From A Course in Miracles: "When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. As you see him, you will see yourself. As you treat him, you will treat yourself. As you think of him, you will think of yourself. Never forget this, for in him you will find yourself or lose yourself."Beautiful, huh? I thought of this while looking at a video from BoingBoing.net of members of the Westboro Baptist Church singing "God Hates The World". If you click on the link and watch it, I have to warn you that it's tough to sit through. At first, I laughed because it was so outrageous. I thought it had to be a sick joke. But then, when I realized how serious they were about their hatred I got more and more sad. And after it ended, my soul was in a puddle on the floor.
But then I remembered that passage from the Course and I just let it all go. I ended up feeling bad for them, actually, trapped in that way of thinking and unable to have any peace because of it. And unable to offer any peace to anyone who isn't as miserable as they are. God doesn't hate the world. They do.
Now I'm no saint. And if you end up reading enough of my blog posts and tweets you'll quickly see what a hypocrite I am for asking that we all love one another one day and screaming at a soccer player on TV on the other. But I don't hate the world. In fact, after watching that video I love the world even more. Any world that can take that kind of abuse and still let you live in it is okay by me.
I'm just starting to raise a 4 year old. And after I watched this video I recommitted myself to teaching him so much about love that it will never occur to him to join a group like the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka. That's my answer to them. I can't hate them. Hate is what they're selling and I won't buy it. I can pray for them, though. I can hope that one day all of them will come to their senses and get help so they can get out from under that horrible psychic burden they're carrying around. And I can work to make the world a place where, in the future where my 4 year old will live, the idea of the Westboro Baptist Church never crosses anybody's mind.
Care to join me?
Posts
I don't want to call these people terrorists, I'm actually a proud jayhawker myself. But it is this kind of thinking that gives rise to jihad, or doctors getting killed *in church* of all places.
ReplyDeleteIgnorant people. God loves you too.
Absolutely. The Jesus I serve is all about love. The gospel of John tells it all. Good word, Drew.
ReplyDeleteWow!!! I guess they're right when they say "Misery loves company." Good for you for realizing that the easiest way to combat the ignorance of people like that is to teach our children the right way to love.
ReplyDeleteOne day & one child at a time. =D
Right on! I found this yesterday myself. You put a brilliant spin on it seeing the goodness where there is none. Otherwise, the song is sounds like it's straight from the pages of the cynics handbook. Though, the little girl at the end is the part that makes me sad for these people. And for Kansas!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that Drew! Kudos to you! I'm with ya! :)
ReplyDeleteVery cool response to a group of people that it is difficult to respond to. I wholeheartedly support your approach to rasing your kid. Best of luck to you in that endeavour.
ReplyDeleteDrew, first I just want to say that I am big fan of yours. I'm from Ohio and share many of the same passions (and heartbreaks) as you. In fact, I'm an Ohio State graduate, so it's sort like a double-whammy with being a Clevand sports fan. Rough times, recently. But I digress...
ReplyDeleteIn response to your recent post, it just strikes me as odd about how much hate seems to be emanating from the state of Kansas. I don't care where you fall on the political spectrum (I'm a liberal), there really is no place for hate. I teach junior high in Arizona and make it a point to curb abusive language. This is just something we should not stand for as a society. I'm a young guy (26), so I'm hopeful that by the time our youth reach adulthood, many of these ideologies will be marginalized.
Thanks,
Derek Ault
For some reason I'm drawn to say "Amen" to your post! Their kind of hate can't be countered with hate as that will just lead to a horrible never-ending spiral.
ReplyDeleteWe all need to do what we can to repair the world and the divides caused by this kind of hatred and the best medicines are love, compassion, understanding.
We wrestle with this with our kids -- how much do you want to steel them for the world they have to face and how much do you want to encourage them to be nice kids. Your post is a reminder that we've made the right choice and decided to help them remain people we love to be around.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Daniel
I don't know what to say. My heart aches to see things like this, because (as a person of faith myself) I know how so many people point to stuff like as exactly the reason that they reject Christianity. And I have nothing to offer them as rebuttal beyond platitudes. "This isn't the God I believe in" simply isn't enough. This is the God most people see Christianity as preaching.
