When Tyra & Kevin Met Shirley

Paul
October 13 2006, 1:05AM

Historically, religion has created more harm than good--today in carries on, look at the world in which we live today. Has religion helped in any way?

Ricky
October 13 2006, 1:35AM

Have you ever seen the show that Michael Moore did where they drove the 'sodomobile' across several states, breaking the sodomy laws in a couple of them? At one point he meets Mrs Phelps who starts singing 'God hates fags' to the tune of The Carpenters hit 'Sing A Song'.

Not sure why America has so many of these nuts.

JackEbrown
October 13 2006, 1:55AM

I have to say that I loved this show! Finally a Tyra show with some depth! I'm glad shes a fag enabler. I'm in love with Kevin Aviance after seeing this show. I've known of him all these years of knowing Patrik Polk and seeing him in PUNKS. Of course all the drag queens I know worship him!LOL However I've never seen the heart of Kevin. If you talk to him tell him I said hello and give him my love. I love that Kevin is who he is without apology or excuse! He is DIVA thru and thru. I loved him talking about wearing his mothers shoes and clothes.!LOL I did that too. Don't tell anyone!LOL My mother had these fabulous mexicana dresses from some part time job she had before I was born and I was obsessed with them. I see how men become drag queens! ;) I was only one 4 maybe 5 times but I got butch!! :)

JD
October 13 2006, 2:31AM

- Paul- Do u really believe religion has been a hinderance to the development of society/culture? I mean, Martin LUther King was Christian man, who used his gifts from God to help begin the Civil Rights movement. The end result of that is that you now can ride the bus and sit where u want, eat where u want, and live where you want, among a myriad changes that this "religious" person helped facilitate using the principles of the Bible.
Also, people like Phelps are not real Christians. Anyone reading scripture would know that the truth they represent is not the truth of Christ. Their brand of Christianity is one w/o mercy or grace, not understanding the same hard-nosed banter they use on others will be applied to them. I hate when such are given spotlight on shows like Tyra's, but then again, hollywood takes every jab it can at Christianity while worshipping Humanism.
At any rate, the show was slanted, designed to make Christians appear as hate-filled homophobes, and it was an agenda, not real.

chris-leo
October 13 2006, 4:45AM

paul,

religion is a weird mixed-bag motivator. it's inspired people to create tremendous wonders and to act in ways of extreme charity, like almost nothing else could. it also made communities of people cooperate, and it gave them bounderies and guidelines. before laws, it used to be quite useful. the only problem is that once you create a god, you have to figure out what god wants, and god ain't talkin'. so it's also been a force behind the greatest atrocities, since what "god" wants is always up to interpretation (SALEM!??!!).

also, that kentucky-style revivalist "christianity" that started creeping up with carnival acts, in the U.S.A., in the 1800's is relatively new. it's more bible thumping than anything else. but it kept a kind of order amongst those early settlements.

J.D., y'all Martin Luther King/Jimmy Carter style "real christians" had better start claiming your shit, 'cause the right wing, bigoted freaks have taken the name "christian" and made egg salad out of it.

Cocoa Rican
October 13 2006, 7:38AM

Hate is as intolerable a sin as what homophobes believe homosexuality is, so the Phelps clan is guaranteed to share space in the same hell as the gay community they condemn to it. ...for the record, I don't think any of the holy scriptures gives the gay community a special place in hell that burns hotter and whiter because of our sin.... well, unless they'd concede that God also is a gay enabler who planned special accommodations for us. :)

taylor Siluwé
October 13 2006, 8:50AM

The Christian Terrorists are among us. We don't have to worry about al Queda ending our way of life, because these terrorists for Jesus are pretty much taking care of that.

This is the era of 'Jesus Camp'. And you know what, I'm actually happy its all coming to light. Children should not be indoctrinated like a computer chip to spew religion and hate. More moderate people of faith have also been guilty of this throughout history, but now that the kooks are doing it and being vocal about it, hopefully the world sees the danger.

