I've had to restart this post several times, because it has been very difficult for me to express myself without appearing very judgemental. If it's not right for those I disagree with, then it's not right for me either.
I'm referring to "Rev." Fred Phelps and the members (mostly extended family members according to the AP) who are travelling around the nation acting out at funerals of servicemen killed in duty over in Iraq. They have been active since the 1990's, getting their start at funerals of people who died from aids. Their purpose is to spread their belief that American deaths in Iraq are devine punishment to the United States for harboring homosexuals. That's right, GLBT people, Rev. Phelps blames you for over 1,000 deaths in Iraq. Don't worry, it's not supposed to make sense.
Unfortunately, Phelps and his traveling troupe of protesters, aren't quiet about it. They like to shout out "God Hates Fags," and other messages of encouragement bereaved people just love to hear while mourning their loved one. Apparently their pain is acceptable collateral damage in the group's war against gays.
Another group called the Patriot Guard riders has banded together in an attempt to offset the pain Phelps' followers inflict on others, meeting them at funerals to shout patriotic chants and wave flags. That's still a lot of commotion at a funeral, but at least they're offering a balance.
Here's the thoughts of Phelps' daughter regarding their actions; "The scriptures are crystal clear that when God sets out to punish a nation, it is with the sword. An IED is just a broken-up sword," Phelps-Roper said. "Since that is his weapon of choice, our forum of choice has got to be a dead soldier's funeral."
Conversely, here are comments from Don Woodrick, the Kentucky captain of the Patriot Guard Riders; "The most important thing we can do is let families know that the nation cares."
Which one sounds more God-like to you?
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ReplyDeleteEven though I'm Side B, it's unbiblical for people to do something Jesus never would. And at funerals, no less!
ReplyDeleteHow can those people claim to be Christians when Jesus' message was one of love and not condemnation? If one believes that homosexuality is a sin, it's basically the sin of sexual immorality, and Jesus did not condemn the woman guilty of adultery in John 8, but instead forgave her sins.
Moreover, taking the classic gay-bashing example of Sodom and Gomorrah, God Himself said that He would not destroy the city if there were 10 righteous people living there, and I'm pretty sure there are lots of righteous people in the US.
And somehow I doubt the anti-gay protesters fit into that category.
Mr. Phelps and his followers are getting desperate. Does their logic follow that God is punishing us by killing soldiers in Iraq? That is quite a stretch to me. Fewer and fewer people are agreeing with their tactics, even if they may agree with their sentiments.
ReplyDeleteSad, very sad folk are they.
CHeers, Joe.
Even though I'm Side B, it's unbiblical for people to do something Jesus never would. And at funerals, no less!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on that concern, but I remember reading in one of the articles that the Bikers arrive on request from a family member of the deceased to help squelch the taunts of Phelps. They seem to not be trying to shout louder than their opponents, but to protect the family during their time of grief.