Fred Phelps Case Analysis | Westboro Baptist Church

[@brianeaton9046]

Having lived in Kansas for almost 30 years, I can report that Phelps and WBC received much more attention nationally than they ever did at a local level. Kansans generally viewed the WBC congregation as a group of lunatics to be ignored.

[@monmas929]

I was born and raised in Topeka Kansas and was taught from childhood to completely ignore them. They still stand on the sides of the streets with their signs to this day. The followers and some of his kids are crazier than he was. They picket every single event at our local theaters. My daughter had 15 dance recitals at the performing arts center (age 3 to 18) and they were at every single one. Never made any sense whatsoever.

[@notyourdamnbusiness8795]

as one should. never quite got why media outlets gave those pricks so much notoriety. just ignore them.

[@ladymopar2024]

Sounds like what they've done with Sarah Palin we never hear anything about her what's her name comes up she's just out there we're just glad she's not in our local news anymore and that means spirited person she is I'm glad that WBO doesn't get that recognition anymore as much

[@andreadixon3266]

Sometimes u have to shine the light on evil...it spreads in the dark..

[@jaclo3112]

WBC probably would have stayed anonymous if they stayed in Kanses. Unfortunately they insisted on taking their hate parade on a national tour and included bullying and causing as much harm as they could to grieving loved ones of those they hated.

[@lydialaub5475]

The Westboro Baptist Church picketed at my high school once. Thankfully, they got our dismissal time wrong and stood in the pouring rain for 45 minutes wondering why no students were coming out (no pun intended). If everything is predestined by God, as Fred Phelps believed, I guess God decided to piss on them that day. Can't say I blame him.

[@morticiaheisenberg9679]

Lmfao 🤣😂🤣😂

[@emilyhollis4231]

I see what you did there!!! I love it! 🥰 Oh how wonderful they wasted their time. So odd, the hatred he felt and spread.

[@deanlangworthy3311]

Love this!!

[@cottontails9003]

@@LukeMcGuireoides 😂😂😂😭😭

[@econdude3811]

I was good friends with someone I went to grade school and high school with, and he attended Washburn University. He claimed that he and some of his fraternity buddies launched water balloons at the Westboro buffoons and one hit Fred Phelps in the head. Hope so!

[@selbygirl94]

As a child I went to a Catholic elementary school that was connected to a church. When I was in about 5th grade the Westborough Baptist Church came to protest the funeral of a fallen soldier (and to condemn the "filthy papists" while they were at it.) I'll never forget how surreal it was to read their ugly signs telling me, the entire school and staff, and grieving family members that God hated us and was going to send us to hell. Once they had finally left the entire school (only about 200 kids altogether) came out and held our own "counter protest". We lined up across the street holding flags as the family left, silently showing solidarity with them. Truly an experience I will never forget.

[@lnc-to4ku]

Very moving story! ♡

[@kate9576]

Thank you 🙏

[@billhildebrand5053]

Thankyou..

[@aaronsmith5433]

"If God hates us, that's his problem, we're mostly nice people , all of us, all around the world. Merry Christmas, you'all!: Prof. I. Ver Mectin

[@elizabethgrogan8553]

@Dani Hendrix You were so kind and brave to stand up to those vile people. I saw the Westboro members in a documentary, which left me feeling sick. They are evil personified. I think Satanic perfectly describes them.

[@user-cs1un6sp1wRennata]

"Narcissistic people should never be in charge"... Excellent analysis Dr. Grande!

[@serenityinside1]

They usually are of course - fact.

[@yasuke9317]

You know who he was really talking about, right? 🤣

[@patrickbateman368]

@@yasuke9317 are you referring to trump

[@JessicaIsOkay]

@@yasuke9317 the former potus

[@marciabradley7660]

@@yasuke9317 ? I have no idea? That’s sarcasm 😂

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

This case reminds me of the quote:” Of all bad men, religious bad man are the worst.” C.S. Lewis. Fascinating case and excellent review, thank you Dr. Grande.❤️

[@cottontails9003]

Hello Rejane, if you want some funny comments, I think its Anna L. More to the point, how are you? I've only brought one Christmas, present so far.😂❤🌷🌼🌸🌹

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

@@cottontails9003 Oh ok, I will check it out!😉😁 Only one so far?😳 I hope you have enough time for everything! 💕

[@DottieMinerva]

There’s a tweet that says “God has the worst fan base” and I find it to be relevant way too often.

[@bthomson]

How hard must you work to believe in an all-good diety who allows suffering? Yes, yes! I have heard many (if not all) of the arguments to explain how this can be. But in truth none of them convince me. Human beings can be kind or unkind and should take responsibility for which one they are.

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

@@DottieMinerva That’s an interesting line.🙌🏼

[@emilyflotilla931]

When a fallen soldier from my town was buried, Westboro was reported to possibly be coming to protest. Blessings to the Freedom Riders and independent bikers who showed up to lead his procession to the cemetery. I will never forget it. They treated the entire procession with dignity.

[@bthomson]

Maybe the only good that bad actors do is cause good actors to act!

[@ASmith1917]

I was once part of a counterprotest against WBC when they came to protest my university because... well, they could. I exchanged repartees and insults with Fred and I must say I found his comebacks against my heckling of him to be incredibly witty and sharp. He made me laugh. Very charismatic guy. Pure evil, but definitely fit the bill of charismatic cult leader.

