By Kristan Turns, cross-posted from The Predisastered Pages
First of all, I’d like to thank you for coming to our city. Because of your visit, which our community turned into a fundraiser, we were able to generate almost three times the amount needed in order to assist the Resource Center Dallas. Plus, the Holocaust Museum enjoyed a record-breaking day.
I know we can’t really be friends since you’re sold on the notion I might be headed for Hell. You made that clear this weekend when I watched your organization protest several locations. As your parents and church family paraded you from the vans to the sidewalk while holding signs printed with hate-filled slogans, I felt overwhelming sadness for you. I must admit, I was unable to comprehend your confusing messages, but read your shame and humiliation with a degree of certainty as the crowd yelled its disgust toward your parents.
It doesn’t feel good, does it? No, and I am deeply sorry. I understand in that regard because it hurts me to hear people scream mean things about my father. He’s gay. He’s not some kind of deviant mutant of his own free will or someone who has chosen a ridiculously inconvenient life. Dad is human — full of sin and flaw — just like you.
Aside from being totally gay, my 67-year-old father is also a retired minister who now devotes his time to the church as its organist. I’d love for your Pastor Phelps to meet him because Dad actually holds a doctorate in theology, which is an advanced degree your church’s leader has yet to earn. Coupled with his many years of professional experience, my “fag” dad’s extensive religious qualifications could be beneficial in helping your Pastor Phelps correct his biblical misgivings, which have caused your lives to be unnecessarily restrictive. Your grandpa and my father could also discuss the reality of helping God’s sick and dying within our community based upon his personal experience chartering one of north Texas’s early AIDS support groups in the mid-1980s. My parent went as far as to care for AIDS patients in his own home and then even bury one in our plot when families like yours turned their cold hearts away. (R.I.P., Bruce. Here’s a ‘penny’ for you, friend.) Ugh, those “fag beasts” are so revolting with their good deeds, right? Kids, come on.
Then again, maybe folks like your dad and my dad have pushed you to the point where you’re completely turned off to the whole religious concept, and that’s okay. You are free to have faith in your own beliefs. Look to Lauren. Look to Nate. If you’re uncomfortable remembering the examples provided by those who have left your family after questioning its hypocrisies, then look to me. I don’t subscribe to my father’s faith, yet he and his former congregations embrace who I am with the same love and kindness. Just understand, there will always be unwanted politics behind every pulpit, but hate is something that should never be tolerated.
Another thing that should never be tolerated is child abuse. The Department of Health and Human Services defines abuse and neglect within the state of Kansas to include:
- The infliction of physical, mental, or emotional harm, or the causing of a deterioration of a child, and may include, but shall not be limited to, maltreatment or exploiting a child to the extent that the child’s health or emotional well-being is endangered [Ann. Stat. § 38-2202];
- Acts or omissions by a parent, guardian, or person responsible for the care of a child that results in harm to a child or presents a likelihood of harm [Ann. Stat. § 38-2202];
- Failure to [. . .] remove a child from a situation that requires judgment or actions beyond the child’s level of maturity, physical condition, or mental abilities and that results in bodily injury or a likelihood of harm to the child [Ann. Stat. § 38-2202].
Furthermore, nowhere within the department publication does it allow for religious exclusions to the above definitions, except in the case of medical treatment.
Is CPS investigating your case? You and your brothers and sisters are made to regularly carry incendiary signage and endure harsh weather conditions for extended periods in front of angry onlookers. You’ve been told this is the work of the Lord, when it’s more like child labor for the Phelpses’ cause. Routinely, you are subjected to unpredictable violence, threats, verbal demeaning assaults from counterprotesters, and must have police protection, which has been responsible for helping you escape the dangerous rush of enraged mobs. On top of that, your parents allow their daughters to wiggle and writhe around like the Fly Girls in tight-fitting and shortly hemmed clothing and then broadcast that on the Internet for the entire world to view in the name of religious parody. If you’re truly doing right by God, why has he failed to send a well-equipped army of followers to assist you in delivering his message (or at the very least sent someone with less-outdated video editing expertise who could make the organization appear less like a cult from a 1980s sitcom and more like a credible, religious organization)? Is your life truly relegated to pacing sidewalks around the nation, developing hand cramps from holding multiple signs of precautionary hate and skewed snippets from the Bible? No, it doesn’t have to be. If you need help and your parents refuse to honor your request for assistance, please call 911 and let the authorities know how you feel.
