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Bible Study
See other Bible Study Articles

Title: Opinion piece about Westboro Baptist Church.
Source: sltrib.com
URL Source: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifest ... oro-baptist-god-corey.html.csp
Published: Sep 12, 2010
Author: Corey J. Hodges
Post Date: 2010-09-12 14:14:49 by Ferret Mike
Keywords: None
Views: 129565
Comments: 131

Westboro Baptist Church preaches that all the world’s tragedies can be blamed on society’s tolerance of gays.

Pastor Fred Phelps Sr. leads the Topeka, Kan., congregation of 70 to 80 members, most of whom are his children and grandchildren. Although Westboro identifies itself as Baptist, it is not affiliated with any known Baptist convention or association.

The congregation has made headlines by picketing at military funerals, arguing that the soldiers’ deaths are God’s punishment for homosexuality. The group also protested at the Rev. Jerry Falwell’s funeral, calling him a “false prophet,” and recently in West Virginia, where 29 miners were killed, with signs that read, “Thank God for dead miners.”

Albert Snyder, the grieving father of one fallen soldier, sued Westboro for invading his privacy and inflicting emotional distress (Snyder’s son was not gay). The legal dispute is now headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

There is no biblical defense for Westboro’s hateful message and insensitive demonstrations. The group’s philosophy and approach are riddled with contradictions. Westboro cannot truly believe in the Bible, which speaks of God’s love, mercy and grace. Jesus vehemently opposed earthly agents of condemnation. He said, in Matthew, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged. … 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.” Westboro’s hate is a huge plank.

Some argue that, although Westboro’s protests are despicable, they are not illegal. The fear is that if the high court restricts the group’s First Amendment right, it will have dire consequences for all of us. Private speech endorsing religion is protected under the Constitution’s Free Speech and Free Exercise clauses. People of faith always worry that a ruling limiting First Amendment rights could affect religious speech.

It seems, therefore, that the only way to combat the Westboro radicals and other hate groups is through counter-protests. When Westboro showed up in West Virginia, counter-demonstrators staged a far bigger rally.

While Westboro’s actions may be not be illegal, they are immoral and unethical. People of faith must remember that the law cannot be the sole decider of behavior. We should hold ourselves to a higher standard. The law may permit us to do certain things, but our religious convictions should restrain us.

Corey J. Hodges is pastor of New Pilgrim Baptist Church. He can be reached at coreyjhodges@comcast.net.

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#90. To: Rudgear (#87)

Wha...huh?

Rainbow isn't a color...it's several.

Or were you trying to be funny?

Oh...

In that case...

Ha ha...

war  posted on  2010-09-12   20:56:08 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#91. To: Liberator, war (#89)

Don't forget the ruby slippers.

Well, [war's] got to do something for attention, his multiple personalities aren't speaking to him any more, and his imaginary friends keep finding excuses not to come over. (Murron)

Rudgear  posted on  2010-09-12   20:56:26 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#92. To: Rudgear, dwarfina (#87)

I even bet your favorite color is rainbow . . .

ROFL

He claims he bough a new vehicle lately...Subarus are fine cars.

Liberator  posted on  2010-09-12   20:56:58 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#93. To: war (#90)

Though, Munchkin Land is sort of a pictorial representation of the order of your mind.

Well, [war's] got to do something for attention, his multiple personalities aren't speaking to him any more, and his imaginary friends keep finding excuses not to come over. (Murron)

Rudgear  posted on  2010-09-12   20:57:33 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#94. To: Rudgear, war (#91)

Don't forget the ruby slippers.

Don't be silly. That would clash with the pink Spandex leggings.

Liberator  posted on  2010-09-12   20:58:34 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#95. To: Rudgear (#91)

Don't forget the ruby slippers.

Oh don't worry...Lubey never takes them off...

war  posted on  2010-09-12   20:59:15 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#96. To: Liberator, war (#92)

He claims he bough a new vehicle lately

Probably one of those Fisher Price play phones with the moving eyes.