[@TiffWaffles]

I don't think we have this church in my country, but we do have something similar. They are very sympathetic to the far right extremist groups and have been labeled as a terrorist threat as such. Did you watch that episode on the Tyra Banks Show (if that's her name...)? She hosted a mother and her two daughters that were deep in this church and it was interesting to watch. These women were extremely intelligent, but they sounded so angry and allowed their hatred and ignorance to manifest itself in how they presented themselves. It was both interesting and sad to see. However, one of the daughters got out of that church and did a Ted Talk about her experiences in this church. How they get you and shape you into some kind of soldier for the church at a young age. It was so eye-opening to watch that.

[@ASmith1917]

@@TiffWaffles Yeah, I've seen the Shirley Phelps-Roper interview and Megan Phelps-Roper's Ted Talk. I had my own exchange with Shirley that day they came to WBC. Very strange individual. I'm a historian by profession but I minored in Religious Studies during my B.A. and took a few classes on militant and extremist religious movements, and I've always noticed something: people like Fred Phelps, Jim Jones, Osama bin Laden, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, etc. seem to rarely possess true faith, but use religion a convenient vehicle to express their narcissism and sadism. They take alienated and vulnerable people and give them a sense of feeling special, that the world that has rejected them is doomed and they will inherit the kingdom of God through violence and hatred. In the end it always ends up destroying the cult leader though.

[@kathyclark8274]

@@ASmith1917 Loved your description of those who use religion as a convenient vehicle for hatred and other offensive and undesirable traits. I don't believe any of these seemingly devout individuals have a personal relationship w/ the Lord. They merely use religion in the guise of a church to peddle their poison in more socially acceptable packaging.

[@Walkingwithjordan214]

@@TiffWaffles you realize Fred was a Democrat right? This isn’t a political thing he was just an awful person.

[@Somegirl811]

@@Walkingwithjordan214 🙄

[@jackpayne4658]

I forget who said this - 'A puritan is a man constantly tormented by the thought that someone, somewhere, is having a good time.'

[@leonievanheerden7090]

Not diagnosing, only speculating that wherever Fred's soul went...he still wasn't popular 🙂 Interesting video as always Dr Grande 🌵💐

[@Dulcimertunes]

Good one

[@Hollylivengood]

I picture the devil whimpering, "Oh god no. Just no."

[@gaiaiulia]

Even Satan would repudiate him.

[@emilyhollis4231]

Surely no deity would have his soul.

[@aaronwalterryse4281]

Maybe the SDA church is right, and one sleeps in death until the resurrection (soul sleep, related to the doctrine of conditional immortality) Therefore no deity would have to do anything with his soul.

[@sbell5702]

Interesting that he was a Civil Rights attorney and yet hated so many people for being who and what they are.

[@eadweard.]

Fairly vacuous platitudes.

[@llkellenba]

Sounds like current day GOP chameleons-whatever avenue gets them attention, money and power

[@xys7536]

Lawyers

[@xys7536]

@@llkellenba finally somebody gets it

[@glormoparch5154]

Seems like he was on track twice in his life but crazy had other plans. Someone didn't like FP and oh my did he take it out on everybody else

[@ryanbales8116]

I lost two close squad mates to suicide. If Westboro showed up to either of their funerals, I would be in prison for murder or attempted murder.

[@nafeesahtynetta]

Rightfully so.

[@quantumrobin4627]

True story, the first time I began my religious deconstruction, I had just learned about a group of Christians that picketed funerals, it was Westboro…….it literally shocked me out of the religious delusion I had excepted without question, we should be thanking Fred and his movement for creating more atheists than followers

[@BeesWaxMinder]

A M E N👍

[@colico14]

I cannot fathom the pain and anger WBC caused the families of the fallen with their vile demonstrations at the funerals. Sick bastards. I'm honestly surprised no one attacked them (to my knowledge). I don't condone violence, but I can certainly see it being justified in that situation. Thank you for your service. I'm terribly sorry to hear about your squad mates. I thank them for their service, and may they rest in peace.

[@MrSubmariner76]

Sorry for your loss. Thank you to you and your friends for your service. God bless you and your family.

[@timmantei2445]

" Narcissistic people should never be in charge of anything" -Dr. Grande 13:23 True.... and chilling

[@timmantei2445]

@Merry Nothing It is indeed an interesting topic. Can we name some happy exceptions to the rule ? I'm scratching my head at the moment.

[@bthomson]

Well even if you are not glad he's president, Joe and Jill Biden are really nice people!

[@davidmenke7552]

Oh man! Love this one. I remember very vividly when Fred Phelps was on the Ricki Lake show back in 1993. My little cousin was over at the time. We were watching the show (well, he was just playing in the room). I was around 15. My sister 17. The audience was booing Fred and everyone was ganging up on him rightfully so. And my little cousin, who was about 7, started booing him too. And he had NO idea what was going on or anything, but he could tell Fred Phelps was a bad man by the way he was talking. And it was THIS day that my cousin learned the word "fag" was not a nice word, and not something you should call someone. I am grateful for that moment. As best I can tell, he did grow up to be a good kid/man. Not saying the Ricki Lake show was the end all and be all, but it was nevertheless a learning moment. At least I like to think so. Merry Christmas Dr. Grande! I can't wait to read Harm Reduction :)

[@funknelson87]

@Hank Hill Assistant Manager Strickland Propane who?

