Leaving the Westboro Baptist Church | Megan Phelps-Roper | Oxford Union

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Phelps-Roper was raised in the Westboro Baptist Church, a controversial American church known for its inflammatory rhetoric and homophobic beliefs. The daughter of the organisation's spokesperson, and granddaughter of its founder, she was one of the church's most prominent members before leaving the organization in 2012 alongside her sister, Grace. No longer a practising Christian, she now works as an activist to overcome religious and political hatred and division.
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[@nodnarb3540]

It still amazes me that I went from truly hating this person with a passion to completely respecting and admiring her. She gives me hope that people can still be good.

[@mcrotty]

Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) implies some definite state of goodness, through using the concept of repair, or the unification of two components into one form, for instance, complete admiration as opposed to partial admiration. And so, complete admiration is justly called so because of its harmonic state and cannot be stated to mean some other thing, excluding partiality to be filled with other reflections of being. The good is a natural state of harmony called justice (welfare). Being is goodness itself.

[@spector969]

I never hated her, she was indoctrinated as a child, a victim of her grandfather's cult. I have nothing but pity for any poor kid born into such a horrific situation. I'm happy for her that she found a way out, it must've been a very difficult thing to do.

[@oneseeker2]

I don't know if I felt "hate", I know for sure I felt WBBC and The Matriarch were dangerous people. It started with The Patriarch.and hopefully die out w/the passing of The Matriarch.

[@PatrickHutton]

When people hated her they were helping to keep her in the cult.

[@EllieUltra]

Patrick Hutton exactly. It was compassion that made her see, not more of the same hatred that she was used to ignoring.

[@mackenzieweber71]

I'm so glad she left, shes so brave for getting out of that cult.

[@adamnolegalname8066]

Out of one cult into another cult-ure

[@Scorch1028]

Mackenzie Weber Yeah, only 60 people on Earth out of 7.4 billion are “right with God”, and all these people just happen to belong to this one church in Po-Dunk, Kansas. 😆

[@JP-ks7ey]

shes come a long way

[@karimshebeika8010]

@Bussarin's Dildo not all clocks are ticking

[@uncasunga1800]

@@Scorch1028 Haha

[@margaret6839]

Can we all just take the lesson here that approaching people respectfully, even when they are saying the most hateful things, is the only way to actually get through to them?

[@kaydenpat]

If they want you to get through to them. Everyone isn’t going to change.

[@margaret6839]

@@kaydenpat I agree that not everyone will change. But pretty much no one changes when they're being screamed at. Also it doesn't sound like Megan was especially open to changing, so she proves it's possible. :)

[@milkenobi]

This worked for me, but it might be be the ONLY way to get through to people. My story is that I was uber-religious, I wound there at a time of emotional turmoil in my life. But I was always a well educated critical thinker. As a result, every time someone brought up a really good counter point to my belief for which I had no answer, it was like someone removing a Jenga block from my faith. It happened over and over again, more blocks were removed. Eventually my faith collapsed after polite logic, administered with respect, eroded it.

[@wilmz68]

Problem is these days is that a lot of people think that simply having a different opinion is 'hateful'.

[@margaret6839]

Don’t have a go at the eyes m8.

[@solseppies]

Megan is one of my heroes I think. I find her to be an incredibly compassionate and courageous woman. Her increasing sadness toward the end of her speech was truly heartbreaking.

[@uncasunga1800]

are you 12?

[@solseppies]

@@uncasunga1800 are you?

[@ImJasonD]

I can't imagine the courage needed to leave a cult and openly talk about it. Great talk! Thank you to her

[@IsaacCoverstone]

Many people are leaving cults, perhaps more today than ever before. The internet goes a long way towards helping people see their options. I left a fundamentalist church fairly similar to the WB, my story can be heard on my channel and on my blog.

[@HowardARoark]

Leave a cult only to join another one.

[@IsaacCoverstone]

@@HowardARoark what is the "other cult" that you refer to? How do you identify what a cult is?

[@HowardARoark]

@@IsaacCoverstone The cult that you are presently watching. The same cult that created WBC in the first place. Its the same people behind it all.

[@IsaacCoverstone]

@@HowardARoark that's quite a claim, how can you prove it?

[@YourMindcrash]

Most UN-FUN thing you can do: Shape yourself. Reflect on yourself. Adapt and overcome mistakes. This woman is dragging herself through hell to find truth, i think thats brave and stunning.

[@piprist5099]

The greatest challenge is to be prepared to change ourselves. I agree with you, Megan is so brave, courageous and humble too, to risk that you might not be accepted as we undergo change and growth.

[@Phobos1483]

What is truth? Some went the wrong way when they said anything else than only Jesus Christ is Truth. I hope she still believes God. Not people but God.

[@BenS-eu4es]

She's not christian anymore actually

[@Mrgg-vo9hr]

Know thyself

[@benhayward2597]

It takes a lot of courage to leave a cult like WBBC. I can't imagine how hard it was to cut ties with almost her entire family.