Children should learn about all religious views and other fairytales, and when they grow up decide for themselves whether God Hates Fags ... or just extremist nut-jobs.

BLK_PHD
October 13 2006, 9:32AM

For a long time now, people have used their religion to promote themselves, discriminate against others, kill, steal, destroy, and enslave. This evident with the plethora of denominations, within Christianity, that exists today. My mother’s family is Baptist and my father’s family in AME Zion. My grandparents use to go to war about which denomination was right, and they both served the same God! People in church many people do not read entire chapters and books of the Bible, they only hear specified passages (scriptures), and hear how the pastor may have used that certain passage to preach from his or her personal opinion. In Jeremiah 1:5, it tells us that God knew us before he created us in our mother's womb, I interpret this as God created me, knew me before I was born, and knows me now. That's why it is important for each of us who claims to be religious to pick up our own Bible's, begin to read, and create a personal relationship with God.

gs
October 13 2006, 9:34AM

This Phelps woman is part of a cult and has been denounced by every mainstream Christian organization in the country, so to say she represents christians isn't a correct assessment. Their organization consists of 20-30 family members and they condemn everyone to hell except those in their sect. In reading up about them, I was shocked to see that the founder of the group is a staunch democrat and was a guest of Al Gore in the WHite House when he was VP. I believe Gore distanced himself once he found out this guy was a nutcase.

Etienne
October 13 2006, 9:40AM

The conviction in their eyes is what shocked me the most….
Also, the fact that that woman is a lawyer..
The two poor girls were just spewing craziness they were spoon-fed for years in their dark hole.

I was happy to see that Kevin is back on his feet and doing his thing.

Patrick
October 13 2006, 12:42PM

Even the far right considers the Phelps clan to be too far...they are sorta funny to watch, if not scary as hell

bubba
October 13 2006, 1:32PM

Definitely the best thing Tyra ever didi on her talk show, outside of that stunt in the fat suit. But honestly, are these Phelps people "isolated," or are they just willing to take the heat for an anti-gay hatred that others won't demonstrate to the degree they do? I wish someone would do an expose on this phenomenon in the black community specifically.

David
October 13 2006, 1:35PM

I'm not suggesting that you're saying they are, but are all Christians who believe homosexuality to be immoral crazy or irrational?

saint james
October 13 2006, 1:41PM

Okay, let's start with this; You cannot simply call yourself a Christian. You must conform your life to Christian beliefs and ideals. Jesus said; "Why call ye me Lord, Lord and do not the things that I say." The bible says that on judgement day many will be refused from entry into the Kingdom of God because they claimed to be followers of Christ but their attitude towards those for whom Jesus came to love, forgive and save was not in keeping with His own; LOVING.
This woman is NOT A CHRISTIAN. Neither is her father. I had a conversation with her on radio in Boston. She is an articulate, hate filled-lunatic who can quote the scriptures but does not live them. As for religion (Christianity) doing more harm that good; Most hospitals, universities, orphanges, missions to the disadvantaged, poor and homeless in this country were started by people of faith. During Hurricane Katrina it was the churches who met the needs of the gulf coast well before the national response. Don't paint everyone with the same brush.

saint james
October 13 2006, 2:47PM

To Taylor Siluwe,
And just whom do you think should have a right to indoctrinate children? The government? Your comments frighten and revolt me as much as Shirley-the lunatic-Phelps! Parents have the right to teach their children their way of life, beliefs, etc. In the US everyone, "moderate Christians" and the lunatic fringe alike have the same rights. If you have children don't you want to teach your children from your point of view? I am not for anything or anyone that teaches hate but your thoughts about intruding into the family unit is a scary thought.

Derrick from Philly
October 13 2006, 4:01PM

Yes, I suppose parents do have the right to teach their children their religious and moral views. It's just difficult when they're teaching them that black people are sub-human animals who fuck too much, breed bastards, get on drugs and welfare, and should be glad "we" brought them from Africa where they'd still be swingin'on tree branches.

