While it's certainly an interesting documentary, I can't help but feel that the reporter is biased against his subject matter. He has every reason to be, of course, but it's obvious that he's going into the family with the intent of simply arguing with them, rather than create some sort of revelation as to why they do what they do.
Okay after watching this I have to say I am truly disturbed. If these people hate America so much, hate what has happened to the morals of our society then GET OUT!!!!!!! Period. My guess is they won't because they realize that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in most other countries. I happen to live not far from Skokie and remember the outpouring of anger and disgust here when they "picketed". Pathetic.
Nate, I've just learned of your story...and I didn't even *know* anything about this specific "church" your father runs. I've been reading your site, your blog and now I've watched this documentary!
I am left so perplexed. I can see the whole nurture vs nature at play here. Like, if you put a watermelon in a square box it will take that shape.
I'm so proud of you for getting out of this destructive situation, and I understand how hard it is. No matter, how harmful your family situation may have been, you crave the family connection. It's human nature. I've struggled with this myself, and I'm finally understanding the reasons.
My heart goes out to all the young children of your family. It made me cry when (your nephew?) was hit in the head with the cup... I do believe that his parents are just as much to blame as the person who threw it.
What I don't understand, if everyone...billions of billions of people are going to hell, why would god only select a handful...70 people? Why does this family feel the need to "warn them they are going to hell" if they are already going to hell? I don't understand that logic.
I really hope some of these people realize they've been brainwashed and leave this monstrosity.
BTW...doesn't the bible say something about loving your neighbour? What about the one without any sin casting the first stone? How can one pick and choose what parts of the bible they'll follow?
Oh, and on a last note...didn't Jesus die for our sins past present and future so that believing in him is enough to get us into heaven? John 3:16
Men have used religion too long to control women and children...this is all very disturbing.
BTW, I grew up Roman Catholic. Now, I no longer no what I believe. I don't follow religion, but I'm not a bad person. If there is a heaven I cannot see someone getting there by calling people fags or picketing at funerals?
Canada is proud to have you. :)I have so many thoughts, just can't collect them quickly without writing a novel!
I've been following WBC stories for a long time, and it makes my heart sad to see such a mockery of Christianity. Jesus said for his followers to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. How a group such as this can take a simple message of hope and love and turn it into a weapon is truly depressing. I'm going to visit your blog to keep up with your story.
Hi again Nate - I'm new to your blog and am reading other posts you've made. I outed myself above as a Christian in my previous post :). Although that is the path I have chosen, I know people of many different faiths, or no faith at all. One of the beautiful things about living in a free world is that we do not have to follow any proscribed religion. Why follow something you don't believe or does not seem real? Again, I'm glad you found your way out and I wish you success on your journey toward peace. Thank you for letting me post.
Wow, wow. This group tried to come to our city to protest a soldier's death. (not sure how you protest someone's death, still) Thankfully our city heard they were coming and put a quick end to it. They didn't tell them not to come, they just made it so hard for them to come they changed their mind on the day they were supposed to leave!! They set up ordinances, rules, and regulations quickly upon hearing of the protest. They called in every officer (which was easy since most of them volunteered as soon as they heard they were coming) to protect this family during their time of loss from these horrible acts.
I don't agree with you on faith, but I do agree that I am so, so glad you came out of this nasty church doctrine and out of such a hate-filled, backwards situation, one that is laughable when they tell you their teachings vs. the book they supposedly follow.
Just watched the documentary. Wow that Louis guy had an amazing amount of patience! I realize now that it was Jael that I was talking to outside of TPAC. She was the one who seemed to sad when I asked her if she had kids. Her answer has changed a bit since the days of the documentary. She answered me with, 'not yet' as if she had hopes of being married someday.
Today, though it was not the first I'd heard of this cult, I pored over every article and watched each video I could find about them. (Know your enemy) - I have been awake for far too long now. I found most of the input both horrifying and fascinating. I read one longer piece that I believe was titled "Addicted to Hate" --- If this account of the events of your life is even remotely accurate, then I MUST commend you on the strength of your judgement to leave when you did. Best of luck to you sir in all that you choose to do. You've earned it.