[@vickyg1411]

Like also it’s her family she’s leaving... that must be hard for anyone no matter how screwed up they are

[@GregoryCunningham]

Meh, not that hard.

[@rockzalt]

@@GregoryCunningham I 99.9% agree. It depends what kind of person you are. Not everyone is a timid and easily persuaded individual. Megan seems to be someone who prizes independent thinking.

[@lToxxiil]

@SA S or you know, they were abused by their family? Just because you can easily drop someone doesn't make you cold or doesn't mean you haven't thought it through, I had no issues dropping my dad because he wanted nothing to do with me until it was to late to fix what he did, issues like this aren't black and white.

[@Ithaca-vv5dy]

Was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, so I relate to her so much, it’s ridiculous.

[@lifesgreat9951]

She's a very eloquent and articulate speaker, isn't she. This shows that even highly intelligent people can be susceptible to brain washing, which seems to work best when started early. Am glad people are prepared to give her a second chance.

[@micahadamson4309]

@@jaytgk3861 Please tell me that's a joke

[@georgetravers9333]

@@micahadamson4309 , higher primates - for years outside the womb defenceless - are more susceptible to displaced instincts. So yes, if you fixate on sex with cars or demand to change your gender, or be Communist or Fascist, this is how it is easily done: Control the nurseries. Create the Naughty Step of child separated from the herd. The more intelligent a tribe is - their longer their gestation and childhood - the more susceptible to this form of abuse, to create intellectual existences of virtue and victim, memes and Hate Crimes. Getting them out of their echo-chambers, away from leaping from frying pans to fires, that is another story.

[@evelien135]

She talks about her family having good schooling as well. Also, higher educated people are more likely to fall for a cult! My aunt has always known what a shit show Scientology is, yet she’s joined Avatar 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@joemellon5444]

Yes usual it starts in public school.

[@ohwellwhateverr]

George Travers Absolute drivel.

[@ed743-m4t]

I became interested in the WBC from the Theroux documentaries. I remembered thinking "how the hell do people like that had the brainpower to be lawyers". I remember the day Megan and her sister left Megan released a public statement and it was so well written and impressive. Incredible how even very intelligent people can still be brainwashed into something like religious extremism.

[@jforozco12]

well if its been fed to you since you were born makes a little more sense

[@vagabondwastrel2361]

I follow a lawyer who features funny lawsuits. Either stupid lawyers or the cases in general. Trust me wbc are not even the most crazy group of lawyers.

[@TIm_Bugge]

Ironically, since the more intelligent one is the better able one is at defending and insulating a bad world view from attack.

[@rorytennes8576]

It's an emotional belief. Yes I had the same thought. How can the really be inteligent and believe that crap. Indoctrination. And family ties. And emotion.

[@TIm_Bugge]

Rory Tennes - We are evolved to believe that crap.

[@sunflashfuturesailor]

It’s amazing how I couldn’t stand Megan in the original Louis Theroux doc but have now been a big fan of her for months. She’s so kind, well-spoken & really likeable. I’m glad she got out.

[@suvariboy]

I ❤️ Louis!

[@burnedflowers141]

Now we know that never was her. Brainwashing your child only goes so far.

[@jadeybaby007]

I think Louis saw past what she was parroting. I saw parts of her true self in the documentary.

[@mezmerized4lifejay654]

So glad Megan found the courage to leave & accept people for who they are

[@KaiseaWings]

This is why 'cancel culture' needs to end, because imagine if we'd 'canceled' Megan after she got out. We need to be open to people growing, changing, apologising and moving on. At a certain point people need to be able to stop apologising for their past if they've changed and done their best to make amends.

[@firesidechatswithkim4800]

Kai Sea 🙌🙌🙌

[@isabellel4352]

Agreed!

[@phil6748]

Kai Sea canceling someone who says racist shit isn’t the same because she was in a cult and didn’t know better. Unlike others on Twitter.

[@PsychedelicSmurf]

@@phil6748 people are indoctrinated with racist as well as cult-like beliefs. She said that she was "inoculated" against outside influences despite going to public school. People are taught their racist beliefs. Unless someone is truly a lost cause, its our responsibility to try and get through to them.

[@MrLeontheman]

I love this comment

[@MichaelYoder1961]

thanks for this - Megan is a very articulate woman and knows what she's talking about without dismissing any ideas

[@karenzielke9387]

Her family cult caused so much pain and suffering to people who did not deserve the abuse. Congratulations to Megan for escaping this horrid cult that has terrorized far too many people.

[@eric8332]

Yes, even Megan herself...I'm glad she was able to escape.

[@SpocksBro]

Well, despite the cultiness of her family, they still managed to raise a wonderful woman.

[@uncasunga1800]

we hope...unless she is a spy..... !!!

[@martharay687]

I grew up in a culty pentecostal family. It can produce a pretty strange person.

[@zeebird66]

Maybe not despite of, but in spite of...

[@jamesvenice3086]

She wasn’t lovely until she left .....