ReplyDeleteGod forgive us!
I first heard about this church quite some time ago. When I did, my jaw literally dropped open. I could not (and still can't) process that a self-proclaimed Christian church could espouse such hatred. Not just gays, but everyone. They picket the funerals of fallen soldiers, too.
ReplyDeleteAMEN!From your fingers to the worlds ears. Count me in! Gioia Albi
ReplyDeletesad when pple assume that god hates the world, when if he didnt love us he would have completely destroyed us in the flood instead of saving Noah and the others. He's given us a final chance, we should make the best of it
ReplyDeleteit's InsaneXade from twitter, I @ you sometimes ;)
Drew,
ReplyDeleteFred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church have been a thorn in America's side for many years. I ranted about them on my website in October of 1998 (back before the word "blog" existed, actually), when they attempted to picket the funeral of Matthew Shepard, the young man from Wyoming who was pistol-whipped and left for dead because he was gay.
I agree that the people who follow Phelps deserve compassion, rather than derision. I worry that his warped values have tainted a generation of Topekans, and I hope that some day they are able to find their way clear of his hate speech.
Here's a link to my "Open Letter to Fred Phelps" post, if you're interested in reading it.
http://www.lytspeed.com/Rant_Archives/phelps.htm
Stace Johnson
I watched the video, and at first I laughed too, but then after watching it go on and on, I began to feel bad for the children that were singing the song because they were taught that hate. I believe this is also the same group that was going around protesting soldiers funerals too. I am not a Christian, but I do know that the basic principles of it are 'love thy neighbor', 'do not judge, lest thee be judged' and so on... Yet they are not practicing this. I believe there is a special place in Hell for those people, for the hatred those people are showing and for teaching there kids to do the same. Its a shame that the song was done to the tune of 'We are the world'. :(
ReplyDeleteThis makes me feel sad and sick. No wonder people label all God-believers as "closed-minded" and "hating."
ReplyDeleteI can't speak to the video because I refuse to watch it, but I do agree with your sentiment and I also think that God is love. God is not brimstone and fear and hatred or exclusion. God is the opposite of all those things. I have been to so many churches where God was not present because of these negative things being fostered. My personal belief is that God is with us and supporting us and holding us up. In my mind, only loving positive reinforcement helps us go further onto perfection.
ReplyDeleteI'll join ya, Drew (hey, that's *my* name, too!). They seem to forget Jesus advocating "Love thy Neighbor," apparently...
ReplyDeleteEven the guy who shot this piece of crap was too embarrassed to put his name on it. It's directed by the ubiquitous "Alan Smithee."
ReplyDeleteThis makes me physically sick to watch. What a waste of talent. If some of those women weren't so busy smearing horrible messages across the internet, they could find some real success is other musical endeavors. I am a child of a loving and forgiving God, who I think just wants all his children to find happiness and be loving to everyone; gay or straight, republican or democrat, male or female, black or white. He doesn't care who you are, as long as you are loving Him and loving each other. My only hope is that someone can help save the poor children like that little girl at the end, being brainwashed by this cult-like group of "Christians." How can you have such hatred for other people, and call yourself a Child of God? I sure couldn't.
ReplyDeleteit's just eerie to hear such a hateful message sung in a gleeful tune. i bet these ppl who are such big fans of hating would be absolutely hurt if they were hated. hypocrites. i mean i'm not happy with the general population of this country, not because of sexual orientation, religion, or anything. but because of intolerance, greed, and selfish disregard for others. and i don't care what these ppl or any others say about God, because i'm agnostic. however, i'm tolerant of anyone unless they don't reciprocate the tolerance.
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting a spot light on these fake Christians. I've been studying to be a minister in UCC church for 3 years now. Currently, I'm a youth minister and a mom. I refuse to teach my daughter hate!
