Is this an example of spreading Jesus' love?

Question

Here are some snips taken from an article posted in today's RRS newsletter:

The Murder of Larry Hooper

"On October 18, 2004, Arthur Shelton, a self described Christian and Eagle Scout, murdered his friend and roommate, Larry Hooper, because Hooper didn't believe in God."

"The trial began with the taped phone call Arthur Shelton placed to the Taylor police department in Taylor, Michigan, October 18, 2004, at precisely 12:44 AM. Shelton sounded calm and pridefull when he told the dispatcher he had just shot "the devil himself" with a revolver and a shotgun because "he (Hooper) didn't believe in God." Shelton told the dispatcher he was "still armed and ready to shoot again in case he moves. I want to make sure he's gone." When the dispatcher asked how many times he shot the victim Shelton replied, "hopefully enough."

Throughout the 15 minute phone call Shelton often repeated, "I'm a Christian and an Eagle Scout and I wouldn't lie," and "don't worry about me, I'm fine."
cont'd

The dispatcher struggled to persuade Shelton to lay down his weapon and go outdoors with his arms raised. Shelton resisted, as he feared Hooper might not be "dead enough", but eventually complied.

Dead enough was an understatement. When the police arrived they were confronted with the grizzly scene of Hooper sitting upright on the couch with his head blown away and his brain laying on his hand. The autopsy report presented by the prosecutor was gruesome to be sure, but, for the record, Larry Hooper tested negative for all narcotics and alcohol."

The article goes on to describe the ordeal the writer (also an atheist) had to go through facing the ridiculous of the christians attending the court hearing.

My question is..... Is this the love of christ in the hearts of these christians that makes them SLAUGHTER a nonbeliever?

Believers say that without god one cannot be moral.... does this article fit with that statement?

Here is the link to the newsletter for anyone who wants to read the whole story.

http://www.rationalresponders.com/0040_rrs_newsletter_for_august_6_2007#THE%20MURDER%20OF%20LARRY%20HOOPER

This sentence should've had the word "ridicules" not ridiculous!

The article goes on to describe the ordeal the writer (also an atheist) had to go through facing the ridiculous of the christians attending the court hearing.

Strix: Are you kidding me??

Answer 1

Oh man! That is f-d up. Remind me to never go camping with an xian. Maybe Hooper was playing with him, as a joke, and making demonic noises that freaked his little fundie brain out too much. Or maybe he just fell asleep and started snoreing in an odd way. Yikes!!!!

Answer 2

This happens more than you would like to believe. I'm sure it was frequent 100+ years ago.

Even with all that behind us, December 19th, the day of sentencing, was still a horrific experience for myself, George Shiffer, Joe Milon, Lee Helms and Marty Maier. When leaving the courtroom the 'Christian' Shelton family lay in wait for us in the hallway. Their tears dried, they surrounded us shouting these comments: "The one good thing of all of this is that another Atheist is dead and the world is better off for it" and "The only good Atheist is a dead Atheist."

Answer 3

I think it would be a huge understatement to guess that Arthur Shelton is very mentally disturbed. If the guy is worried that the victim may not be "dead enough" even with his head blown away, that sure isn't rational. Whether he feels he is a Christian or not is not as relevent.

Answer 4

There are very few Christians who would go to the point of killing just because someone is an unbeliever, just like there are very few Muslims who would do the same (despite the contrary belief). Sadly though, many Christians feel no remorse for hate of those of different religions, or worse, someone who is an Atheist. I was once a slave to conservative Christianity. It took me a long time to realize that today's churches taught me more hate than love. They taught me to be xenophobic, close-minded, and full of racism and hate for different religions. It does not surprise me that someone has killed "in God's name" so to speak. Today's Christians need to return to the actual teachings of Jesus: Love, understanding, forgiveness, and care for the poor and ill.

Answer 5

to state the obvious, he is not right in the head. sure there have been many crusades and wars for religion fought in the past(and i say so acknowledging the corruptibility of man, not religion), but God is about love. Jesus' very mission on earth was to save the lost and convert the unbelievers. reading the Bible for the life of Jesus you will find that he was constantly at odds with the pharisees, etc, but instead of killing them(as he well could have done), he allowed himself to be killed by them. he even stated to the fact that Christians will be oppressed and will suffer dearly, and still he says to turn the other cheek/grin and bear it as unbelievers inevitably lead to their own destruction, in the eyes of God.

so no...what you have brought forth is clearly not spreading the love of God, for God is filled with everlasting and patient love, and is always waiting and giving second chances to all who ask.

Answer 6

How come I can't find an unbiased description of that online? I'm wary of things that appear to come from extremist websites.

Not that the murder didn't happen, just that the account seems blown out of proportion.

Answer 7

That doesn't fit with the teachings of Christ.

Answer 8

Damn Eagle Scouts...

Answer 9

Jesus teaches us to "love your enemies" and "pray for those who hate you".

Answer 10

loved him to death with a shotgun... sick sickity sick