Now, look, I know you’ve been taught to hate gays based on so-called biblical references, but have you truly read the Bible regarding that topic? Of course you haven’t. You’re children. Jesus says nothing about homosexuality anywhere in the entire book, and, remember, he alone was the chosen one — the son of God. Many people choose to reference the writings of Apostle Paul — a man who, like Jerry Falwell, believed he was chosen to deliver prophecy — in Romans 1 when he discusses the wickedness he’s witnessed amongst Jews and Gentiles who have worshipped men as gods, serving the creature rather than the creator. Yet, many fail to read the full passage into the eighth verse of the second chapter, which makes it clear that Paul, who is also considered a possible homosexual by a variety of theological scholars, has consulted with, of all people, King Solomon, who infamously had many wives and his own questionable sexual behaviors. Paul goes on to address hypocrites, such as your family full of sinners, and preaches that we are all capable of being freed from the bondage of our wrongdoings. This, he echoed from Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. In effect, God doesn’t hate fags.
Moving right along to other fun spots in the Bible. Leviticus … oh, brother. If all you’ve learned from Leviticus is that men shouldn’t do the same things with men that they would do out of love with women, I worry for your Christian soul. There’s a world of forewarning you’ve missed in the exciting readings of Leviticus. Also, when I saw your references to Sodom this weekend, I was confused. Sodom didn’t fall because of rampant gays flaming around the city in fits of lust. The sins of Sodom mentioned by Jesus and the five prophets who discussed the ruination thereof within the Old Testament revealed nothing about homosexuality. The city was prideful, arrogant, unwilling to care for its poor and hungry according to the teachings of Ezekiel. Are the Westboro Baptist Church members Sodomites according to the Bible’s definition? Perhaps. Whatever the case, one point holds true: The Bible is rendered useless when prophets treat the work of man on behalf of God as a Cliff Note’s masterpiece.
By the way, have you gotten to the “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll” part of the Bible yet? It’s not particularly children’s reading. I’d give it an NC-17 rating in a heartbeat. Good stuff.
You don’t have to agree with me, of course. I’ll still like you if that matters. Hey, my mother is probably reading this and about to pass out from irritation over my possible blasphemy. What if we’re all wrong? I support and respect the rights of all, whether we’re on the same page of religious doctrine or not. My beliefs might bother them, and their beliefs might seem strange to me, but love conquers all who are willing. It’s no one’s place to judge.
That said, I love you all, even those with hearts full of hatred. When you grow up, I hope you will not look back at what your parents have made you do to Jews, gays, your fellow Baptist churches, Catholic churches, fallen servicemen and women’s families during military funerals, etc., and swell with guilt. The pain inflicted on mankind by your family and church is not your fault. You are granted opportunities in life to make a new path if and when you’re ready, but you must choose this yourself.
With hope,
Kristan
Westboro Baptist Church is a demonic counterfeit of true Christianity. They are hateful and bigoted. They know nothing of the true teachings of the Bible. But neither do you. Your letter is full of misrepresentation and just plain falsehood. I would suggest you read the Bible before using it to judge and condemn others.
There is so much wrong with your article, I can’t possibly address everything. I will say, however, that Jesus DID affirm that marriage is between a man and a woman, and there is NO evidence whatsoever that Paul was gay.
God loves you. He loves gays. He loves the members of Westboro Baptist Church. He loves me, even though I am a sinner. He loved all of so much that He sent His Son to die for us, so we can overcome our sins and spend eternity in His presence. Get to to know the God of the Bible, and the Holy Spirit will teach you the rest.
Wonderfully said! perfection.
