Heaven or Hell?

There are vast differences in what it means to be Christian as popularly portrayed in the media and as the faith is advocated by various representatives. Such difference was dramatically incarnate in the life and work of Fred Phelps, pastor of Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. Phelps died last week.

He was widely known as the leader of a particularly virulent form of anti-gay protest that led members of his church to picket military funerals, gay pride parades, and high-profile events arguing that it was their sacred duty to warn others of God’s anger for gay rights.

I have no personal bone to pick with Fred Phelps. I never met the man. But we who read the scriptures and claim to follow Jesus need to be clear about what our faith stands for in the face of the claims of a bad actor like Phelps.

Jesus requires us to seek for ways to love and not to hate. He demands that we love our enemies. He invites us to work for justice for all humanity. He wants equity in this world where no one is forced to the margins. We sometimes assume that these are self-evident and remain quiet.

The greatest danger that people like Phelps present to the world is to tarnish the name of Jesus among those who do not know Jesus, his teachings, or those who truly strive to follow him. In the face of negativity and meanness, the name of Jesus suffers.

I like to imagine Fred Phelps being welcomed into heaven and loved not only by his Lord but by all those others whom he hurt, pained, and picketed. For him, would that be heaven or hell?