ReplyDeleteThis is the kind of stuff that I can't stand. I work hard to make sure that the message of God is love is out there and people like twist Christianity to become a vehicle of hate. It's no wonder people who aren't Christians, don't believe in God, or religion don't like us either! Why would they?!
The God I believe does not promote the hatred of others and embraces everyone's individuality to be the gift that God made you to be.
I'm with you Drew! 1000% There is a You Tube Video. Where this guy is pretending to do a radio interview with the daughter of the guy that runs that "church"... If you thought the "God Hates The World" video was tought to sit through...
ReplyDeleteDrew, you gotta laugh at these nuts, especially because they are so angry they can't even follow their own logic, i.e. the world is doomed, its too late to pray--but you should stop being a sinner! Why? If we're all going to hell for eternity, we might as well enjoy the ride!
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, 90% of this 'church' are members of one family with a big axe to grind and genetic frumpiness, so take them with a grain of salt.
Wow, Drew! What a wonderful response to such ridiculous but dangerous beliefs!
ReplyDeleteI, myself, am going through a difficult time right now and sometimes it's hard to see the beauty of society, humanity, and the world we live in. Thank you for reminding me that there are people who try to give the gift of love.
- Sarah
I cannot believe what I just saw. I'm not a perfect man, but the song they were singing...complete bullcrap.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Drew. It's hard enough in these war-filled times to remember that love is greater than hate.....in any situation. What a sad, sad burden these people must carry in their hearts. And to think, they would be so much happier if they could just "Let It Be".
ReplyDeleteThank for the reminder of what we never want our children to be.
Kit White
I guess reason and rational discourse is just beyond some people. Seeing that little girl at the end, while horrific, is so adept at showing how this kind of mentality continues to fester: they get you when you're barely able to speak and certainly can't think and reason, and keep their poison flowing into your head constantly. Incredible.
ReplyDeleteAnd what's with that guy in the back waving an upside down Canadian flag? Is that meant to insult Canadians? Cause I gotta say, as a Canadian, we're not a big flag-waving people, so that's not the egregious insult you think it is. It just makes Canadians sit back and say quietly to themselves, "Wow, is that guy ever a douchebag." Then we'll smile, perhaps apologize for whatever, and let you think we didn't catch the insult. Well, we did. We just won't react the way you'd like. We're just watching, always watching... :)
As a father of a three and a half year old, your post certainly resonates with me re: teaching about love. Like the blog so far, looking forward to all of your posts (would love to see some of your GTD thoughts now that your mind is like water)!
ReplyDeleteWow, great post Drew! Very deep. It's amazing to see how many perspectives there are in the world, and yet it keeps on turning.
ReplyDeleteI watched this video with much, I donno, not interest but more curiousity. I grew up in a baptist sect that, while not quite as extreme as these crazy people, weren't very far removed. I heard jew jokes told from the pulpit, and when someone says "whore of babylon", I think: Catholics. Am I a hate filled looney? no...but I saw for the first time in many years how far from that world I had come. When I saw that little girl at the end, my emotions went wild. I'm not a religious person today, but I stopped and said a small prayer for her that she has the strength to break through in a healthy and sane way from the cult that she was born into.
ReplyDeleteSorry to not be funny, maybe next time.
Hey Drew,
ReplyDeleteI could be very wrong, but there's something fishy about this video. Westboro is basically a three-person "church" -- Fred Phelps, his wife, and I think his young son. They go wherever they can just to get publicity for their insane brand of anti-gay fundamentalism. This whole video doesn't feel right -- they're usually too angry and, well, just crazy to do something as organized as this. Plus -- the guy with the Canadian flag -- I think that's a hint that this is a satire about the Westboro clan.
I'm submitting this to a debunking website, snopes.com, that looks into urban legends and Internet BS. I'll let you know what they find out.
Also, just in case this video IS real...yeah, they're the crazy ones.
