The University strives to promote diversity while diversity is often exhibited on the campus, it can bring out the worst in humanity. Pastor Fred Phelps has chosen to target our university in his campaign against homosexuality. While the Bible does condemn homosexual practices, the shear hatred of Phelps is in no way in step with the Christian community on campus. While the Christian community may find the actions committed by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community reprehensible and immoral, the methodology and message of vindictive hate in no way resonates with the Christian community. The dogma of Christianity is not about hate nor about inciting violence or turmoil (as has been alleged of the Phelps). While the actions of the Westboro Baptist Church are undertaken under the guise of "Love Crusades," they appear to be little more than the ravings of an extreme minority fringe who have forgotten the true ideals of Christianity.

As despicable as the actions of the Westboro Baptist Church are, their infantile attempt to justify them through misquoting of the Bible only further labels them as hatemongers and self-righteous hypocrites. The Bible clearly and emphatically demonstrates that when dealing with those whose actions are abominable to God, kindness is the methodology to be employed. Jesus himself "eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners" (Mark 2:16 of the King James Bible). Further the Westboro Baptist Church claims that the sins of homosexuals are greater than others this of course would have to overlook the fact that "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10 of the King James Bible). In claiming that there is a "Bible basis for recognizing that homosexuality is a particularly heinous sin," Phelps ignores a basic tenet of the Christian faith. Further, Phelps claims to know the mind of God. "By the time a person reaches the state of hard core, defiant, unrepentant, homosexual lifestyle, God has washed His hands of that person." Of course God washed His hands of the Apostle Paul who blasphemed the church, and presided over murder. The love of God is sufficient for all.

As a Christian and, I believe, a speaker on behalf of all Christians on this campus I condemn the actions of the hatemongers who will descend upon the University. While I do not support the actions of the LGTB community, they deserve to be respected as human beings created in the image of God. While in the ideal world such miserable rhetoric and vitriol could be ignored, in this world it should be publically condemned, especially by those who know best how unfounded and baseless this blind hatred is. In the words of Jeff Nieman on behalf of the leadership of Campus Crusade for Christ at the University, "To be honest with you, when we heard this guy was coming to (the University), our hearts sank. We feared his message that "God hates homosexuals" or anyone for that matter would confuse and even obliterate the Christian message of God"s love and forgiveness available to everyone ... we would never want the (University) community to have the false impression that Christianity is about hate. Why would someone get nailed to a cross for that? Rather Christianity is about love and forgiveness through repentance and a relationship with Jesus Christ."

Justin Hamilton

Hamilton is a member of the Daily"s editorial board.