2006-06-10 14:04:38 · 13 answers · asked by Keops 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
He lives about an hour away from my home.
I have been witness to his and his "church" and their antics in everything from protesting at funerals to being abusive to patrons going in to a theatre. The even demonstrated at the opening of a Starbucks.
For those who may not be familiar with him, Phelps is the pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. He says that such events as the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina were caused by God because of his hatred of homosexuals and America's tolerance of them.
To that end, they also protest at military funerals. Phelp's followers claim they are protected by the 1st Amendment, however, the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act (which Bush recently signed) was in direct response to Phelps' protests at military funerals.
His congregation consists of about 100 people, at least 80 of whom are related to him by blood or through marriage. His church seems to be based around a single theological point: that, in the words of their signs and the name of their website, "God hates fags."
Outside the funeral of Matthew Shephard, who had been severely beaten in a gaybashing, Phelps conducted his own sermon which was graphic in its descriptions of gay sex acts, and everyone who attended the funeral was informed that they would be going to hell.
He and his followers reportedly harass anyone involved in one of the events they picket with mailings, emailings, and telephone calls. They are also highly litigious, suing over practically anything, and since many of the congregation are lawyers, there is almost no limit to how long they can carry on a lawsuit. There was one case that lasted six years over a television set.
I think he is a cranky old crackpot who gives a bad name to vicious homophic tyrants everywhere.
I have linked a special website about his activities, but will not link to his church's website.
2006-06-10 15:05:28 · answer #1 · answered by blueowlboy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the one hand, I'd like to say that I don't think of him at all. He is a sad, pathetic little man. And has a very twisted heart and soul.
On the other hand, it is dangerous to forget him, because he is like a viper that will strike you when you least expect it. I feel sorry for him and hate him at the same time.
2006-06-12 14:08:13 · answer #2 · answered by Autumn BrighTree 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He wasted most of his life being an all around douchebag. However, at the end, he told the Equality House, a gay rights group, they were "good people". He is not evil. I have to give him that. If only he shut down his church with him, he will be a fully redeemed man.
2016-03-08 01:26:05 · answer #3 · answered by Q 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bigoted Rabidly Homophobic Asshole.
The man's like 80 or something- he needs to die and make the world a better place.
2006-06-12 04:14:36 · answer #4 · answered by mageapprentice 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A bigot who uses religion as tool of hate and prejudice.
2006-06-11 07:16:17 · answer #5 · answered by murraystate69 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes ive heard of him.GODdoes not hate .he hates our sins. that fred is crazy.
2006-06-13 07:15:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do my best to forget about his existence and hope that one day he will no longer be around.
2006-06-10 14:36:38 · answer #7 · answered by sailordelta 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He scares me. The good news is, nothing lasts forever, not even him.
2006-06-15 14:34:05 · answer #8 · answered by Just Jess 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a gay man. I think he's a sad, pathetic creature.
2006-06-10 16:31:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prefer not to think about him at all.
2006-06-10 14:10:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