[@jakrobbo7]

@@martharay687 ...I visited a Pentecostal church in Winnsboro Louisiana in the 90s...I suffered culture shock as I am from England

[@GordonHeaney]

I have a lot of admiration for Megan, that cannot have been an easy decision to make, let alone go through with and accept the consequences.

[@gabe6550]

@Léo Mutombo Stop this spam!

[@shaunalarrabee2372]

I remember watching the Louis Theroux documentary on WBC and my heart just breaking for the girls. It makes me so happy to see the girls have left that life behind.

[@joshuaromero583]

The strength and courage to be open, to change, and to act against such an authority in her life is so beautiful..

[@craigdavidson2278]

Leaving religion is the hardest and loneliest act one can undertake. But she is not alone in this choice.

[@johnroscoe2406]

For the record there are people who to whatever degree have some sort of faith or subscribe to some sort of religion who are NOT intolerant nutcases, I hope you can appreciate that. Also it doesn't sound like she "left religion." She left the wackjob WBC community. If you take note of some of the words she chooses to use, it becomes clear she has not left Christianity. She's simply left a cult of lunatics and has become indistinguishable from most every day mainstream people who happen to be a Christian of some sort. I really hope you're not one of *those* atheists who thinks anyone who has any sort of faith is automatically the worst and most extreme example of that faith. And I also hope you're not the type who responds with "well then you're not really [religion] then." That's not how it works.

[@craigdavidson2278]

@@johnroscoe2406 thank you for your frank and honest rebuttal. I would add that to be a follower of one particular religion will automatically make you biased against other.... you would gain you moral code from religious texts, thus encouraging you not to like a certain group. My point was, leaving a religion (or specific interpretation) is extremely hard, the loss of the familiar, friends and community can be overwhelming. She might still be "religious" but I am sure she is on the edge of religious freedom. If she continues her journey of questioning then atheism will be her ultimate destination.

[@johnroscoe2406]

@@craigdavidson2278 But does that not show your own bias? You presuppose atheism is the only "right" destination, though you don't use those words specifically, it is evident. Further, you presuppose it is impossible to subscribe to any 1 faith without invariably becoming biased against others. That's a flaw with individuals and if an individual is so disposed then they would be that way regardless of faith. It would just represent itself through a different channel. And thank you as well, for recognizing I am not being hostile with you. Yes I can be frank, and it's a relief to be able to converse with someone who knows the difference. Especially on KZbin comments...

[@craigdavidson2278]

@@johnroscoe2406 I would guess that "atheism" is the default setting for humans.....when one seeks answers maybe the lack of evidence to a question or the inability to understand evidence could lead a person to seek divine revaluation. Of course this raises the question in which god one would follow...and how they make an informed choice. (There being no proof of a god and them choosing to follow one, one could hypothesis that they prefer the comfort of religion rather than engage in scientific or humanist enlightenment)......just a thought

[@chelseyt7091]

She still has faith, she left that particular church and their beliefs.

[@SpaceCattttt]

I remember watching Louis Theroux's documentary on the church and thinking that Megan didn't look as if she was really into that shit. She was clearly having strong doubts even then, and Louis even said as much himself. Glad he was right.

[@SpaceCattttt]

@Léo Mutombo Great. A fucking tree. Thanks ever so much.

[@ed743-m4t]

Watching her reaction to her finding out her sibling's engagements is so emotional.

[@scottjharris]

Etienne Daniel Dodge time mark?

[@ed743-m4t]

@@scottjharris I'm sorry I meant in Louis Theroux's third documentary when he tells her near the end.

[@baders087]

I can’t believe I missed this! She’s such an incredible person!

[@oneseeker2]

How is she incredible? Because she is articulate?

[@ItsMe-qb6gl]

K Butler well, it does take some courage to walk away from your family and all you’ve ever known

[@roxee57]

Megan’s story is so powerful. I hope one day Oxford Union considers hosting Yasmine Mohammed after reading her book “Unveiled”.

[@virginiaplain100]

Sadly, there's plenty of support for people who leave Christian denominations, especially the more fundamentalist ones. But because of political correctness, no ex-Muslim will be allowed to speak at the Oxford Union. Such a shame. Yasmine Mohammed has a very similar story, but she's not getting half the publicity Megan Phelps-Roper is getting. This might change with the Bill Maher appearance though.

[@oscopin74]

She is living proof people can-after massive indoctrination-change themselves into a more caring, compassionate, empathetic person. I'm happy for her. I hope she can open her families eyes too.

[@JustYourAverageBasicBitch]

I just bought her book, can’t wait to read it. I really admire her!

[@kathyinwonderlandl.a.8934]

I am so proud of this woman and her sister for leaving this most disgusting unreligious organization which are her family.. it gives me hope. Bravo 👏

[@wildfirepatchouli2232]

I'm so very proud of this beautiful, young, strong American woman. ❤️ Her story brought tears to my eyes.