Kristan-
Thank you for writing this letter. I don’t think many people actually think about the children of Westboro and what will happen to them as they get older. If they do decide to leave, it is extremely important that they know there is a place for them in the world (that they were taught to hate and fear), that acceptance is easily given and most importantly that they are not alone.
to the ‘other’ Jeff…
actually, point out what was falsehood. one question, do you have a degree in theology? read up a bit from sources other than your pastor/priest… a document translated into English loses meaning depending on who did the translation. they’re now looking at historical meaning of words in their original language as having completely different meanings than the English translation. It changes whole sections completely.
one other point… when I was a kid, we played a game in the classroom of 20 or so kids. the teacher would whisper a secret into the ear of one kid at the head of one row, that kid would turn around and whisper it to the next kid in the row and so on… when it got to the other side of the room, it was COMPLETELY different than what the teacher told the first kid. Now think about a document that was first written 70-80 years after Christ’s death… with multiple translations of multiple person’s stories… then add in all the kings/queens/popes who changed bits and pieces over the years based on their own moral code… what is original? how can anyone treat it as a text to be taken literally?? they’re all stories meant to guide people or teach lessons… but if you were moved to pick up a ‘self-help’ book, would you take every chapert to heart, or only ones that ‘spoke’ to you? I guess what I’m asking is, with all the good lessons to be learned, why must Christians use the ones they believe point out ‘sins’ to persecute others? where is the ‘love thy neighbor’ or ‘judge not lest ye be judged’? Imho, if God is judging us, what gives any person/group the right to tell anyone that they way they love is wrong… and why do we legislate based on one group’s belief system? If marriage is based in faith only (and that seems to be Christian faith from the p.o.v. of most anti-gay people), why are atheists/Muslims/Hindi etc allowed to marry? Doesn’t that blow the whole marriage=religious union theory?
You know, at times like this I’m reminded of the love story of Jonathan and David as written in 1 Samuel 18. I’m pretty sure that it’s frequently overlooked by the people who “defend Christian marriage” and often froth at the mouth with hate… but let’s not bicker when The Word is exceptionally clear:
18:1 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
18:2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.
18:3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
I could go on… but you’ve got your own Bible right there in your lap, right? Okay. I’ll just leave it with this:
18:14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
We are all servants of God, made perfect in His image. If he chose to make his servants David and Jonathan not only love each other, but empowered David to slay many, many Philistines, and become one of the great heroes of the Bible… who are YOU to judge?
“18:14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.”
Children of WBC, I hope you do read the Bible, word for word, and meditate on your actions as you grow and mature. You have a chance to be compassionate, Christ-like servants of God in a way your parents have clearly failed to do. Much love to all people who walk this path and live as an example of what Christ hoped Christians would be: forgiving, loving neighbors.
Thank you; so powerfully written. 🙂
Just thought you’d like to see emails between myself and the Westboro People.
Dear WBC –
You are in my prayers. You have been lead astray. The bible is not about hate. I pray you open your eyes. I also pray you quit protesting at funerals and allow people to mourn in private. I pray you are forgiven for your sins you’ve committed against your fellow man. I pray you find empathy and compassion. I pray you are guided back to the correct path to HIM. I pray that you are able to repent for horrible things you have said against your fellow man. I pray you understand that it is God’s job, not yours to judge and decide who goes to heaven or hell. I pray you find love and peace instead of hate. I pray for tolerance. But most of all I pray for your silence. Amen.
Corrina
Hi, Corrina –
God does not hear your filthy, stinky prayers.
Pr 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Pr 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
You will NEVER stop God’s word in the earth – the very stones would cry out if you could manage to shut up God’s people.
Lu 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
The best plan for you is to shut your mouth, get a Bible (and actually READ THE WORDS), and OBEY GOD!!
Thanks for writing!
WBC
-WBC
You have made things crystal clear.
Matthew 7:3 (New International Version)
3″Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
Isaiah 44:25 (New International Version)
25 who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense,
Exodus 34:6 (New International Version)
6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,
I will continue to pray for you.