I too am a woman of Faith-and I too am apalled at these people- I agree with you Drew, because you can't hate them, it brings you down to their level. Hopefully they will fade into oblivion-while we keep striving to love those around us.I truly believe they will give an account of their conduct someday to God. Thank you for your honesty.
ReplyDeleteThese folks are sad. I watched the whole thing and was just waiting for that Bruce springsteen guy to run up and sing a solo part. He probably could use the work. It must suck to wake up everyday with so much hate. I still defend there right to hate though. Only in America! Free speech rules!
ReplyDeleteRight On Drew! It's this kinda of 'religion" that gives God a bad name. Hey, I'm a Christian with a sense of humor. Living the life I was given. What a concept!
ReplyDeleteThat was just scary. I could hear the teenagers laughing towards the end of the song tho...
ReplyDeleteSorry, I'm too busy praying for a new TPIR host.
ReplyDelete"Dear God,
ReplyDeletePlease protect me from your followers!"
I'm not religious by any means. But, isn't church suppose to teach not to hate?
ReplyDeleteThese people who conceptualized West Baptist are not playing with a full deck. About 6 years ago, they protested outside my old high school when a soldier stationed in Iraq[of which was homosexual] was killed. Whatever happened to respect for the dead?
I can't hate them either, but they do deeply scare me. I don't understand how people can hate so much (and then sing the line about the world being full of haters..?). I'm not sure I can thank you for sharing that link, though I am glad to have seen it. Sad, but glad.
ReplyDeleteHow's that for mixed up?
Drew,
ReplyDeleteSuch a brilliant, well-thought out blog. I know I posted this on your Twitter, but I thought I'd add it here as well....a couple of times during season 36 and 37, you closed the show by saying "God Bless". To some, it may have gone unnoticed. To me, it struck me as something classy....as something that we should always say to one another, to remind us that there are people out there that DO believe in love and compassion. I'd love to see you close each and every show out on season 38 like that...of course, that'd be completely up to you. But just know that it's little things like that and this blog, that make me come back for more "Price", and more Drew. You are a class act. Never forget that.
Drew, after reading your post, I just want to say that I think your four year old is a very lucky boy. Not because of your fame but because of your heart.
ReplyDeletehey drew - i suggest you check out this documentary by louis theroux:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSFrNOnvtls
he does great films about odd individuals & this is one of his finest. he spent time with the phelps family and gives you an inside look at what they are truly like. you end up liking them in one respect, hating whats been done to them and, i dont know, i think you'll find it interesting.
gives a 3 dimensional look at some very hateful people.
== JAY SEZ: ==
ReplyDeleteA very big "AAAAAAAAAAA-MEN!!" to the Duke, Derek Ault, Darlin' Darlene, and YOU too, Drew!!
After reading this... we all need a li'l mo' love, baby. And how that "church" used MJ's "We Are the World" like that? You know where THAT goes, DC: "take it down the road, pal" -- better yet -- (heavy metal screaming) STRAIGHT DOWN TO HELL!!!!
The God I know ain't hateful, but He DOES hate people who teach hate, and I hope they get what's comin' to the men and women teaching this BS, ya dig? If ya agree with me, say "HOOOO!!"
Keep it comin' with the Bloggers, yo... and yes, Connor rocks too!! (Wait... is that name spelled "E-R" or "O-R"? Oh, well...)
Say hi to Rich and the girls 4 me!! Peace!!
YOURZ4LIFE...
~JK~
God LOVES the world, and LOVES these disgusting people. One day--and it may not be during their lifetimes--they will come to learn the error of their ways.
ReplyDeleteThese kind folks were up here in Seattle recently--largely peaceful, with the occasional scuffle. It's funny to see them protest because they look like total morons. LOL
What a sad bunch....
GOD BLESS EVERYONE!!! :-)
Having lived in and around Topeka for a large chunk of the past 22 years, I hate to disappoint Rus, but Westboro has an unfortunately large congregation.