[@deanlangworthy3311]

Cool story! Smart kid 🙂

[@annal7364]

"Hated Australians" (What the heck?)... "Hated Fred Rogers" (Why? Blasphemy!) Thanks for covering this highly requested topic, Dr. G., and for keeping me company on my days off!

[@Declanito]

Well, the Australian government hates Australians. maybe Phelps was ahead of the curve on that one.

[@auntielaura5]

You have to work hard to hate Fred Rogers. He was such a gentle, non-confrontational man that you have to drum up the hatred from the rage inside yourself.

[@Cooper-cl4zw]

@@Declanito That doesn't make sense.

[@elle262]

Hates Aussies? Fair dinkum? Jeez mate - pull ya head in and give ya other end a go! Hope ya like it hot. 😂

[@cottontails9003]

@@elle262 I'm an Aussie, your comment has me laughing my head off. Thanks mate.

[@Infinite_AM]

In high school I got to interview Fred Phelps on camera when he protested Bob Jones University in SC for allowing the public into their art museum. When asked a difficult question he accused me of being "drunk and on drugs" and ended the interview. Seemed to me that he accused others of things when he was put against a wall even just a little bit. Probably he was guilty of many of these things himself and projected his own shame onto others.

[@louib716]

Can't challenge a narcissist. Or at least not in their mind.

[@karenking5357]

Until tonight I really didn't pay much attention to this man only because I used to didn't pay any attention to politics or anything outside my local area yeah that's pretty dumb and naive but now I pay of course close very close attention to the politics and religion / Christianity this man is far from anything that I believe about the scripture teaches well none of us can interpret it perfectly they're certainly a general consensus that the whole message of the Bible is FOR GOD SO LOVE Also this is proven to be a fact many many times people who are accusing others of things that are illegal or atrocious or pure evil are usually doing it themselves and they think accusing the other person was somehow hide their actions for being known

[@Shayna11NM]

He hated Mr. Rogers???? Of all people to choose to hate, what an odd choice. Mr. Rogers was a softie right up there with Big Bird! What a sad man with so much hate in his being. He must have been so miserable.

[@cottontails9003]

What a strange personal. He's against sex , but he had several children. He definitely needed mental health care. Also, what a miserable life, he must have had, hating all forms of people so much. I feel he must have died alone, because he was hated by some many people. I wonder if his family, turned up too his funeral, some how, I don't think so. Thank you Dr Grande. That was an informative analysis.

[@LDiamondz]

That does feel like a miserable life. Hate and anger filling your mind every day? Had to have been exhausting. Protesting at funerals. Despicable person, he was. Great comment. You saved me from writing it! I would have said the same. Hope you're having a good day! ☺❤🌷⚘⚘🌷⚘

[@cottontails9003]

@@LDiamondz Thank you, you are such a beautiful person ❤

[@cottontails9003]

@@vermilliongecko What a great thing to do. Thank you.

[@dork7546]

Members of the Westboro Baptist Church don't hold funerals or birthday parties because they view it as "self celebration".

[@cottontails9003]

@@dork7546 we call it a wake in Australia, after the funeral everyone gets together, too celebrate the person. Thank you for your comment.

[@NESherv]

“Narcissistic people should never be in charge of anything. Yet, their relentless drive toward grandiosity often affords them this privilege.” -Dr. Todd Grande

[@bthomson]

As they say "A truer word was never spoken!"

[@supremeenlightenedtramp1080]

Dr Todd is subject to NARCISISTIC accusation too .

[@carolynsilvers9999]

Its really too bad that the media gave jim so much attention... but crashing funerals was a sure way to get attention... thanks so much for covering this. when I lived in Wyoming this group made a big scene at the funeral of young Matthew Shepherd who had been murdered because of his homosexuality... it was very disturbing

[@deanlangworthy3311]

Despicable! To show up at anyone's funeral and protest! I feel so bad for the families who had to put up with that.

[@ChristinePerez903]

They were cruel to protest on someone funeral and to say they deserve to die. Great analysis Dr Grande!!!

[@thomaswest5931]

“Narcissistic people should never be in charge of anything.” Having endured 4 years of seeing unconditional narcissism on a national stage….I wholeheartedly agree!

[@James-Johnson313]

Well said, Biden is the worst! Can't wait for Daddy to come back to lead us again and MAGA...

[@williamdenton1410]

Great analysis Dr. Grande. You nailed it. I lived in Topeka for 40 years. At first we (the community as a whole) were shocked and outraged by Fred and WBC, and we would speak out against them. That just seemed to encourage them further. Eventually we tried to ignore them, hoping the lack of attention would cause them to get bored and stop. Seems the more we did ignore them the bolder and more obnoxious their actions became. I think that's when they started taking their "show" on the road and going national. Also interesting fact most of the members of the WBC cult were Fred's family and extended family. Believe me NONE of them could be reasoned with, truly obnoxious people.

[@mkuti-childress3625]

I saw the same thing you did. I think the people in the entire state learned to ignore them over time. Part of the problem was that so many national TV shows and news programs gave them air time, which was tremendously reinforcing. And unfortunately, people in other states were not desensitized, so in their horror, they tried to fight back, which was exactly what the WBC wanted. They actually protested the funeral of a close National Guard friend of my brothers when he was killed in Afghanistan. The protest was here in Kansas, so the family and friends took it about as well as they could, and the Patriot Guard stood in front of them with large flags, blocking them from view and drowning out their ugly words.

