"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." -Romans 12:2
An Open Letter to the SPLC About
Labeling the FRC a "Hate Group"
August 18, 2012
Dear SPLC,
In light of the recent terrorist action by Floyd Lee Corkins II, who walked into the Family Research Council headquarters with the intent to kill, but was bravely stopped by the group's building manager who suffered wounds as a result, I am writing to express my objection to the SPLC's designation of FRC as a hate group.
FRC is an organization formed to promote traditional Christian values. Labeling them as a "hate group" means that you would have to label all devout Christians who adhere to these values as "haters." Since Christ specifically commanded us to love one another as He loved us, and to love our neighbor as ourselves, and all committed Christians strive to follow this command, your designation of FRC as a hate group is not only untrue, but I think it is libelous and slanderous. I am amazed that a non-profit Law Center would dare to do such a thing.
Jesus set an example that all devout Christians try to follow, when the woman caught in adultery was brought to him by people who wanted to stone her. "Neither do I condemn thee," He said, "go, and sin no more." It is obvious that he loved the woman, but considered what she had done to be wrong, and encouraged her not to do it again.
As Christ's example clearly shows, believing that someone has done something wrong does not constitute "hating" them. A good parent loves his child even when she has done something wrong. Despite that, even when corrected by a loving parent, spoiled children have been known to manipulatively respond, "You hate me." The designation of devout Christians as "haters" for believing that homosexuality is wrong is just as immature and irrational.
I encourage you to give Foxes Book of Martyrs a first or second read. As it records, Christians have practiced loving those who wrongly persecute and kill them for over two thousand years, by the grace of God. Unfortunately, your designation of FRC as a "hate group" - and by implication, all devout Christians who believe that homosexuality is wrong- is ironically resulting in hatred of us. As this act of terrorism demonstrates, it is only serving to increase hostility and persecution against Christians.Surely, that was not your intent (at least I hope it was not), but that is what is happening as a result of it. Nero, who burned Christians at the stake in his gardens, would doubtless have expressed his hearty approval of your actions and their unintended tragic result. You would probably find this difficult to comprehend, but although I believe what you have done to us is wrong, I do not hate you for it, but encourage all Christians to respond in love to you.
In light of what has just happened, I strongly encourage you to rescind and apologize for your designation of FRC - and by implication all devout Christians who believe that homosexuality is wrong - as "haters". That accusation simply is not true.
In the Love of Christ,
Rusty Entrekin~
Rusty Entrekin is a theology graduate of Louisiana College. He and his wife Julie have seven children, with four still at home, and four grandchildren. Currently, he resides in Kennesaw, GA. He writes apologetic and theological articles to help people come to know Christ and grow closer to the Lord.