Well, [war's] got to do something for attention, his multiple personalities aren't speaking to him any more, and his imaginary friends keep finding excuses not to come over. (Murron)

Rudgear  posted on  2010-09-12   20:59:24 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#97. To: Rudgear (#91)

Call for your cavalry. Why not get yukon, too? You three are have equal worth as posters.

"Our quest for the lesser evil has arrived at an impasse. On one hand we have a world-class Doublethinker who expects us to thank him for keeping promises he has vigorously broken and to accept the cynical notion that war is peace. On the other we have a mob of flesh-eating galoots who promise to give us Orwell’s Hate Week 52 weeks a year for as long as it takes them to bring about Armageddon. " — Jeff Huber

Skip Intro  posted on  2010-09-12   21:00:20 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#98. To: Rudgear (#93)

Thank you for your recent submission.

Unfortunately, your attempt at invective are rejected.

We wish you well in your future endeavors.

war  posted on  2010-09-12   21:00:33 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#99. To: Skip Intro (#97)

I don't need cavalry. I notice you ride if to your daddy's defense, though. Telling.

Well, [war's] got to do something for attention, his multiple personalities aren't speaking to him any more, and his imaginary friends keep finding excuses not to come over. (Murron)

Rudgear  posted on  2010-09-12   21:01:19 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#100. To: Skip Intro (#97) (Edited)

What cracks me up is that this asshole thinks he's "winning".

Worst case of the "Tulls" I've seen since Cynicom.

war  posted on  2010-09-12   21:01:46 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#101. To: Rudgear (#99)

I don't need cavalry.

Why ping for them, then? You might notice I ping no one to help me out.

"Our quest for the lesser evil has arrived at an impasse. On one hand we have a world-class Doublethinker who expects us to thank him for keeping promises he has vigorously broken and to accept the cynical notion that war is peace. On the other we have a mob of flesh-eating galoots who promise to give us Orwell’s Hate Week 52 weeks a year for as long as it takes them to bring about Armageddon. " — Jeff Huber

Skip Intro  posted on  2010-09-12   21:02:11 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#102. To: Rudgear (#99)

I notice you ride if to your daddy's defense, though.

Chuckles...couldn't have said you any better myself.

war  posted on  2010-09-12   21:02:42 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#103. To: war, skivvy (#100)

All my shots are on target. You just scatter-shot in hopes of hitting one or two targets of opportunity. Loser.

Well, [war's] got to do something for attention, his multiple personalities aren't speaking to him any more, and his imaginary friends keep finding excuses not to come over. (Murron)

Rudgear  posted on  2010-09-12   21:03:04 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#104. To: war (#100)

When you post to me he thinks you're talking to yourself.

"Our quest for the lesser evil has arrived at an impasse. On one hand we have a world-class Doublethinker who expects us to thank him for keeping promises he has vigorously broken and to accept the cynical notion that war is peace. On the other we have a mob of flesh-eating galoots who promise to give us Orwell’s Hate Week 52 weeks a year for as long as it takes them to bring about Armageddon. " — Jeff Huber

Skip Intro  posted on  2010-09-12   21:03:14 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#105. To: Skip Intro (#104) (Edited)

I'm not...?

war  posted on  2010-09-12   21:03:38 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#106. To: Rudgear (#103)

All my shots are on target.

I noticed...

[snicker]

war  posted on  2010-09-12   21:05:02 ET  (1 image) Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#107. To: war, skivvy (#105)

Your schizophrenia has let you down and now your suck puppet won't have anything to do with you. Sucks to be you, princess, but then you already knew that.

Well, [war's] got to do something for attention, his multiple personalities aren't speaking to him any more, and his imaginary friends keep finding excuses not to come over. (Murron)

Rudgear  posted on  2010-09-12   21:05:57 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#108. To: war (#105)

I'm not...?

