I spent many, many hours watching all the interviews and what-not of the Phelps’ on youtube. One person asked Shirley what they had to do to get into heaven, and she said “Trust Jesus Christ, turn from your sin and repent!” That doesn’t seem too far off to me. They never ever (as far as I’m aware) preach grace unless asked. Yes, that’s a huge problem. I still wouldn’t presume to know the state of their soul.

The only family member who ever left the church, Phelps’ son, said his father was a very sick(mentally), very mean man.

Believe you me–when people who are not Christians ask me about WBC, I make it very clear that their actions are not in line AT ALL with Christ’s teachings.

But… many people’s actions are not. Others’ actions are less offensive. But as far as I have been able to gather, Kathi, you are protestant and no sin is worse than another in your book, right?

So what’s the difference between Phelps and any other person that says they are a Christian but their life tells a different story?

I think it’s important not to be so presumptuous to think that we actually know the hearts or prayers of others. I certainly try never to do so. Many Christians will tackle WBC, Mormons, JW…. but you’ll notice very, very few comment on the Jewish faith. I wonder why that is? Most I know wouldn’t dare presume to know what’s in their hearts. I wonder why that doesn’t work across the board…

OK, so it’s ok to say that Phelps does not love Jesus. Why? Because he’s a bully who approaches what he sees as sin in a hateful, unbiblical, non-redemptive fashion…

One thing I like about this discussion – it’s sending me on a journey through the Bible God’s given me two words to research: “reviling” and “injustice”. I’ll be posting some Scripture later.