Jesus loves me, this I know…
Warning: Today’s entry may very well enrage some of you. Consider yourselves warned.
Damn, I haven’t gotten to do that in a while. I missed it. 
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have
eternal life.
John 3:16
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged,
and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye
and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you
say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’
when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite,
first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see
clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
- Jesus Christ, as quoted in Matthew 7:1-5
“Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this:
‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord
your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Jesus Christ, as quoted in Matthew 12:28-31
When you judge someone, you have no time to love them.
Mother Theresa
At dawn [Jesus] appeared again in the temple courts, where
all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught
in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus,
“Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law
Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis
for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them,
“If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a
stone at her.”
Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones
first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are
they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared.
John 8:1-11
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not
love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have
the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am
nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to
the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
This is the message you heard from the beginning:
We should love one another.
1 John 3:11
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder,
and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you
that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.
Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the
Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the
fire of hell.
Jesus Christ, as quoted in Matthew 5:21-22
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate
you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If
someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone
takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone
who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it
back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Jesus Christ, as quoted in Luke 6:27-31
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence
before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his
commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe
in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another
as he commanded us.
1 John 3:21-23
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways
behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall
see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as
I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:11-13
You rock, Fred. If you ever run for President, I’ll vote for you :>
Thank you.
Perfect, Fred. Just perfect.
Perfect Fred, perfect.
Amen.
Amazing entry today. Thank you.
Imagine what could be accomplished if all this negative energy and hatred was channeled into somethimg positive.
I’m feeling a John Lennon moment coming on.
Also, I must have been the only person that didn’t know about the bombs in Madrid (which occured yesterday… 3/11) until about an hour ago. So sad.
~Aly
You said it all without saying a word. Bravo!
Oh yeah. Thanks, Fred … that was awesome.
Please don’t lump me in with these “Christians”
Not enough space or time to go into, but I will say that if these people put all that energy into studying God’s word and applying it we wouldn’t have half the problems we do. *SIGH*
I am a Christian, I am born again and I do love others, not judge them. Why do these people feel the need to need to annoy me??? =)
The funny thing is that Romans 1:32 applies to them too
Okay, I’m finished with this rant
You rock Fred.
perfect.
I’m not enraged, but I do have goosebumps. Great entry Fred.
Are those pics of protesters actually from your town? Those people are scary! Frr-EAKS!
Amen, Fred. You ROCK.
Heavy shit Fred. Real Heavy. Thanks.
This must be the goofy pastor Fred Phelps from Topeka and his gospel of hate. So don’t judge these idiot fanatics as representative of the whole.
You can find gays doing just as hateful things. You’ll see an ocassional story of some gay group vandalizing a church or performing some sexual act on premises. An example or two: http://www.abpnews.com/abpnews/story.cfm?newsId=1042
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2003/nov/03110605.html
It’s all sad.
BTW, here’s Fred Phelps website: http://www.godhatesfags.com/main/index.html
You can see where he has his hateful pickets organized by clicking “Schedules on upcoming pickets” under his “Love Crusades”.
He gets around the country and does this on a regular basis.
I am enraged, but thanks so much for so eloquently illustrating one of the most hypocritical and infuriating movements in this country. It is shameful.
Martin — three of the pictures are of Phelps’ gang. I chose them specifically because they reflect the sentiments I read on Christian message boards around the net. The Christians out there are saying some very naughty things. I figured putting up some pictures that reflect the comments needed doing.
Fred-Where do these people come from? They are unbelievable in their lack of intelligence. I cannot believe I saw a sign that said “Thank God for Sept. 11th.” As a Christian, I cannot begin to comprehend how these people can actually justify their behavior using God as their basis-just sickening.
Bravo, Fred!
The Constitution was written for all Americans, not just Christians. A civil union is a civil right. Plain and simple. It has nothing to do with the Bible.
Prejudice is one of America’s ugliest traits.
Yes, I AM enraged…that these so-called Christians are preaching hatred. I thought Christianity was about things like love & tolerance & forgiveness & do unto others…
Thanks, Fred, for the responses to their messages.
Fred, I know what you are talking about. I spend quite a bit of time on some of those religion forums. I sometimes think some people spend too much time concentrating on the sins of another and not enough time on their own sins.
