How do YOU feel about churches' using freedom of speech to hate?

2015-05-03T21:39:44-04:00

How do you handle the extreme use of freedom of speech that churches like Westboro Baptist Church demonstrate? Is there a line that shouldn't be crossed? Does anyone have an idea where they are coming from with the nature of the signs and protests?

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 3 at 2015 9:42 PM

2015-05-03T21:42:52-04:00

I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.
-Voltaire

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 3 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-05-03T21:44:27-04:00

I think that churches that hate aren't churches at all. religions don't preach hate. I think that all churches that engage in political activities should be taxed.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made May 3 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-05-03T21:44:34-04:00

I can't say I'm all that surprised, that's why I'm not a Religionist. Is just like to point out though, if that's the Westborough Baptist bunch, They're not really a legitimate Church and are not, in any way associated with the Baptists

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made May 3 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-05-03T21:47:48-04:00

I agree with SPC Jan Allbright. Besides, for every Westboro Baptist Church there is a Patriot Guide.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 9:49 PM

2015-05-03T21:49:22-04:00

I lived in the town where these folks lived. Their hate is not Christian. Their hate is irrational.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 10:15 PM

2015-05-03T22:15:17-04:00

It seems it is only an issue if Conservative Christians do it. It is a double-standard because I posted my freedom of speech and was basically put down for it. The truth matters...

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 3 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-05-03T22:31:19-04:00

Say what?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 10:44 PM

2015-05-03T22:44:36-04:00

I would say that they cross the line when they protest at the funerals, because no family deserves to put up with their crap when mourning their loved one that died in the line of service to his country. They have the right though to free speech just like the rest of us, no matter if we agree with them or not. I have heard of a few times when citizens in a town would banf together and make sure the family had their time to mourn in peace by running interference in some form or fashion.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 10:52 PM

2015-05-03T22:52:50-04:00

You don't need an amendment to protect something that you agree with.

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 3 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-05-03T23:08:00-04:00

Probably won't be a popular response, but... as I understand it, there is no law against hate. Inflammatory speech is protected under the 1st amendment of the Constitution. Are these groups preventing others from exercising their liberty? I may disagree vehemently with their hatred and views, but I don't want their speech censored because I don't want mine censored.

I actually appreciate it when groups of people put their hate out there for everyone to hear and see, so long as they do so without initiating force or violence on others. It makes it really easy to identify them for what they are, and to avoid them.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 11:15 PM

2015-05-03T23:15:18-04:00

These lunatics get everything they deserve. They are political and very political because they not only preach their hate but harass the public with soft-terrorism.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 4 at 2015 12:43 AM

2015-05-04T00:43:26-04:00

I consider myself a Christian, as I believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God and died for our sins. With that being said, I don't subscribe to any one particular religion. The reason for that is, too many times have I seen from different churches (I was raised Catholic but often went to church with members of my Cub Scout troop, many of whom were members of different religions) preach "If you are not a member of our church then you are not a true Christian and will burn in Hell unless you convert."

Then as you point out there are these so-called churches who preach hate. Excuse me, but doesn't the Bible say something like "Judge not, least ye be judged"? So who the f--k does that church think they are for judging other people, when the Bible clearly states not to?

So to answer your question, I do NOT support ANY religion, Christian or otherwise, who use Freedom of Speech to promote hate.

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made May 4 at 2015 1:11 AM

2015-05-04T01:11:54-04:00

I believe that freedom speech allows even asses to sound like asses. I also believe that funerals deserve a protected zone around the event. With regard to Westboro Baptist Church demonstrators, if they interfered with a funeral that I was conducting or attended for a fellow vet, I probably would be compelled to follow the practice of laying on of hands and to proceed to cast out "these demons." Lord help them if they were near water ;)

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 6:58 AM

2015-05-04T06:58:13-04:00

I think the fact that in the US, people can present such vitriolic and disgusting views, is a beautiful testament to our commitment to respecting the natural right to free speech and expression.

And one of the reasons I think free speech is such an wonderful thing, is because it allows everyone else to see how utterly stupid people like this are, and respond with rational words and some appropriate social shunning. Censorship tends to backfire, and give people like this more publicity, and common ground with those who wish to stick it to the Man.