[@jackiegrice714]

I would never in my life expected to feel compassion for Fred Phelps, but here I am. Thanks for always encouraging us to flex our empathy muscles Dr Grande.

[@bthomson]

Empathy and critical thinking!

[@w1cked001]

From some reports apparently he repented on his death bed

[@johngilmore697]

@@w1cked001 No

[@texanfournow]

Dr. Grande's sense of humor is so dry I need a drink of water after I stop laughing.

[@thedanielstraight]

I've been lucky enough to see Black Sabbath with Dio twice and once with Ozzy. Westboro Baptist came out in force to protest, literally a mob, and all the metalheads would try and counter. The last time Sabbath came with Ozzy, their farewell tour, the WBC presence was just sad. It was like two people and some kids? I just didn't have the heart to sling insults at them like I did years prior.

[@maureeningleston1501]

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas Dr Grande, thank you for all your hard work bringing us great content every day.

[@bthomson]

You got a heart!

[@gingermclark]

I wish there was more than a like button, because I absolutely loved this analysis. Thank you so much Dr. Grande and have a merry Christmas ❤

[@devilsadvocate701]

I disagree, the bible literally teaches hate in both the new and old testaments. His "belief system" was molded by the bible, nice vice versa. If there's one thing you can say about fundamentalists.... it's that they're being intellectually honest. Unlike most Christians that cherry pick. Happy Hannukah

[@gingermclark]

@@devilsadvocate701 Is this Mike? 😏 I apologize for being vague. I'm autistic and not the best at expressing myself. However (and hopefully this time I'll be able to do a better job expressing what I mean), what I meant was I loved seeing Dr. Grande's compassion for even such a hated person. Also, probably should have said happy holidays, my bad. 😊

[@bthomson]

These videos elicit such calm and mannerly comments! People can disagree or change their minds without antagonism! This may be the most important product of many!

[@christophergordon7433]

I think it’s safe to say that Fred was fucking nuts.

[@patrickkparrker413]

No more nuts than the leaders out today .

[@grannygoes7882]

I felt led to make another comment after listening to the whole thing. I saw as a young child that something was wrong with my Dad. I loved him and I knew he loved me but something was off. People would follow him and take in every word and give him their last dime. He tried to control everyone around him and people let him because they thought he spoke for God. You accepted his authority as being from God until you had enough of it and saw through it for what it was. People aren't as gullible in these days and I've heard my Dad say over and over, "why don't people listen to me, I'm a GOSPEL minister?!" He actually thought he has some kind of secret knowledge no one else was privy to. I escaped pretty young and made a good life for myself regardless of his warnings I would burn in hell. We didn't speak for years but he started reaching out to me and I'm glad. As long as we don't talk about religion we're fine. I know I'll miss him when he's gone.

[@ckwind1971]

That's a really healthy outlook imo. I must protest the one comment that people are less gullible now. When you look at Qanon and catfish stories... People are forever gullible 😉

[@stupidsminkle]

There are really amazing instances of compassion from communities who organize counter-protests to these awful WBC signs. At Matthew Shepard's funeral (who was a gay student brutally murdered in Wyoming), Angel Action counter-demonstrators wore white angel costumes with 10-foot wingspans rising seven feet to protect mourners at the funeral from having to see Westboro’s hate signs. Families of fallen soldiers can invite The Patriot Guard Riders to send motorcycle enthusiasts who use their motorcycles and large U.S. flags to shield mourners from Westboro’s protestors at funerals and along funeral routes. Some people also formed a human wall against WBC picketing the funeral for victims of the mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

[@susankeith326]

Wesyon, Mo. made national news when the Westboro cult attempted to protest a fallen soldier's memorial service. With advance knowledge of the protest, townspeople were able to assure the group was unable to get close enough to the site. Weston is a very small border town across the river from Ft. Leavenworth, Ks. I also have witnessed the ignorance of Westboro's cult at other times in nearby Kansas City at appearances of Coretta Scott King, Lily Tomlin and others. They actually protested Mrs.King as a symbol of civil rights!!!

[@dianacryer]

I think Fred was terrified by some of his own feelings.

[@zachariahmiddleton5256]

There's something *almost (*hyperbole) admirable about developing a worldview that's loathed by basically everyone on the planet. It's like he had a type of adult oppositional defiant disorder. It's sort of miraculous that he was able to find so much success in school for all those years.

[@fightingtosurvive6527]

May everyone have a Merry Christmas 🎄✨

[@Chamelionroses]

You too. As an atheist I wish you all happy holidays including Christmas. 🎄

[@ChantalOfTheNorth]

@@Chamelionroses I second this ❤️❤️❤️. Happiest of holidays, lovelies!

[@JimmyBergman7]

@@Chamelionroses Jesus is God and only way to heaven and escape eternal hellfire

[@DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT]

Never speaking to his family was one of the kindest things Fred Phelps ever did for them. Phelps and his goons in the Westboro church are some of the most despicable people in the history of humanity.

[@hannahbethohman]

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope everyone has a great holiday filled with lots of smiles :)

[@jenanne31]

"Even other hate groups do not like Fred Phelps." That says it all. Thanks, Dr. Grande!

[@TheRealRoyGBiv]

I just wanna say how much I love that the house directly in front of his was 🏳️‍🌈 painted!!! Also thanks Dr Grande. May you have an enjoyable winter & if you celebrate any holidays this season I wish you a wonderful holiday 😊

[@jacobfromallstate4963]

@Hank Hill Assistant Manager Strickland Propane all edge and no point. & I'm not LGBT before you try accusing me of being one. This is just some 8Chan troll site sh*t.

