Ramblings of a Normal Guy: Put your money where your mouth is.

EDIT:


When I first began this, it was in hope to actually speak with these people, to many get in there heads to understand why they do this. Do they really believe this stuff? Are they just so brainwashed, real world ethics just doesn't connect? Maybe they are just over zelious and we take it the wrong way. After about two weeks of pulling teeth and fighting to get these questions answered (by both twitter and email) all I really ever got back was "we don't read drivel" and "we don't click links". 

Swell....
 
Upon request I significantly shorten a few questions I was able to pick out and reply via twitter.Yesterday they finally started talking. I will update with a new blog once all seven questions are done.

People I have spoke too, or tried to contact: @godhatesu @TaySimone91 @WBCSteve @jaelphelpsVLPhelps @WBCVide


 
That’s kind of a funny expression, don’t you think? Considering the more interesting containments we have in our society today, why would you want any of them near your mouth? You would think, even back in the 1900’s, people would be a bit more health savvy. I would expect my friend Kyle to put anything in his mouth, but then again he does see the majority of the world as consumable products. Eh, I digress…

And now I find myself an hour into writing this entry, and little to show for it. A few days ago I posted this, which pretty much explains my feelings towards this church. While I could easily go on another ramble about this self proclaimed “most hated church in America”, I feel it would set an undesired tone. Even before these people graced my city with their presence, the internet was abuzz with them. Numerous stories and blog entries told the story of the effects of their presence. You see the people of the WBC like to inform anyone who will listen (by any social media) that their word (aka God’s Law) is unquestionable and without flaw. With signs, song, people, and other means, they preach the word of God hates [insert something here] and that only they or people who think like them, shall feel the light of God.  Everyone else will feel hellfire. You can imagine how this would make people feel. So this blog isn’t for that, after all it is far too easy to do that. This blog post isn’t here to bash or insult for once, its here to ask questions about the people and faith of the WBC. I honestly want to know what is going on in their collective heads. They eagerly profess on news, blogs, and twitter about how their ways are infallible, so I like to see how true that is. This is a challenge to the people of the WBC, and I hope they will take it.

Beliefs:

1.    Most mainstream religions of the day (both Monotheistic and Polytheistic) preach some form of a loving/compasionate divine being and words of goodness and redemption. What was the reason you deviated from this, and why do you think a message of hate (as in God hates x) will be more effective? To be more specific, why do you think a “God hates x” bumper sticker, would be more effective than a “Jesus loves you” sticker?

2.    Your group bases its works around the belief expressed by its best known slogan and the address of its primary Web site, God Hates Fags, asserting that every tragedy in the world is linked to homosexuality.  What is the line of thinking (and proof there of) that one group of people are responsible for the world’s problems?

3.    As your site is down for maintenance, I could not look up what edition of the bible you use. My question is then, I am interested in what passages of the bible (New Testament please since you are Baptists) and by Christ state that homosexuality is a sin. Do these also include lines on how this is an automatic ticket to hell for themselves and everyone around them?

4.    One of the testaments of your faith is the God hates humanity and all of her people are going to hell. The WBC is quoted as saying "There are over  1 billion Catholics in the world—that's one out of every six people alive today—and every single one of them will split Hell wide open when they die—period. And there is nothing they can do about it.” If this is the case, then why in this video (Skip ahead to 2:41 to about 4:00) does Shirley Phelps use the argument “If Jesus did not die for my sins I am going to hell”. Considering the bible professes this man did indeed die for our sins (which she also says herself), why can Ms. Phelps use this as a valid argument when the rest of America can not?

Actions:
1.    Many of your signs state “God hates America”. Along with other socially questionable signs “Thank God for 9/11” and “Thank God for dead soldiers”, it is safe to assume you have a strong dislike for this country. If this is the case, why do you still live, work, shop (and there by support), follow laws of, and use the services of this nation? Other groups that have such a strong convection often seal themselves off and are self sufficient.  Why not do the same? For the purposes of this question, venturing out and preaching to the masses does not count as the same interacting as would the above. That’s preaching, and has been done even by hermits and social outcasts.
 
2.    Your protests have become the source of much talk, both face to face and over the internet. From colorful signs and strong messages, you seem to grab attention no matter where you go. I would say at least 99% of this attention is always negative judging from the numerous anti-WBC words that are present in media outlets.  Is this done on purpose (as in shock value) or are you using the deaths of fallen people merely as a tool to spread your message? Is there a human factor in what and who you protest?

3.    In this video, along with numerous other things, Ms Phelps states that “America bombed our church to stop our preaching”. Was this an exaggeration or was your church really bombed?

4.    A wise person once said “violence breeds violence and peace breeds peace”. In the same video above (6:55min-ish) it stated by MS Phelps’s (in response to a question of the acts committed against the WBC)“I thought this was the do your own thing generation, tolerance, love, where is it?” With what many would call extremists views and actions, how can you call for such peace towards yourself when your church does not do onto others as it would itself?

5.   A slightly off question (that really has little to do with beliefs or actions) but I always wondered who pays for your police protection? Also if you are firm believers in "God Hates America", why do you use them to begin with?

6.   It is no secret the world today is far from perfect. Many truths, morals and good things we held onto in the past seem to be slipping away or worse, just laughed at now. Back in my day, one thing you could always rely on was a priest. Needed someone to talk to? Cry too? Just wanted to vent or hell even watch your kid for a min. The WBC (as well as many news programs) site scandals currently plaguing the Christan churches. With this in mind, what has your leader (who is a documented child abuser) done to atone his crimes and become the voice of God?



Other:
1.    The slang term slut is defined as;  Slut or slattern is a pejorative term meaning an individual who is sexually promiscuous. The term is generally applied to women and used as an insult or offensive term of disparagement, meaning "dirty or slovenly”. With this definition in mind, it is acceptable to see why it is used often in your speeches while protesting. Considering your dim views on this subject and the people whom the term refers to, how is Ms. Shirley Phelps treated since she her self admitted to it (see this video).

2.    As avid follows of the Christ and the bible, how do you reconcile the passage “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth” with the way you conduct your affairs?
                a.    If, in response to the above question, you list a passage from the bible justifying your actions, how do you then reconcile the fact the bible is then contradictory?