Willie,
I think it might be a good time in the thread to consider some clarifications and distinctions.
1. NARROW vs BROAD DEFINITION:
It seems to me you're postulating a fairly narrow definition of street preaching, when in fact the definition could just as easily be considered something very broad.
Your current definition seems to only describe an enterprise where people yell and antagonize passers by.
I will of course agree this DOES occur.
But there are also many other ways street preaching can be done.
By virtue of the fact it CAN be done many different ways, the definition cannot be limited to a single narrow definition, and the definition of street preaching must therefore, by logical necessity, be more broad and inclusive.
2. VIRTUALLY INFINITE VARIETY of METHODS:
As street preaching is an act of live oratory, and live audience interaction, it constitutes a creative endeavor - and as a creative endeavor it can be carried out in an almost endless variety of ways.
3. EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY:
I have personally seen street preaching conducted in many different ways which are quite different than what you describe.
I've seen it done graciously and politely.
I've seen it done with smiles, and music, and joy.
I've even seen it done quietly.
I won't ever deny there are idiots out there doing all kinds of rude things.
But "street preaching" is a word with a very broad definition, and it can be done, and is done, in many different ways.
4. CONSIDER JUDGING SOMETHING MORE SPECIFIC:
Perhaps you might consider weighing in on something more specific.
Instead of taking opposition to "street preaching" in general, which is a very broad term, you might instead take opposition to:
- street preaching where the guy is just trying to antagonize everyone
- street preaching where the guy just seems to be on an ego trip, and doesn't seem to care about the people
- street preaching where the guy is just trying to start a fight
- street preaching where certain topics are brought up you disagree with... etc etc.
The options I mentioned aren't prefect, but they would at least be more specific, and therefore, perhaps more accurate.
Again, I won't deny there are rude idiots in the world antagonizing people on purpose.
But perhaps we should just oppose the BEHAVIORS we dislike, instead of accidentally painting every street preacher, of every variety, with the same brush.
God Bless