You ought to see what some of them say about us Catholics.
Yeah, Martin, they really hate the Catholics out there. And yet, they love Mel Gibson’s movie.
Great entry Fred. They say a picture is worth a thousands words. Well, when the picture is coupled with a perfect caption, it’s even better.
I got a particular chuckle over the picture of the guy with the “Adam + Steve = 0 people, Adam + Eve = 6 billion people.”
6 billion people ruining this planet. I think God (the God, I know anyway)is using homosexuality as a natural form of population control.
They may be judging, but aren’t YOU preaching?
I don’t give two shits about what two consenting adults do with each other in the privacy of their own home. The existence of homosexuals who love each other hasn’t harmed MY marriage in any way. I really don’t know what my stand is on gay marriage. I do know what my stand on homophobes is, though. I wouldn’t want to believe in a god who would hate me after making me the way that I am!
Hey Fred, you do not post often enough, but when you do, it’s worth it! I’m sure I’m not the only one who is tired of religion trying to control everyone. I’m just as mad at the Christians who HATE
CONT..OOPS.( I type too fast. ) and the Muslims who feel the need to blow themselves up. I know that not everyone in these religions are hateful and evil, but I just think the world would be a better place without religion all together. Hope everyone has a nice weekend.=)
Ahhh Fred, that was perfect, I especially love 1 Corinthians, always have. Since I was just a kid and learned about homosexuality I never understood the hatred some feel. I am not gay, was raised Catholic in a rural area, so it’s not like I was exposed to a lot of mind expanding ideas, but I have had a small handful of gay friends. I just feel that what two adults do is their own business and their’s alone. Furthermore, I cannot understand why homophobes are so damn focused on the “sex” aspect of homosexuality. I don’t want to delve into the sex life of any homosexual! I’ts not my business.
Ok, I’ve rambled here, but the last thing that really pushes me over the edge is when these hateful people lump homosexuals and child sex offenders together! so wrong….
Powerful entry.
Wow, you are awesome - that was incredible - THANK YOU FRED! I’m speechless…
by the way, I’d vote for you too
FRED FOR PRESIDENT!
Very well done. It brought tears to my eyes to see such hatred expressed under the guise of being in God’s name.
It never ceases to amaze me how these people think they can call themselves Christians.
Can’t you just feel the hate?
Right on, Fred!
That homosexuality is condemned in the Old Testament only proves two things to me: 1) homosexuality has been around forever, and 2) homosexuality has been driving fundamentalists crazy forever!
Too bad the strict Leviticans don’t observe ALL the edicts of the Old Testament, such as not eating pork & shellfish, making animal sacrifices to satisfy God, and KILLING YOUR CHILDREN if they curse you. What’s with the picking and choosing???
*applauding*
As other have said, please don’t judge all christians by the actions of these hypocrites. I will express my opinion and views with love, and in the voting booth. I don’t believe in the hate these people are spreading.
Apparently the “anonymous” entry didn’t know that you are a super freak tech geek….. You will hunt them down and make them miserable!
(just kidding)
I agree with poster Teresa as far as the only thing the gay haters focus on is the sexual act itself. Maybe these people are the deviants, totally focused on S-E-X. This is not an issue that our country can control.
Get George W. out of office!
Fred for President!
amazing… gives me goosebumps.. as a Christian, it brings tears to my eyes that this is what some think is being a Christian looks like..
thank you…
I am a Christian and I am ashamed of the behavior of the people in these photo graphs. I do not condone homosexuality, but I would never hate a gay man or woman. I just do not condone their lifestyle. God is to be the judge, not us. That sign that says “god hates fag”.. God cannot hate anyone, he loves all his children, no matter what they do. Thanks Fred!
Dear Fred~
Please destroy Anonymous with your techno-weenie powers. And thank you for the entry. Now please run for office.
Thank you, Avril
Amazing, Fred. Thanks.
I saw a woman and her two young daughters on a Hollyweird Squares type show and she was in with this group. It was ridiculous the way her children (about 6 and 12) spoke to adults. Like they were almighty in some way and you knew it was the cult/freak brainwashing the mother and these other fuckers had done. I do not know how these people sleep at night and preach “”God’s love while producing so much hate.
Another good reason that I am agnostic.
