Yes, I am quite aware of the verdict handed down by the courts to Fred Phelps and Westboro Baptist Church.
As Fundamentalist and a Baptist who truly believes in the Word of God, Which is, as far I am concerned, The King James Version of the Bible. I do agree with him on his stance on Homosexuality.
HOWEVER, That is where the agreement ends between him and I.
Please allow me to give you a little bit of theological insight into what this man believes.
Fred Phelps is NOT, I repeat, NOT a mainline Baptist.
Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church are what is known in Theological terms as Hyper-Calvinists, Calvinism in short is summed up into five distinct points, known as TULIP, Which you can read about, By going Here.
The biggest thing that separates Fred Phelps from other Calvinists is this. The Doctrine of Absolute Predestination. Originally written by Jerom Zanchius, who lived between 1516-1590. His very flawed doctrine basically says that unless you are predestined into the family God, there is no way that you can come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. His doctrine is considered controversial even amongst Reformed Believers.
It is also important to know that not all Baptists embrace the either doctrine above. I, for one, do not, I am a Fundamental Baptist. I believe that Salvation is a free gift to all who desire it. I know this because of the Following Bible verses:
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 KJV)
and in a Modern Version:
The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. (2 Peter 3:9 CEV)
and....
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17 KJV)
and in a Modern Version:
The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, the true Christians) say, Come! And let him who is listening say, Come! And let everyone come who is thirsty [who is painfully conscious of his need [4]of those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, and strengthened]; and whoever [earnestly] desires to do it, let him come, take, appropriate, and drink the water of Life without cost. (Revelation 22:17 AMP)
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let each one who hears them say, "Come." Let the thirsty ones come–anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge. (Revelation 22:17 NLT)
Another Verse:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17 KJV)
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. (John 3:16-17 AMP)
That my friends is what MOST Christians Believe. I believe I can speak for most Christians in saying that Fred Phelps and his deranged group of followers, do not speak for us. Above and beyond the doctrine, you have the meanness factor, Fred Phelps is a sick,deranged, mean person, who has a very warped mind. There are countless stories of his drug abuse, his abuse of his children. I’ve known about it for years.
I am hoping that this court decision finally puts a stop to this man’s madness. Although, it seem that he is going to appeal. So, Don’t look for him to go away very soon.
If you’d like to know what the Bible really says about being Saved, Click here.
I do, however, fear that this could possibly open the floodgate of persecution against Christians, like myself, who feel that the Homosexual lifestyle is repugnant and should NOT be accepted by America as normal. However, I do not accept Fred Phelp’s extremism and his rather warped interpretation of the Bible.
There is a line, that one does not cross, when it comes to matters such as these, and Fred Phelps crossed it long ago, and has gotten away with it, for much too long. The problem is, that if you give people who hate Christianity an inch, they will take a mile. I just fear that some unintended consequences could come, as a result of this ruling. I also worry about the impact of Free Speech laws as well.
I just hope my worry is for naught.
Crossposted on My Blog