[@jacobfromallstate4963]

@Hank Hill Assistant Manager Strickland Propane I can guess why. Maybe don't type slurs lmfao. I'm pretty sure most LGBTQ people are against that MAP sh*t

[@deanlangworthy3311]

@Hank Hill Assistant Manager Strickland Propane so I guess you like starting problems and acting like a sad little man. I truly will never understand people like you? Is it just because you are in front of a screen and not a real person? How does someone like you interact with others on a day to day basis? Truly interested? Are you an actual adult? So many questions????

[@TheRealRoyGBiv]

@Hank Hill Assistant Manager Strickland Propane bruh, why so weak? Not even a lil' cleva. Crawl home & think 'bout it

[@sisuguillam5109]

@Hank Hill Assistant Manager Strickland Propane uuuhh? You don't? How strange.

[@MichieHoward]

Near the end of his life his daughter Shirley Phelps excommunicated her father from his church, because he gone too soft on the doctrine he himself had taught her. At the end at least he could say to himself that he taught her *too* well. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas Dr. Grande! Edit; Damn Dr. Grande I waited until 7:30 to write my comment.

[@morganminpin]

Fred's daughter Shirley, also a lawyer, used to appear on the Howard Stern show. She's unintentionally hilarious.

[@morganminpin]

Fred's daughter Shirley, also a lawyer, used to appear on the Howard Stern show. She's unintentionally hilarious.

[@morganminpin]

Fred's daughter Shirley, also a lawyer, used to appear on the Howard Stern show. She's unintentionally hilarious.

[@m.f.richardson1602]

I remember a little bit about this guy. His saving grace was, he hated Kool-Aid. Soo nobody died. Always interesting. Thank you. Peace 💕🇺🇲

[@paperpics]

It is incredible to me his change of heart at the end. His life really had a moment of redemption, something often absent from these types of monsters.

[@bthomson]

Would be strange if dementia caused a reversal of morality and a beginning of empathy!

[@paulms309]

I grew up in Topeka KS, and went to school with many of the grandchildren of freddy. I mostly felt sorry for them.

[@OhMaDayzz]

Which grandkids? What were they like as people, and did they do well at school?

[@paulms309]

@@OhMaDayzz I'm not going to mention names, but I'm in my late 30s. The kids I knew are around that age. They preformed well mostly kept to themselves. In fact the only reason I knew they belonged to that group was seeing them with the signs.

[@grimlund]

​@@paulms309Many of his grand children left the church when they grew up. Like Megan Phelps.

[@shamudogsmith1751]

This episode has had me laughing out loud from the outset despite the serious nature of the content. I loved the "turned on Al Gore" and "giving hate groups a bad name" lines uttered with a deadpan delivery that is a delight. I look forward to the New Year and more of Dr Grande's "opinion not diagnosis".

[@amandanegrete1306]

I’ve dealt with WBC unfortunately. I was stationed in Texas. One of the gates to post was closed allowing them an area to “protest”. Texan’s don’t take kindly to HATE speech and MANY passing motorists felt compelled to pull over and confront WBC. THAT was an experience, we were sent out to “maintain the peace” and ordered NOT to engage with WBC. Soldiers protecting WBC members with HUGE signs “God loves dead soldiers.” I just told myself we were protecting the good folks of Texas pulling over to kick WBC’s ass@s. My husband was a soldier too and Patriot Guard Riders attended my husbands funeral in 2012. I was extremely honored The Patriot Guard Riders attended. Later I found out they were protecting us from WBC.

[@basswars7060]

"He wasn't too popular in his community or really.....anywhere."

[@chnalvr]

Love the ultra dry humor that Dr. Grande inserts throughout his monologues especially this one! He's got the poker face down!

[@sharonrigs7999]

Methinks Fred was deeper in the closet than NEXT year's Xmas gifts

[@eadweard.]

I wonder where this idea that homophobes are themselves homosexuals came from. And why do we all repeat it?

[@susankeith326]

@@eadweard. It originated with Sigmund Freud.

[@patrickkparrker413]

​@@susankeith326 That pervert .

[@gaiaiulia]

​​@@eadweard.We hate most in others the traits we don't (or only dimly) realise we have ourselves, maybe? And of course, as the Westborough Church was dead against homosexuality, if Fred thought he had any inclination that way, he'd try to cover it up by condemning it as strongly as he could. The gentleman doth protest too much?

[@eadweard.]

@@gaiaiulia Well perhaps. But where did _that_ idea come from?

[@AxelordSMIJES]

I'm a Kansas native who has lived in either Kansas City or a suburb of it, Overland Park pretty much mu entire life. My mom, a retired special-ed teacher of 45 yrs, works at a non-profit camp for teens and young adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorder or other disabilities, and a couple years ago a young lady enrolled in her camp who was a niece or great niece of Fred Phelps who had gotten out of the WBC cult. She apparently had an extremely rough time re-assimilating into every day society. She had to work really hard every day to basically deprogram herself from all the harm the "church" had done to her. Really sad, but also really great that she was able to get away from that monster and his ideals.

[@bec630]

It was probably one of his grand daughters, fred had no nieces in the group. Maybe a niece to Fred Phelps Jr, who is one of the current leaders. I have a feeling I know who you are talking about, and shes a grandaughter, one of his daughters kids and niece to Phelps Jr.