-Corrina
Corrina-
About that:
1. God does not hear your prayers they are abomination to him.
2. Lose the NIV. It is a fag version. The time is short. OBEY.
-WBC
WBC –
may I have a copy of the special Westboro Bible? I have the king james version also. Which one are you guys reading?-Corrina
Corrina-
Save the smart mouth for God when he is preparing to drop-kick your rebel ass into hell. This is not an argument that you can fast talk and one-up with your smart mouth. This is your Creator who set a standard and told you to OBEY! Period!
WBC uses the KJ 1611 Authorized version. Not all that special, just one that we find to be reliable and one that was not screwed with to try and pen-knife out the text that the fag and dyke (that were in charge of the NIV project) didn’t like. Anathema, Maranatha
Corrina- amazing! Absolutly amazing. I guess that sums it up doesn’t it?! We aren’t dealing with rational people. How can we be angry and hurt by the hate of the ignorant? Thanks for posting that. I can go to bed not upset anymore by the hate towards me from fellow Christians. I pray that we pray for us all tonight. And a brighter tomorrow awaits. Tomorrow we can move on. I think there was something about turning the other cheek in there too, but I don’t have any bible in front of me. Much less a kj 1611 Authorized version. Whatever the hell that means.
Lauren,
Yes. I will keep praying. I just think that maybe the adults are ill and have some untreated problems. I can’t imagine having that much hate. They are not rational. I feel for the children.
-C
My father commented on my blog yesterday: “I thank God we have a paper that will print her piece. A lot of papers wouldn’t have given it space. They have made it an open-forum, thus opening the doors for all to speak.”
He comes from an era when GLBT were silenced and forced into seeking support under strained circumstances. I know it makes Dad incredibly happy to see people freely discussing, debating, supporting, disagreeing, etc., in an arena visible to anyone almost anywhere (my mother read this article in a tiny village without as much as a road in Peru yesterday!).
@Corrina: “may I have a copy of the special Westboro Bible?” You’re onto something here! I’d be very interested in seeing the notations they’ve made within the margins of their Bible because I’m really having a hard time understanding Phelps’ transition from points A to B. I understand some, like Other Jeff, might feel similarly about my own views, but the WBC’s extremity and failure to entertain conversation is contradictory to the tenets of Christianity. Corrina’s communication with the adults is demonstrative of why I put my letter to the children on my website instead of sending it to them directly. Thanks.
WBC: I wonder, did you know that King James who authorized the biblical translation of 1611 (read the history of the translation into English==you’ll be amazed at those who died for their faith and for translating the Bible) was himself gay? Gay is not the only issue in the behavior/attitude/ignorance of WBC. The church appears to have been guilty of the same attitude St. Paul spoke of when he talked about worshiping the creature instead of the Creator. Seems to me the pastor has set himself even ahead of God and his worshipers are devoting themselves to a false god. Pride is a sin. Arrogance is a sin. Both speak of self-importance and the failure to be humble before the God of us all. My prayers join with others that somehow, some way, God will guide them to the truth.
Kristen: Not sure if you have gone to their website, but their twisted view of the bible is smeared all over. I can not look at it for any long period of time, as I get physically sick. But it certainly shows the unstable mindset of the adults. I hope CPS can do something for those children. Turn the other cheek and pray for your enemies, and thank you for your well thought out article.
-C
Thank you for this beautifully written, well thought out, effort Kristan. It should be understood by your readers that this existence is all my nieces and nephews know. It isn’t aberrant to them because it has always been so in their world. Well enough you might argue, they will come to understand the world differently as adults. Perhaps that’s true, but by that time they will also come to understand the horrible price they will pay if they think for themselves and draw conclusions contrary to what that group believes. Lauren Drain paid that price…not even deliberately. Her mistake was thinking there might be some middle ground, that she might be able to, through her questioning, cause eyes to be opened and hearts to be changed. Such is never the case in that “church”. There is no questioning, there is no opportunity to challenge the authority of my father.
Perhaps some will think me calloused. In fact, over the years I have been accused of that when I insist that there is no room for reconciliation with my father or my family. In truth, I’m just pragmatic. I understand that situation intimately. I know that the only hope is that some of those young people will have a spark of individuality and a heart of kindness under the scars of hatred that have formed throughout their childhood. Something will happen along the path of their life…something like your letter…and a few of them will decide to risk all in service to the message in their own heart and mind.
