I have pretty much enjoyed a very pleasant blogging experience until recently when I had a rude awakening. A few posts ago, a narrow-minded homophobe threw a few nasty barbs my way. I had forgotten that people like that still existed. (Well maybe not forgotten but had gotten comfortable enough that I felt cushioned from it.) And then I was visiting Thor-Space and saw his "God Hates Fags Christmas" post.
The following video was created by the Westboro Baptist Church. If you want to know more about them, you can visit them at their website, www.godhatesfags.com. And that is not a misprint folks--that is the correct name of their website. What this proves to me is that people who hate make sure that they teach their children to hate. It's like the song from the musical, South Pacific (yes, I am a gay man so I must include Rodgers and Hammerstein references whenever possible), "You must be carefully taught." Children are not born evil and hateful, they're taught. And the following video is an example of what they are learning:
I really don't mean to bring on downer topics during the holiday season but hatred knows no season, cares for no holiday. It marches on whether it's sunny or cloudy, rainy or clear. And it's out there, waiting for your children.
I'm not a very religious man but I do believe people should have the right to worship whatever they believe in, and then, I see something like this. It shows the BIG difference between religion and God. What I mean is, man can interfere with religion and really mess it up, but God is God. Nobody can interfere with that. I know there are many religious people who read my blog so what do you think? Is this what your church teaches? Is this the God you know? If you believe in God, how do you think He feels about His name being used in this manner?
"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." - George Orwell
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- Just a guy in NJ trying to put his life back together, one little puzzle piece at a time.
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57 comments:
I think this is deplorable. This is not what God teaches. These narrow minded people are why there are millions dying and going to hell. I'm so sorry that you had to see things like this. Merry Christmas.
Ugh, what is wrong with people today? Some people just plain suck.
That is terrible! Has the Human Rights Campaign seen this? I just can not believe these are children spewing such hatred!!
I am religious...Catholic, and a product of Catholic Schools. I have NEVER heard anything like that in my church. We attend a very "liberal" Catholic Church that believes in the dignity of every human being and that we are all equal and loved in God's eyes.
In fact, my sister-in-law is a lesbian in a committed relationship to a wonderful woman--they attend church with us quite often and have dined at our home with our priest.
I would not go to a church or expose my children to a belief system that teaches hate for anyone. To do so, would completely go against the teachings of Christ...to love our neighbor as ourselves. That means loving people regardless of race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
That is my soapbox rant for the day!!
Wow- these are the future criminals of America.
I just PRAY that my words and actions are heard and seen louder than anyone like this that Merrick will come across.
We have a VERY gay friendly household-a very friendly anything household is more like it- Merrick has several "fairy godmothers", a title they gave themselves and wear like a badge of honor- but I know they all secretly are waiting for me to have a girl ; )
Take it for what it is worth-the ramblings of rednecks.
PEACE & LOVE
Preston,
GOD LOVES EVERYONE-After all we are created in his image and likeness. It is a disgrace that people even call themselves "Christians" and then talk out of the sides of the mouths about others. XO, Julie
Shelley - I'm actually sorry that there are people out there teaching their children to be like this. It's very sad.
Rebecca - Yup, I agree.
Rachael - I am sure the Human Rights Campaign is fully aware of this hateful group. I am glad that there are people like you out there to help counter those people.
Erin, Nick and Merrick - yes, you are probably right about the future criminal thing. All we can hope for is that love will speak louder than hate.
Julie - I also think it is disgraceful to use religion as a shield for hatred.
Ugh, that is revolting. I couldn't bring myself to click play on the video.
That is most decidedly NOT my God. Shame on those adults for teaching children such atrocities.
Heather - It's totally revolting and certainly not the God I envision and hope for.
That's just horrifying.
It's actually difficult to fathom there are people out there who really believe that crap...That isn't any God I've ever envisioned.
Giving heterosexuals a bad name...:)
Luckily I think that these types of things...are a dying breed...slowly dying...maybe...but dying....but it is still so sad to see impressionable children being taught such things....Acceptance and approval are two different things...sad....
Ugh! I have no idea what to say. How sad:( Praise The Lord I have been blessed with a church that teaches what is truly important,to love one another. That is how I raise my children. After all we were all created in His image.