[@AspergersSyndromeDaily]

“Being honest may not get you many friends, but it will always get you the right ones“ - John Lennon

[@maureeningleston1501]

I'm surprised he lived so long!! carrying that amount of anger should have also made him physically ill, he obviously thrived on rage.

[@sherryshirley3179]

Exactly the Anger, kept him going

[@kathyclark8274]

Perhaps it was all an act on his part, an alter ego or persona.

[@bthomson]

Even so the damage was very effectively done!

[@erikparent8176]

Hi Mrs. R.! Thankyou and Happy Holidays to you and your family! 🎄🎁💐

[@LDiamondz]

Hi Erik. 🖐 They got you, too. Didn't they? It's a glitch and It's 1000's. My sister is one of them, too. Happy Holidays to you, my friend. ☺ ⚘

[@Clipgatherer]

After the tsunami hit the resort island of Phuket, Thailand, in 2004, and a number of Westerners, including some Swedes, were killed, Fred Phelps jumped on that and condemned Sweden for its “promiscuity” and tolerance of “homosexuality”. Few people in Scandinavia took any notice of him, let alone responded to him.

[@Joyof...]

Love the cactus Xmas ornaments 🥰. Thanks for your articulate and humorous sharing. If we don't meet again before Xmas have a great one 🥳🎅🌲

[@renee1961]

Hi, Dr. Grande! 🙋🌵🪴🌵🪴 Just who I was hoping to see! Thank You! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🌵🪴🎄🎁🎀🎄🎄🥂🍾🎉🎊🥳 Take Good Care of Yourself! We need you!

[@lnc-to4ku]

I love how you'll sometimes dig up the bones of very old cases! This was so interesting, and now I'll have to go and look him up right after this. How could anybody devote their entire life to spreading such horrible hate?? Thank you again for everything you give us!! ♡

[@bthomson]

His videos are gifts!🎁

[@fiona-lyons]

I was aware of this hateful group - it was awful to hear the vile things said by children endoctrinated into their "church" with their terrible placards on funeral routes. Now I find, seen as how I'm Irish and Catholic, I wouldn't be his cup of tea either. I can't tell you how good that makes me feel.

[@bthomson]

Like being on Richard Nixon's list! An honor!

[@TheAedee]

Imagine being so narcissistic and hateful to protest at someone else's funeral

[@UncleBuZ]

The ability for otherwise intelligent people to compartmentalize when it comes to their religious beliefs is both impressive and frightening.

[@alexrothwell2053]

It is a weird phenomenon. I guess it's because rationality and intelligence aren't the same thing. His religious beliefs were clearly outside of any preexisting tradition, and he advocated against racism while also being incredibly hateful, so it seems he can't be neatly placed in any category. Perhaps his one great achievement in life was his ability to be truly unique!😂

[@bloodycupcake219]

Look forward to your posts always!

[@auntielaura5]

His perversion of the gospel into hate speech is in direct opposition to everything that Jesus taught, and the way he treated others could not possibly be condoned by anyone who actually understands the teachings of Christianity. He has caused so much pain for no possible reason and can only be described as evil. His actions break my heart.

[@pablodmdp]

I’ve reached a point where nothing relaxes me like this dude. he’s like a fix.

[@derstoffausdemderjoghurtis]

check out his older videos. The new ones are good too, but always focus on people. The older ones go more in depth regarding pathology.

[@pablodmdp]

I think ive seen all of them. Some, twice 😉 @@derstoffausdemderjoghurtis

[@bthomson]

Pablo - Maybe like a warm cup of cocoa in front of a fire with a good book and a quiet dog!

[@pablodmdp]

@@bthomson not much of a reader. That’s why i watch his stuff.

[@spookyboo22]

Julian Assange?? Please x

[@TecOneself]

That would be too sad to hear, hope he's freed.

[@candiceyoung8244]

As the mother of a son currently serving in the u s navy,,I really feel its disgusting picketing at service men's funerals. He was obviously a very troubled man. Merry Christmas to you and your family. 🌵🤶🏻🌲👼🏼🎅🏻🎄🎁🌵🕯🌿

[@marinad4731]

I agree that “extreme narcissistic behavior must be treated when identified.” However, it gets missed by even professionals due to narcissist’s superficial charm.

[@bthomson]

In order to treat someone they have to WANT to be treated! What narcissist is going to realize he/ she needs treatment?

[@sdsurfgirl60]

As a Christian, it can be hard to find a congregation that doesn't exert social pressure on it's own congregants. I can see why so many people think Christians don't act like Christians.

[@joelc-gc1hq]

Yeah how dare a Shepard impose biblical standards over his sheep.

[@TaborEaton]

All speech is free speech. Including so called "hate speech". While I definitely don't agree with the church's points of view, a free society must support it's right to say and believe what it wants.

[@TaborEaton]

If murder ensues, charges should be brought against the perpetrators. Speech doesn't kill. People kill.

[@Cooper-cl4zw]

Well said.

[@TaborEaton]

@@Cooper-cl4zw thankyou

[@jacobfromallstate4963]

@@vermilliongecko aside from direct threats, or commands of murder, or "calling fire in a crowded building", not really. Riling people up isn't against free speech

[@simoncullum5019]

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"

[@bokhans]

“Narcissistic people should never be in charge of anything” well, USA voters gave their entire country to one and we know how that turned out, endless work for the judicial system for many years to come!

[@zenawarrior7442]

YES was sad when Trump got elected. Biggest narc yet.

