Food for angry thoughts

Dear friends,

I have been seeing the reactions to the news that the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas is planning to protest at the funeral for one of the Chardon shooting victims, and I thought that I would add some needed perspective.  First off, I think you *should* be angry.  I too was physically furious when I read the news.  Anyone in their right mind would and should feel anger in regards to the proposed actions of WBC.  If you did *not* react strongly, I would be worried.  Here are some things to think about:

The Westboro Baptist Church is not connected to or supported by any of the major Baptist denominations.  The Southern Baptist Convention has the following answer to an FAQ on their website:

20. Is Fred Phelps (the pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church and leader of those who protest under the slogan "God Hates Fags") or his church affiliated with the SBC?

We share concern over the unbiblical views and offensive tactics of Fred Phelps and his followers at Westboro (Independent) Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. Westboro does not have now, nor has ever had, any relationship with the Southern Baptist Convention. His extreme positions not only stand in contrast to the SBC, more importantly, they stand in contrast to God's Word. (http://www.sbc.net/aboutus/faqs.asp#20)

Westboro Baptist Church is an unfortunate misnomer.  Its hateful beliefs and actions are not representative of the word “Baptist” in any way and are in fact contrary to and generally condemned by both Baptists and Christians at large.  Evil is evil no matter what it calls itself.  

So in your anger, please be careful not to vilify Baptists or Christianity as a whole as a result of the actions of one church.