Fred Phelps
(1929-2014)

Although he spread negativity and hatred throughout his life, there is no cause for celebration at the death of the Reverend Fred Phelps, the leader of the Westboro Baptist Church. Best known for protesting at funerals, Phelps and his followers were vicious people for whom it is difficult to have compassion. But compassion for a troubled man and his grieving family is the most appropriate response to his death; especially from his detractors.

It is tempting for some to argue that the Reverend Phelps and his family deserve to have pickets show up at his funeral; that karma dictates such a response. However, those who might argue this point do not understand the true nature of cause and effect as it relates to kamma. Nor is it likely they realize that there will be no funeral, that the Reverend Phelps had been excommunicated from the church he founded, or that he once fought for civil rights.

I am a firm believer in the mimetic nature of violence and the Reverend Phelps released much violence into the world. Yet, nothing is gained by continuing his pattern of violence. Because non-violence–like violence–is mimetic, it is imperative that we model the loving-kindness that he did not demonstrate by his actions.

Extending compassion to the Reverend Phelps’ family does not mean that we ought to ignore his legacy. As educators, we help our students critically exam his tactics, his message, and his impact on society. We can investigate the social trends against which the Reverend Phelps spend the later part of his life opposing; trends that lead U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman to rule–just hours after the Reverend Phelps died–that Michigan’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional. We can continue to discuss the implications of Snyder v. Phelps in which the Supreme Court rightly ruled that his protests were constitutionally protected speech. There are many positive responses we can facilitate.

Depending on one’s point of view, the Reverend Phelps has already been judged by his Creator, has experienced the rebirth that comes with samsara, or has begun returning to the elements from which he was created. Any actions we take now can only impact us; not him. Let’s make those actions count.

–Steven L. Berg, PhD

Photo Caption: Fred Phelps