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One recent event that has garnered controversy among Christians is the protests and “prophecies” of the Westborough Baptist Church (WBC). Located out of Topeka, Kansas, members from this church have participated in over 40,000 demonstrations since June of 1991. Their demonstrations include protesting at soldiers’ funerals, volatile counter-rallies at gay pride parades, and even picketing outside other churches.

While one might wonder the relevance of WBC’s protests, one will soon find that members of this church hold inflammatory signs such as, “God Hates Israel,” and “Thank God for Dead Soldiers.” The “mission statement” of WBC is an acronym known as TULIP (Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints). As stated on their website, “Anyone preaching [contrary to this doctrine] is a Hell-bound false prophet, a messenger of Satan, to whom we say Anathema Maranatha! and let him be

accursed of God!” Followers of this church even claim that, “AIDS is God’s cure to homosexuality.” Made up of only seventy-nine people, the WBC has traveled all over the United States to share their views with others. Recently, WBC packed their bags and headed to Texas.

When asked why WBC came to San Antonio, Zach Phelps-Roper, the grandson of Fred Phelps, founder of WBC, said, “The reason I’m holding this [sign] here is because there was a woman in this very city who ate her baby.” Phelps claims that this incident is a fulfillment of God’s wrath on man. “The [prophecy] is not yet full and that’s why you haven’t all started eating your babies,” said Phelps. When asked about whether they believe in the Bible, Phelps said, “Of course we believe in the Bible. Any one who can read can see that God hates people.” Phelps and the members of WBC even believe that John 3:16 is a complete and utter lie. However, many Christians feel that the views the WBC preaches are simply a fulfillment of biblical prophecies regarding false prophets.

The Bible warns about false prophets in Matthew 7:15-16, saying, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” If someone is preaching something contrary to the Bible, the Bible labels that person as a false prophet. Dorothy Flora, sophomore Bible teacher at San Antonio Christian High School (SACS), defined prophecy. “In the Bible, it says many will come in My [Christ’s] name, but they are false,” explained Flora. She feels that Satan is manipulating the false prophets. “I hate to say it,” Flora said, “but you don’t mess with God.” Pat Neeley, government and economics teacher at SACS, defines the difference false prophets and true prophets by simply saying, “It’s easy, look at God’s Word.” True prophets will not contradict the Word of God.

In addition to defining false prophets, many Christians also believe that the “art” of false prophecy is becoming increasingly more rampant. Flora believes that false prophecy has definitely been on the rise “because people are searching, people are trying to answer their search.” Neeley shared Flora’s sentiments. “[There has been] a definite increase and it will continue to increase,” said Neeley. “We all have [experienced false prophecy], every time you turn on the television and the radio we experience them.”

With so many controversial stories and current events, one may wonder if mankind really has entered the end times of the Bible. While many Christians agree that false prophecy has proven that man has entered the end times, only time will tell if the world is indeed in the final chapter of biblical prophecy.