Twenty First Century Hate: Extremism in America
November 23, 2009 
9 Comments
Religious extremism manifests itself in many ways, some more harmless in nature than others. While the media portrays Islam as a religion comprised primarily of extremists, it is not. All religions are plagued by factions which twist religious principles to justify hate and violence, not just Islam. In fact, a Christian extremist group resides right here in the United States. Hate groups using religion as a means by which they can spread their hate are alive and well.
No one exemplifies religious bigotry more than Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church, a church unaffiliated with the American Baptist Church. Their latest protest was staged at President Obama’s daughters’ (Malia and Sasha Obama) school, Sidwell Friends, located in Washington D.C. Another press release on the Church’s website outlines its plans for a protest at the Sidwell Friends Lower School, where even younger students attend. The Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) protesters in front of the school were carrying an array of signs with slogans against abortion, gays, and Obama himself (whom they believe to be the Anti-Christ) all along Wisconsin Avenue. In response to the protesting, school officials professed their belief in the First Amendment, doing nothing to chase away the protesters.
Westboro Baptist Church, founded by Fred Phelps, has a member base comprised mostly of Phelps’ own family. Their claim to national fame was picketing with signs with inflammatory phrases such as “Thank God for 9/11” as well as protesting at funerals, most notably that of Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student murdered for being gay in 1998. Phelps even tried, unsuccessfully, to erect a monument bearing Shepard’s likeness, the epitaph reading: “MATTHEW SHEPARD, Entered Hell October 12, 1998, in Defiance of God’s Warning: ‘Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind; it is abomination.’ Leviticus 18:22.
At the heart of their Church, ironically, is hate, the very antithesis to what Christian doctrines profess. Doctrinally Calvinist, the founder of the Church believes in absolute predestination, leading some to conclude that his Church serves as a smoke-screen for a cult. As head pastor, Phelps has to believe that he is one of the few Earthly beings worthy of eternal life. To join to the Church, aspiring members must convince the congregation of their chosen status in the afterlife.
The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, and even more recently the events that transpired at Fort Hood, are all the result of America’s tolerance of homosexuality, according to the Church. One look at the Church’s website (www. godhatesfags.com) immediately reveals their ideological proclivities. Among the interesting features on the site is the “Fresh Bread From WBC Oven.” In an area in which conventional Church websites would place an inspirational word to start the day, the WBC posts press release reading things such as, “Thank God for 6 more dead troops. We are praying for 6,000 more.” Nowhere does Calvin promote such hate in his writings.
Their despicable activity at funerals prompted George W. Bush during his presidency to sign the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act, specifically targeting protests by Phelps’ Church, passed unanimously by the Senate. It mandates a picketing distance of several hundred feet and prohibits protests from occurring an hour before or after a funeral at cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration. Violations carry a penalty of up to $100,000 and up to a year of imprisonment.
Hate mongering has become the mainstay of the group, with protesters’ signs seemingly intended to evoke the worst in people. How can people in the 21st century even stand up for such hate? Although the First Amendment guarantees it the ability to do so, something should be done to arrest the WBC protests at schools with younger children such as the Sidwell Friends Lower School. Phelps and his supporters demonstrate theological abuse at its worst, adopting an ideology whose societal consequences are more far-reaching than his signs suggest. It is unfair for anyone, theist or atheist, to believe that such a gross misrepresentation as the Westboro Baptist Church is an ambassador of the Christian faith.
Westboro Baptist Church’s next notable stop? Dubai, at the opening of Burj-Dubai (the world’s tallest building) in January 2010 to target rampant “fag-enabling” that goes on in the United Arab Emirates.
Fox News interviews one of the members of the Westboro Baptist Church
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For once Sean Hannity, Alan Colmes, and Fox News have got it absolutely right. The Westboro Baptist “Church” is disgusting.
I think the WBC is a scam to get money. They seem to get all the funding for their trips across the country via lawsuits from when someone punches them, or when their lawyer can claim libel. I just can’t fathom that people could actually believe all the things they preach.
They’re picketing outside my friend’s school in Cherry Hill next week. He’s going to make a sign that says “DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS,” stick it in the ground, and walk away.
Readers: Are you in touch with extremism and extremist movements for what you believe is completely justified? Do you believe the media incorrectly portrays Islam in its totality? Is terrorism entirely relative, or is the American campaign for Democracy but a hallucinogenic fallacy?
What “extremist movements” would you suppose a sizable number of Americans would be connected to?
It really gives a bad name to any and every established religious institution. I cringe at the sight of kids holding up such signs. For people to even be this ignorant is so ridiculous.
Even worse is how hypocritical the Church is for being anti-Semitic. Non-sequitur much?
Spot on Ben: A Social life for those kids is definitely going to be a difficulty…if a possibility to begin with.
The Westboro Baptist Church is notorious for crap like this. It really is disgusting. To call themselves a “church” is even worse.
What bothers me most is that the members’ children are being dragged in. Those kids will find it nearly impossible to get a job, have friends, or do much of anything if they grow up as a WBC member.
I do enjoy watching FOX News when people like this are on. They are always are good at tearing apart representatives from hate groups, terrorist groups, etc.