Comments on: “Thank God for dead soldiers” and “God hates fags.” Picket Signs at Funerals

By: Dan Eldridge

Dan Eldridge — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:13:40 +0000

I always find it rather, ummm…interesting, when folks label all churches as being “brainwashers.” Especially, in light of how much “brainwashing” goes on every day in our public school systems, social media, the political arena, etc. I do know this: The Bible does state that “…we are not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.” I know all-too well the negative connotation that typically goes along with the word, brainwashing…and I agree with that when it comes to the likes of the Westboro church, the media, politics, and the political arena. However, there is a good bit of our society that really does need a change in the way they think of some things. It really is sad that there has been so many bad witnesses, that people have used that to then have a negative image of our Creator God. Quite frankly, I have been a bad witness at times. But, that does not negate the fact that God has a plan for every one of our lives. I encourage people to not run God, or the idea of him, through the filtering system of the westboro church, or some other “christian” that has been a bad example. Rather, get ahold of a bible and pray that God will show you his plan for your life as you read. God bless!!!

By: Really

Really — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:43:08 +0000

Jerry. West Boro Baptist Church is made up of immediate family members. Most Christian Churches are made up of family members of different families. While similar, not the same. West Boro teaches hate, not a Christian value and not the example taught by Jesus Christ. Traditional Christian Churches teach about Christs love for man, acceptance of him as our savior and how we should treat each other. Similar in the fact that they are passing along a teaching, but again not the same because the teachings are far apart and West Boros teachings are not in line with what God says in the Bible. West Boro teaches by force and misery against those that are in many cases already suffering from a tragic lose. True Christianity teaches with love and compassion and allows you to come to Christ when you really believe and not when they tell you to believe. Again not the same. I hope and pray that one day this all makes sense to you because there is more to it than you think

By: Jerry Muelver

Jerry Muelver — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:10:22 +0000

@Really – I’m not arguing that Westboro Baptists are at all representative of other Christian churches. Read my post carefully, I’m saying ALL churches, of ANY religion, fit your initial definition, “It is all made up of family members and they are all just brainwashing each generation of children that they bring up.” They all are made up of family members, and they all teach (you call it “brainwashing” because this particular teaching is not to yourliking) their children what to believe. That’s how churches work! You’re focused on the differences, and I am looking at the similarities.

By: Really

Really — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:23:34 +0000

Jerry. Common sense would keep most people away from the westboro church as well as any other that practices things that are not morally right by any standards. Calling themselves a baptist Church does not make them Christians. What they are doing is not in line with Christianity and you are lumping everyone together. This makes me feel sad for you more than anything Jerry.

By: Jerry Muelver

Jerry Muelver — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:52:31 +0000

@Really – Rationality will get me as far away from Westboro Baptist Church thinking as humanly possible. You’re going with the alternative? Good luck with that!

BTW, do you actually think Westboro is the only church that (1) has family members who (2) pass their beliefs along to their children? How would you have a church without #1 and #2?

By: Really

Really — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:49:23 +0000

@Jerry Muelver. “Yeah: rationality. Looks like we own it.” Own away buddy. We will see how far that gets ya.

By: Jerry Muelver

Jerry Muelver — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 13:32:25 +0000

@Really – “Common liberal trait”? Yeah: rationality. Looks like we own it.

By: Really

Really — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 11:43:15 +0000

@Jerry Muelver. Jerry that does not apply to all religions and churches. Only in your godless mind. Also another common liberal trait.

By: Runaway slave

Runaway slave — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 21:17:42 +0000

These people’s opinions are just as valid as the the opinions of those in favor of war on drugs.Their thinking is less violent than that of the drug warriors and their spoils.Slaughter misery and populations of caged people,that is supported?This is less offensive than cops who get paid to be toads of organized crime enforcing an illicit black market instead of protecting and serving.

By: Jerry Muelver

Jerry Muelver — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 17:39:29 +0000

@Really says, “There is a good documentary on this church. It is all made up of family members and they are all just brainwashing each generation of children that they bring up.”

That description applies to every church of every religion. That’s not enough of a distinction. You may have to differentiate more on the basis of the content of the brainwashing.