What the hell. I just went from agnostic to atheist if this is what loving God is all about!
Yup. I’m on the Fred For President bandwagon, too.
Fred, this entry was awesome. The sentiments that these “Christians” are expressing are exactly the opposite of what Jesus preached. He says over and over that we should love one another — that was his message to the world.
I honestly don’t understand how these people can read the Bible, claim to be Christians, and then go and do exactly the opposite of what God has asked them to do…to love one another, care for one another, and refrain from judging.
It’s too bad that there aren’t some forums, other than this one where you could post your entry. Here you are preaching to the choir. I think there are folks out there who might really rethink their attitude if they saw this.
Now, now, let us all remember:
God hates shrimp!
http://www.godhatesshrimp.com/
(oh yeah, GO FRED!)
That, my friend, WILL preach…. and I’ll be happy to sit in your “amen” corner.
I’m just speechless. You, Mr. Man, are a credit to the human race. I had tears in my eyes - I haven’t read the bible in years, but who can doubt the meaning of those words? or those pics…
Thank you, Fred. Truely.
Words can’t express what I’m thinking right now. Lots and lots of anger and frustration.
But, total amazement at this post.
I’m beyond impressed with your ability to tell the whole ridiculous story without saying a word of your own person opinion.
Awesome. Simply awesome.
Thank you, Fred.
Those people - or one of the many groups like them - came to my town a month ago. The Rainbow Coalition staged a counter-protest. This being a conservative stronghold, we expected local support to go to the anti-gay people. But about an hour into it, some man came up and told me, “I don’t like no dykes. But I don’t like that there 9/11 sign neither.”
There are some things we all can unite on.
Very well done,Fred. I’m proud to know you(well,you know what I mean).
People can “call themselves Christians”,but actions speak louder than words. The protestors aren’t acting very Christ-like are they ??
While watching “Kelly”, Rosie O’Donnel’s partner on ABC’s 20/20 show last night,I talked to my Mom about how she and my sister make derogatory comments when anything comes up about homosexuality.
She didn’t think she has said anything critical in the past. I warned her about judging others,reminding her that she will be judged with the same measure that she judges others.
She countered that homosexuality was against God’s law. I told her that since it was GOD’S law,then it was GOD who should do the judging and it was wrong for her to do as she has in the past.
I think I may have made her think twice about the condemation she has doled out in the past.
Maybe if we challenge each bigoted comment we hear it may make someone think about the part they are taking in creating hatred against people.
“Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
I always thought the most important commandment was ‘Though shall not boil a young goat in the milk of it’s mother’ Exodus 34:26
I couldn’t figure out the ‘thank God for Sept 11′ sign. Is that person figuring that everyone killed that day in the World Trade Center tragedy was gay?
Jen,
According to the story here:
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/wdhlocal/277153713856910.shtml
Phelps (the leader of the group in the picture with the 9/11 sign) wrote: “Thank God for Sept. 11! Thank God for the shuttle tragedy! Thank God for the sniper! Thank God for the Rhode Island nightclub holocaust! They all died for fag America’s sins!”
Oh yeah, these guys also protested the memorial service for Mr. Rogers — with signs saying “Rogers in hell” — because he didn’t spout their vitriol from his “bully pulpit” all those years he had the opportunity.
Truly classy folks.
http://www.capmag.com/article.asp?ID=2783
I’m a Christian and I have no shame in being so. There are many tough issues and circumstances in life and most are best left to God to judge.
I do believe the Bible was inspired by God and I do not believe God would be happy with all these demeaning rallies and such. Why can’t we just all agree to let God judge us and stop the bashing of all groups, including the Christians. One can victimize any group in any name, but, that doesn’t mean the God is with them. Such as the torture and deaths of many in the name of God in centuries past. People who believe that these horrific events were inspired by God do not know Him. These were inspired by men and men alone using God’s name for evil.
Thanks Fred for the opportunity.
Great entry, Fred,
But on another topic, i thought that you might like to know that you got a bit of television coverage in Australia last night.
The show “media watch” had a little expose on your story that was changed and printed in Men’s Health. So there you go… five minutes of fame down under!
So simple, yet so powerful. You had me tearing up. It saddens me that so many people think ALL Christians are like that.
You did so much with pictures and a few words than other people have done with thousands of debates. Well done!
