Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Ks. Religious Extremism in the USA

losthwy · 03-23-2006, 06:59 PM

Two stories. Religious extremism knows no borders. Zealots in Afghanistan want to execute a man for converting to Christianity. Here in the USA members of Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Ks. have brought their message to Colorado, and their message is God is punishing this country for it's tolerance of homosexuality. So they have taken to picketing the funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq, and carrying signs such as "Thank God for Dead Soldiers". These folks have no decency.

Digi · 03-23-2006, 07:06 PM

I heard about these folks several months ago on NPR and I am still confused by this. I guess I should just chalk it up to stupidity and leave it at that.

Digi · 03-23-2006, 07:11 PM

I just figured it out. See I was confused by the inclusion of God in all of this. However God is not part of this and these people don't know God. What these folks know is HATE. They are filled with so much HATE that they celebrate the death of another families loved one.

So much hate being spread in the name of God. Sad, really sad.

03-23-2006, 07:30 PM

Yea, I have been writing that scumbag. But no return emails. I gave him several verses to explain. But he's off his rocker. He does not follow the New Testiment. I mean its very clear in the Gospels how to treat people and witness to them. I just can't figure out how he could mess up that.

BenGarrett · 03-23-2006, 07:42 PM

As a Baptist, I consider myself fairly open to opposing religious views. I have no problem with the Presbyterians sprinkling or the Church of Christ believing that baptism is necessary for salvation or the Catholics believing in the pardoning abilities of the priest.

However, if I was ever attending the funeral of an American soldier and the good reverend Phelps was disturbing the family in the time of mourning, I would hope upon hope that I could find a way through his law enforcement protection.

North Texan · 03-23-2006, 09:14 PM

The good Reverend was here last year picketing the display of a pair of Elton John's sunglasses at the Buddy Holly Center, then a Lady Raider basketball game because he thinks Marsha Sharp is a lesbian. Some of their stuff was kind of funny, and their stupidity was really funny. But they are very educated and very disciplined, and I'll give them credit for that. They know their rights, and they know exactly what they can get away with. And although people on the other side of issues would be more than willing to fight them, they take the insults thrown back at them and exhibit a lot of restraint.

The fallen soldier died so everyone, even the nutjobs like Fred, can enjoy the freedom America provides. As annoying as Fred is, it says a lot more of this country that he is left alone. If we start restricting peoples speech based on presentation or method, then nutjobs like Fred win and perhaps the soldier did die in vain.

cameronmclain · 03-24-2006, 10:12 AM

Quote:

As annoying as Fred is, it says a lot more of this country that he is left alone. If we start restricting peoples speech based on presentation or method, then nutjobs like Fred win and perhaps the soldier did die in vain.

NT- Great point.

Digi · 03-24-2006, 11:18 AM

NT- Well written.

However, to me, protesting at a dead soldiers funeral is alot more obscene than Janet Jackson's boobie. If that don't cut it with freedom of speech/expression than neither should this wacko. He can publicly celebrate any death he wants just not at the funeral.

North Texan · 03-24-2006, 05:29 PM

He is free to do as he pleases, just as the rest of us are free to laugh at him and consider the source. Not all publicity is good publicity, and the freedom of speech certainly includes the freedom to make an[burro] ...edited by Calhunter...out of one's self.

Keep in mind probably 99.999% of the sane world knows he's a nutjob, considers the source, and ignores him.This is not what the good Reverend wants. He wants to make enough of a scene he gets some attention. The best thing anybody can do is use the

feature and ignore him.

hillbillyhunter1 · 03-24-2006, 05:41 PM

It seems to me that regular church folk would come out strong just to challenge the fact that this jackhole expresses himself as a "believer".

This guy has as much hate as the KKK do.