ReplyDeleteI find the worst part about that group to be that this is the depiction people get of what Kansas is like. This and the evolution thing. Somehow, the only time Kansas ends up in the news is when somebody from here does something utterly moronic (McVey). And the Westboro folks are very good at being utterly moronic. If one happens to read the signs they tote, the signs rarely make any sort of sense (there was one that said, "You eat your children," I kid you not).
It kinda makes me want to stand on the street with a sign that says, "God Hates Haters," but I don't think they'd grasp the irony.
- Bethany
Lawrence, KS
I'm with you, man. This sort of thing is actually what turned me off organized religion on the whole as a child/teen. That doesn't mean to say that I don't believe in anything. I just don't believe in the organizations.
ReplyDeleteWait, are these the "god hates fags" people? If so, I've heard of them before and they make me very sad, indeed. :(
You are awesome and brilliant. Never change! :)
The Westboro crowd are neither Baptist nor Christian. It is sad that someone can get wrapped up into the hatred they proclaim. But then, they give the rest of us a bad name.
ReplyDeleteFOLLOW-UP
ReplyDeleteMorning Drew,
I just received a response from Snopes.com. Even though I think the video might be a parody, Snopes thinks it's legit:
Westboro Baptist Church is very real, and its members take themselves and
their message very seriously.
If you can stomach it, their main website is www.godhatesamerica.com,
although they also own www.godhatescanada.com. God apparently also hates
Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the world.
Urban Legends Reference Pages
http://www.snopes.com
I'll have to go with them on this one. Take care.
Wow, that is disturbing... I was in Topeka just recently on a storm chasing trip. But that is irrelevent. These people, and anyone else like them, need everyones prayers.
ReplyDeleteJust heard they're going to be picketing an L.A. Jewish school on Thursday morning, because their mysterious goals are going to somehow be furthered by making preschool day camp start an hour late. Ooooo... kay....
ReplyDeleteI am with you too Drew! And people wonder what is wrong with the world anymore.
ReplyDeleteI left a denomination I grew up in a few years ago and was glad to encounter a minister who was keenly aware, as was his denomination in general, of the number of people flocking to them from other places, largely due to what he called 'church hurt', where people were so deeply wounded by too-rigid doctrines or scandals or dissention they were in danger of turning away from God entirely. His sermons were always full of messages of beauty, love, joy, and grace, of following 'the rules' out of love and honor instead of terrorizing into submission. He was never Church-lite, there was a healthy dose of theology involved and definitely into saving souls. He simply chose to focus on the things that should draw people in instead of excluding them.
ReplyDeleteWhile we're horrified at that video, we should remember these are wounded souls who don't realize just how badly they've been wounded.
Well said, Melissa.
ReplyDeletethat video is pathetic. I serve a loving God who loves, not hates. God bless you, Drew
ReplyDeleteThis is your introduction to the world of FP & his tribe? Consider yourself lucky. The families of soldiers lost in the war have suffered at their hands for some time - but thanks to the Freedom Riders - they were shielded at least somewhat.
ReplyDeleteYes, these folks are real. A few years back I was in a play called "The Laramie Project" about the events surrounding Matthew Shepard's death. One of the characters I had to play was Fred Phelps, the head of this "church." I have never climbed into a more frightening part (and I once played Adolph Eichmann!). From what I understand, most of the church is made up of his family and extended family.
ReplyDeleteThey have protested at the funerals of firefighters killed on 9/11, the funerals of returning soldiers from the Middle East, and anywhere they can get press.
It's scary, but I like to believe that shining the light on them (so to speak) lessens the impact they will have.
Well said, Drew... sadly, these people are very real. For a real eye opener, I recommend searching for "Shirley Phelps-Roper" (she's one of the women singing on the far right) on YouTube... She is one of the leaders of this "church." Look for the interview Julie Banderas did with her on Fox News. Absolutely horrifying.
ReplyDeleteDrew,
ReplyDeleteI just had a chance to watch this, and I don't know what to say. That little girl at the end reminded me of my baby sister (who will be 4 on the same day I turn 19), and I'm not afraid to admit - as a guy who always tells the truth - that the entire ending of that video brought me to tears.
