell to speak at the meeting because he was someone who was very passionate about what he believes, and is also very personable.

"I've been debating with Cattell since I got to Penn State," Jeffery said. "Grudgingly, I've developed a respect for him."

Cattell said he knows you cannot make someone believe in God just by arguing with them.

"For every point I make to an atheist they'll have a comeback," he said. "It's a personal matter that you have to figure out for yourself."

Hufnagel told Cattell he thought "searching for enlightenment" seemed like a big commitment without a guarantee.

Hufnagel summed up his thought about the night when he said, "I think it's safe to say he didn't preach to the choir."