I grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church. Here's why I left | Megan Phelps-Roper

What's it like to grow up within a group of people who exult in demonizing ... everyone else? Megan Phelps-Roper shares details of life inside America's most controversial church and describes how conversations on Twitter were key to her decision to leave it. In this extraordinary talk, she shares her personal experience of extreme polarization, along with some sharp ways we can learn to successfully engage across ideological lines.

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[jackhadroom]

Giving a five year old an inflammatory sign they can't read/ understand is sickening.

[jennazamora]

"How can we love our neighbor when we pray for God to destroy them?"
I loved that.

[mary__simone]

Her grandfather was the founder of Westboro Baptist, and her mother is the face of it. The extreme courage it took Megan to leave that disgusting place is crazy. The bravery of Megan is so astounding, and her open-mindedness is beautiful.



EDIT: hi reader! 2020 Me here, coming back to visit this comment that 2018 Me published. If you're about to read the replies, please heed caution, as some of them are very rude and ignorant. Some people do not realize that a person leaving all they know behind to stand up for what's right and to pursue a more loving, open, and intelligent life path, at the expense of losing all of their family, friends, and possibly causing harm to themselves if people from their past want revenge, truly is a form of bravery.

2020 Me still agrees with 2018 Me on this specific lesson--- that people CAN change, but admitting you were taught/believed wrongly, and abandoning your old life is difficult, yet doing it makes you not only brave, but also humble.


Have a good day :)

[neojted]

"I thought my rightness justified my rudeness". So many powerful statements in this talk.

[jenniferponzini]

I love how soft spoken and eloquent she is.

[filipkarwowski]

As a Catholic and Christian in general:
If you hate someone because of your faith, you're doing it wrong.

[emilysoto]

She came to my religious school . I got to meet her and honestly she was the kindest woman ever

[ShikataGaNai]

When you are born into an environment of intolerance and hatred, it is very hard to muster the courage to become tolerant and love. I applaud you for your courage...and am glad you survived childhood abuse.

[atosdejusticaful]

This woman seriously needs to narrate audio books.

[wanderingrachael]

children should not be used by adults as pawns in any form of protesting

[BYRON..]

This is peak character development if I’ve ever seen it.

[planetagonzo]

I’m so happy for her. Education is liberating.

[daizyroach]

“I also knew that an apology could never undo any of it”
I loved that line. A lot of people need to hear that.

[ArranitM]

Honestly, considering just how brainwashed she would have been growing up in that cult, she's shown a remarkable level of personal growth and education. I can't be mad at that, when so many people refuse to change and see people as people first. Good on her for ditching that garbage, and opening her eyes.

[BlakeJAskew]

Extremely impressed by her willingness to admit she was wrong

[biscaya]

"Don't assume bad intent" that hit hard. That we should go in with a neutral intent and that gives our minds a better framework for dialogue. Gave me something to think about

[sapphioca]

she could narrate audiobooks. she has a soothing voice, right?

[AlexBallMusic]

So, ironically, a voice of calm reason, understanding and acceptance comes from an ex-member of an infamous hate group.

I can't applaud her enough. To not only accept her own mistakes, but also the flaws in the belief system of her own flesh and blood, the very people who brought her into the world, must have been incredibly hard.

Like she said, we inherently view our own outlook as the "right" one and it takes massive guts to admit that it isn't - in part or in whole.

Can't have anything else other than massive respect for her.

[rayshoup]

As someone who is both gay and a veteran, I HATED this woman with a passion. However, hearing her here I am so proud of her and thank God that her soul seems to be saved. She has my support and my thanks.

[MissSarcasticBunny]

I really admire Megan for getting out of this cult. She didn't know any better and it's borderline abuse to force a child to spread hateful rhetoric that they can't even comprehend or question. It must be extremely difficult for Megan though because that's still her family, despite their twisted viewpoints, and she has had to leave them behind.