[@kathyclark8274]

@@zenawarrior7442 Trump was BLATANT. It didn't take a lot of training to diagnose him.

[@zenawarrior7442]

@@kathyclark8274 For those w eyes yes. His narc supporters would disagree.

[@Neillan]

@@zenawarrior7442 Engaging in more TDS, Zena? You do this shit constantly, and that's not denying Donald is a raging narcissist. But he's a symptom of a far larger issue, not the progenitor.

[@channelthree9424]

Fred was kicked out of his own church. He was also kicked out of his home because he lived in a parsonage (a church house provided for a member of the clergy). He didn’t mind being mean to other people for decades but when those he taught to hate turned on him, he suddenly didn’t understand why they would do that to him. This guy stopped talking to anyone who left his church including his own children. He felt sorry for himself when the tables were turned. By the way, they didn’t believe in funerals so there was no funeral for him. I’ve seen some of the other members after Fred died, he meant nothing to them.

[@lizzieritter8057]

I don’t know why your voice is so calming.

[@DenaDeniseRush]

I still remember the day I realized HELL was a completely made up concept by churches or those afflicted with religious scrupulosity to scare people into doing what they wanted. I called my friend in Savannah to say : “Omg HELL IS COMPLETELY MADE UP!” And she said “DUH!” 😂😂🤣

[@SuperWhatapain]

I wish that were true....

[@LegBuilder]

maybe you can send a postcard when you get there. better bring some water. your going to need it.

[@TiffWaffles]

I think that historical cultures like ancient Greece had their own version of hell. In this case, I believe that it would have been in Hades realm. The ancient Romans and Celts and Scandinavians all had their own version of that as well. So the believe in hell in all its concepts is extremely ancient, far more ancient than the Christian and overall all the Abrahamic faiths combined.

[@Hotlux66_]

I'm watching you 👹🔥

[@thejudgmentalcat]

@@LegBuilder *you're

[@richardhart9204]

Well ... he did prefer Saddam Hussein over Al Gore, so how bad could he have been?

[@LDiamondz]

But Al Gore invented the internet! 😲 😅😅

[@JewishKeto]

When they came to Philadelphia I decided to try to have a diplomatic conversation with them. It was like talking to a brick wall and all they called me was a Christ killing Jew.

[@LadyBug3178]

Great analysis of him really needing help. I see many of his characteristics, if multiplied and magnified, to be comparable to people like Hitler... the example of what happens when narcissism is too successful.

[@narcissisticabusechronicle6586]

"The non burning group "😂😂😂

[@erikparent8176]

I thought Dr. Grande's analysis was spot on. 🙂👍🎄🎁

[@mrs.reluctant4095]

👋 Hi Erik! Best wishes to you!🙂

[@LDiamondz]

It sure was! Good point, Erik. ☺

[@dogstar7]

Dr. Grande, taping interviews for my podcast I put your questions about predestination and the purpose of the protests directly to Shirley and Fred Phelps Jr several times during their visits to Chicago. Both Shirley and Fred Jr told me they were "bearing witness" by absorbing abuse in the place of The Lord during their protests. They told me they felt they were there to suffer persecution in the name of the Lord. I told them that I thought that was blasphemous from a Christian perspective since Jesus I supposed to be the sacrificial Lamb, etc. But they weren't hearing it. Great analysis!

[@RaysDad]

The "predestination" beliefs of Fred Phelps are in the tradition of protestant Calvinism. These beliefs are a large part of American religious history, but Calvinism started to wane in the late 19th century and is rare now, although some smaller denominations are still identifiable as Calvinist, and the mainline protestant churches (Methodist, Baptist, et al.) can lapse into Calvinism.

[@LDiamondz]

Wow. What a hateful, despicable, yet easily forgettable old coot! Ok, on to the next video! Great job, Dr.Grande. Always is! TY. ❤❤

[@cottontails9003]

Well said 😆🌷🌹

[@LDiamondz]

@@cottontails9003 lol. Thanks! 😆

[@rachelrohrer8976]

I grew up in Topeka and graduated from Washburn University. Like other Topekans, I had some run ins with them over the years. They were hard to avoid. This history and analysis is fascinating!

[@sidstovell2177]

Very best wishes for the season and 2022, Dr. Grande. Thank you for all your hard work. - the grande way south

[@dkeith45]

Back when I was a 'fundy' Christian in the mid 80's I was working at a missionary ranch in Texas and a traveling Christian family got permission to camp at the ranch for a week or so. Friendly people, but they also believed in predestination. It was interesting talking with them. Their method of 'witnessing' to possible non-believers aka trying to win converts was a curious round of questions to determine if the person was actually one of 'the elect' or not. If they were one of the elect but not fully aware of it, they'd be encouraged to join a church, read the bible, pray etc. If deemed not one of the elect, they'd end the conversation feeling the person was one of the condemned from the beginning of time and no longer worth any acknowledgement. The most disturbing part of that encounter was when I went to one of the teachers on the ranch and asked if they'd come with me to debate with this fellow and his family, about their odd beliefs. I was told such a conversation would be useless because although the teacher felt the families outlook on the bible was wrong, he didn't think he'd be able to convince them otherwise because he said the bible does indeed have passages that support their beliefs. That was probably when I really started questioning the bible and Christianity and thinking about it in a more critical way.