All I can do is offer my support and insight to them when the psychological trauma of their childhood blossoms. As for your readers, I would ask that they show kindness and understanding to the young ones.
What you wrote about your father was profound Kristan. It is people like him that give me the greatest hope for mankind. I have concluded that there is no evidence for a divine. That says nothing of my belief about the human capacity for love, kindness, and understanding. It takes tremendous strength to be a man like your father day in and day out, year in and year out. That is what I honor.
Nate: As a reporter, I was in the street, up close with the group, and I can tell you there were tears in the eyes of the police officers looking in your nieces’ and nephews’ eyes. No one who was there counterprotesting was angry at the kids. Everyone was heartsick looking at them.
The most heartening thing was when a couple of the younger children looked at some of the ridiculous counterprotest signs and began laughing. It showed something left inside. Of course, your sister immediately began yelling at them. But the others had nothing but blank stares on their faces throughout the day. Very upsetting for all of us to see. But no one was angry at the kids. Having them there just made people angrier at your father and sisters.
I truly admire your overcoming your family and am glad you will be there for any of the children that need you.
Well said. Hopefully when Mr. Phelps finally passes from this world, the WBC will disband and the members will find an antidote for the poison they’ve been fed all these years.
https://alanburkhart.blogspot.com/2006/06/extremism-or-stupidity.html
Thanks, Nate. I appreciate your kind words. I also appreciate your stand religiously. As far as I am concerned, when one questions the faith, he is probably more in tune with the Universe and its Creator than the one who blindly accepts everything as truth. It has been my honor to be there for those less accepted than the general society (and by this, I don’t mean just gays, but all who need the caring support of others). Yes, this opinion has created problems for me in the past, but were I to live life all over, I would never change that. I want to say to you that you exhibit the great strength you attributed to me and I have great respect for what you are doing and the caring you are showing towards others. Hooray for you! Kristan can give you my email address if you wish to continue talking about this. I’m just glad there’s someone there for those kids now as well as in the future. I do hope you’ll find it a bit ironic as I do that King James I, who authorized the KJV, was himself gay. Thanks!
Kristan, What a wonderfully written article. I find it amazing that the WBC professes to be a “Christian” church yet all they teach is hate. It’s a true shame. It’s this attitude which turns many people away from religion in general and radical Christianity in particular. I grieve for all the good that could be accomplished if their efforts were focused in a more positive form of “witnessing God’s love.” I hope for his sake that Pastor (and I use the term liberally) Phelps’ God is more of a benevolent forgiving God that most of Christianity believes in rather than the vengeful God that he professes exists or the Pastor may be in for a rather rude surprise come judgement day.
I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and Kristan’s letter. Nice stuff. I just can’ t bring myself to believe that there is NOTHING we can do to remove this hate group from funerals and churches and such. I do understand that now they have to stand some certain distance from whatever building or funeral home… but is there nothing else? They aren’t breaking a noise violation? A traffic violation? Some crazy loophole that they are distracting to drivers and could possibly cause accidents? What about hateful language in a public place? I’m pretty sure that if I walked out of my house with craziness on a sign, SOMEONE would walk up to me and tell me I need to do that on my front lawn, and that’s it – to get off the property. I’m not an expert in law, but I’m just saying… there has to be SOMETHING we can all do to rid ourselves of this ridiculousness. Some loophole, or little-known law or regulation that we can show them, and get rid of them. These people are obviously a hate group, and not a church. There are many religions out there, and I don’t think very many of them condone the thoughts and opinions of these folks… I’m so sorry Nate that you have been dealing with this.
