Yes, Westboro Baptist, there is a Savior

Over the centuries many groups have manipulated the message of the Bible to suit their selfish ambitions. Horrible dictators and cult leaders have used its ancient pages to cause great harm to millions. Unfortunately, many church leaders over the centuries have also used the Bible in a multitude of selfish ways. Case in point, Westboro Baptist. There are few groups on earth who disgust me as much as this particular group. My disgust comes from the very fact that they claim to be followers of the same God and the same Savior as me and yet I find no Biblical backing for their actions.

Last Sunday evening my Dad and I were discussing the horrible shooting spree in Arizona. One of us mentioned that it would not be surprising if the people from Westboro made an unwanted appearance at the victims' funerals. Guess what I happened to see on a news website the very next morning? You got it. Westboro plans to demonstrate at the funerals of the victims. Classy. Real classy.

It absolutely turns my stomach to see this hate-filled behavior from anyone, but when it comes from people who claim to share my faith it makes my blood boil. These people have absolutely no Biblical foundation to stand upon. In fact, the Bible says that God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18, 147:3) and has sent a Savior to bind up those who are brokenhearted. (Isaiah 61:1) Furthermore, the Jesus Christ I know and read about is a Man of great kindness and is one who GIVES dignity. Perhaps the zealots at Westboro should read a bit more deeply into the story of the adulterous woman. Jesus didn't stand up with hate-filled, condemning signs at the woman's stoning. Just the opposite! Displaying much grace and love, He intervened on her behalf and wisely drew attention to the fact that those men who were so ready to throw stones were not blameless. The fact of the matter is that Jesus was most harsh and critical of the sanctimonious religious leaders who were very quick to condemn and mistreat.

What I most detest about groups like Westboro is that because of their selfish and manipulative motives, these groups completely misrepresent the Gospel of Christ. These people seem to think (based upon their actions) they somehow earned God's love on their own and no one else could possibly attain what they have attained. Well, Westboro Baptist, Christ died for ALL. He died for those you target and prey upon. Christ's love and sacrifice was not contingent upon our goodness, our righteousness or our accomplishments. Nor was His sacrifice contingent upon whether we would accept His offer of salvation. We can ALL stand forgiven at the cross. "God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were STILL SINNERS, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 Yes, Westboro Baptist, there is a Savior whose forgiveness and love are not contingent upon your opinions.