For Faith & Family | When freedoms are curtailed: Verbal terrorism | Comments

Comment 1

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:46:16 CST

It is a sad day when someone like Fred Phelps spews his hatred for men and women who have died for the freedom he enjoys. It is even worse when he claims to be a Christian. How sad it is that it took a lawsuit to stop his vile words.

Thank you Dr. Land for addressing Faulty Fred’s Failed Faith.

Comment 2

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:12:07 CST

Thank you Dr. Land for some very sharp and pointed words about these people. Calling these actions of the Westboro church verbal terrorism is a perfect description of their actions. The media likes to parade them as “Christians” and allowing them to add fuel to fire of anti-Christian biases that main stream media all ready has. As people of faith, we must be ready to denounce teachings or messages that taken biblical truths and twisted them into something they are not.

When my son-in-law was killed in Iraq in Jan 2003. These people had not been organized enough to protest at his funeral. But had they shown up with the terrorist activities, I believe that 4 generations of veterans would have had something very different so say to them.

I help support a group call the Patriot Guard. Their mission is to show respect and gratitude to our fallen warriors and their families but also to provide a soild line of flags between a greiving family and these protesters.

Comment 3

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:47:29 CST

I can appreciate Dr. Land’s sentiment, but I would even be more enthusiastic if Dr. Land reflected some on the Bible-based anti-gayness that Phelps shares with the leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention. I aplaud the growing moderation in this leadership, but there is still much room to grow until a full embrace of Baptist gays.

Comment 4

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:48:15 CST

I thank you for having the courage to step up and call this colt out for who they are. Myself, my husband, and two very young sons live in Topeka, KS and have to watch this excuse for a man and his followers day in and day out. It’s a sad day when a 4 year old looks at dad and asks “ daddy what does that sign mean?”. He not only pickets funerals of our fallen heros but many churches in the Topeka area as well. While I pray that the supreme court upholds the ruling, the Phelps family is comprised of lawers and are very good at getting out of trouble.

Comment 5

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:49:07 CST

I just want to say “Amen” to the previous comments. I have a son who is serving in Germany (had been in Korea for a year) and will undoubtedly have to go to the Middle East. It is because of the Truth, I can stand on the promises of God and know that my son is never alone wherever he is stationed. God is faithful.

Thank you, Jay. You and the other Patriot Riders “serve” our military families. I want you to know your son-in-law did not die in vain! And thank you to Dr. Land and so many others who pray for our military. Like Terry B. said, those brave men & women die for the rights of fanatics like Fred Phelps to speak his “verbal terrorism”. God is not mocked--what Fred Phelps sows, he will someday reap. Thank you for allowing me to express my feelings. My son is my gift to freedom. God Bless him and so many others who serve our country.

Comment 6

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:39:18 CST

They might have a point that the Iraq war is the start of God’s judgement on our country. I would never encourage my children to go into the military right now. We are a very sinful nation and it is getting worst. Homosexuality like it or not is winning its way into acceptance in America. Look at the abortions and even what is on television. I agree with you that picketing funerals is wrong but the message is right. I believe we will be forced to go back to our anabaptist roots soon, where we have strict separation from the state. Our main objective should be winning people to Christ. If we win enough to Christ we sill change society but we won’t change sinful America by getting into politics. I believe that if I was a young person I couldn’t fight for this sinful country. I know my time and money should go into evangelism. R. Graham

Comment 7

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 22:16:03 CST

It is true that homosexuality is a grievous sin and that it will be a sure and terrible judgement from God on our country if we do not repent as a nation for the way our culture laughs and winks at all sexual perversion. But there can be no justification for Phelps and those like him to spew their hate on grieving families.

The media lives for opportunities to portray anything having to do with “Christian Conservative” values in a bad light. Even though there is nothing “Christian” about the way this group has acted, this just gives the media that much more fuel for their fire. Fred Phelps and his followers have disgraced the name of God and all Christians everywhere.

God forgive them. Whatever penalty Phelps must pay on earth for these acts would be little compared to what God will have to say about those who abuse his name in such a way as this.I hope this man and his followers repent before it is too late.