Love ya Preston,
Sandy :)
Wow. Simply wow. This is just something that you just don't want to believe is still happening in our country, in these times. I'm a Bible-believing Christian and this sickens me, as I imagine it does most people, Christian or otherwise. Preston, I think you hit the nail right on the head when you made the distinction between religion and God. Religion is created by man to explain God. Religion is NOT God. There are an awful lot of Christians of many denominations out there who consider themselves "religious", but treat their fellow human beings (uhm..GOD'S creations) worse than dirt. Do they really think that's what Jesus would do? The Man who turned over tables and made a scene in the temple? The man who associated with lepers and prostitutes (and not to belittle them or treat them badly)? My Jesus loves everyone, because we are ALL sinners. It makes me ill to see "Christians" condemning people "in the name of God". I may not agree with the homosexual lifestyle, but that doesn't mean that I don't have dear friends who embrace it. I simply don't feel it's my place to judge people when they truly are doing nothing to hurt anyone. Ugh...sorry for the soapbox, but I feel very strongly about this.
Noah's Mommy - You may think these type of people are dying out, but as long as they pass along this hatred to their children, they will never die out...
Sandy - You've got it right. The most important thing is to love one another.
Ellebee - Thanks for your support. This whole post was a soapbox for me. The sad part of this was that children were being taught to carry this hatred with them. What kind of adults do you think these children will grow up to be? That is the scariest thing of all.
Sticky - It is horrifying. I can't imagine a God who would support such behavior. (and you gave me a good laugh with "giving heterosexuals a bad name")
I just told Big Sis (alias Rainbow Brite), "Guess what? God hates fags." and she replied, "That's ok, these fags (herself and GF) don't believe in God."
We've run into this sort of thing before and usually just roll our eyes and move on. I do, however, find it deplorable that children are being, quite openly, taught to hate.
I'm still waiting for the video to load. I hate dial up.
Country Wife - Well that's one way to look at it but it's not God I'm worried about...these people, on the other hand, do worry me. (and yes, dial up is terrible for loading videos)
I'm not even clicking on the video link.
That's disgusting and not Christian. Not Jewish or anything else, either.
Ugh.
That is horrifying. I wouldn't want my children exposed to that type of thing. I think exposing a child to hatred is one of the worst things you can do to that child. That type of anger in a child is inexcusable and should be considered child abuse.
I have watched a lot of video on this family. They are a little cult commune that is just wired wrong. They grabbed my attention the first time because they are the ones who would go to the funerals of fallen soldiers and protest using signs that said things like Thank God for IEDs and Thank God for Dead Soldiers. They all follow the family patriarch who believes you can't preach the bible if you don't preach God's hate. This whole family is whacked.
I have an award for you on my blog!
http://theadams7.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-sweet-award-for-me.html
Preston, I'm sorry you were on the receiving end of a nasty comment. Jerks abound. I can't watch the video; I'm sure I can surmise what's in it. Vile stuff. That's not my God, nor my religion. There are many more of us than them. Feel the love, and the hate washes away.
Kwr221 - It is disgusting and not what I think should be Christian or any religion.
Anne - I agree with you that it is a horrible thing to expose your children to hatred of any kind. Horrible and very sad.
Dad to Two - I heard that they were the ones who tormented people at soldier's funerals. It's totally whacked.
Sandy - Thank you so much for the award!
Kathy - Thanks for your kind words and you are right. Feel the love and the hate washes away. Unfortunately, these people don't.
I'm not sure I believe in God, quite honestly, but the higher power I do believe in loves everyone. Period. This higher power, God, whatever you want to call him or her would be as disgusted as I am that people are teaching their children to hate in the name of God.
We can hope that these kids grow up and begin to question and learn and discover for themselves that tolerance and understanding is the right path. But that doesn't excuse this abominable practice among people who know better.
I'm sorry you had to come across this vile site, especially during the holidays.
JD at I Do Things
It is a cult, just like Jim Jones and Jamestown.
They should be ignored and no attention given to them.
But I do believe they should be locked up when they show up at funerals.
JD - I'm in your camp. Absolutely. What bothers me most is the inclusion of children.
Paul - I've heard that it is a cult. I agree that the best way to diffuse hate is to pay it no attention but I also agree that they should be locked up when they show up at a soldier's funeral.
Idiots. Just wait until one of them find out they have a gay child. It will happen you know. Then what will they do.
God loves you Preston and so do I.
