Are you as happy about this as I am? (Westboro Baptist Church)?

Question

From

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/law/10/31/funeral.protests.ap/index.html

The Westboro Baptist Church has been ordered to pay almost $11 million in damages for a hate-filled demonstration at a soldier's funeral.

Does this make you as happy as it makes me? Finally, some justice -- and proof that actions have consequences for some people who desperately needed it.

Answer 1

I suppose this shouldn't shock me. It really, really shouldn't. But apparently, I have this bubble of faith in humanity that desperately strives to keep intact despite all odds.

I generally see Christians, as a whole, as a misguided, overzealous lot who are otherwise good and respectful. They're taught, in their own Bible, to be nice, respectful (love thy neighbor as thyself) etc etc.

But this... this is an abhorent disrespect to A. Homosexuals (which I understand in this case) B. The willingness to die for freedom of our soldiers, and the death of this one (which I find abhorent), and C Christianity itself (which I find, frankly, shocking).

I generally dislike fundamentalists/conservatives, since I think the only thing we agree on is our bodies need oxygen. But... the attitude (which I normally dislike) of fundamentalists/conservatives is to listen to the Bible and believe it word for word.

It absolutely Stuns me that in their obsession with the few passing comments in the Bible regarding homosexuality, they've forgotten Jesus's teachings, and one (or more) of the ten commandments. Ignoring and fully disobeying the words of their God, the example of their God, and the commandments written in stone, to instead listen to passing comments about homosexuality. Jesus was friends with the siinners! The blatant hypocracy is far beyond what I thought they'd do... but again, I suppose I foolishly believe that Christians, and humanity in general, is generally good.

Yes, I'm glad that that poor family got some compensation. It's bad enough to lose someone in the war... but that... that was wretched!

Answer 2

I AM glad that the family was awarded justice for their "invasion of their relative's funeral". What I don't understand is HOW a church, ANY chruch, can espouse that sort of hatred against ANYONE, for ANY reason. I would condemn it if it were a Muslim, Jewish, or even a Wiccan group just as much as I condemn it because it was a Christian church. Hate is Hate and should NOT be encouragfed for ANY purpose. Westboro Baptist Church MUST lose it's tax-exempt status for it violates ALL sense of seperation of Chruch and State and eve goes about advocating the flaunting of U.S. laws.

It and its members are no more Christian than I am, and I have NEVER claimed to be a Christian.

BB,
Raji the Green Witch

Answer 3

This is the first I have ever heard of anything like this. I don't read the news or watch the TV much. How many other times have "Christians" demonstrated outside of people's funerals? I was very disappointed to read that there are Christian groups doing this. It is sad that they would do something like that during someone's saddest time in their life. I was shocked. I don't understand how they didn't realize how wrong it was what they were doing. How many other Christian churches are doing this? Are there others? This is not a good representative of how a Christian should be.

Answer 4

I guess I'm happy.

But the things they represent are still out there.

Personally, I kind of hope to be protested at my funeral by the Westboro Baptist Church. I would be honored to be included among the others they have protested. Not that I have done the things that Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder has done for this country, but someday...

Answer 5

Yes yes yes yes! While I believe they absolutely have the right to preach their dispicable message, I'm glad some lines are being drawn as to where it can be done. I wouldn't think you'd be able to run a marching band through a funeral, so I don't think you should be able shout insults at the dead in any sort of organized fashion.

Funerals should not be political statements, unless perhaps its clearly in line with the wishes of the deseased.

It's not illegal (you can't go to jail for it) but that doesn't mean there shouldn't be repercussions.

Answer 6

Oh man do those lovelies make real Christians look bad. I have to confess, they get me angry to a point that I should not get. I will never forget when they came to my town and demonstrated in front of a local high school. Such hate filled and controlled people I have never seen.

Please, please don't think they are representative of the teachings of Christ and true Christianity.

The only problem is that now they will feel like martyrs...

Answer 7

I didnt think they had a case just listening the little I did because of free speech protections, but I am sooo glad there were provisions in the law to stop such hateful demonstrations at a persons funeral. Their complete lack of respect and decency for this family was appaling.

Answer 8

That is really good news. Funerals are not public as they claim. Family members can order anyone away they don't want there.Funerals are private family affairs.
BB

Edit:
Things like this are evidence that Karma and the Rule of Three are true.Karma in and of itself is not bad or good but actions of individuals and organizations can cause it to be either good or bad.

Answer 9

I agree with the damages and believe there is Christian ways of doing things with Love and respect and not interfering in funeral services. But this can only be in America I guess where anyone can sue for big dollars

Answer 10

The WBC promotes the idea that rampant homosexuality in our culture is the reason that were are involved in so many wars and skirmishes around the world. Their misguided protests at the funerals of our fallen service personnel reveal their legalistic style, and their lack of compassion and empathy to the families of those whose lives have been put into service to protect our freedoms, and to spread freedom to others.