Reflections on culture, nature, and spirituality from a Christian perspective
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I would like to do is draw attention to what the Australia Baptist Union has said of Westboro Baptist Church and its pastor Fred Phelps:
“Mr. Phelps has a sad history of making bizarre and extreme statements that do not reflect a Christian position. His comments … are biblically and theologically invalid, scandalous, and most regrettable.”
Wow – this is so disturbing…it is difficult for me to even grasp the mindset of anyone that would participate in singing this song much less write the words.
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I think everyone knows these guys are off the wall but obviously the enemies of Christianity love to use them as an example.
I’m also tempted to believe almost that they are a cunning and committed parody (like Improv Everywhere is to spontaneity), either that or they are the most united desperate attention seekers in sore need of group therapy.
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I go for the group therapy option, though I think they’re well beyond my counselling skills.
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Whenever discussing Fred Phelps, I think it’s good to remember what Mark Phelps, his own estranged son, once wrote to the residents of Topeka:
You see, the causes that he crusades for, including the Bible, are not the issue here. He simply wants to hate and to have a forum for his hate. If the causes he focuses on were the issue, that is, if they really meant something to him in his heart and he meant for the things he does to be for the good, his behavior would not be what it is. He would not betray his message with his behavior. But, when he needs to, to vent his hate, he readily goes outside the bounds of any previously stated ‘value’ or ’cause’ he may have supported. He experiences no moral dilemma when it comes to doing what he wants to do. If it weren’t the homosexuals, it would be something else.
There are other fascinating insights into Fred Phelps available online. In many ways, I find the man worthy of my pity far more than my condemnation or contempt.
Granted, I won’t stand for his choice to spread his hatred or hurt others, either. But I can stand against him without despising him or losing sight of what a truly tortured soul he has become.
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I find him difficult to comprehend. However, I find its important for Christians like me to say, you are not hated here Jarred.
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It’s good to hear you say that, Matt.
Of course, it’s even better that you have a solid history of demonstrating that fact through your actions as well.
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Good post! A lot of people I’ve spoken with have still never heard of this church and it’s activities.
Besides the obvious negativity that this group spreads, the saddest thing is the kids that are involved in this church. They may never get to actually choose their own spiritual path. They’ve been totally brainwashed by this twisted 2 dimensional version of Christianity.
I wrote something up about the church as well and threw up a couple videos of them and a picture of a toddler holding a sign that says “you will eat you babies”
Ridiculous…….
http://doodiepants.com/2009/05/31/westborobaptistchurch/
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