The Problem with Westboro Baptist Church: An Analysis of Their Deplorable Tactics

Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) has long been a source of controversy and widespread criticism due to their extreme and intolerant beliefs. This article explores why they are considered an evil and hate-filled organization, and argues why they should be disregarded as a legitimate Christian group.

Arguments Against the Westboro Baptist Church

First and foremost, WBC is often described as an 'evil' and 'hate-filled' organization. This characterization stems from their relentless campaign of verbal and physical attacks against various groups, including LGBT individuals, Catholics, atheists, and people of other faiths. Their actions are so out of line with traditional Christian practices and teachings that it is reasonable to question their very title as a 'Baptist' or 'Christian' institution.

Ignoring Good Judgement

Judging WBC is indeed justified, as their beliefs and actions clearly indicate their true nature. Jesus, according to Christian doctrine, taught that we can assess an individual or organization by their fruits. As such, WBC's teachings and actions—such as their inflammatory protests and inflammatory rhetoric—clearly demonstrate their departure from the principles of love, forgiveness, and kindness. Instead, they seem to have focused heavily on the passages that emphasize judgment and condemnation, while neglecting those that stress the importance of love and compassion.

Campus of Deception

WBC is often compared to an 'average evangelical congregation,' albeit with more extreme and intolerant views. While many evangelical groups focus on spreading their message and engaging in social change through love and charity, WBC has chosen a path of hatred and divisiveness. Their protests and provocative statements are designed to shock, anger, and alienate, rather than to foster unity and understanding.

The Heart of the Problem

The core issue with WBC is their rule by hate. The Bible, particularly in the New Testament, emphasizes the importance of loving others and treating them kindly. However, WBC appears to have taken the passages that focus on judgment and condemnation and elevated them to a paramount status, while disregarding the Bible's many passages that urge Christians to love and forgive. This selective interpretation is a form of 'cherry-picking' and leads to a deeply flawed and harmful approach to faith.

Proclaimed Hatred

WBC's hatred is not indiscriminate but highly targeted. They focus their attacks on specific groups, including the LGBT community, Catholics, atheists, Orthodox Christians, Muslims, Jews, U.S. soldiers, and many politicians. Their behavior is particularly disturbing when they attend funerals, including those of victims of the Sandy Hook massacre, to ridicule the deceased. Their actions have not only hurt individuals but also contributed to a toxic and divisive climate that can be harmful to society as a whole.

A Christian Reactions

Many devout Christians, including myself, find the actions and beliefs of WBC deeply troubling. Romans 12:21 serves as a reminder to not return evil for evil, and to seek to do good even to those who have harmed us. It is distressing to see a group that purports to follow Jesus and the teachings of love and compassion behaving in such a manner. The question is not whether to pay attention to WBC, but rather to understand why they continue to do so much harm and how we can work towards a more loving and accepting society.

Further Reading

If you wish to learn more about the nature and actions of Westboro Baptist Church, and their deviation from Christian principles, I recommend visiting resources such as What is Westboro Baptist Church for more information.

It is important to understand that too much attention to such groups can inadvertently strengthen their beliefs and actions. By ignoring them and not giving in to their tactics, we can work towards a more harmonious and loving world.