I wouldn't call it unqualified. The classic example, is you can't yell "fire" in a crowded theatre. But the Phelps crowd, so long as they remain within other laws, can say what they want. The same goes for the KKK, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and other racist hate-based groups.

Where Americans get mixed up is they think that right to free speech also means the right to whatever forum they want to express themselves in. That was the reaction when Cindy Sheehan got kicked out of the house chamber wearing a T-shirt.

The hipocrisy (at least one of many in this case) is that I believe that a few of Phelps' Daughter's children (at least one) are not legitament. During one of the Documentaries on the family, a priest stood up to her on this fact only for her to utterly ignore it , drowing her replies with fag this fag that.

I think there is plenty of ammo to use against them without resorting to questioning the legitimacy of their children. Its possible they made their "mistake" before their views went off the deep end.

That might be true from a christian perspective, but most people that aren't christians are looking at him,the catholic church scandals, and the christian hate groups and saying "oh, so thats what christianity is all about".

Not to mention the individuals who shoot doctors, blow up clinics, humiliate women for seeking medical treatment, hit children, send their kids to 'jesus camp', and on and on..

When you consider the long list of horrible acts, deeds and values, it is becoming harder to believe that these particular folks are in the minority.

I just had to Google "Jesus Camp". I'd never heard of such. That is just....strange; and a tiny bit scary.

wtf.... i never heard of that jesus camp thing... now i wish i never had.
apparently reading harry potter is a sin now.....

We had a thread going on 'Jesus Camp' a while back . Here is the link. http://joindiscussion.com/religion-p...esus-camp.html

Well, that explains where the KKK's and Operation Rescue's new crops of "army of god" troops are coming from.

I try not to get too upset about much, but when it comes to children, old people, handicapped folks and animals, my blood boils.

to be extreme christian is to show love instead of hate, to be fundamental what word (foundation mental) means is to know word, will of God and take ones cross and follow Jesus.

If bible is used as hammer to hit others it is not will of God, and person has twised picture from God if he says, God like hates America etc.
And to this church question to belong catholic or pentecostal church wont save you neither to belong in baptist church, only thing what saves you is to believe in Jesus and follow Him, He has plan for you and He loves you.

I don't think that any of us would disagree that violent-extremism is bad, at least in a highly illegal manner. I am of the opinion that non-violent extremists (like Phelps group) are also bad. Not in any legal manner(they obviously have free-speech like the rest of us) but in a manner that violates their own covenants. I was under the impression that 'Judgment is God's' or some such.
I don't mean to show disrespect, I'm merely unfamiliar with the scripture.

fundies....bad! "Throw away your medicine..god* will save you!" and such nonsense should be unacceptable! Fundies are the ones who put "under god*" in the pledge of allegiance. Fundies killed my children!!**




*I did this deliberately to piss people off
**not really

Christofascists are bad for u

Ah well...! When I first went to church and heard the Litany of what I mustn't do to be a good little squeeky-clean little Christian - I suppose I took a leaf out of what was to become Homer Simpson's book - and proceeded to sample everything that was a no-no - just to get a bit of spin on the subject, if you know what I mean ^_^ anyway, I guess I'm not that good a person from a Christian point of view since I became a Heathen (I love Vikings and them warriors in Star Trek with the odd smell) then there's my bisexual nature - damn! must I go on - from the vampiric realms of the UK! ^o^ ^o^ ^o^

Hello, compiledkernel.

In my opinion, and from Biblical evidence, I can full-heartedly say that what this "church" and its people are doing is OVERLY DISGUSTING.

I am an Independent Fundamental Baptist, and I just believe what the Bible says and try my best to live my life for God. Nonetheless, I am not perfect, but I am a sinner Saved by Grace. I am no better than anyone else, and I admit my faults. This "church", however, is full of people who are full of hatred. Jesus Himself said:

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:17

Jesus himself was not here to condemn, but to Save. There may be people in that "church" who are truly Saved, but who are misled by the supposed "leader" of this "church". Only God knows the hearts of the people there, but once they are Saved they are Saved for good--eternal life. However, they will have to give an account of all they have done in their lives unto God once they have passed from this world. In my opinion, do people from that "church" who practice these things deserve to be in Hell? Well, yes...and so do I. But for this man to say that those living in homosexuality will burn in Hell is absurd, as those practicing that lifestyle can be Saved just like murderers, liars, and anybody else. I may be wrong, as only God knows, but it is probable that a LOT of the people in that "church" are unsaved. They need to look into the mirror and see that they are not perfect, and that they are no better than anyone else. I will openly state here this thought of mine: They do not deserve to have the word Baptist in the name of their church, as what they are doing is making those who love the Lord and who follow Him the way it should be look like horrible people.

As for the protests I will say this: In the Bible, God's people did not protest. In the book of Acts, for instance, when Peter was in prison, the church did not protest outside of the jail because of his undeserved imprisonment, but rather continued in prayer and waiting for GOD to take care of what needed seeing to. Here is the verse from teh Bible:

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Acts 12:5

Not only is what this "church" doing wrong and degrading, but it is in itself against the Bible which they claim to believe and uphold. My prayers go out to any families who are victims of this absurdity.

In any case, some of you reading this post may think that I sound harsh, but what I say I say lovingly and with firmness of heart. It is a matter of time before the Lord comes back, and I just humbly await that blessed hope...

Anyhow, take care, everyone.

well, I now live in Northumberland and have been to a lot of spiritualist churches around the Guidepost/Ashington area and most of them seem to be Christian - flavoured in some way. I wonder, was religion inherently Christian in Amenti; Heaven; Valhalla; Summerlands or Happy Hunting grounds, or did spirits just get on whatever they were on Earth?


Since leaving Liverpool to live in the jewl of the crown of England -Northumberland, I've investigated a lot further than my heathen past, covering The Golden Dawn, Rosicrucians (i'm at 9th degree now), Spiritism to round out my 'spiritual education'. So many fundies still grab me and 'try' to pound their 'way' down my throat. I now listen until they've finished, trhen simply say: "I have my own Way" - without being coercedc into saying what I belive or don't believe.


There are three things my Mother taught me and they were never to argue over religion, Politics or Football - because it inevitably ends up in a fight - and I dislike intensely, pugilism in any shape or form - except as a defence for my family or Clan.


Very early in my life I was part of a Sunday School run by the Exclusive Brethren (an extremist Christian Sect) I had all the verses of the bible drummed into me - seems you have had that too - I've seen what its like on the inside - and don't like what I saw when I was fifteen as there was so much schism and hatred without foundation, I broke with that and went to my uncle (who was the black sheep of the family) and learned a different Way. I've never looked back!

Regards

Terabyte1