Some parents can't be trusted to instill decency into their children; but your right, Saint James, it's the parent's right...but maybe,hopefully, unfit religious zealot parents can't keep books, newspapers, magazines, television, film, theater, and the mighty INTERNET away from their kids. That's the hope.

saint james
October 13 2006, 4:33PM

Intelligent children eventually seek out their own ideas. Even those who are taught that all white people are blue eyed-devils; or those who are encouraged to have sex with other adults in cults. It is all reprehensible but a necessary evil where people have rights and autonomy. We can hope.

chris-leo
October 13 2006, 4:51PM

saint james,

the government does indeed have the right to indoctrinate children. it's called public school. as a matter of fact, parents can only pull their kids out of public school if their backup plan (catholic or private school or home schooling) is approved by the government.

the christian right has done a pretty good job, through the help of the current administration and congress, of diverting government funds away from public schools and channeling them into their "faith-based" programs, schools and voucher programs - which basically violates the separation of church and state.

then again, the ultimate republican paradise would have no public schools at all, great masses of ignorant, poor people, with no health care, educated in pop culture and religious fantasy, who will undercut each other for low salaries and fight wars for the rich. there'd be no middle class to speak of, and there'd be a few very rich people who benefit.

Latisha
October 13 2006, 7:00PM

Anyone have a link to the video clip of today's show? YouTube? I would love to see it. That Phelps family is full of malarky.

The Empress
October 13 2006, 7:20PM

I love Kevin Aviance! Long live the Queen.
Yes, Paul, I think religion has something to do with some major things going on in this society. Not just in the US but also afar.

cmoney
October 13 2006, 9:57PM

Incest and inbreeding are the causes of this flakey hatred dressed up as religion. The Phelps keep to themselves because a) no one else would want to be bothered with them and b) they are rumored to practice incest. They really deserve no audience, but I'm waiting to see them get their asses kicked while protesting a funeral. I suspect it's going to happen soon.

ray
October 14 2006, 12:44AM

let insane Phelps and his moron "family" speak - these people are the TRUE FACE of the "christian right" - so let people see them just as they really are! Many right wing "christians" are EMBARRASSED by them for just this reason!
When you look at the history of organized Christianity (and Islam as well) you have a long legacy of bloodshed, pointless violence, persecution and torture of a most monstrous and sadistic kind - and all from people who followed the bible LITERALLY (burning "witches" at the stake is a perfect example) - it's caused more harm and suffering that any good that's ever come out of it - thus "religious" leaders who presume to speak about anything need to be mindful of this history and be CAREFUL about whatever they say - but the christian right doesnt have the brains or the historical perspective to realize that! Nutcases like Phelps and other make that perfectly clear!

loi wade
October 14 2006, 2:21AM

You know what? I am so sick of this mess! I saw that ranting lunatic showing her ass on national t.v. If america is being punished so damn much, why is she here? There are plenty of countries she can move her ass to where they agree with her philosophy. But she's not going anywhere. She is going to stay right here in good ole' america where the freedom of speech allows her to spread her hate. I am not one to use the bible to hurt anyone, but if she can do it ,so can I. Why doesn't she listen to the apostle Paul when he said women should keep their f------ mouths shut! How dare those people show up at Coretta's homegoing celebration! I respect her children for following their fathers peace ideas, but if that had been my mother, It would have been all about my God Father Mr. Malcolm X's ideas of I'm taking you with me bitch! And as far as teaching her children to be bigots, yes she has that right. But thats not what ms. thing is trying to do. She's trying to infiltrate her sickness into the minds of OTHERS.

JORGE
October 14 2006, 5:36PM

SHIRLEY PHEPLS = ESTUPIDA IDIOTA

theeunuch
October 14 2006, 5:37PM

I'm with you lol wade. Surely God is not pleased with all the hate. He is all about LOVE.

titi
October 15 2006, 10:28AM

THE FACT IS THAT THIS TYPE OF PEOPLE DON'T DESERVE ALL THOSE ATTENTIONS WE ARE GIVING THEM.THEY ARE FROM A LITTLE WORLD, WE ARE ELEVATING THEM TO PLACES THEY CAN ONLY DREAM ABOUT... THEY JUST DON'T MATTER!!!!