Dear Preston, This is horrific.. where does the hate stop? It's next to the Holocaust of all things.. the hate spewing from their lips is detesting and to lay it upon innocent children that don't know.. well they will one day I hope. I've been to many churches and this is the worst I've ever seen. It's horrible and I hope they are slammed for their corrupt teaching.
I pray you will have a Merry Christmas regardless of this insanity.
Elaine
Heathersister - I fear for the child in that group who is gay. Thanks for your kind words.
Elaine - It is horrific and to pass it on to children is the most horrific part. But they will not deny me a Merry Christmas. And a Merry Christmas to you too!
Well, I'll tell ya this much...Jesus preached love more than any hippie in the 60s did, my friend. So no, I don't think God hates fags...or anyone...except those who use His name in vain. (and I do believe these "Christians" would fall under that category).
It's exactly these type of "Christians" that caused my husband and I to leave organized religion and churches and "Christian" groups. I was so tired of thinking I was fellowshipping with men and women of God, only to find that in reality I was merely talking with modern day Pharisees. So we do our own "church" at home....with each other and our kids. We teach them the TRUTH...who God tells us He is, not who other people make Him out to be.
I hope you have a VERY Merry Christmas!!!!
Tiffany - I really think you've got it right. Your kids are very lucky. I plan on a very Merry Christmas and I wish you and your family the same.
I can't believe you LINKED to such prejudicial bastards. I sometimes forget how much hate there is because I live in two big cities where people who do hate tend not to flaunt it in public.
that's just isn't called for. sad part is, at least 40% of them will keep this up as they grow older the others will either rebel or be confused.
such wonderful parents that raise these kids, huh?
Nanny Goats - Just because haters don't flaunt it in public doesn't mean they aren't out there trying to speread it around. I admit that I am not blog/internet savvy so I don't totally understand the impact of the link. I linked to it so people could see how bad the sait is. Was that wrong?
Mystery man - That is very sad that parents would subject their children to such hatred.
Hello Preston, sorry for being absent from your blog, I had my notebook fixed and was out for a week or so. Anyway, I'm back! :o)
Sorry to hear about this awful thing, thank goodness they are still outnumbered by open-minded people!
You are still fabulous! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! A big hug to you!
Babette - I am glad your notebook is fixed and you're back. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas too!
This is horrible. I am a southern Baptist, and we do not all believe that way. It is not for us to judge, and we are to love all people.
Margaret - Fortunately, there are a lot of people who don't feel that way but it's still very sad and scary.
I've heard a lot about that church and their hatred sickens me. I don't believe Jesus would ever condone such hatred. Not to mention that so many other things in the Bible have changed with the times (ex. Divorce now being acceptable, no longer condoning slavery, etc.) I don't understand why the views on homosexuality have not changed. They still cling to that old hatred and show no signs of evolving with the further enlightenment of society.
It saddens me to no end and is a large part of why I am no longer a Christian.
Anyway, I'll hop off my soapbox now. I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season. You have a great blog and I'll be back.
All the best,
Jane
Jane Doe - I've had some pretty bad experiences when it's come to religion and this group is the worst I've ever seen. I'm glad you like my blog, though, and you're welcome back any time!
This is absolutely the saddest thing I've seen in a while. I'm not a religious person, either, but the God I was taught to know loves and embraces all. We are all His children, regardless of sexual orientation, etc.
It's beyond words how ignorant and hateful these people are. They should stop hiding behind the farce that it's in the name of God.
I only know you through this blog, but I can tell that you are a wonderful person. Happy Holidays.
Thanks for visiting my blog today. This post made me sad that people are so hateful and would teach their children this awful crap. The God I believe in would not be happy about this at all. Besides all the hate there is so much judgement.
Christine - I too think it is one of the saddest things I've ever seen. You're right, they should stop hiding behind God. And thank you so very much for your kind words. I hope you have a wonderful holiday, too.
April - It was fun visiting your blog. I'm glad you stopped by but sorry you had to see the post about this awful group of people.
Hey Preston! Thanks for coming by my blog - and I love now knowing who Preston is - for when you are singled out on SITs (thanks ladies and Preston :-)
And this post. Wow! We are a Christian family. Living here in the deep south. And I always feel like I need a disclaimer. That yes I am a Christian. But not one of those Christians.
And even yesterday when we went to church, I noticed for the first time - on the front door of the curch this rainbow of hearts with a cross in the middle - and the sentiment "reconciling through Christ." That is more like it.
