Westboro, What Are You Doing? - June 23, 2011

We've seen them on T.V. and read about them in the papers. You know, the ones that picket at funerals and cruely shout to grieving friends and family members that their loved ones are in Hell. Yep. Westboro Baptist Church. So, here's a question to ask, a question that perhaps some have already been asking.

Does the Bible provide any basis that would give them a scriptural right to behave as they do, or does it give basis to not?

Okay, people such as the Westboro Baptist Church, and others who have perhaps a similar mindset, they like to use certain scriptures to try to justify the way they behave, such as:

⁹Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, ¹⁰Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (KJV)

There two very important things in this passage that seem to go overlooked by these people. The first point that I'd like to make, which they seem to have blinded their eyes to is, when you look through the list of things mentioned in the above scriptural passage, notice one of them, it says, is revilers. So, what does it mean to revile?

From dictionary.com:

–verb (used with object)
1. to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language; address or speak of abusively.

–verb (used without object)
2. to speak abusively.


So, right here we can see that if they'd actually consider this passage, and all of the things listed, not just pick things out here and there and point their fingers. But if they'd actually consider what this passage says, they would realize that they are actually condeming themselves, because they are just as guilty themselves as anyone else they keep pointing their fingers at, judging and condemning. But, beyond even that, there's something else that they overlook, and this is in the very next verse of this passage, verse 11.

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:11 (KJV)

Every single one of us is guilty in one form or another, and really I don't think that a single one of us could say that it's just one form or another, but there are multiple ways in which we are guilty. We all are initially in the same boat. They are in the same boat as the people they spend their time condemning. The only difference between the Christian and non-Christian (and to be perfectly honest the way people are out there behaving the way that they do, and not showing the love of Christ through themselves to others, when they're behaving that way I can't help but question where it is they really stand), is the decision that would be made in regards to Christ. Do we repent, do we follow Him and His commandments, or do we not? This is the only difference. This being the case, I really wonder what it is that gives some people the idea that they have the right to judge and condemn, and throw stones at others. Jesus Himself said,

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone... ~ John 8:7 (KJV)

Who actually can do that? None of us, because we've all been guilty. I know that I certainly would be found guilty if not for Christ. He's the only reason that my sins have been covered. It's the only way, and it's the same way for them and those they're condemning, and everyone else. If not for Christ, we'd all be in the exact same boat. So, Westboro or anyone else who is showing such anger, such hatred towards other people and enjoying it, what gives you the right? What gives you the idea that you can do this? We are not to judge. God the Father is the Judge. We have been tasked with spreading His message and demonstrating love to our neighbors and we're even told to love our enemies. Going out and picketing at funerals and making cruel comments to loved ones who are grieving, that's not showing the love of Christ.

I just wanted to put this out here because they are unfortunately showing that this is the idea that some people have of what Christians are, and in some instances, what it means to be a Christian, but this is NOT something the Bible upholds or applauds in any way. The Bible actually speaks out against it. I wanted to put this out here for anyone who might be unsure on what stance the Bible actually has on such an issue.


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