"Critics at their worse could
never criticize the way that you do."
I heard a story just recently about a Christian congregation in Kansas that goes to strangers’ funerals to express their heartfelt words toward grieving families. This congregation is headed by a man, I believe his name is Fred Phelps, who is very educated – he has a degree in Law – and who claims he is very much in touch with Christian values and with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
This inspired group of religious people made itself known back in the early 1990s when they would make their presence heard and felt at funerals of people who died from AIDS. While the families mourned the loss of their loved ones from a strange virus that doctors had no idea how to treat or even what it was, this group of devout Christians was there.
Now that modern science has helped stifle the number of AIDS deaths in the country, the congregation has recently taken to attending the funerals of dead soldiers whose lifeless bodies have only just arrived hours before from a heated war zone in a strange country. Once again, this congregation is there at the exact moment when the families of the dead soldiers who gave up their lives to serve their country are in utter grief.
The message the group sends to the grieving families is very distinct. In fact, it is so unique that the group has gotten quit a bit of publicity in the media. The messages they yell to the families are as loud and clear as the writing on the placards and signs they hold:
“God hates your tears”
“Thank God for AIDS”
“Thank God for dead soldiers”
“Fags die – God laughs”
“Thank God for IEDs”
Of course, when the story got to this part, I refused to believe it. I mean, we’re talking about Christians here, not godless barbarians or uncivilized folk. We’re talking about people who follow the teachings of a man who said messages like “Love thy neighbor as thyself” and “Whomever is free of sin, let him throw the first stone.”
The story was so ridiculous, I couldn't help but laugh. Christians saying that God laughs when someone dies and that we should thank him for explosives? Please! I'm sure the real ending just got lost as the story was transferred from person to person.
This inspired group of religious people made itself known back in the early 1990s when they would make their presence heard and felt at funerals of people who died from AIDS. While the families mourned the loss of their loved ones from a strange virus that doctors had no idea how to treat or even what it was, this group of devout Christians was there.
Now that modern science has helped stifle the number of AIDS deaths in the country, the congregation has recently taken to attending the funerals of dead soldiers whose lifeless bodies have only just arrived hours before from a heated war zone in a strange country. Once again, this congregation is there at the exact moment when the families of the dead soldiers who gave up their lives to serve their country are in utter grief.
The message the group sends to the grieving families is very distinct. In fact, it is so unique that the group has gotten quit a bit of publicity in the media. The messages they yell to the families are as loud and clear as the writing on the placards and signs they hold:
“God hates your tears”
“Thank God for AIDS”
“Thank God for dead soldiers”
“Fags die – God laughs”
“Thank God for IEDs”
Of course, when the story got to this part, I refused to believe it. I mean, we’re talking about Christians here, not godless barbarians or uncivilized folk. We’re talking about people who follow the teachings of a man who said messages like “Love thy neighbor as thyself” and “Whomever is free of sin, let him throw the first stone.”
The story was so ridiculous, I couldn't help but laugh. Christians saying that God laughs when someone dies and that we should thank him for explosives? Please! I'm sure the real ending just got lost as the story was transferred from person to person.
"Fred Phelps and his congregation consoled and offered the hope of life to the families in mourning."
I'm sure this is how the story is really supposed to end. After all, isn't this what Jesus Christ himself would have done?
posted by Raúl at Friday, February 24, 2006
3 Comments:
What a well-written commentary, my friend. It's pointed and right on target. You are absolutely right. What a sin that this is done in Christ's name! No wonder people don't call themselves Christians.
Much love, amigo.
That church, and I use the word loosely,is an abomination. Recently organizations as disparate as motorcycle clubs and veteran's groups have begun countering their tirades by standing, quietly, between them and the funerals. It seems the church members are hoping for a violent confrontation so that litigation can ensue. Ain't that just grand. Thanks for spreading the word.
Phelps' "church" is the farthest thing from a church that Jesus could have imagined. I've seen these misguided wack jobs myself in Chicago on a number of occasions. For a good laugh or a good cry, check out their website, www.godhatesfags.com.
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