Nate, found your site today. Thankful that at least some of your siblings have found their way out. Seems as though you have found your truth; I am happy for you! Watching this video, I kept thinking how painful and sad it must be for you to watch, especially the children, being brainwashed into this culture of hate. WBC picketed my favorite radio station last week. They don't really seem to believe what they are preaching. They welcomed the gay DJ into the compound before they picketed, did an interview with him during their picket and had him over for dinner on Easter Sunday. Find a link below: http://nightlifegay.blogspot.com/2010/04/does-phelps-family-and-westboro-baptist_05.html
Hello Nate I just want to say that I admire you for having the courage and strength to get out of that abusive family . I'm sorry you had to endure that hell for 18 years . No child should be treated as you and your siblings were and frankly I don't know how you survived those mattock handle beating . It makes my blood run cold to think about how terrifying and painful that had to have been. I know some of what you went through because my family was/is much like WBC although they never abused us to the extreme Fred abused you. I got out at age 17 and I never looked back. They try to contact me but I won't even say hello to them over the phone. They just want to make themselves feel better by putting me down so why give them the chance. I'm very concerned about the children in WBC . Do you know if they get beaten as you and your sibling were ? I hate they're forced to stand as human shields while WBC pickets,it says a lot about their faith in god,huh ? I'm glad you finally found your place in life and I hope the bad memories fade in time for you. Have a good night .
I feel so so so sorry for the kids in your family. It must be hard for you to think about that, too. Kids don't pick what family they get born into, and it's so sad how this is going to affect them their entire lives.
I would have to disagree with Anonymous at the very beginning of the comments. I found Louis Theroux's approach was fairly balanced. It was the WBC interviewees who could not bend an inch in their arguements. I grew up with fundamentalist Christians, and I found it impossible to argue rationally with them. Even if you feel you are presenting a logical arguement, it seems nothing can be debated because God has the final word. So if you are a thoughtful person who wants to debate important issues, it is extremely difficult to have civil discussions with people who are unwilling to listen to opposing arguements. It is frighteningly exaperating, actually. Almost as if the more frustating the debate becomes, the more the extremist enjoys it. I am only speaking from my own experience, but the WBC seems to follow this method exactly. Bravo to Nathan for standing up for those who are marginalised or abused. Love exists even without belief, and it is just as valid.
I watched this doc yesterday & I have a few questions:
1. How do they propose America & any other country that's at war, stop being at war & start living like the Lord says?
2. If they are the only ones going to heaven, why would they tell people about it? Aren't they risking God wanting more than them & then opening Heaven for more people so they might not have a chance to get in?
3. Do they do something else besides picketing? I mean any other church does charity. Do they help the community in some sort of way?
4. Are they claiming they are holy? According to all Christian religions, don't you become holy once you DIE & GET TO HEAVEN?
5. How are the girls supposed to find husbands if they can't date?
6. How is it that every time there's any talk about teenagers migling with each other they automatically start thinking of "fornication"?
7. If a married man & woman engage in anal sex, does that make them lose heaven?
8. All of those kicked out or that have left... The ones with bestfriends that desert the cult, is it ok to show emmotion because you feel bad & you miss that person?
9. Why is it that the reporter's questions were never straight up answered with simple affirmations like: Yes, No?
10. Why is it that young female girls, all of them apparently hold no thought or hope of feeling the love of a partner & of having children?
11. When your father dies (and I am sorry for saying that) are your sisters going to keep this farce/cry of attention from society?
I saw this & thought that these grown women spilling all this crap are just little girls that crave your father's approval. The only way they can kind of get it is by joining & spilling his campaign of hatred. Btw, did he ever picket anything or sent someone besides himself alway?
I feel sad for the children that while they could be playing sports, being kids & doing nice stuff they spend their time feeling hated by others & holding signs of things that should not be known to them until their teenaged years. I'm referring to those stick figures of sexual positions that the WBC carries.
17 Comments:
While it's certainly an interesting documentary, I can't help but feel that the reporter is biased against his subject matter. He has every reason to be, of course, but it's obvious that he's going into the family with the intent of simply arguing with them, rather than create some sort of revelation as to why they do what they do.