I love my sister to death. I was there in the hospital by my mom's bedside until 12 minutes before she was born (9:42 PM on 10/18/2005). I gave her bottles, changed diapers, and taught her how to crawl and then walk. As much as I love her, this video only makes me want to love her a whole lot more so she stays away from influences like this. It just shows me how important 1 Corinthians 13:13 is: "Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
I also agree with Steve. "God bless" does add a touch of class. I, too, noticed when you did this. Your decision, but a great suggestion. :)
Thanks for opening my eyes, Drew. I really needed it. Happy 4th. :)
Tyler
Downright pathetic. I know this is the work of Satan.
ReplyDeleteWhy? Fred Phelps is a person. Fred Phelps's reasoning is that God hates all the people in the world. Therefore, according to his own reasoning, God hates Fred Phelps. Therefore, if God hates him, why does Fred think a religious sect led by him is the only one that will go to Heaven, much less that his sect will go to Heaven at all?
If you're so righteous and holy, then you would actually READ the Bible, rather than pull out random sections of it.
This is all we need to say...
"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness."
- 1 John 2:9
1 John 3:15 - "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer, and ye no that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him."
ReplyDeleteEvery time I read articles about a cult or religious group like the Westboro Baptist Church. I can't help think everyone is missing something.
ReplyDeleteHow conceited people are to believe they are living at the pinnacle of human existence. Does anyone remember the millennium cults? Hundreds committing suicide as the year 2000 neared? It's only been 9 years and I had forgotten about them until I read this.
In 20 or 50 years the Westboro Baptist Church will be no more than a paragraph in a history book. Perhaps not because they go away or cease to exist. But, perhaps because another group will be so outrageous, the Westboro Baptist Church will seem moderate. How many religions will come and go in a thousand years?
And let's not forget. At one time all religions were considered radical by the masses. Anyone remember the crusades? No? Christians invading countries forcing Christianity?
I am not concerned about groups like the Westboro Baptist Church. We have more important things to worry about.
cauzway.net
Good post! A lot of people I've spoken with have still never heard of this church and it's activities.
ReplyDeleteBesides 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/
After watching that video, you'd have to wonder about where their hearts are. There are those who hate Christianity and religion; these people give plenty of reason.
ReplyDeleteThey should watch that old Walt Disney Movie Pollyanna. Grumpy old town turned around by an optimistic little girl.
ReplyDeleteDrew, loved your comments. You are right we can pray for them. I pray for you and your 4 year old. I have a 7 year old daughter and a 4 year old boy. I am no saint either, just trying to do my best. My 7 year old daughter asked me out of the blue the other day if she could be baptized. Wondering where this came from, I asked her, she said that she wants to show God how much she loves Him. WOW! Was I blown away! After that, nothing else matters! I know Angels in heaven were rejoicing at that moment!
ReplyDeleteThere are a few that hate in the world, but there is also a lot of love. All that matters is the LOVE in YOUR heart, spread the Word and spread Love, it's way more contagious than hate so don't worry about the few with hatred in their hearts they are only hurting themselves. Holding onto hatred is like holding onto a hot coal from a fire, the only one who gets burned is you. God can turn anything into good, even this, as we all watch this and know how off base they are. We could try and convince them otherwise, but a man or woman convinced against their will, is of the same opinion still...
God Bless all of you!! Some great comments on here!
PS> John 3:16 "For God so LOVED the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life!!!!
I just wanted to let you know that I run a website against the Westboro Baptist Church. If you'd like to check it out, the link is: www.freewebs.com/anti-westboro
ReplyDeleteI also happen to be friends with one of the sons who left the church and the family, an amazing human being named Nate Phelps. Very nice guy!
I'm from Kentucky, so I know what it's like when the news crew shows up after a tornado wrecks a trailer park and they choose the old toothless woman in a moo-moo and curlers to represent Kentuckians.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a Pastor of a Baptist Church, and I want to throw up when people like the Westboro bunch claim to represent Christianity and/or Baptists in any way, shape, or form.