WOW…. You have truely left me speechless…. One of the best things I have ever seen, with such emotion, without personal feelings in it at all…. again, WOW
Fred Phelps LOVES to come here… Lawrence… home of the University of Kansas (KU).. which he often refers to as gay-u..
:(
it’s REALLY hard to see them out doing their thing..especially with little kids in tow
Most of the people who grew up around here, or in Topeka, are used to ignoring him… the media gives him virtually no attention anymore… that’s what he wants after all, right?
I’m very sorry that this one hateful, horrible man lives in Kansas… and gives us a bad name…
Thank you for this entry… it was wonderful!
Thank you, Fred. This entry brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you Fred. Powerful message with this entry.
Thanks for letting me in on why this person thinks the way he does. It is obvious that it is easy to hate, instead I pity this poor fool and hope that he has a really good explaination on his judgement day.
Excellent entry, Fred. And these people aren’t Christians — they’re Leviticans, and cherry-picking Leviticans at that.
Bah.
I echo the comments on not lumping all Christians into the barrel with these people.
I think one thing they are forgetting/overlooking is that as a *Christian* you are told to “hate the sin, not the sinner.”
God hates sin (that’s very clear in the Bible), but loves us all. That doesn’t give us a “pass” to sin though. And all of that applies only IF you are a follower of Jesus Christ. If you’re not a Christian, than it simply doesn’t apply.
We’re not here to judge. We don’t decide who goes to hell and who doesn’t. How ridiculous to even assume that role.
Ahh, to be just a voice among the many. I echo the amens and the thank yous. It is our job to speak up for those who have been silenced in one way or another. In an age of so-called “tolerance”, gay bashing rates have risen steadily over the past 10 years. Gay kids can’t find a role-model who is not a stereotype, and they don’t see people like them portrayed in a positive light in the media, which is where most kids look for role models. And our president is trying to tell us that gay men and women are less than human. Your post should be the search page on every computer in the world. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Fred,
(This relates to your entry—bear with me.)
I read your book. I loved your book—but there was one line, towards the end—where my stomach turned. In it you referred to your experience of buying a girdle and being perceived as a “freak” and “drag queen”, conflating those two terms. As a queer and transgendered (female-to-male) person, it bit me…because while most trans people don’t see themselves as “drag” anything, that is the perception of the larger world, it is the perception that the same shop girls would have had if a male-to-female person had walked into their store needing to buy a girdle. And while I can shrug off that most people would see that person as a freak, it bit me that you did, too, because up until that moment I felt a great sense of empathy and admiration for you. I still do, but with that little tarnish, that remembered hurt.
And now, having read this entry, which I came to through the Diarist Awards and which I have already praised on my site, before I realized who wrote it… I have to say it brought tears to my eyes. Although gay doesn’t equal trans, this entry shows a great sensitivity to people who *have* been labeled freaks. It made my heart glad. It has been one long beautiful day in Massachusetts since the gay marriage law went into effect—could it be as much as a month ago?
It’ll still be challenged. Sure. But it makes me feel better that straight people, who know the Bible as well as the nay-sayers do, are in our corner.
Ty
Thanks Fred,
mom, with a mom’s heart!!
Congrats on the Diarist Award for this entry Fred!
Well put. Thank you so much.
Thank you Fred, well said.
you rock.
this is perfect.
thank you, Mr Fred. We need to know these things,
for sacred is the truth, and the truth shall set ye free.
disclaimer: not all christians are bad. some people just take things too far. not all gays are good. some do, yes, do bad things.
take it from me, Mr Martin- yes, the world is sad. but this is somebody’s truth,and i’d like to remind you that the US constitution gives everybody the right to the pursuit of happiness and the right to justice and this is all most gays are trying to do. Find happiness. and those that try to stop them have forgotten that gays, too, have a right to justice.
sorry, wrong name, muchos apologies mr martin- i meant mr/mrs anonymous.. the one avec derogatory comments!
*eep*
have a great weekend folks!
Don’t you know God Loves all people and Jesus died to save everyone,but you have to ask him to come into your heart.When you do this the Holy Spirit will come into you and wash away all sin and give you a new life and a new point of view.God Loves you but not what you do if it is sinful.He will help you change into his likeness and you will only do what Jesus would do when he lives in you.