[@piprist5099]

I think I've watched all I can find. How wonderful she is and so courageous to have changed her direction so completely. I love her and that she is now able and prepared to reach out in a humanist way to others. She found also that people wanted to reach out and embrace a sincere journey of change and growth. I wish her all the very best and to all who foster and support her journey, with love.

[@nodnarb3540]

Really, really interesting about her grandfather. We will probably never know where his mindset was before he died, but the fact that he told the Equality House they were good people, and the fact that he accepted Megan’s visit with open arms, is evidence that something changed. We’ll never know if he did the kind of 180 Megan did, but we at least know he was questioning the message he had created.

[@AnyaIzmailova]

So true!

[@Skyler_Momoko]

I know right, it's crazy to think about that even the worst of the worst people can even still see change!

[@suvariboy]

Some of suggested that grandpa Phelps was a closet case, hence the hatred of homosexuals. Makes sense.

[@Malkmusianful]

it makes sense that Fred would have this 180 - not only is he close to death, but it seems like that since Steve Drain took over the church, they've been really doubling down on the caustic tendencies. At most Fred seemed like he thought he was right - does not excuse what he did by a long shot (especially all that child abuse according to Nathan Phelps), but when people are sure of something, they'll stick to it until the 11th hour. And it seems like that Steve Drain not only realized that Fred's 11th hour was coming quick, but that Fred was starting to lighten up in other aspects (read: how Fred got excommunicated from FBC). Methinks Steve Drain is the one behind why FBC went from caustic '90s homophobia that the American layman could vibe with (until the Matt Shepard case made America grow up) to media darlings that dared sue anybody who fought back. He's more media-savvy - he joined the church on part because he made a documentary about Fred - and he's PRETTY STRICT to what Fred adhered to in his past. I think Steve was never liberal in any sense - he always felt out of step and thought that Fred's hate church was a good counterculture to join. Also, Fred was a civil-rights lawyer - he was gonna turn around in some way or another (also, the super-racist anti-Semitic and anti-black picket signs were largely an invention of the Steve Drain era). We didn't get to see a lot of his transformation because he died before he could complete it. So honestly, I don't think he did a full 180, but he was in the process of it, as his statement to the Equality House managers and him accepting Megan's visit as opposed to shunning her as per the norm with members who left, when he died.

[@joecryptoe9800]

He WAS a civil rights lawyer at the height of that particular struggle (50s - 60s)! It takes religion to ruin an otherwise good person...

[@mothermovementa]

It's like being inoculated against outside beliefs. So true.❤❤❤❤ This is what I went through.

[@deeliciousplum]

Priceless talk. Many years ago and while involved with CFI Montréal, we had hosted Nathan Phelps. Megan and Nathan are heartening examples of people who are willing to recognize harmful ideas, to change, and to help in the ways that they do. Their strengths and compassion are a joy to observe. Thank you Megan for sharing your voice and experiences and a thank you to Oxford Union for hosting enlightening speakers. 🌻

[@Junitunes]

Awe I wanna hold her. She had to stop cause of the overwhelming emotions that comes when talking about her family. I cant imagine the pain and am amazed in her strength to stop but continue answering questions

[@KidMillions]

She owes a lot to Twitter for not banning her when she was still preaching the Westboro baptist message (pre 2012) but I believe in the current climate they would actually ban her.

[@bleuclegg6295]

She should have been banned.

[@KidMillions]

@@bleuclegg6295 Why? The danger of hearing extreme views? She didn't convert anyone. Their membership is steady at around 70 for years.

[@bleuclegg6295]

@@KidMillions They hurt a lot of people. She might not convert to her "church" but she did encourage other crappy behavior. No one needs to listen to that rhetoric.

[@KidMillions]

@@bleuclegg6295 I think most people can dismiss extreme views without feeling too hurt... This safe space culture and protection of feelings is a very feminine idea. Discussion of ideas is what's important.

[@bleuclegg6295]

@@KidMillions Feminine or not. When they protest your families funeral you might think twice about that.

[@dylammack]

Megan, you and your sister are both amazing, beautiful human beings. I'm so glad for the direction your lives have taken. Be well, and know you are truly an inspiration. 💜💜💜

[@MatONeill]

What an incredible talk. Thanks so much Megan, and thank you @oxfordunion for uploading this. It feels like we've been waiting for this moment for years and years.

[@Messier45_Pleiades]

Articulate and intelligent. Well done, Megan.

[@AntiMasonic93]

Yeah, she is smart.

[@KFam715]

Im happy that she was able to have a nice visit with her grandfather in the end, But Im sad that he didn't start to see his wrong doings until right before he died.

[@elibertine2739]

Better late than never though. The sad thing is her grandfather was a civil rights advocate before he started the hateful pickiting . He used his legal education to further the rights of African Americans. In this talk she mentioned that they started protesting in a park. The grandfather was upset that the park was a gay beat at night. Sadly that is how the church started down the path of antigay pickiting .

[@lefroy1]

I can remember Meghan's interaction with Louis Theroux when he did a piece on the WBC. You could almost see her penny drop as Loius' quiet, inimitable approach started breaking-down her programming.

