Today, my wife and I stood for about an hour on a cold street corner before a variety of audiences.
On three corners of Fairfield and Airport Expressway stood a few dozen people holding American flags and a few signs. We stood with these people, silently expressing our opposition to the hate on display on the fourth corner. These co-counter-protesters were one audience, our presence communicating to them, “we’re with you.” Unfortunately, some of our fellow counter-protesters unhelpfully expressed their disdain for the protesters on the other corner by shouting profanity at them. I wish I could have told them, “I’m with you if you’re standing up for Christian love and patriotic honor, but I want no part of your counter-hate.”
Together, we told the audience of drivers and passengers in the passing traffic, “we honor our country and those who die in service to our country. We oppose those who spew hatred.” Some of those passing by tooted their horns appreciatively, expressing support and gratitude for our stand. Others blew an extended blast of their horns at the hateful protesters as they drove by, extending the middle finger of fellowship through their window. Unfortunately, some of the counter protesters cheered on this behavior.
On the other street corner, flanked by Fort Wayne police officers, four members of Westboro Baptist Church (WARNING: link to an offensive site) formed another audience. They were there to protest America’s acceptance of homosexuality, happily rejoicing in the death of an American serviceman as evidence of God’s judgement. We showed up to let them know that we disagree with the hateful things they say and the despicable way they spread their message. (Denouncing homosexual behavior is not itself hateful, but the message of Westboro Baptist Church is filled with hate.)
I was also an audience member, on two counts. For one, by putting my beliefs into action, I was demonstrating to myself that beliefs really matter, and beliefs should lead to action. There are lots of people and things in this world that I disagree with, but I wouldn’t normally bother to protest most of them. However, it is especially troublesome to have people who claim to be Christians, who claim to hold the truth of God’s Word, behave in such ungodly ways. Because I cherish the truth of God’s Word and sincere devotion to following God’s commands, I felt that it was important to express my opposition to the way they twist God’s Word and character.
However, I was also an audience to the protesters from Westboro Baptist Church. They weren’t just there for the passing traffic or the media. As they waved their signs, trampled their American flags, and sang their songs, they were performing for those of us on the corners opposite them. It makes me wonder if it would be better to just ignore them, rather than show up to be part of their audience.