Crazy Christians
There is a vocal minority on both sides of the issue of theism. To some Christians it seems that all atheists have nothing better to do than complain about religion and do so mean-spiritedly. The reality is that only a few have blogs about atheism or constantly Twitter about it. The vast majority simply live decent lives and God never crosses their minds.
Christians (and other people of faith) are no different. It sucks for me that people like Fred Phelps have actually been able to make strides in “rebranding” Christianity. One crazy nutjob and his family somehow speak for all of us? Come now. Let us reason together.
Whoever you are, there will always be someone speaking louder than you in your stead unless you speak up for yourself. That is why I run a church at a bar. I want people to know the truth of God’s love and grace. I find that the bulk of my ministry is not necessarily preaching and teaching anything new but rather tearing down the bullshit that people have associated with the faith (i.e. Religion).
Christianity is not a set of rules. It is a relationship. A relationship not founded on love is destined to fail.
I cannot speak for people of other faiths, but Jesus said that you will know we are his followers by our love for one another (John 13:35). He also taught that we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (not kill them). (Matthew 5:44)
Keep that in mind before you associate someone like Fred Phelps or the murderer of Dr. Tiller with Jesus Christ. Anyone can take his name in vain — claim it for themselves. See what he had to say about it, though.
