With all of this talk on heresy and the casual use of the word ‘heretic,’ I wanted to post my unequivocal denouncement of Fred Phelps as a modern day heretic. Never heard of him? He’s the jack ass who started the whole “God Hates Fags” protests of gay parades and has recently begun protesting fallen soldiers’ funerals, until a recent court case slapped an $11 million verdict against the group for violating invasion of privacy laws.
Aside from the legal, constitutional issues of free speech, this man and his followers exemplifies true heresy: claiming Jesus, yet living and existing in un-love. While he may feel he BELIEVES rightly, his practice and posture is completely un-real and foreign to the reality of God. Jesus came to beckon us into a Way of Living, a Rhythm of Life, not an idea or belief.
So in reflecting on this man and others who may think or believe rightly about a range of doctrinal issues (not necessarily this one…), I am beginning to think of heresy as being about heretical LIVING, not simply heretical thinking or believing. Because if Jesus did call us into a way of living–a living defined by loving God and others– then wouldn’t true heresy be about living a rhythm of un-love?
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I’ve had a few run ins with the Phelps clan and others who protest like him. In my town we have a big slavic “christian” population who loves to protest and spit on people and be unloving.
I have long said that I dont believe them to be real Christians beacuse of the utter and complete lack of love. Still, as one who used to be on the belt way, what do you think of him being fined? I’m a big proponent of free speech, even when its repulsive. Our freedoms must be defended at all costs.
And so i dont think I’m really ok with him beind sued or being fined $11 million…
Okay I take back everything I said about the word heretic. I’ll use it for the rev fred myself.
There is a fascinating new documentary out about him. I saw it at a film festival. Student did it, so it’s only being screened. Some new facts emerge:
1. Fred Phelps was once a lawyer who was disbarred for unethical behavior.
2. He was physically abusive to his children. A few had to escape the compound by night and live secluded lives. The documentary film has interviews with them. Shocking truths about what it was like to grow up there.
3. Most of his kids are lawyers and they are VERY well protected legally. I would not be surprised if this verdict does not hold up, though I wish it would.
4. The entire church is made up of Fred, his family, and I think maybe one other family, the only ones to join the church in 50 years.