Funeral Protests and A New Convert
What a contrast from two news stories.
On one hand there is Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church an independent primitive Baptist Church with no formal ties to any other group. If there were ties I am sure no one would admit to it now. He has gained notoriety by demonstrating at funerals of fallen soldiers. Their key phrase is that “God Hates Gays” and “God Hates America” primarily due to the gay issue.
Then there is the other article of a Muslim who converted to Christianity and is now facing a possible death sentence in Afghanistan. I like the way Jawa Report put it.
I thought Islam teaches Jesus is cool? They are always talking up how much they respect Jesus Christ. Yeah right, they respect him so much they execute Christians!
For some these types of articles will chip away at the perception that radical Muslims and radical Christians are no different. Most of us still understand that Phelps message and methods don’t represent Conservative Christians. I certainly don’t endorse a gay lifestyle as being healthy for America. But what business is it of mine to judge those outside of the church. Many Conservative Christians see how the MSC’s have abandoned their founder and his words. What does it matter what sin sends a person to hell.
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. ???Expel the wicked man from among you.??? 1Cor. 5:12-13
Some how I think Phelps has missed a number of key verses but that is for another post. The perception could become one in America that all religious behavior is dangerous. The cry will be that whatever society wants to call ‘hate speech’ will become illegal.
I am not sure I agree on this point with Stop the ACLU. The basis of new legislation is to stop such terrible behavior. But the Patriot riders are already doing a good job. I don’t like the basis for the new legislation.
When you go to a funeral, it???s difficult enough to show up and pay your respects to someone who died for their country without getting jeered, taunted and harassed,??? said Rogers, a Republican. ???There???s a difference between free speech and hateful, harassing speech.???
Who will determine the difference between free speech and what is considered hateful, harassing speech? In Afghanistan it is hateful to speak against Muhammad or the prophets. It is harassing speech to speak about Jesus Christ and cause someone to convert from Islam. On this I find Rhymes With Right and I feel the same way. This isn’t something to Federalize.
With that being said I would like to propose a trade. We take the new Christian from Afghanistan and send them Phelps. Perhaps some time there would awaken him to gain a new perspective. Do you think anyone will take up that idea and make it happen?