Response by SSG Daniel Deiler made May 4 at 2015 8:01 AM

2015-05-04T08:01:11-04:00

The WBC isn't a church. They call themselves one simply for the tax breaks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 8:04 AM

2015-05-04T08:04:03-04:00

They are protected under the Constitution to spew whatever hate and ignorance they wish to. Doesn't mean I agree with it and I would prefer that they be kept a good distance away from any funeral - regardless of the person's military affiliation. I personally would like to see them labeled a hate group - but that is just me.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 4 at 2015 8:21 AM

2015-05-04T08:21:13-04:00

Although they are protected by their constitutional right of freedom of speech. We fought for them to have this right. I personally think it's despicable. These people who support this have got to be the most ignorant bunch I have ever seen. All I can do is pray that God forgives them and shows them the errors of their ways.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made May 4 at 2015 8:28 AM

2015-05-04T08:28:05-04:00

As servicemen we defend the constitution. We do not have the luxury to pick and choose which persons or groups deserve our protection. I wish hate speech was not protected, but as long as it is only talk and not action, we must tolerate it.

We, as the defenders of democracy need to manage our reactions to situations that regular people can react to. We must defend the rights of all, or we end up defending the rights of none.

Personally people and groups that spew hate and intolerance sicken me.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 9:00 AM

2015-05-04T09:00:23-04:00

Falcon punch!

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made May 4 at 2015 9:09 AM

2015-05-04T09:09:59-04:00

I will put it like this, freedom of speech does not grant freedom if consequences (the political answer). Also once your freedom invades my freedom your freedom is void. But, if people like the Westboro fall off the face of the earth, I wouldn't lose and sleep over it as well and would probably smile joyously

Response by SFC Steven Borders made May 4 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-05-04T09:15:04-04:00

What the heck! Where do these people come from? Why would you thank GOD for dead soldiers?

I think the word GOD as been misused for a long time. Many wars have been fought in the name of GOD and for what? Land, power, political gain. Is that what his name should be used for.

I like to believe that and continue to believe that our Lord/God/Allah/Yahweh/Jehovah/Baha and Waheguru or what ever you believe in. Is a Supreme Being that only shows love and kindness. Not wrath and destruction.

I follow no one particular faith. Just a man that believes that there is something higher than himself. And follows that belief that everyone should and will be treated the same. With dignity and respect. There is way to much violence in the world.

Will we ever just get along or will humanity be it own demise? Sorry, I just get tired of seeing people use "GOD" as an excuse to do things that involves evil.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 10:23 AM

2015-05-04T10:23:45-04:00

I think that LTC Bink Romanick is spot on. I know of no religion other than possibly Satan worshipers that believe in hate.
Jesus said when asked the question "What is the ultimate commandment?" that it is "To love the Lord your God with all your heart, and to love you neighbor as yourself." Everyone is your neighbor.
I don't mean to place my religious beliefs as the be all end all for all, but I don't believe that any has hate as part of their dogma.

Response by BG David Fleming III made May 4 at 2015 10:27 AM

2015-05-04T10:27:09-04:00

I define "Church" as a group of people gathered together with a common belief! It's less confusing to me using this definition. I am perfectly willing to accept their right to speak hate as long as they accept my right to carry!

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made May 4 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-05-04T10:31:32-04:00

They are a distraction from all those churches that lift up Christ and his love and power to help us overcome all our shortcomings. We need to ignore people with this kind of message and do what Gods word says:

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:2

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; -Hebrews 12:15

Stay focused on the answer JESUS and not the circus acts around us. Thanks for the question!

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made May 4 at 2015 12:10 PM

2015-05-04T12:10:59-04:00

I think they wanted attention and I think you gave it to them. That represents such a small percentage of the population that it doesn't even matter; regardless, you joined to defend freedom. That includes freedom of speech, even for those that don't matter.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 12:21 PM

2015-05-04T12:21:49-04:00

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 4 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-05-04T12:28:01-04:00

While totally disagree with what they are saying, I will defend their right to say it...maybe throat punch them too...but defend their right to say it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-05-04T12:28:13-04:00

It's just plain unchristian.

Response by LTC Mark Maitag made May 4 at 2015 9:23 PM

2015-05-04T21:23:43-04:00

Bit of a fallacious question, don't you think? It would be better phrased citing specific religious groups using hate speech since not all churches (and most likely the majority) do not engage in this behavior. To answer your question, assuming you are referring to fringe "churches", I would refer to the first amendment: Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I'm thankful for this...lets me determine who the idiots are more easily.