I’m not particularly religious, but I do know that the only way we will ever advance as a society and as a race, is to love each other, improve ourselves, treat the planet much better than we have, and LEARN – about everything. This hate group does not focus on anything of the sort. If you took away their religious hate, what would those people be proud of? I bet they aren’t Earth conscious, and I bet the don’t work very hard at anything other than hating everything. It’s a very sad situation. I do know that they are using their rights to express themselves… but I’m sick of it. If my husband died at war, and I had to receive his body off the plan and attend his funeral… I guarantee you that if that hate group was outside my husband’s funeral, spouting their hate, I would stop the funeral. I would not lay my husband to rest while the service was interrupted and picketed by a bunch of ignorant useless asshole that have nothing better to do with their existence. Honestly. They better never picket a funeral near me. And for everyone’s information, if they picket a funeral of a fallen hero that I know, I will spend all of my time and effort picketing their church. I will move to Topeka, and they will hear and see me every day until they pass away.
What they are doing is sick. It’s ridiculous that they can even call it a religion. It’s a hate group. They are no better than the KKK. Hate groups should be banned from protesting publicly. They can have their ignorant websites and churches and land, but they should not be allowed to picket/protest/HATE off of their own property. Maybe not everyone should have the same rights… I would love to take their freedom of speech away. It might not be fair, but it’s for the better. Pray they don’t protest a funeral near me. You will see me in the news.
Nate (!), thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. Most valuable insight. When David says, “Everyone was heartsick looking at them,” I agree. It’s easy to be angry when you see the group’s signs in the media, but, in person, it’s so different. Their message takes a backseat to the realization that they’re using kids as a majority of WBC’s prophets. Any person who chooses to yell at a child is no better than the group being protested. Nate, wow. I hope you have a bestselling book that spreads your message of tolerance and forgiveness to readers around the planet. BEST of luck.
Another thought: If people are counter-protesting at a religious location, think about choosing signage that is respectful and reflects a message of love or silliness, rather than something like, “There is no God,” etc. There’s no reason why the Holocaust Museum and the Baptist Church and the Catholic Church, etc., have to be subjected to TWO protests against their religious beliefs, especially when one group is counter-protesting against the hate of the other. Free speech, yeah, fine and good. All for it! However, if we’re going to [understandably] get our collective panties in a wad over consideration when using the First Amendment, *I think* we should be mindful of that as well.
(I love you, Dad. You are a rock star amongst dads. I love you, too, Mom. Thanks for picking the right guy to be my father. I <3 my big, gay-straight family!)
What a beautiful article. I would like everyone to please remember that we can not combat hate with more hate. This family is enticing us all to do just that. This family is also considered one of the most hated families in the world and I pray that they find peace and love. I am a mother of a transgender teen and I worry about my child’s safety on a daily basis and I should not have to. It’s hate groups such as this one that has me awake at night. I wonder if Shirley Phelps also worries about her children’s safety in the same way. I wonder if she worries that someone will recognize her children as a Phelp and hurt them.
Lol I checked out the bible these people use according to what Corrina posted, and I found this interesting litlle passage…. Hmmm. I wonder if they know about it?
“Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
I would be ashamed to call myself a Christian in this day and age…none of you know anything about what the word really means anymore…just look into your own hearts, and think man, think! Use a little common sense!
All I can say is thank you!
Thank god for making me an atheist. That’s the sign I would be holding if I was one of the counter protesters.
But more importantly, to this article, what I truly find sad is the intolerance in general that these children are brainwashed into, and the abuse that they go through from their parents, grandfather, and the people in the counterprotests that are just as intolerant of these poor children as the children’s grandfather is of the rest of the world.
But who am I calling a child? At fifteen, and a bisexual atheist raised in a Christian household, I should be calling them my peers.
After all, any of us that had been raised in these people’s house would probably grow up as poorly as my peers are, and only later begin to challenge their parent’s teachings. And with the Bible’s many conflicting messages of war and peace, hate and love, heaven and hell…I’m sending out my happy waves to you kids.
As for the author of this letter, Kristan, I’m glad there are people like you in the world.
Postscript: and for your link to Nate Phelps site as well, I think Kristan that you’ve just found me a new role model.
The Westboro is about as authentic Christianity as you can get. Everything they say is right from the Bible. You’re better off leaving religion and living your own life.
Rachel… There is little at Westboro that resembles true Christianity. The hatred, the vulgarity and showboating are in direct opposition to the teachings of the New Testament. Your statement is both incorrect and uninformed.