Kat - Currently I am the only BITS (Brother in the Sauce) over at the Secret is in the Sauce. Glad you stopped by my blog but sorry you had to see the nasty hateful people in this post. I am very glad that you are not one of those Christians. Did you catch my post about your contest?
Well I am just bawling, I have seen their hateful stuff before, but never seen so many children involved. It really makes me sick. I was so upset, I didn't realize my children were watching it.
I was raised in a religious family, but a family who didn't "hate". I was raised in a very tiny church, lots of different ministers in and out because it is so tiny. My father did suprise me last year. I guess their new minister had some things to say about "gays". My father was NOT happy. He told me that people couldn't help the way they were born. He was very fustrated with the minister. Now while I wasn't taught to hate, I still think my father back in the day probably had some not so nice veiws. It is nice to see how a 70 plus year old man can change. Made me very proud of him.
While I am religious, there are things in the bible that I do not get. I do believe in a God, but I also believe that we should treat others with the respect we desire.
I also fill so sorry that those children don't have a chance to be good people.
It's very sad that people have so much hatred and they hide behind God and use religion as a springboard for their hate. But the worst part is the involvement of children. But I have to tell you that it is very heart-warming (and reassuring) to see such loving and caring comments to this post. Have a wonderful holiday.
Yep, I saw that as well... Ofcourse being a tough New York gay guy (grin) I made sure to send over a very nasty email...
It makes my skin crawl & I get so mad, I can spit, but it's the holidays so the best thing we can do is just keep on exposing these sicko's & making people aware that it has to be stopped
happy holidays!!
Myguy Friday - Thanks for stopping by my blog. It's a nasty thing to see during the holidays but it is something we all should be aware is out there. I hope you have a great holiday yourself!
Oh, for fuck's sake. When I see shit like this I'm no longer surprised about the gay marriage bans in CA and FL, I'm surprised that any states every got rid of sodomy laws. Who are these people, where do they come from and why does homosexuality make them so crazy. Why can't people mind their own fucking business?
Your distinction between God and religion is a good one. I'm pretty sure that my god wouldn't have time for most religions.
A Free Man - It's scary but it's good to know that there are people out there who don't feel that way.
OH MY GOSH...my hands are shaking! I can't believe this kind of vile hatred coming out of the mouths of children. WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE! This just sickens me to my core. You asked what religion we are and what we think? I am a Mormon and I think this is the most disgusting display of hatred and misinformation I have ever witnessed. I feel so bad that you even had to read some of those signs. I feel bad for those kids who are taught this vicious hate filled crap by their parents. I believe that God loves us all. And this has to break his heart. I believe everyone should have the right to live their lives the way they choose...and so I guess they have the right to be this way. But I also believe that for every sick, uneducated, unenlightened human being out there...there are 100 who are loving and decent and accepting. Now I think I need to go take a shower to wash away what I just saw!
Nikkicrumpet - I'm sorry to have subjected you to such nastiness but it was just so shocking, especiallly because of the children. But it is people like you who help restore my faith in mankind. Thank you so much for your kind words.
I have to be honest hun - I didn't watch the video. Once you see or hear something, you can't un-see it or un-hear it. Knowing what it was about I chose not to watch.
GOD IS GOD - you are so right. I'm belong to the United Methodist Church and we are taught about love and forgiveness. God loves everyone, period!!!
See the ignorance for what it is. I'm sorry you were hurt!
Merry Christmas!! Be happy...it just pisses them off, lol!
Queenie Jeannie - Thank you for your kind words. You are right though, be happy cause it pisses them off. You gave me a good life this Christmas Eve. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
He has a commandment over this "Thou shall not use my name in vain". I'm not religious but I believe in God and I do believe that having a faith and trust in His Son Jesus to save us from our sins matters the most. This video is appalling , to think children are taught to foment hatred and animosity at this age.
God forgives all people who repent---no matter what or who they are. This church is about "condemnation" and that only God can condemn . They have no right to condemn others for condemnation is to be judged by God.
God taught us to love---to love unconditionally and to love even the "unloving". There is nothing in the Bible that says God hates such ---he only hates the ungodly but He is quick to forgive and forget to those who repent and ask for forgiveness.
Happy new year!
Bingkee - Thanks very much for your thoughtful comments. It's just a little scary that people are out there who are like this, spreading hatred and teaching it to their children.
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