The Right Thing to Do

I have seen some banter recently on Facebook regarding the poor condition Fred Phelps is experiencing at the moment, and thought it needed a bit of reflection.

Granted, part of me would like to take a road trip to visit his future tombstone and express a range of vulgarities in, on, and around it. Ironically, this would provide more credence to life in the hereafter than justice here on Earth. Indeed, perhaps with even more irony, the most impactful message any person or group could offer a the moment is unconditional condolences to the family.

Let’s not forget what the Phelps are most famous for: The hate-filled protests and picketing of events and funerals with the message that god does not care for homosexuals. Some have argued that the main source of hatred comes from Fred’s own brushes with homosexuality as a younger man, and perhaps his denial as an adult. These members of the church are not monsters, but misinformed and uneducated. A number of the family have escaped and now live in the real world, only understanding in hindsight the destructive message they grew up with.

Nathan Phelps (who I met last year), Fred’s son, is now an atheist and an LGBTQ activist, for example. Indeed I love hearing when people use the expression “There is no hate greater than Christian love.” because it emphasizes the source of their abysmal ethics and moral choices. On that note, I think Atheists have to embrace the thing which many Christians have failed to: forgiveness and love.

A number of prominent members have walked away from their family knowing they would be disowned, and not because people were quick to return the hatred, but because they felt more welcome on the outside. Any attacks on Westboro Baptist Church only confirms to members that they are the victims.

I say to you, let’s start a new campaign idea: lets coordinate to atheist groups around the country and send a card to the Westboro Baptist Church, as PRO LGBTQ groups, reminding them how to love again! Please comment if you can share this post with other groups.