Westboro thinks they are the true church. In both cases, Baptists are generally ashamed that Westboro affiliates themselves with the Baptist faith and Mormons are generally ashamed that this bozo associates themselves with LDS.
“Mormons are generally ashamed that this bozo associates themselves with LDS.”
I think they are embarassed they have to deal with it. If these kooks were Methodists or Presbyterians, the churches would just wave them off as non-entities. As a matter of fact, I bet those churches would LOVE to get the media exposure as they condemn the cult.
Mormons just seem uncomfortable with the whole thing. You don’t hear a lot of “Here’s why they are wrong” explanations. I don’t watch TV so I may be missing some of this.
I think you'd be hard pressed to find one familiar with this family to apply the term "Christian" to their actions. On the other hand, you have LDS FReeper apologists like Edward Watson who says the fLDS are "Christian"--and says so with a "Of course, they are Christian..."
A poor comparison for at least 2 reasons...
The most important consideration is when you look at the defining characteristic of these false "churches":
For the fLDS, it's polygamy.
And what supposed "Scripture" & doctrine backs that up? (D&C 132).
Is that mainline Mormon "Scripture?" (Answer: Yes)
Now compare Phelps' Westboro.
What defining characteristic is there for this group?
For the Phelps, it's picketing.
Is that mainline Christian "Scripture?" (Answer: NO!)
Secondly the Phelps is better defined as one family than a "church." (That's about all it's "church" is made up of).