[@charlotte-mg9wj]

Sudden 180 personality change is a classic sign of dementia,If Fred was affected as has been speculated it would make sense that he was suddenly nice to his neighbours

[@SarahDunlap]

Oh my goodness I only heard of this because of the Pride House! You put all the pieces together for me here, Dr Grande! Thank you again for you oh so intriguing analysis.

[@Normaschthewanderer]

@Hank Hill Assistant Manager Strickland Propane you're not Hank Hill you impostor.

[@BPMusic06]

Dr Grande’s delivery is impeccable

[@helpyourcattodrive]

I could never relate to the jesus thing. even as a little kid I thought, “if I don’t believe in Jesus I go to hell forever? And so do people on islands and various countries all around the world? They go to hell forever just for being born somewhere?” At seven years old this is what I came up w. Evangelism and the jesus thing is all baloney. Imo.

[@miss_naomi7377]

His so-called church is bakoney. I’m a Christian and his “church” isn’t a real church.

[@ederrocha3491]

Love your videos Doctor coming from NC👌❤

[@richardlee2120]

Fred Phelps was mild compared to Tony and Susan Alamo, or the late Rev. Donald Lee Barnett. Those cases are worth investigating.

[@brianpratt3224]

Thanks Dr. Grande with this it feels almost like Christmas

[@ChantalOfTheNorth]

Ah Dr. Grande. Always there for us. Happiest of holidays!

[@MrSlantwise]

Another great video, Dr. Grande. I ran into a group of these WBC folks in downtown Chicago once several years back. They had all these "God hates ...." signs and a bunch of anti-abortion posters showing graphic photos of aborted fetuses. There were several Chicago cops nearby presumably to make sure nothing broke out between the citizens of Chicago and these tools. I didn't spend too much time talking smack to them(and I didn't even raise my voice), but I did tell them that they are sickos, and that they are one of the best arguments FOR abortion. I told them if they had been aborted, this world would be a much better place. I actually made a couple of Chicago cops laugh. I can't begin to tell you how rare and difficult it is to make a Chicago cop crack up, but I managed to do it that day!

[@renee1961]

He was an Awful, Hateful, Mean, Cruel, and Heartless so called man! I remember him, and Not in a good way! Our Military Deserve Respect, and Honor!! God Bless Them!🙏🙏🙏🙏🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🦅🦅🦅🦅RIP to those we've Lost. I hope is is somewhere hot.

[@judis3476]

“Adding insult to eternal torment”… 😂😂😂 Oh Dr Grande, bless your heart. Much love to you this Holiday Season! 💖💖

[@Sinologist-uq7pv]

The irony is that when he wore a cowboy hat, Fred Phelps looked like he had been to Christopher street in Greenwich Village.

[@superslice28magee68]

Every time you analyze narcissists, I think of trumplethinskin. So counterproductive to happiness and well being.

[@EsotericSyncretism]

I have always seen obsessive compulsive traits in the evangelical religious. Glad you pointed this out.

[@carolenglish8805]

Love you Dr. Grande❤

[@patrickcannon1310]

As of today 4-21 I am on page 74 of Libby Phelpes's book, Girl on a Wire. It is an honest portrayal of what life was like in the Westboro cult. I can't wait to get to the last chapter. "Grampy", as Libby called him, should have opened his Bible and read I Corinthians 13:1, "if I have faith...and give my body to be burned and have not LOVE I am nothing." We are called to represent Jesus not Fred, not the Westboro, cult, and certainly not ourselves. As a born again believer it sickens me to know there are professing Christians holding up signs and soldier's funerals. Paul's mission was to take the message of the risen Christ to the ends of the Earth. All these people know how to do is picket military funerals and make fools of themselves. If you hate America so much then move to North Korea. Try picketing one of their military funerals and see where it gets ya!

[@nicklager1666]

Im a simple subscriber i see church in the video title. I know we will have dry deadpan comedy from Grande, what else could you need. Its a thumbs up immediatly. Take it away Grande!

[@pabbischannel8812]

Part of the reason Phelps got so much attention I that he fit the model of what many in the media wanted to believe about religious people, judgemental, hateful, insane etc. They also pegged him as a right-winger when Phelps actually thought of himself as a left-winger, supported social justice and ran for office as a Democrat. Phelps recognized that there is no such thing as bad publicity when leading a cult and he expanded his hate to include slain soldiers and children to incite all of the people who didn't care about his anti-gay campaigns. The correct procedure would have been to not try to paint him as right or left but as a mentally ill person who deserves no attention but instead the media used him as click bait and gave him the notoriety that he craved.

[@kathyclark8274]

True enough, Phelps was right. There IS no such thing as BAD PUBLICITY. That is an oxymoron.

[@jacobfromallstate4963]

@@vermilliongecko to be fair, he lost by a landslide so no party did want him.

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Your observation contains a grain of truth, but is itself a massive oversimplification. Christian fundamentalists really do believe this stuff, most churches just aren't as vocal as Westboro Baptist Church. If any thing, the media doesn't cover enough of the insantiy of right wing religious cultists.

[@pabbischannel8812]

@@MicahBuzanANIMATION I would expand that to include left-wing hate groups as well. ANY group that preaches hatred of anyone who did nothing to them is an enemy of civilization.

[@popper1772]

Doc G! Love your work.

[@theMOCmaster]

Narcissistic people end up in charge of everything, it’s rare that somebody both thinks they're cut out to tell others what to do and does not think they're better than other people

[@eadweard.]

Very silly thing to say.