Wow... I can't believe Louis managed this one. Very interesting stuff. Thank you for posting this!
Okay after watching this I have to say I am truly disturbed. If these people hate America so much, hate what has happened to the morals of our society then GET OUT!!!!!!! Period. My guess is they won't because they realize that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in most other countries. I happen to live not far from Skokie and remember the outpouring of anger and disgust here when they "picketed". Pathetic.
Nate,
I've just learned of your story...and I didn't even *know* anything about this specific "church" your father runs. I've been reading your site, your blog and now I've watched this documentary!
I am left so perplexed. I can see the whole nurture vs nature at play here. Like, if you put a watermelon in a square box it will take that shape.
I'm so proud of you for getting out of this destructive situation, and I understand how hard it is. No matter, how harmful your family situation may have been, you crave the family connection. It's human nature. I've struggled with this myself, and I'm finally understanding the reasons.
My heart goes out to all the young children of your family. It made me cry when (your nephew?) was hit in the head with the cup... I do believe that his parents are just as much to blame as the person who threw it.
What I don't understand, if everyone...billions of billions of people are going to hell, why would god only select a handful...70 people? Why does this family feel the need to "warn them they are going to hell" if they are already going to hell? I don't understand that logic.
I really hope some of these people realize they've been brainwashed and leave this monstrosity.
BTW...doesn't the bible say something about loving your neighbour? What about the one without any sin casting the first stone? How can one pick and choose what parts of the bible they'll follow?
Oh, and on a last note...didn't Jesus die for our sins past present and future so that believing in him is enough to get us into heaven? John 3:16
Men have used religion too long to control women and children...this is all very disturbing.
BTW, I grew up Roman Catholic. Now, I no longer no what I believe. I don't follow religion, but I'm not a bad person. If there is a heaven I cannot see someone getting there by calling people fags or picketing at funerals?
Canada is proud to have you. :)I have so many thoughts, just can't collect them quickly without writing a novel!
what a horrible family, you are so lucky that you were able to get out.
I've been following WBC stories for a long time, and it makes my heart sad to see such a mockery of Christianity. Jesus said for his followers to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. How a group such as this can take a simple message of hope and love and turn it into a weapon is truly depressing. I'm going to visit your blog to keep up with your story.
Hi again Nate - I'm new to your blog and am reading other posts you've made. I outed myself above as a Christian in my previous post :). Although that is the path I have chosen, I know people of many different faiths, or no faith at all. One of the beautiful things about living in a free world is that we do not have to follow any proscribed religion. Why follow something you don't believe or does not seem real? Again, I'm glad you found your way out and I wish you success on your journey toward peace. Thank you for letting me post.
Wow, wow. This group tried to come to our city to protest a soldier's death. (not sure how you protest someone's death, still) Thankfully our city heard they were coming and put a quick end to it. They didn't tell them not to come, they just made it so hard for them to come they changed their mind on the day they were supposed to leave!! They set up ordinances, rules, and regulations quickly upon hearing of the protest. They called in every officer (which was easy since most of them volunteered as soon as they heard they were coming) to protect this family during their time of loss from these horrible acts.
I don't agree with you on faith, but I do agree that I am so, so glad you came out of this nasty church doctrine and out of such a hate-filled, backwards situation, one that is laughable when they tell you their teachings vs. the book they supposedly follow.
Just watched the documentary. Wow that Louis guy had an amazing amount of patience! I realize now that it was Jael that I was talking to outside of TPAC. She was the one who seemed to sad when I asked her if she had kids. Her answer has changed a bit since the days of the documentary. She answered me with, 'not yet' as if she had hopes of being married someday.
Today, though it was not the first I'd heard of this cult, I pored over every article and watched each video I could find about them. (Know your enemy) - I have been awake for far too long now. I found most of the input both horrifying and fascinating. I read one longer piece that I believe was titled "Addicted to Hate" --- If this account of the events of your life is even remotely accurate, then I MUST commend you on the strength of your judgement to leave when you did. Best of luck to you sir in all that you choose to do. You've earned it.
