Unlike what Kate Ericsson would want everyone to believe, Gary Cattell, the Willard Preacher, is not like most evangelists who come and visit Penn State ("Aggressive evangelical message falls on deaf ears," Oct. 31).

In my nine years at Penn State, I've come to know Gary Cattell better than most students, and I agree wholeheartedly with what he's doing. Ideologically Cattell and I are quite different in our views. What makes Gary unique and respectable in my eyes, however, is his willingness to debate, to hear opposing sides and to come at you with researched, educated facts (he is a biblical scholar). Most evangelists won't do this. They'll hit and run and ignore you if you challenge them. Cattell will debate with you until you're blue in the face if you so choose. In fact, I would argue that Cattell is one of the last pillars of a true university. It is through this free debate that we may hear opposing viewpoints and decide for ourselves what and how to believe.

Cattell probably won't ever change my mind, but every debate I have with him exposes me to new facts and ideas. It forces me to question my beliefs and understand why I think the way I do, and I thank him for such a wonderful gift. From one adversary to another ... keep up the good fight.