Talking to a Phelps

[Hokulele]

These people frighten me. I'm very glad that most Christians believe as we do that they are a bunch of nutcases. I woudn't be suprised if they all do themselves in (a la Peoples Temple) sometime in the future.

Although I hesitate to say it, the world would be better off.

Nah, death is too kind for someone like Fred Phelps, and Hell is too cruel.

I would prefer to have him subjected to eternal public humiliation by pudwapping.

 

[saizai]

Jacob and Aesop? Surely she meant Esau- was she the one typing this, or did someone else do the transcription?

The person typing was the relay operator. I cleaned it up somewhat, but I admit I didn't know what that one was supposed to be so I left it as the RO wrote it.

Fixed, anyway.

 

[Tanstaafl]

Thank you. I'm surprised you remembered my WotM bit.

Gee, I didn't realize my failing memory was so well known in cyberspace...

 

[c4ts]

Homosexuality is a behavior voluntarily engaged in.

Because humans do not have free will.

But... how... voluntary... argh...

I can tell you that God by definition is just and righteous and everything is by definition just and righteous.

Oh, well, the complete lack of morals explains everything.

 

[arthwollipot]

Don't try to analyse. That way lies madness.

 

[saizai]

Gee, I didn't realize my failing memory was so well known in cyberspace...

That was modesty, not an insult.

 

[saizai]

FYI, Nate Phelps (son of the Fred Phelps Sr.) replied to my post on LJ (link in OP). Interesting comments.

 

[ansuzmannaz]

This god can't be, by definition, good, for his actions are malicious and evil by any sensible definition of good. The sense of the general definition of "good" is "that which is beneficial to life." Good in the moral sense is characterized by a concern for the wellbeing for other life, as well as their freedom and happiness. This god does not fit the criteria.

The only way to make this consistent is to define "good" as "whatever God says it is." This, however, runs contrary to the true concept of good as innately understood by humans.

I have to say, though, now I finally understand what makes the Phelpses tick. They want to believe that they are the only ones worth anything in the world, and the maintain the delusion by hating everyone else. This makes me doubt that any of the Phelps family are "good" people, if they accept this doctrine. At best they are moral cowards.

 

[saizai]

ansuzmannaz - Unfortunately, the definition of good in their worldview - and that of many other theists - is "whatever god says we should do".

By that definition, they try to be good people. God says preach, they preach. God says hate, they hate. God says love... they prefer the 'tough love' approach.