Before watching this short documentary about the Westboro Baptist Church, I already had my own prejudices regarding their so-called "religious organization" - I thought that what they were doing and preaching was despicable and truly saddening. Now that I have learned their beliefs more intimately, I can better and more informatively gather my personal opinions about them. What I understood about the Westboro Baptist Church from this movie is that they are completely narcissistic. They sincerely believe that they are the only ones destined for heaven and that everyone who disagrees with them will ultimately go to hell. There is no middle ground. You are either with them or against them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay In the first few minutes of the documentary, Louis Theroux, the BBC reporter, asks Shirley Phelps, the daughter of Westboro's founder, if she considers herself part of a cult (9:40). She responds defensively that she doesn't care about "all this nonsense" regarding cult accusations and that "we are the ones who strictly adhere to the faith doctrines of all the major religions." I don't believe their behavior is purely religious since their main ideologies are based on socio-political positions. From extremely dehumanizing homophobic views to the belief that Barack Obama is the antichrist and that this will lead to the apocalypse. What I found interesting is that their views aligned with those of white supremacists, but are echoed throughout the film, in their apparent hatred for the United States and the flag. In some parts of the film, they can be seen hanging the American flag upside down and tying them to their feet to show that they are walking on it. Yet there is no extreme public outcry over these “unpatriotic” acts, unlike Colin Kaepernick who peacefully protested what the American flag represents by kneeling during the American engagement. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a Custom EssayOne question I would ask a group member to better understand their religious motivations is: What are the paths they must take to achieve salvation? The documentary focuses more on the hatred involved in the organization but doesn't touch much on what makes their religion different from others. Is shouting these vile and discouraging insults and statements a way for their God to save them from hell? What constitutes for them the fundamental aspects of religion such as the soul, the self or forgiveness? Overall, I believe the attention the Westboro Baptist Church is receiving is what causes them to continue to spread their hatred and prophecies..