Westboro baptist church

The Westboro baptist church based out of Topeka, Kansas is widely known for their anti-homosexual protests. They are a relatively knew group which has started their own church and has been actively protesting since about 1991. they are also known for protesting fallen soldiers funerals which as one might assume has given made them subject to A LOT of scrutiny. Their primary belief comes from a strong interpretation of the Old testament Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13. I personally don't agree with this belief, however, isn't that uncommon for a group of religious individuals to subscribe to a specific passage in the bible and act very literally on it. For example, Jehovah witness's take very literally in informing others of god's intent and thus they are known for door knocking. I don't necessarily agree with what the Westboro Baptist church believes in, however i can sympathize with why they do have their beliefs.

I grew up a Lutheran in a very liberal set of ideals and also in uptown Minneapolis, where many might say is a pretty gay friendly environment. Neither i nor any of my family members are homosexual but i did have friends who now identify as homosexual. Looking back on it it was hard for me as a child to see anything different about these individuals, probably because of my liberal upbringing. What was most interesting to me about this group is that i actually had an encounter with them and their protest outside of my childhood church when i was about 10. They came and picketed outside with their signs just like the one above while yelling things like "your going to hell" and "Fags are evil". At first i didn't understand any of it and was more appalled by the kind of words they had on their signs. One thing i did conclude is that whoever they were they were either crazy or evil themselves. This is probably not far from a lot of peoples interpretations at first glance which is why i think there's an issue by the means they try to get their point across.

To many people the Westboro Baptist church probably just seems like a bunch of radical bigots whom try to impose their hate for another group of people by aggressively vocalizing it. Personally i think that they could be more effective by appealing to individuals in a more nonobjective manner. There is nothing wrong with believing in anything but forcefully trying to impose ones will on another never works especially in an aggressive manner. It certainly didnt grab my attention. In order for people really to understand these individuals i think people need to look at the basis of their practice and also in other religious sects and most will find that its not at all uncommon to find beliefs and practice based on specific passages.