[@8BallEyes]

I could see that (kinda) too. Good for her!

[@jackkuipers1053]

Hands down one of the bravest people I can think of! Such a beautiful individual with an amazing life ahead of her!

[@leegleissner9771]

I am shocked at her. I never thought she would leave that church! I saw the way she was before! Oh boy. This is wonderful to see. For me? God? Sorry...I want the proof. I am atheist/agnostic. The difference between me and other atheists is that I'm not as dismissive that which is God could still exist. Generally I doubt it but you never know. I do think there was a Yeshua that tried to help his people. I accept him as I divinity but there are things taught about him I can't except as being true. I don't think he ever claimed to be God itself or that he is going to die for you. This was invented later. Also sin? People existed long long before the supposed Adam and Eve. Apparently they got curious and found out too much! Ha ha. Curiosity got the better of them. Love and take care from atheist/agnostic Lee.

[@ErikKristianGonzales]

Shes incredibly brave! Thank you Miss Phelps-Roper

[@rorytennes8576]

" fluttered away like a butterfly" I had the same type experience. Once I saw how clear and simple it was, that the buybull was BS, it , the BS, flittered away into air. And was no more.

[@jcull2982]

"Ignorance can be educated but stupid is forever "...good for her! It must be incredibly tough to grow up and discover that everything you were born into and taught to believe is absolute evil. Some people don't know any better, some are trapped into staying, but this woman is so strong and is a perfect example of how an open mind can maybe change a tiny sliver of the world. Hope for more stories like this.

[@christopherlawlor2780]

It just opens your eyes to actually getting to know somebody and them getting to know you without bitterness or general interest, we can finally see each other’s view. I have a lot of respect for this girl and not only for her opening up but to give up a family she has known all her life. Respectable and brave.

[@buddyneher9359]

"Maybe doubt is my religion" - now that's a spiritual journey! Huge respect to Megan.

[@DONALD1951]

It is wrong to disrupt a funeral which is so emotional and sacred. There are other ways to get your message out in a civil way.

[@bleuclegg6295]

Her mom had a child out of wedlock (her first born son). The idea that it's a sin for others and not them is unbelievable to me.

[@mickyboyakari1502]

What makes you think her mom believes it is not a sin for herself?

[@bleuclegg6295]

@@mickyboyakari1502 They think EVERYONE outside their church WILL go to hell due to sin. Sexual sin is the sin they concentrate on regularly. Hence, she should be in the same category as everyone else.

[@mickyboyakari1502]

@@bleuclegg6295 She is no longer committing that sin, is she? Their dubious beliefs don't imply that they don't believe in repentance and God's mercy. Nothing suggests she believes it was not a sin when she had a child out of wedlock.

[@bleuclegg6295]

@@mickyboyakari1502 They believe that ONLY they will go to heaven. Others that do the same sin will not outside of their church. Do your research before coming at me.

[@mickyboyakari1502]

@@bleuclegg6295 How does that mean that she believes it was not a sin? You apparently have difficulty reasoning logically.

[@ed743-m4t]

You can tell at around 13:00 she was getting emotional talking about helping her family back in Topeka. So sad to see. Especially seeing Shirley's reaction to her children leaving in Theroux's third doc about the WBC which I'm sure Megan saw. That was probably especially hard to watch for her.

[@TalkieToaster.]

I was watching a Louis Theroux piece on the Phelps family and their church, Megan was in that! She's singing a completely different tune now, and I actually now hold her in quite high regard. All the best to her, these talks are fascinating.

[@all_is_well_Mara]

She is so brave.

[@andrewwells6323]

She's amazing!

[@benbearrobinson]

It's so much harder to be born in hate then find the moral path to kindness. I'm really blown away by the powerful strength of this woman. A true and worthy hero.

[@donwinslow522]

What a beautiful young lady she is! Her courage and compassion is truly inspirational. We need this blessing more than ever. 😃

[@tracieh215]

Now look up Lauren Drain. She also had been part of WBC and she was kicked out of the church for asking questions. She also wrote a book about it called Banished.

[@suvariboy]

“I am not religious at all any more.” Hallelujah!

[@prometheusrex1]

Right! Nevermind that religion was crucially important/formative to Gandhi, MLK, Schweitzer, Bach, Newton... and most of the US armed forces that basically saved civilization in WWII. Fuck you.

[@1funkyflyguy]

@@prometheusrex1 Don't you sound very Christian

[@prometheusrex1]

@@1funkyflyguy Where did I put at issue my own virtue or religious status? Engage the argument instead of attack ad hominem, bitch.

[@P3vlogVid]

She's realized that not just some of it is bullshit, but all of it.

[@user-od1fm3hs9c]

@@prometheusrex1 - You loose credibility in your arguement when you have to resort to foul language. It highlights your limitations. You have my sympathy. I hope 2020 brings you an extended vocabulary. ❤

[@BillysMum]

She's so well spoken, articulate, calm and intelligent. So proud of her for leaving and now speaking about it

[@Daisy-fb8pz]

She was raised right.