Damn! Now you'll have to create a new sock puppet.

Could you give me a meaner sounding name next time?

"Our quest for the lesser evil has arrived at an impasse. On one hand we have a world-class Doublethinker who expects us to thank him for keeping promises he has vigorously broken and to accept the cynical notion that war is peace. On the other we have a mob of flesh-eating galoots who promise to give us Orwell’s Hate Week 52 weeks a year for as long as it takes them to bring about Armageddon. " — Jeff Huber

Skip Intro  posted on  2010-09-12   21:05:58 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#109. To: Skip Intro (#108)

Sure...how about Boris Badenuff? Scarface? Ray Lewis?

war  posted on  2010-09-12   21:09:59 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#110. To: Rudgear (#107)

Your schizophrenia has let you down

Do me a favor...let's wait a day and see if that one lands...

Sucks to be you, princess, but then you already knew that.

Maybe you'd come off better if you "sounded" more like me and less like Carson Kressley.

war  posted on  2010-09-12   21:13:13 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#111. To: war (#109)

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy?

"Our quest for the lesser evil has arrived at an impasse. On one hand we have a world-class Doublethinker who expects us to thank him for keeping promises he has vigorously broken and to accept the cynical notion that war is peace. On the other we have a mob of flesh-eating galoots who promise to give us Orwell’s Hate Week 52 weeks a year for as long as it takes them to bring about Armageddon. " — Jeff Huber

Skip Intro  posted on  2010-09-12   21:14:18 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#112. To: Skip Intro (#111)

Heavy Metal meets Gangsta...has possibilities...

war  posted on  2010-09-12   21:19:28 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#113. To: war, Cynicom, Jethro Tull (#100)

What cracks me up is that this asshole thinks he's "winning".

Worst case of the "Tulls" I've seen since Cynicom.

Cynicom, to the courtesy phone.

Liberator  posted on  2010-09-12   21:31:05 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#114. To: Liberator (#66)

"The propaganda here Mike is the obvious provocative title of your "Anti-gay hatemongers aren’t doing God’s work" title of your thread."

I don't write the article titles. Because I respect the intellectual property of others and don't wish to see the fair use policy of use of articles in these forums, I cut and paste with no alteration of the piece.

You are being silly here.

Well if you have to know...forgot to take my meds..you young whipper snapper! Chill out! Murron 2002-08-31

Ferret Mike  posted on  2010-09-12   22:04:11 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#115. To: Ferret Mike (#114)

I changed the title because the title was a lie and offensive. But I accurately described it as an opinion piece.

A K A Stone  posted on  2010-09-12   22:14:14 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#116. To: A K A Stone (#115) (Edited)

Well you idiot, I did not write the title. The paper which published the piece did. Fuck off, you slimy self rightous piece of odious garbage.

Well if you have to know...forgot to take my meds..you young whipper snapper! Chill out! Murron 2002-08-31

Ferret Mike  posted on  2010-09-12   22:21:29 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#117. To: Ferret Mike (#116)

I could delete it instead.

A K A Stone  posted on  2010-09-12   22:22:39 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#118. To: A K A Stone (#115)

"But I accurately described it as an opinion piece."

I did nort see editorial when I chose catagory. You are an idiot Stone. You have no regard for the property of others and alter titles to suit your agenda even when others post the piece with the accurate title the pice was published under.

Go fuck yourself, dumb shit.

Well if you have to know...forgot to take my meds..you young whipper snapper! Chill out! Murron 2002-08-31

Ferret Mike  posted on  2010-09-12   22:24:49 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#119. To: A K A Stone (#117)

If you can't use the accurate title, please, do it.

Well if you have to know...forgot to take my meds..you young whipper snapper! Chill out! Murron 2002-08-31

Ferret Mike  posted on  2010-09-12   22:25:28 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#120. To: Ferret Mike (#118)

I already explained that the title bar is the description of the article. If you want to read the real title click on the source. You should be thankful that I didn't delete the article. And no I wont fuck myself. I have a wife for that.