Bobby
October 16 2006, 4:30PM

I'm not sure if you know, JD, but Martin Luther King's peaceful agenda was not of Christian origin, not even remotely. Bayard Rustin recommended that King use peace as a movement after being inspired by Gandhi.

Not wanting to make any sweeping generalizations, I will preface this by saying that IN MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND IN THE EXPERIENCE OF THOSE WITH WHOM I AM ACQUAINTED, religion's SOLE positive is that it has comforted people who fear what happens after we die. Otherwise, religion has been a divider, a silencer, an oppressor, a fear monger and a murderer to the NTH degree.

saint james
October 16 2006, 5:47PM

Dr. King did embrace Gahndi's approach to non-violent social change. He was able to do so because Ghandi's teachings were in keeping with Christ's own words. "If your enemy is hungry give him something to eat. If he is thirsty give him something to drink. Don not take revenge, leave room for God's wrath." King's acceptance of Ghandi's philosophy was in linw with his own religious teaching. So it was connected. So it's not really true that is was not rmotely connected. When Dr. King addressed his fololowers he ancouraged them to follow the teachings of Christ. In his writings he wrote of Gahnad's influence. BOTH Jesus and Ghandi influenced Martin Luther King, Jr.

AJ
October 17 2006, 12:14PM

And they say the muslim faith is evil!Just another example of CHRISTIAN extremeists.Religion is a weapon for abusers.But saying that,any form of power is subject to abuse from those that hold the torch.
Lets just ignore them,they'll get bored,dis-empowered and die off.The more attention we give them,the more the hate will spread.It doesn't take much to ignite the minds of the hateful!

Carolyn Wagner
October 20 2006, 1:41PM

I am a mother of a hate crime survivor and with a group that provides support/advocacy for those newly impacted by hate violence. I am also a Christian but I must lay the violence and hate at the feet of my own faith in this nation. Either Christians have been directly involved in the spewing of fear by picking and choosing bible verses to justify their bias and hate to people of color and or lgbt people or they have been enablers due to their silence. Martin Luther King chose to be silent when a primary source in the civil rights movement of the 60's came under attack because he was also gay, Mr Rustin, the author of King's speech. A very small minority of Christians speak up to challenge this misuse of the bible and teachings of Christ. I was dissappointed that Ms Banks gave the phelps clan airtime but very grateful that she also included a survivor who had a very important and powerful story.

saint James
October 20 2006, 4:25PM

Martin King HAD to be silent about Bayard Rustin. There would have been no civil rights movement on a national level with King at the helm if he hadn't. If the nation wasn't ready for black people. How in the hell do you think they would have been ready for a black and gay person? Please don't be naive. Was it right? Probably not. Was it necessary? I think so. King was a personal friend of Rustin and personally did not believe in bias against Gay people.

Brittany
October 21 2006, 4:26AM

what I dont understand is shirly said "Thank god for hurricane Katrina, thank god for the Tsunami, and thank god for 9/11" Saying that everything god does is for a reason (which I believe). Yes Katrina, and The Tsunami were caused by nature, but 9/11, was caused by hateful people. Which is onece again promoting the word of violence, and saying thats it's ok, when its not!!!

Donald
November 24 2006, 12:28PM

I strongly believe God loves all of his children, but he does not love no sin of no kind including homosexuality. I don't how you may look at it. If God made us gay then why do men have male organs and have male reproduction and same goes for women. God did not make no man or woman that way. What happen if every male and female was homosexual, we would not be able to produce children, then the world would come to a end. People of the world is stuck on media, talk shows, movies, and etc instead they need to focus on God. If anyone who is dealing with homosexual struggle and they go to church please tell what bible they are reading because it can not be the KJV because it talks about God against homosexuality. It hurts me so much that our God gave his only son up to be crucified for our sins and we walk aroung like that didn't mean anything. God loves us all. We need to live up to his name. Stop all the killing, homosexuality, stealing, raping, drugs, molestation, adultrey, fornication, worshiping other thing

Evelyn
April 28 2007, 9:59AM

I am a christian and after seeing the Tyra show I am in disgust. The Phelps are not Christians, and they embarass me by saying they are. I am not going to sit here and say that I agree with the homosexual lifestyle, but I believe that it's every persons choice. Also, Jesus would never treat a homosexual the way the Phelps did. I believe they should be treated with love not hate. The Phelps are quack jobs.

