Fun With Fred Phelps
Anyone interested in finding out more about Fred Phelps, the "God Hates Fags" reverend from America's heartland, can easily find way too much of him on the internet. His Wikipedia entry contains pretty much everything you'd ever want to know about his somewhat shady past and his twisted theology. It's immensely entertaining. A search for his name in YouTube will provide a plethora of interviews, not only with Fred himself, but with the members of his modest congregation, all of whom seem to be related to him. One of the first videos that comes up is an interview between a female follwer and Sean Hannity, which immediately spirals into complete hysteria. I never thought I'd see the day that I'd be rooting for Sean in a "debate"! There are also a lot of homemade parodies that people have submitted about Mr. Phelps, who, upon hearing of Jerry Falwell's death, threatened to picket his funeral because he considered Jerry a "fag-enabler" who was "soft on gays" (?!).
Generally, most gay people find Fred's hate speech to be the rantings of a publicity-hungry lunatic who is too goofy to be taken seriously and obviously has serious doubts about his own sexuality. But what really got Fred into hot water was when he and his family-cum-congregation decided to picket the funeral services of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, claiming that their untimely deaths were a curse from God because America fell in love with Will & Grace, Brokeback Mountain, and Ellen DeGenerous. Suddenly soccer moms and construction workers were unified with leather daddies and drag queens in their utter disbelief at what this gentleman would do in order to secure his 15 minutes of fame.
Fortunately, Fred's opinions are too radical for most mainstream Evangelicals, who instead of wasting all that time hating gay poeople would rather ignore them and hope they'll stay on their side of town. The problem for them is that the gay side of town is a myth. The gay people they know sit in the cubicle next to theirs at work, ring up their groceries, sit next to them in church, and join them at the pub on Thursday nights (okay, so they probably also cut their hair and coordinate their weddings). The time is right for Christ-followers who are secure in their own faith and their own sexuality to show God's love to this segment of their society, because too often, by their silence, they have reinforced good ol' Fred's sentiments.
~Kevin
3 comments:
"Christ-followers" I like that Kevin. It seems as though nowadays, "Christian," has become a term of derision. I just wonder how long it will take before this term becomes negative? Probably not too long if Christ-followers opt to be as hateful toward gay people as the forerunning Christians.
Shakespeare, in Romeo and Juliet, wrote:
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other would smell so sweet . . . "
In the case of using the two terms above, perhaps if attitudes don't change within the church, it could be stated:
"What's in a name? That which we call a Christian by any other would be so hateful . . . "
Thanks for your comments, Longbottom. After attending Portland Fellowship for the past six months, I can now say that I identify myself as a Christ-follower first and as a post-gay man after that. The philosophy of Portland Fellowship is that the opposite of homosexuality is not heterosexuality; the opposite of homosexuality is holiness. You have no idea the relief I felt when I first heard that statement. I considered heterosexuality to be something hopelessly out of reach, and not even particularly attractive to me. Holiness often seems out of reach as well, but it is something I can say I aspire to and long for. So it was a revelation to me to not have to worry about "turning straight".
I have been extremely blessed to be surrounded by caring and spiritually mature friends who give me an incredible amount of support. But a lot of my friends at Portland Fellowship haven't been as fortunate and have been terribly wounded by "Christians" in so many ways. If I sounded a little militant in my post, it's just because I wish my friends at PF could experience the love of Christ through other people as much as I have.
Last Thursday the question of spiritual warfare came up. Spiritual warfare appears in many ways. In response to Mr. Phelps, his followers and all who twist the word to their personal agenda we can all take a hand in countering their influence. If we don’t stop him and his kind who will? Substitute Phelps name, or anyone you choose, where I appears in the following:
Warfare Prayer
Heavenly Father, King of the Universe, in the Name of Jesus, I ask you to search out and expose all my enemies and the tactics they employ against me. Open my eyes that I may see and understand the battle. Give me wisdom and understanding that I may lean on Your ways and not my own. Reveal any root of bitterness, unforgiveness or iniquity that I may repent before you and take back any legal right given to the enemy. Bind the enemy that is round me and loose every stronghold that has been established in my life. In the Name of Jesus and through His authority I say to my enemies, “the Lord rebuke you for He is my defender and the lifter of my soul. I take my stand against you, your temptations, deceptions and snares in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Father, Creator of all things, let me not take my stand alone, but fill me with Your Spirit, empower me to stand against the enemy and cover me with the blood of Jesus. Release Your mighty angles to defend. I trust in You, Lord God, my provider, and I will not be disappointed, for You are a shield about me. Amen.
Kevin, I want to thank you for your strength and candor. Your example of faith and courage is exemplary.
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