Hey Jeff,
just thought i'd drop by to thank you for your intellegent site. You have made a clear, open minded website that mocks the "church" of god hates fags, without going out and attacking all christians for the fact they are associated with the same god this guy says he believes in.
First, a little about myself. I'm a christian. I believe in God. I also masturbate, believe in evolution, read harry potter, watch south park every day, and other such things. I still consider myself a christian though.
I believe there are some good things in the bible that people can base their lives by, unfortunetly alot of people see all the bad stuff in the bible, and decide to base their lives around it.
frankly, i think these people are naturally bad. you may disagree with me here, but I feel that Fred Phelps is not brainwashed. He is just plain bad, and he uses religion as a justifiable reason for his actions. if there was no such thing as religion, he would find something else to justify his actions. He finds bad things in the bible that justify his actions because he is bad, just like if a good person were to read the bible, he would find good things to base his life around, like "ignore those that hate you without reason" or "live and let live", and just ignore the bad stuff, or take it as a metaphor. Honestly, there's a verse in the bible that says that if a body part causes you to sin, then you should CHOP IT RIGHT OFF! Now, would you say that this would be a metaphor, to, say, if your dick tries to get you into trouble with its horny thoughts, you should think with your mind instead of your dick, or just go and chop your dick off? Seriously..
Trust me, i was once brainwashed, but even with the "fear of god" in me, i still used common sense and tried to just be a good person.
I also think that Fred Phelp's message contradicts itself. We're all going to hell and there's nothing we can do about it?
That would basically mean that Jesus just died for no reason, and we have no future. in fact, there's even a verse in the bible that goes like this:
"If there is no future for us, then our lives would more sensibly focus on having a good time while we can"
I'm sure that you, as an atheist/agnostic would certainly agree that if there is indeed no afterlife, our lives should really focus on having as much good in our lives as we possibly can, because life is short. And if Fred Phelps says that i'm going to hell anyway, that's all the more reason to enjoy our lives while we can!
Not that i believe fred phelps, mind you. Frankly i do believe in an afterlife, but i still value my own life here and now. Aaaanyway, keep up the good work with your site.
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JEFF SWENSON RESPONDS:
Yes, I do not necessarily attack all Christians, nor am I one of those atheists who thinks the root of all evil is religion. The herd mentality of religion (as well as politics) can be problematic and that may be where the "evil" exists. Religion can be used for good or bad. To me the argument has always been: Are the claims of religion true?
Generally speaking, I like Christians. This does not mean I will not satire the religion of Christianity or give it a pass like many do in the media because they're afraid of offending someone. I think we should be able to rip apart Christianity and for that matter Atheism and have an all out good time doing it. Things will get heated, harsh words will be said, but when it's all over we go out for a beer and still be friends. It's kind of like a rough game of touch football. To me an attack on Christianity should not be taken personally. I realize that's hard for many people who are devout and consider God to be their best friend to understand, but that's how I feel. I try to not take it too personally that mainstream Christianity says I'm going to hell for not believing like they do. And I try not to take it too personally when they say atheists are responsible for ruining the moral fabric of America.
Fact is, I would get along with Fred Phelps if it wasn't for the fact that he endorses all kinds of retribution against homosexuals in this world. And I've read enough to know that he's an asshole in his personal life. If Fred were simply insisting that his Bible says that God is going to punish homosexuals and atheists in the afterlife and was a nice guy in this life despite his misguided beliefs, I'd get along with him. I'd probably tease him about his beliefs and try to educate him but we could still be friends. Unfortunately I think this emailer has it right when he says there is something wrong with Fred to begin with. I think Fred uses his religion to justify his hate. Even without religion I think he would be a hater. What a waste.
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