[@rorytennes8576]

I so happy for you Megan. That you got away. That you escaped. Much love. From Texas. 😘

[@SkySpiral8]

She still wears that necklace that her cousin Jael was wearing in one of the early Theroux documentaries.

[@Devils-advocate78]

still uses the name phelps too even tho shes now married

[@TKUA11]

emilyfrombulwell yeah, seems like she’s profiting from the notoriety

[@KurooTori]

TK UA or, she is taking ownership of her family name to make a change to its meaning and negative connotations.

[@Devils-advocate78]

dont make me laugh, shes profitting from it. do you think her job would take her around the world to address people like the oxford union if she wasnt a part of that family? fair play to her for renouncing them but she was still a part of it for many years and spread much hate. nobody that has ever picketed a childs funeral should be given redemption or a platform to speak no matter how sorry they are. she should be made to get a real job and if she wants to go to oxford take her family there on vacation after working a full year to pay for it. im not for silencing these people because like she said in the video, if it wasnt for twitter giving her a platform she would still be one of them. you want to redeem yourself then fine, do good work, redeem yourself. but after what she has done she should do it in private. defo not under the name phelps

[@evelien135]

emilyfrombulwell How unhappy are you with yourself?

[@jgingras2615]

Courage & integrity = respect.

[@mysterion9686]

35:19 "Maybe doubt is my religion", that's such a refreshing thing to hear, and an actual sign of strength.

[@Mikados_Advark12]

Just read her book “Unfollow” - so well written and thoroughly readable and insightful

[@OrganNLou]

What a bright, young woman! She will have a great future now that she is out of the cult.

[@ascent8487]

Listening to this, the most striking part, is that something good came of Twitter.

[@mag5020]

😂😂 My thoughts exactly. I was like "well at least something good came from twitter"

[@Seb4041]

You grew up with this. It was all you knew, nurture over nature. I’m so glad you go out and decided to speak out. Your family is clearly educated and they are smart. Their ideology doesn’t sounds right though. So thank you for being brave and showing the world your courage ❤️

[@Zincchromeshema]

Megan and all who let that little ray of light into their hearts and minds are changing the world for the better.One touches many♥♥♥

[@kinglyzard]

Meghan's future action could be to lock elbows with other former members of this cult and move to shut this shit show down once and for all.

[@istvanmeissler2238]

It is amazing that 2000 years ago a carpenter from a town named Nazareth traveled around the area now known as Israel for three years preaching 1) Love of God and 2) Love of fellow man and that if every person regardless of religion or background focused on just these, we would be living in love and harmony as God wanted. For this "blasphemy" he was murdered but those who believed in his message of love continued to spread it calling themselves "followers of Christ Jesus", also known as Christians. How anyone could call themself a Christian but ignore Jesus' simple message of "Love God and love others." is a contradiction I can not understand. When Jesus said "Love your enemy", what he was saying was "do not hate". You can discuss, debate and disagree, but never hate another human being. Love them, do good to them, pray for them but never ever allow hate into your heart. A good and powerful message still.

[@istvanmeissler2238]

@pippin1962 I sort of went through what you did, but at an earlier age. I went to Catholic grade school where the nuns told me about heaven and hell and who gets in and who doesn't. I could not accept that the wonderful Jewish people in my neighborhood would be damned merely because they did not acknowledge Jesus as God. That made me agnostic. I was like 10 years old. After that it was a simple thing to write off Jesus and God as creations of man to keep everyone in society in check. Years later I studied the science of the beginnings of the solar systems and also of biological life. I came to the surprising realization that there was far more evidence to support the existence of a creator than otherwise. Being open-minded and having a scientific bent I started studying about various religions and even revisited Jesus and read a bit of the Bible for the first time. I also did quite a bit of research about whether or not Jesus was a real man and what we knew factually about his ministry. Of course all this inquiry took years and led me to some of the exact questions you raise. I will cut this short and say I am not trying to change your mind on anything. You sound very settled in your position. I will say I did come to believe that Jesus made claims which he was able to substantiate, and no one then or now has been able to unsubstantiate those claims. I have had to reconcile myself to believing that 1) God does exist. 2) He is all about love. 3) Because of #2, He does want the best for every person. 4) Also because of #2, free will has to play a part, as He doesn't want us to be a bunch of mind dead robots. How can you love a robot and how can a robot love you? 5) If God is omniscient and all about love, certainly He takes everything into account when we are judged. 6) And finally, if Jesus's teachings were legitimately how God wanted us to behave, and Jesus was able to prove with enough evidence that God sent Him on a mission to convey this message, then it makes logical sense that a belief in the veracity of the messenger would be a prerequisite to really wanting to inculcate Gods' message into our lives. If Jesus was lying about who he was, then why believe what he had to say. Again, from my point of view, which is more focused on history, science, logic and reason, etc. I have had to acknowledge that the evidence supporting Jesus far outweighs opposing evidence. Fortunately for me, I believe my life is better off for my journey of discovery and what I uncovered. I wish you all the best in your journey.