Rachel: really? Westboro is not saying anything from the bible about love, forgiveness,mercy, or Jesus dying for our sins. IF only this church could put all that energy into making the world a better place. They should feed the homeless, save a kitten, or go on a mission trip somewhere and build a well. Rachel please tell me where in the bible it says hateful things that Westboro says on their signs. Do you have a special Westboro bible too? The KJ 1611 Authorized version? You are suppose to love your enemy, not go and protest at their funeral. OR did I miss that part in the bible about protesting funerals? Please direct me to that passage. THANKS. please define the work authentic and Christianity. Perhaps I have another definition
.authentic: not false or copied; genuine; real: having the origin supported by unquestionable evidence; authenticated; verified
Christianity the Christian religion, including the Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox churches.
2.
Christian beliefs or practices; Christian quality or character:
3.
a particular Christian religious system: She followed fundamentalist Christianity.
4.
the state of being a Christian.
5.
Christendom.
6.
conformity to the Christian religion or to its beliefs or practices.
Dear Mother
Dear Father
What Is this Hell You Have Put Me Through
Believer
Deceiver
Day in Day out Live My Life Through You
Pushed onto Me What’s Wrong or Right
Hidden from this Thing That They Call Light
Dear Mother
Dear Father
Every Thought I’d Think You’d Disapprove
Curator
Dictator
Always Censoring My Every Move
Children Are Seen But Are Not Heard
Tear out Everything Inspired
Innocence
Torn from Me Without Your Shelter
Barred Reality
I’m Living Blindly
Dear Mother
Dear Father
Time Has Frozen Still What’s Left to Be
Hear Nothing
Say Nothing
Cannot Face the Fact I Think for Me
No Guarantee,it’s Life as Is
But Damn You for Not Giving Me My Chance
Dear Mother
Dear Father
You Clipped My Wings Before I Learnt to Fly
Unspoiled
Unspoken
I’ve Outgrown That Fucking Lullaby
Same Thing I’ve Always Heard from You
Do as I Say Not as I Do
Innocence
Torn from Me Without Your Shelter
Barred Reality
I’m Living Blindly
I’m in Hell Without You
Cannot Cope Without You Two
Shocked at the World That I See
Innocent Victim Please Rescue Me
Dear Mother
Dear Father
Hidden in Your World You’ve Made for Me
I’m Seething
I’m Bleeding
Ripping Wounds in Me That Never Heal
Undying Spite I Feel for You
Living out this Hell You Always Knew
Jess… Just sit tight and stay comfortable. Some nice men in white jumpsuits will load you into a pretty white truck and take you to a place where you can rest and get better.
Alan, Jess is simply cutting and pasting some Metallica song lyrics. After all, why bother to state your own opinion when you can hide behind an act of plagiarism that took all of 10 seconds to cut and paste here instead?
However, I think posting Metallica’s lyrics for “Dyer’s Eve” as a riposte to people trying to get the word out that not all Christians are extremists is simply a case of a mischievous 14-year-old using Google to find a means for additional provocation. After all, I can’t imagine the WBC is listening to Metallica’s “…And Justice For All” album on the road between protests.
Really enjoyed some of your blog entries, Alan! I only wish I had one I could link to and return the favor…
Alan: If I am not mistaken, she is trying to quote a Metallica song and maybe stating that the Westboro children are going to feel this way when they grow up, however, Jess go ahead and sit tight and rest.
The Westboro folks are like your teeth. If you ignore them, they will go away.
I scanned the beginning of this and then the first few comments and all I can say is … Fags Are Beasts – take the sign already!
I have studied and prayed many an hour in regards to the WBC and I find them very very hot with the message they have received and mission God has given them. They are not lukewarm.
the main topic I come back to is the fact that they are preaching to the lost and every one takes it so personal. Are you one of these lost they preach to? Do not be so weak in Christ that you can’t recognize who they preach to. Some are hands and some are feet and some are ears of the body. Quit trying to tell them what to do. Who are you to tell God how to build his tent in the desert.