There's a better voice to be heard.
That's just sad. It's not a good way to attract members and visitors :) .
ReplyDeleteHey, Drew...I just ran across your blog via your Twitter profile. This post resonated with me in particular, as I grew up in a fundamentalist church, and as an adult had to pull myself out of church altogether to get some kind of balanced perspective back. I'm slowly making my way back, but this time it is in a place that puts the emphasis on God's love for humanity, and on things like grace, mercy, restoration, and redemption. Too bad the Westboro folks can't grasp those concepts.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, great post. I hope you'll update your blog soon! (hint-hint) ;-)
These radicals, Fred Phelps & the Wesboro Baptist Church, have been around for DECADES - sadly.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that. I'm a cancer survivor and know that God is a loving one. I'm going to follow you on Twitter. BTW: I'm writing a book about miracle cancer survivors and am donating proceeds to Livestrong.
ReplyDeleteMy brother-in-law Jeff Ahlers was on your show that aired yesterday. He bounded up on the stage and looked like he was going to tackle you. You almost look scared but I'm guess you're used to it. Keep the positive message going.
These people should be ashamed of themselves. And just recently they protested the Fort Hood Massacre. I feel bad for the kids that are brain washed in this cult.
ReplyDeleteThese people from Westboro Baptist Church showed up while we were trying to have the funeral for SPC Fred Greene who was shot and killed at Fort Hood. Our family was horrified by a "church" doing such a thing. We thank God for the service of our military and police, both active and retired, that helped keep them away from the steps of the funeral home and the burial. Our Fred did not die in vain and God loves us all, even them.
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad. John 3:16 doesn't say.. "God so hated the world....."
ReplyDeleteI'm not perfect by any means, but people like that make all Christians seem hateful and stupid.
That's not what Jesus wants from Christians. He wants us to spread HIS love around. We're not perfect by any means, and I have no clue why he chose us to be the ones to do so. At the same time, we are, and we can't be spreading mess like that around.
Praying for them!
I'm a little late to the game on this one. But if God didn't love the world he wouldn't have sent His son to die for our sins. They just ignore the part of the Bible that says that. At some point in the song they said the line with the "proud sining" then said "so just stop it." If it were really that easy to stop sining then we wouldn't have any problems now would we? I think the hardest part to watch was the end with that little girl singing those words. The poor children being taught about a hateful God. GAH!
ReplyDeleteWell, if all these things are true, Fred Phelps should be able to ask God personally if he hates homosexuals, if he caused 9/11, and if all Catholics are going to Hell.
ReplyDeleteThere's my challenge, Westboro. Care to take it?
Oh my this church is giving God a bad name. God love us and wants all people to come to repentence. Salvation is through Jesus and anyone can be saved. They just need to come to Him and admit they have fallen short of God's glory and receive what He did for them on the cross. A gift must be received or its not a gift. A gift is not forced on anyone. I will pray for these people. It's really very sad. Love you Drew. I understand struggling with low self-esteem too. Esther
ReplyDeleteThat video made me so sad (yeah, yeah, I'm late to the party) - I remember when they were first starting to picket in front of their church when I was little. You never saw little kids involved in that kind of thing back then. (I lived the first 12 years of my life in Topeka, and went to the Catholic school and church just down the street from WBC, so saw them twice a day on school days, plus twice a day on Saturdays, when we went to church.)
ReplyDeleteI find them revolting, and am horrified to know that they are as human as I am. How miserable must a person be, to spread such hatred? Why would anyone want to? Why would anyone want to see their three year old daughter immortalised on the internet singing a song about God hating the world and all its people?
It always helps to remember the Course's take on the world being upside down...that kinda sums it up for me anyway! Thanks Drew...I just watched a guy win a car by putting in a ball on his second try...sometimes we don't do it the first time lol so it is good to know we have more than one chance to win on the Price is Right and in Life! :0P peace on!
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