Atheists React to the Death of Fred Phelps

Fred Phelps at his pulpit: August 4, 2002 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you read any atheist, secular, or progressive websites, blogs, or social media accounts, you have already heard that Fred Phelps is dead. You have probably also encountered some mixed reactions, ranging from calls for celebration to somber reflection; however, I think it is accurate to say that the majority of the reactions have been more in line with the somber reflection end of the continuum.

I have written about Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church here a few times, but I decided not to comment on the news that Phelps was dying or his death. I suppose I did not feel like I had much to add to what had already been said. That hasn't changed.

Here is a collection of what others in the online atheist community have written on the subject so far:

• Former Westboro Baptist Church Member Lauren Drain’s Statement About Fred Phelps
• Why I'm Not Celebrating the Recent News About Fred Phelps
• Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps is dead
• When Fred Phelps Dies, Let’s Do Nothing
• The Strange Life of Fred Phelps
• Fred Phelps has Died...
• A Note On Some Responses To Fred Phelps Dying
• Fred Phelps is dead
• A Few Interesting Things About Fred Phelps’ Death
• Phelps is dead, hate lives on
• Fred Phelps on the verge of death. I’ll be glad he’s gone, and that’s where it stops for me
• Please Don’t Plan to Picket Fred Phelps’ Funeral
• Has His Legacy Of Hate Caught Up With Fred Phelps?
• The Lessons of My Father – Nathan Phelps Speaks Out on Fred Phelps’ Death

I understand that few in our community are going to miss Phelps. I certainly won't miss him. And yet, I agree with the majority who say that they will not celebrate his passing but will instead consider the lessons of Phelps' life. He's gone now, but his legacy could still be valuable in helping the very groups against which he directed so much hate.

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