[@johnbrown3711]

I'm amazed. Had not heard about Megan's amazing journey.

[@anotherarmchairhistorian2831]

You should watch her Joe Rogan interview. It was really good.

[@xtinamarie_333]

This is such an important conversation!! Bravo Megan Phelps!!! ✌️❣️

[@richardjones1699]

This person is special. She is a glowing soul full of love and compassion. Though I am a non-believer in religion, it is obvious that having someone like Megan in your life would be magical.

[@christinevankammen6109]

I remember seeing the documentary, I actually liked this family, not what they were preaching. I prayed for this family at that time and I am sure many more Christians also prayed. Today I am grateful to the Lord God for his mercy and grace upon this family.

[@erinelizabethleroux]

Thanks, Martin Luther.

[@ftenhorn]

She came out the church and is such a intelligent and loving person. So I believe there must be enough good in this family to enable this. Maybe there is hope, more will follow in her footsteps.

[@trgoohileshea2820]

I remember you at a Heartland Men's Chorus concert back in the early 2000's. You were filming us as we went inside. I had no problem with it, but you were vitriolic about it. I told you that you couldn't film me, but you knew the laws better than I did. I sucked it up and went to the concert. I am so proud of you now!

[@MsJenn1985]

I wish I could have been there I’m on 25 miles away!

[@FluWorldOrder]

That reminds me of the same mind-set that entrenched Jehovah Witness have. Cults condemn those that want to leave and SHUN them . I bet that Megan is being shunned.

[@uncasunga1800]

they are shot out like wayyy out

[@MrLeontheman]

I have a way to leave and not have the regular issues that come with it , if your interested.

[@AnabananaBeauty]

Beyond happy to see her out of that cult :) I remember seeing her when she was apart of it so its amazing one more escaping that cult

[@ashvingupta5296]

I never thought I'd say this but I respect this person with all my heart,, PLEASE be kind to others just LOOK what a bit of respect does to a person I'm in AWE

[@victorkd9926]

You can tell she is mentally damaged from being raised by that family, she has sadness in her eyes.

[@ElroyMF1]

I have a antihistaminic eyedrops for that.

[@rossmorton7002]

@@ElroyMF1 Is that the prescribed treatment for a bad case of religion?

[@Devils-advocate78]

thats not sadness thats religion. theyve all got that faraway look in their eyes like they arnet quite 100% there

[@rcche3778]

I had the impression that her losing her family has affected her, hence the abrupt ending when she starts talking about reachimg out to them. Regardless of who they are, it can't be easy to be at odds with a family that was nurturing and loving

[@firesidechatswithkim4800]

Victor Asack she must feel terribly sad, among other feelings. She probably feels humiliated for believing and following such insanity. She lost many loved ones.

[@Craycraykell]

I'm so glad she found the light!!! Her family is despicable

[@nicolaanderson7295]

I cannot even begin to imagine how growing up in that place would be. What a brave young lady.

[@piprist5099]

I hope others of the young ones are capable of following a new path. Everything is people reaching out for connection. The book is wonderful but there is also something "more" conveyed in the audiobook. Lots of love to you in/on your journey.

[@jeanakatherine9369]

I read a book by Lauren Drain who left the church also, It was a great book, I def cried...i wonder if Megan has contacted her at all or read her book

[@jazzx251]

Megan left with her sister (Grace - I think) ... they went to a public library and grabbed as many books on philosophy that they could!

[@sapientcapricorn191]

JK Mid yes! lauren, grace and megan have all met up & are on good terms :)

[@finster444k]

Wow, she’s so pretty and seems really nice. Hard to believe she’s related to such hateful people.

[@uncasunga1800]

im glad she left and she sounds smart but she is monotone borrrrrrrrrring

[@prometheusrex1]

Are you pretty & nice? Are you hateful?

[@DavidARuchcoach]

Thank you for your testimony you are very courageous

[@Aarontlondon]

I’m so please for her! What a smart, inspirational young lady!

[@andrewt836]

Her grandfather’s closeted homosexuality has had a resounding effect on many many lives. Denial is a powerful thing.

[@goonie4055]

I absolutely do not agree with anything that the WBBC do or say but what evidence do you have to say that? Just curious.

[@suzitee8225]

Andrew T I think you’ve more than likely hit the nail on the head there!!!

[@andrewt836]

goonie4055 Which part, the part about Fred Phelps being gay or the part about denial? Lauren Drain, another ex member of WBBC talks about Fred’s sexuality in her book - Banished. That as well as his behaviour being textbook reaction formation defence to an internal conflict, leads me to this conclusion. The power of denial is evident in itself, and this lead Fred Phelps to behave in a way that caused misery and suffering to those already in pain, through his direct actions.

[@goonie4055]

Andrew T didn’t know any of that. Makes sense now.

[@BabsLongfellow]

Her journey is really compelling. I wonder if a civilized conversation could happen any more on Twitter and the like. It's so visceral and vicious "out there" these days.

