I took a couple of hours out of my life today to ponder the message still being preached at Westboro Baptist (the "God Hates Fags" church). I am saddened by the pain both the public, and this group's children must endure because of this message of hate. These "preachers" are not trying to win anyone for Christ... rather they seem to enjoy the thought that people will be condemned to Hell. It is this type of "believer" that maligns the message of grace and forgiveness... finding themselves judged by their own words.
I don't mind at all pointing out the absurdity of Dawkins or the pseudo science of Evolution, but there is no greater wickedness than that of hate in the name of love. It would be one thing to warn of certain destruction; like rescuing someone from a burning building and putting your own life an resources on the line to prove it. It is quite another to laugh at those "burning" ...while picketing with signs that contradict the one that they claim they represent. The best known verse in the Bible says...
"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." John 3:16
...God so loved, not hated, not laughed... these people misrepresent the God of the Bible. Another verse states clearly God's heart on the issue of the wicked...
"Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?...For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!" Ezekiel 18:23, 32
Brett McCracken, managing editor for Biola magazine writes movie reviews and features for Christianity Today as well as contributing frequently to Relevant magazine; has this to say about the "God Hates Fags" church...
"I've been critical in recent years of the trend of Christians saying things like "I love Jesus but hate Christians" or "Lord, save us from your followers," or similar variations on this "Christians are annoying but Jesus is cool" idea. But when there are people like the Phelps clan in Topeka who are masquerading as Christians and dragging that name in the filthiest kind of mud, I can't help but understand why so many within the church
are frantically trying to distance themselves from the designation."
(you can watch an hour long documentary as well, at the link provided below)
http://stillsearching.wordpress.com/2009...When I saw the video and wondered how many others have seen the News with their hate signs... it made me wonder if I too come off as a hater. Do I give the message of hate without hope? Is there no balance to my rantings warning or exposing evils of mankind? Though I don't think that I would hear the very same ponderings from my counterparts on these issues... it isn't their message of God's love that's preached,
it's mine. I can be brutally hard on the "fake"... but can I be the same on the "faith"
that is being passed off as truth... be it mine or theirs?
I don't think that the "sinner" is blind to the destructive addictions, and the outcomes of the choices that are causing consequences beyond their control. I don't think that the loneliness, fear and pain caused by a life in defiance of God, is somewhat comforting when life comes crashing down. But I do think when there are those who can love beyond the hate and railings, beyond the cursing and spit, to a heart that needs understanding... it is then that one might even contemplate this thing called repentance.
My teacher, pastor, and friend... used to go down on the street where the hookers worked, and bring them hot coffee on cold evenings. They used to get them some food and shelter, and safety when things got dangerous. There was no doubt in the working girls mind that they were sinners... and no doubt either, that they were loved. Is that what I am about? Jesus din't hang out with the "sinners" because He wasn't good, He did it because His love was appreciated. It seems in the Church today, we don't appreciate what Christ has done for us... Jesus still seems more welcome down on the corner of hopeless and nowhere.
It has been described to me that this work of God can be compared to the work of a surgeon. We cut into peoples lives to provide some healing to take place. It just seems though many of us leave the patent on the table bleeding to death. Lord grant us the bandages of love and understanding to really mend the broken... and carry the feeble.
I thank God that there is only one "church" in America as openly hateful as in Westboro...
but I think we all know there are many more just as hateful on the inside. I hope that this is an example to us "Christians" to be healing instead of hating... and do what ever possible, to prevent anyone from missing out on Heaven... both now and later!