Cruelty in the name of Christ

I wrote this letter two years ago, following the death of my high school classmate, Sgt. Dan Sesker. When his funeral was held in our high school gymnasium, a group of "Christians" led by Fred Phelps stood outside the building in protest, holding ugly, hateful signs with slogans such as "Thank God for dead soldiers". In anger and tears, I wrote an editorial to our college newspaper, and I still think about that day. The group is still protesting, and still breaking the hearts of military families. I can't stand it. I sometimes think about what I would do if it were my husband's funeral. Would I lash out at the group? How could I possibly show them the pain that they cause and the injustice of their protests? How could I demonstrate Christ's love to them, so that they understand the cruelty of their actions? Would I be strong enough to walk out there, to talk with them, to tell them about the beauty of my husband's life, how he provides for his family, how he serves his country, how in his death he provides life and freedom for their protests? Would it even make a difference?

MY EDITORIAL:

An open letter to Fred Phelps:

Where, O Christian, is your love?

How can you call yourself a Christian - one who follows Christ - and use the Bible to support your ferocious hatred for people? How can you read the Scriptures and pull out pieces that support your anger, yet miss the multitude of verses that proclaim the love of God for "sinners" and command love from his followers? Christ, the one you claim to follow, said that his disciples will be known by their love (John 13:35). The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31).

Jesus himself associated with "sinners," including thieves and prostitutes. He showed them love and mercy, and although he did not condone their sin, never did he scream obscenities at them or humiliate them or use derogatory names.

Jesus would not have stood on Central Campus with signs covered in slurs. He might have spoken out against sin, but he would not have done so in such a cruel way.

Jesus might have traveled from Kansas to Iowa for the funeral of my schoolmate, Sgt. Dan Sesker. But he would not have carried a banner that said "Thank God for dead soldiers."

God hates sin, yes. But his love for the sinner is so great that he sacrificed himself to heal that person and save them from future judgment.

To those who show such ugly hatred, have you forgotten this? Have you forgotten God's love for the people he created? In your hate, are you conveniently leaving out the apostle Paul's directive to let your conversation be filled with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone (Colossians 4:6)?

Do not forget that hating your brother is as good as murdering him, according to the Scriptures (1 John 3:15).

Read further and you will see that if anyone says that he loves God but hates his brother, that person is a liar (1 John 4:20). If you would call yourself a follower of Christ, remember all of his commands, not just the ones that suit your purposes.