[@RoyKoopaling]

It’s no more vicious now than it was then. It is more censorial though.

[@BabsLongfellow]

@@RoyKoopaling agreed it is censorial. I also believe behind the screen lurchers are getting worse than ever.

[@firesidechatswithkim4800]

Chríss M are you serious? Even in the last year, I’ve noticed a huge difference in the keyboard warriors everywhere. They seem to get braver and nastier each year. So disturbing.

[@firesidechatswithkim4800]

Barbie Longfellow-Ott I completely agree with you.

[@RoyKoopaling]

Fireside Chats With Kim I’m absolutely serious.

[@Secret19977]

In the Louie throuox documentary’s Megan always came across as human and someone who there was always hope for, a few others too but the mother and some others were clearly beyond help

[@DH-kl3ob]

Wow. Amazing story and person.

[@fizzingwhizbee6937]

14 dislikes are her fam that are still in the "church"

[@anonxnor]

It is a church. Their interpretation of scripture is no less valid than any other. You just happen to disagree with it.

[@fizzingwhizbee6937]

@@anonxnor No... It's a cult. But thanks for playing

[@anonxnor]

​@@fizzingwhizbee6937 Nice try, but being a cult and being a church is not mutually exclusive. Wanna try again?

[@fizzingwhizbee6937]

@@anonxnor nice assumption. I know there is a difference and the Westboro Baptist church is a cult.

[@rorytennes8576]

@@anonxnor what does that mean? That your personal interpretation is correct? How do you know?

[@emilymatthews2990]

She was allowed media growing up? I was surprised. I thought they would outlaw that, WBC seems to outlaw everything. As for this woman, I got mixed feelings.

[@okcurrr5573]

surprisingly it seems that they allowed their kids to use social media and phones etc. They were probably completely sure that their children would follow their cause and attack people online rather than actually listen to them. The adults in WBC frequently use twitter and other platforms to berate others so maybe the children were allowed social media on the bases they would do the same

[@kellypat125]

WBC kids like her even went to public school and regular colleges, although they did not seem to make true friends there as that was discouraged. I recommend reading her book Unfollow, really fascinating

[@firesidechatswithkim4800]

Nunovurbznzsodontask exactly!!

[@dinkalicious]

Such an admirable young woman. Her book is also excellent; I highly recommended it.

[@KurooTori]

Very interesting talk. That third man who asked his question, what an excellent question! Very important question too.

[@bentrider]

Yep. That's what can happen when people start thinking for themselves.

[@millyday]

Exactly, in regards to growing up in a Christian cult, being tought to stand up for what is right according to the scriptures, backfires big time, when a member starts to use critical thinking in analysing policies! Every time! 100% effective!

[@jordiix]

Such a well spoken smart lovely young lady nice to see her happy with her own life and making her own path for herself go girl ✌🏻🏳️‍🌈💜🇬🇧

[@orvil9223]

I get tired of hearing people say they are "educated, very intelligent, loving" and then go on to explain every dumb, horrific, hateful thing they do. Just because you can read a book, remember it, then take a test on it, does not make you intelligent. It means you're good at taking tests. I know a woman right now who is an honor student in college (lives in the pacific northwest) but asked me when winter in Boston was. That's just an example of the stupidity - trust me. But, she can read chapters, remember the high points, and ace a test time after time. There's a reason why people like Einstein were never big fans of school. You have to be able to take that knowledge, and apply it to other things while making connections and forming your own ideas, etc. That is why people wonder why a doctor does really dumb things when he's supposed to be so highly educated. Just because he's a doctor, doesn't mean he's a good one. The people who never finished school or even went in the first place have been the most successful people on the planet. They weren't taught how to think one way (brainwashed) and were intelligent enough to come up with their own way of doing things. Same goes for musicians - Jimi Hendrix, etc. - All the best players were self taught. They never had anyone tell them they couldn't do this or that, they just went with it. One of the best examples? Abraham Lincoln - the man attended what amounted to less than 12 months of school - 1 grade. He was entirely self-educated. Having someone "teach" you just means they show you how to think just like they do.

[@BradHominem]

Wow, it's like she had a Darth Vader redemption moment with her grandfather! She's brave and I'm sure she'll continue to flourish.

[@MrLeontheman]

It blow my mind , I didn’t know he was not in it in his end days

[@georgetravers9333]

The lie given to her: was she had to make amends. Because the truth is, once you recognize pride blinded you, and repent of the actions it led you to, you will sin no more. So if other people reacted badly and collectively, it is for them to repent, not for you to fix it for them. For sin in others, helps you to know right within yourself. In this, she did a great service to know a better Christianity. And now a witness to let us know that we can all can escape childhood fixations and identities handed to us by sick moms. Go girl. Be free. For neither do I condemn you.

[@paolazo-l4790]

She has prooven to be an intelligent woman with an open mind. Thank you for sharing

[@stellabella8224]

Great choice, blessing as you start a new path in your life.