Carri
May 29 2007, 10:42AM

I only got to see the show yesterday, i'm from South Africa, a bornagain believer in Christ Jesus and true believer in God.

The lady that spoke out against homosexuality has the idea in her head that God hates homosexual people, when infact, and the scripture's are very clear about sin and specifically homosexuality, yes the act of homosexuality or the sin called homosexuality is an abommination to God and he hates the sin, not the person, he's only begotten son Jesus died for every sinner, taking the whole world's sin upon himself, and therefore offering to us as sinners the choice to choose life through Him if we don't then we by choice have rejected Him and therefore have chosen death.

God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, God never in his infinate wisdom changed his mind about anything, He say in His word that homosexuality is a abomination, but he freely forgives those who repents and change there ways.

Carol
August 1 2007, 12:22PM

I am a Christian and don't think the gay lifestyle is RIGHT. HOWEVER, I think Christians are supposed to LOVE, regardless of whoever a person is. And for those Phelps women to sit on that stage and be so strong in bashing gays --- it is the complete opposite of what God's message should be. The lifestyle may not be "right" (but there are many lifestyles that aren't "Right" besides homosexuality), but love the PERSON.

Oooooh, I'm so f'ing pissed at them!!!

They are exactly why people in the world don't want to be Christian.

Kebbie Walker
August 1 2007, 7:37PM

Love me as I haved loved you. This family drowing in a sea of hate and missinformation. God teaches people to love one another,no matter what difference thay may have or life-style.This people are not servants of God, they are not soldiers of the God,they will not enter Heaven with hatred in their hearts.The mother makes me so mad but it her children I feel the most pity for. To be brought up with hate in their hearts and to be with an other friends except for church members and other " servers of God's will" is just really sad.They will never know that the world is such a mysterious and strange world if they condemn it without truly getting to know it. But what really pisses me off is their were picketing at my hero,Coretta Scott King,funeral.A woman who has done so much for this country and for people. She is not a " fag enabler" She supports the right for people to exist.
This has been the opions of a 14 old girl who clearly has more knowledge of God then this family
Thank you

Cindy L Williams
August 2 2007, 11:54AM

As a Christian, I was appalled at the attitude the Phelps women displayed. They did a great deal of damage to the cause of Christ and their attitude in no way reflected the attitude of Jesus. It is true, scripturally, that we have an obligation as Christians to identify wrong-doing and take a stand against it (Ephesians 5:10-12). However, we also have an obligation to present our opposition to error in a kind and loving manner with the sole purpose of trying to influence and convince that person to change their ways and choose to do right (2 Timothy 2:25-26). We are not to be quarrelsome about it (2 Timothy 2:23). Nor, has God ever authorized us to be self-righteous and condemning in our attitude (Luke 6:37). Even Jesus did not come to this earth to condemn the world, but to save it. (John 12:47). If we are Christians, we will have the same attitude. A self-righteous, condemning attitude is the direct result of a “heart” problem which is rooted in pride.

Cindy L Williams
August 2 2007, 1:12PM

Thank you very kindly for allowing me to make the above comments. I am very sorry that the world had to witness the behavior that these women (Phelps) exhibited on the Tyra Banks show. If you were to line their actions up against Jesus’, there actions were glaringly shameful. We should all very respectfully hope one day the Phelps women will clearly see their error in behavior with the same clarity that they see it in others.

Saddened
August 4 2007, 12:53AM

Please people, DO NOT CALL THESE PEOPLE CHIRSTIAN. THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT. Her daughters are really beautiful; it hurts to see them brainwashed.