A K A Stone  posted on  2010-09-12   22:26:25 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#121. To: A K A Stone (#120)

I have a wife...

No way! You've got to be shitting us.

Fred Mertz  posted on  2010-09-12   22:31:03 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#122. To: A K A Stone (#115)

I changed the title because the title was a lie and offensive.

You're anti-gay and you hate them.

What was inaccurate about he title?

war  posted on  2010-09-13   13:54:12 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#123. To: war (#122)

Anti-gay hatemongers aren’t doing God’s work

Being anti gay doesn't mean you hate.

God is anti gay.

So when you speak out about faggots you are doing gods work.

A K A Stone  posted on  2010-09-13   15:20:28 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#124. To: A K A Stone (#123)

God is anti gay

If there is a god YOU most certainly do not speak for him. Another accurate point of the title.

war  posted on  2010-09-13   15:26:34 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#125. To: Rudgear, Jetrho Tull, Liberator (#76) (Edited)

The only thing more wrong than tracking others is to have sanction.

Tull must sanction it as it's still posted on 4um. Take it up with him or bucky. The brave, crusader Libby evidently declined the task. LOL

mininggold  posted on  2010-09-13   15:27:17 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#126. To: war (#124)

Go read Leviticus and Romans chapter 1 dimwit.

A K A Stone  posted on  2010-09-13   15:27:53 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#127. To: A K A Stone (#126) (Edited)

Written by men.

In Matthew Jesus makes this point clear, as well, separating "the law" and "the prophets" as having a separate existence.

war  posted on  2010-09-13   15:31:31 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#128. To: Liberator, Rudgear (#84)

#84. To: Rudgear (#82)

You keep pinging Lubey...where is he? I don't see him anywhere...

[snicker]

war posted on 2010-09-12 20:52:33 ET Reply Trace Private Reply

dwarf will figure out why he can't see Lib as soon as he figures out how STUPID he looks repeatedly LYING that he has Lib on his homo-blinder bozo.

Death to everybody who does not get outta my way. Below is the latest Dwarf revelation: ...."the shorts and bibs I wear are of a carbon/lycra/nylon composition......and maaaaaannnnnn....just letting everybody know that makes my balls SWELL......I'm just tooooooo sexy for you all!!" ....Dwarf August 2010.............. And one from the bluehair 2-legged GPS "I always get the Carolinas mixed up for some reason." ......Fred Jerx (who will doubtless figure out the intricacy of that tricky "North / South" thing someday. Ahldoafewboners = the kind of person who can say absolutely nothing, and mean it.....aka Regurgitated Clown Floyd

e_type_jag  posted on  2010-09-13   21:52:14 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#129. To: e_type_jag, war (#128)

My tag line drives war crazy to the point he can't think straight (not that he ever could). He can't help himself from posting foolishness.

Well, [war's] got to do something for attention, his multiple personalities aren't speaking to him any more, and his imaginary friends keep finding excuses not to come over. (Murron)

Rudgear  posted on  2010-09-13   22:28:27 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#130. To: Rudgear (#129)

My tag line drives war crazy

Dwarf definitely has a party of 40 inside his head:)

Death to everybody who does not get outta my way. Below is the latest Dwarf revelation: ...."the shorts and bibs I wear are of a carbon/lycra/nylon composition......and maaaaaannnnnn....just letting everybody know that makes my balls SWELL......I'm just tooooooo sexy for you all!!" ....Dwarf August 2010.............. And one from the bluehair 2-legged GPS "I always get the Carolinas mixed up for some reason." ......Fred Jerx (who will doubtless figure out the intricacy of that tricky "North / South" thing someday. Ahldoafewboners = the kind of person who can say absolutely nothing, and mean it.....aka Regurgitated Clown Floyd

e_type_jag  posted on  2010-09-13   22:36:55 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  



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