Nate, found your site today. Thankful that at least some of your siblings have found their way out. Seems as though you have found your truth; I am happy for you!
Watching this video, I kept thinking how painful and sad it must be for you to watch, especially the children, being brainwashed into this culture of hate.
WBC picketed my favorite radio station last week. They don't really seem to believe what they are preaching. They welcomed the gay DJ into the compound before they picketed, did an interview with him during their picket and had him over for dinner on Easter Sunday. Find a link below:
http://nightlifegay.blogspot.com/2010/04/does-phelps-family-and-westboro-baptist_05.html
Hello Nate
I just want to say that I admire you for having the courage and strength to get out
of that abusive family . I'm sorry you had
to endure that hell for 18 years . No child
should be treated as you and your siblings
were and frankly I don't know how you survived
those mattock handle beating . It makes my blood run cold to think about how terrifying
and painful that had to have been.
I know some of what you went through because my family was/is much like WBC although they never abused us to the extreme Fred abused you. I got out at age 17 and I never looked back. They try to contact me but I won't even
say hello to them over the phone. They just
want to make themselves feel better by putting me down so why give them the chance.
I'm very concerned about the children in WBC . Do you know if they get beaten as you and
your sibling were ? I hate they're forced to
stand as human shields while WBC pickets,it says a lot about their faith in god,huh ?
I'm glad you finally found your place in life and I hope the bad memories fade in time for you. Have a good night .
I feel so so so sorry for the kids in your family. It must be hard for you to think about that, too. Kids don't pick what family they get born into, and it's so sad how this is going to affect them their entire lives.
Why don't they move to Iran? There are no homosexuals there.
I would have to disagree with Anonymous at the very beginning of the comments.
I found Louis Theroux's approach was fairly balanced. It was the WBC interviewees who could not bend an inch in their arguements. I grew up with fundamentalist Christians, and I found it impossible to argue rationally with them. Even if you feel you are presenting a logical arguement, it seems nothing can be debated because God has the final word. So if you are a thoughtful person who wants to debate important issues, it is extremely difficult to have civil discussions with people who are unwilling to listen to opposing arguements. It is frighteningly exaperating, actually. Almost as if the more frustating the debate becomes, the more the extremist enjoys it. I am only speaking from my own experience, but the WBC seems to follow this method exactly.
Bravo to Nathan for standing up for those who are marginalised or abused. Love exists even without belief, and it is just as valid.
I watched this doc yesterday & I have a few questions:
1. How do they propose America & any other country that's at war, stop being at war & start living like the Lord says?
2. If they are the only ones going to heaven, why would they tell people about it? Aren't they risking God wanting more than them & then opening Heaven for more people so they might not have a chance to get in?
3. Do they do something else besides picketing? I mean any other church does charity. Do they help the community in some sort of way?
4. Are they claiming they are holy? According to all Christian religions, don't you become holy once you DIE & GET TO HEAVEN?
5. How are the girls supposed to find husbands if they can't date?
6. How is it that every time there's any talk about teenagers migling with each other they automatically start thinking of "fornication"?
7. If a married man & woman engage in anal sex, does that make them lose heaven?
8. All of those kicked out or that have left... The ones with bestfriends that desert the cult, is it ok to show emmotion because you feel bad & you miss that person?
9. Why is it that the reporter's questions were never straight up answered with simple affirmations like: Yes, No?
10. Why is it that young female girls, all of them apparently hold no thought or hope of feeling the love of a partner & of having children?
11. When your father dies (and I am sorry for saying that) are your sisters going to keep this farce/cry of attention from society?
I saw this & thought that these grown women spilling all this crap are just little girls that crave your father's approval. The only way they can kind of get it is by joining & spilling his campaign of hatred. Btw, did he ever picket anything or sent someone besides himself alway?
I feel sad for the children that while they could be playing sports, being kids & doing nice stuff they spend their time feeling hated by others & holding signs of things that should not be known to them until their teenaged years. I'm referring to those stick figures of sexual positions that the WBC carries.
F*** 'em
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