Hello friends.
Yesterday, I had a recorded discussion with Shirley Phelps-Roper of Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas. You may be familiar with Westboro Baptist Church - their members picket at the funerals of dead United States soldiers, hold signs that say "God hates fags" and "Thank God for AIDS," and preach a distorted interpretation of God's word. Shirley Phelps-Roper is the offical spokesperson for the church. She has been on Fox's Hannity and Colmes, CNN, The Tyra Banks Show, Howard Stern, etc. If you feel so inclined, you can visit their website at http://www.godhatesfags.com/.
The conversation I had with her was moderated by University of New Haven undergraduate student Zack Rosen of 88.7 WNHU and UNH's Charger Bulletin. Zack, in his article "No Sympathy for the Devil," stated the following: "When Stephen read my prior article about the church and found out about my knowledge of them, he wanted to personally have a discussion with Shirley to clarify their religious differences. This interview will not be broadcast live, but will be played on the radio in the near future" (http://www.chargerbulletin.com/). I just want to clarify that I did not desire a discussion with Shirley Phelps - my desire was to clarify that Mrs. Phelps-Roper does not represent Christians or an accuarate reading of the Bible. I also wanted to share what Jesus actually taught about grace and mercy. The media highlights Westboro Baptist Church's extreme views because of their sensational nature, but fails to publicize the true teachings of Jesus Christ. When Zack asked me if I would be opposed to a recorded conversation with Mrs. Phelps-Roper, I initially denied his request. When asked again, after some thought and prayer, I decided to become involved - not to try and wake up Shirley Phelps, but to share with the students of the University of New Haven what Christianity is all about.
The Bible instructs Christians to "expose the fruitless deeds of darkness" (Ephesians 5:11) - that was my other reason for involvement in the project. Westboro Baptist Church teaches a cultish message of hate and condemnation. I hope my discussion with her revealed the fruitless deeds of darkness of Westboro Baptist Church to the students of the University of New Haven as well as the greater New Haven area.
In addition, Zack has started a website entitled http://www.godhatesshirleyphelps.com/. While Zack is my long-time friend and confidant, I do not have any association with the website. My discussion with her will be posted there, but the website is owned and operated by Zack. Christ entered the world and rescued us with His love. By the same token, I want us to love and pray for Shirley Phelps. I do not believe that God hates Mrs. Phelps-Roper, but God does hate how the Westboro Baptist Church twists and manipulates His truths to fit their special interests.
The tentative air date of the discussion is April 1, 2008 at 2 PM on New Haven's WNHU 88.7 FM or you can listen to the live stream at http://www.wnhu.net/. Post your comments and questions here. If anything is personal, simply email me at alivethroughgrace@gmail.com. Special thanks to Zack for the opportunity to share the Gospel. Very special thanks to Travis Young, Lauren D'Alessandro, and Rochelle Wehrfritz for their prayers and support.
God bless you all.
-S.James
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2 comments:
You did an amazing job. I would have NEVER been able to maintain my composure speaking to her. This past week you have taught me more about Grace than I have learned throughout my 21 years. We all need grace in our lives and I hope one day Shirley finds some. You are a hero in my eyes for doing what you did. God really worked through you and I am just so proud. I love you! -Laur
Lauren, your words mean so very much to me. I cannot express my appreciation for your support. It is a joy and honor to serve God - I am thankful that God has opened the eyes of your heart to see the realities of His grace. See you soon.
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