Homosexual is what it says. Sex! Not a life style choice. That is what the world wants you to beleive. Sex outside of marriage is sin. OBEY!
Shirley, I don’t believe you have the first clue what a “fag” is. You make comments like the one you did to Louis Theoux that “the streets are filled with married men out havivung fag sex!” Seriously? What is your proof of this? You’ve never proven a single iota of your claims. You are full of it! Topeka is hardly a bastion of rampant gay sexuality, and I know it because I also live in it. I’m a straight, engaged man (though I’m sure you won’t believe that, as you have serious issues with the truth – but you are welcome to come out and make as ass out of yourself 10/13/12 at the Rose Garden in Gage Park, just beware the bikers, punk rockers, and gays at the wedding, as I can’t say how they will behave…) You and that alleged church you abusive fater runs have nothing to stand on. You’re hypocrites quoting a version of the Bible commissioned by a gay king. A KING! Does not the Bible eschew the idea of holding anyone but God holy? King James I held himself as divine, so to take his word as equal or above that of God is sinful. Do you ever read the book, or just let what your sinning, alcoholic, abusive father pass as fact?
I read the entire article & then noticed that the part you decided to put in BOLD writing was. “we were able to generate almost three times the amount needed in order to assist the Resource Center Dallas. Plus, the Holocaust Museum enjoyed a record-breaking day.” I don’t know why i notice little things like that but i always have…. Anyway, i’ll respond to how i feel about that. I myself, donate to several organizations… I don’t really bring it up that often but i will now in order to clarify something… … Now, It’s not because I’m ashamed of donating because why would i be… The reason i don’t talk about it is because i feel its unnecessary. I donate from my heart, because I want to, because i believe in the particular organizations that i donate to & find it a waste to buy an extra beer at the bar or an extra overpriced shirt at the mall when that money could go to so many great causes instead., I would rather the money end up in the hands of those who will do good with it instead of end up being spent on meaningless material possessions. Anyhow, i commend those who feel the way i do & believe that a society of individuals who are willing to give something up for a greater cause is a major element in creating changes for millions of lives.. However, i am saddened when donations come from those whose motivations are fueled by other reasons… It saddens me when people turn it into a competition.. Granted, the money will still go the intended cause but it says something about the character of the individual. The reason why someone is donating IS very important to me. I have seen individuals in the spotlight who donate when they are faced with criminal charges or those who compete with coworkers & other friends in their social circles. I have heard it with my own ears. People who compete with each other within their social circle to see who will donate more than the other & making vulgar remarks about “the smith family” because they donated more.. I’ve heard words like “Where do they get off donating that much… I heard that they promoted Mr Smith to executive vice president” one would say… The other responds… “I know why he got that promotion, he kisses the presidents ass every chance he gets” I’m thinking to myself, Shouldn’t these people who just donated huge sums of money be happy that someone is giving more than them. Why would they be mad I wonder? Why would someone who just donated money from their heart, to a particular organization that they believe in, be mad because the Smith family donated more than them…… i don’t get it.. Then it clicked, it all made sense to me… Wait a minute, i said… Could they be donating out of Ego, could they be donating to out due someone they don’t like… Naaaahhhh, it couldn’t be… I love when people donate but what saddens me is that you received triple the donations than usual.. Why does that sadden me? well if you read my post you’d understand why…… Why is it that you received more donations than usual that day? the WHY should matter just as much, if not more, than the extra money you received.. Lets reevaluate this shall we. Lets focus on what each one of us can do to contribute to this world & not focus on outdoing another group of people…..Wouldn’t you rather have gotten TRIPLE the amount of donations on a regular day? that would mean that people actually CHANGED because there would be no other explanation other than the fact that PEOPLE all of a sudden became more interested in donating… that would be the only logical explanation… You’d say to yourself, “Wow, Westboro wasn’t here, nobody protested, it was a regular day & all these donations came in out of the blue… “WOW” Now thats something to be proud about… That would be the most genuine, purest, reason… It would mean that people donated just because THEY WANTED TO….. You may have viewed this experience as a WIN, i see it as a WAKE UP CALL.