Jerry Falwell

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When will the dweebs selectively quoting from the Bible ever realize they're just digging themselves into a deeper hole? You're really lost when you're still defending a segregationist like Falwell. And, yes, it's true. He was right there at the birth of the Republican party's Southern stategy. Do some google searches.

What a disgusting man. People like him give a bad name to religion.

We can only HOPE that with his death comes the end of an era, and era of ignorant biggotry. I hope in his next life he is born a jewish, black lesbian in the south somewhere.

Not very favorably. Deservidly so.

hi and whoa!!! this blog has become a microcosm of the unseen spiritual battle between goodness and wickedness.

jerry falwell was a human. so he sometimes was ruled by goodness, and he sometimes fell prey to wickedness. just like us. we may have hated him, we may have loved him, and we may have been ambivalent. it's GOD who allows each of us that free will and the responsibility which comes with it.

in matters of a person's soul, i think i'll choose deference to God's opinion, which will unfold with the future.

i fear for those who put themselves in the seat of God and make grave pronunciations on anyone's soul. that choice bears unspeakable responsibility.

-Mike G

Perhaps you did not read my statement thoroughly or with adequate reading comprehension. As the opening statement suggests, I am not the fundamental Christian you apparantly have taken me for. In fact, I state quite clearly that, in the first paragraph of my statement, I wrote:

"I refused to bow to Falwell. I likewise refuse to bow to God."

Where you might get the notion that I pine for the days when people with my convictions were burned at the stake were the "good old days" is quite beyond me. My only recourse is that, perhaps, with zeal in your heart and rational reason at the backdoor, you read my post too quickly and lost that I am a "Questioner" (i.e. if you need to label me, Satanist is probably the stigma applied most often to my particular beliefs).

My sole intent was to front the point that there is quite vivid hatred for Jerry Falwell, but he only preached the message of God as it is written in the Bible. The purpose being that hating Jerry Falwell is hating the messenger who is only delivering the word of a God who loves you not for what you are, but what you can be if you acquiese to his control.

I am quite accustomed to spiteful, illogical criticism, being what I am, but I would prefer to be demonized for what I have actually stated.

Uh-oh.. M. Medved may have put his finger on the reason Falwell's passing has stoked such an angry and hatefilled response.

"As the driving force behind the emergence of the modern Christian conservative movement in U.S. politics, Falwell changed history – as even his most vitriolic critics concede. “The Moral Majority” which he founded played a crucial role in the Reagan landslide of 1980, and even more conspicuously led the way to the stunning, unpredicted Senate sweep that gave the GOP control of the upper house of Congress for the first time in 26 years. Twelve Republican challengers – most of them outspoken Christian conservatives – seized the seats of twelve highly entrenched Democratic incumbents (including such luminaries and former Presidential candidates as George McGovern, Birch Bayh and Frank Church). Liberals may lament the outcome of that watershed election but it’s impossible to dismiss its importance."

"Did Rev. Falwell get called to Heaven or struck-down by God?"

We were discussing this last night over dinner. Here's what we agreed on:

One morning he went out and had a nice breakfast with an old friend, returned to his office and then left this world without a struggle.

The people who vehemently hate Jerry Falwell never met him. They transfer all their feelings of discontent to him. They blame him for all sorts of failure and wrongdoing and take joy in vilifying him.

His enemies who knew him loved him. I won't name them but they all have only kind words to say at his death. That alone might stand as a tribute to the life he led.

"Did Rev. Falwell get called to Heaven or struck-down by God?"

God knew and loved Jerry Falwell better than any man. You decide.

Hey Doug, did you forget the true abomination Falwell committed when he blamed September 11 on his political enemies. It's not easy to sink lower than he sank with that comment.

Hey Doug, did you forget the true abomination Falwell committed when he blamed September 11 on his political enemies. It's not easy to sink lower than he sank with that comment.

To Victor Van Meter:
In the 15th century before Anglo Saxon ways became influential, the Inquisition was tying millions of people to crosses and burning them alive. Are you trying to say those were the good old days? ... From God's mouth to your nasty little bigoted heart.

Not that anyone listens to the Questioners, but I'll speak on Falwell.

I truly do believe Falwell spoke the way God speaks...and I cannot stand Jerry Falwell. I cannot stand Jerry Falwell because his stance in life was that everyone is unacceptable and God will only accept you if you conform to His divine will. I have never bowed my person to anything in life. I refused to bow to Falwell. I likewise refuse to bow to God.

In honesty, Falwell is hated now, but would likely have not been hated in the past, before Anglo-Saxon law had moved itself into a sort of secular motion. In the 1500s, Falwell would likely have been received as a rather stoic defender of the faith. The changes in message since then are likely not due to a change in faith, but a change in preaching.

Ministers now are engaged in making God palatable to a largely independent crowd. In essence, it used to be that to enter Heaven, you had to buy your way into Heaven with faith. Nowadays, most of the message I hear directed towards me sounds less like spreading a message and more like selling a used car. I hear you can now get away with paganism and say you're sorry, when the church used to kill you themselves. There are churches devoted to and run by homosexuals when they would have turned their back to you in the past. Apparantly, the church will take you anyway you are.

Of course, this is deceptive, because God will not. We are told that He loves us all, but He seems to actually love what we become when He has taken away our voice of dissent. I am sure any political leader would love a people who were incapable of disobeying him.

Which leads me back to Jerry Falwell, and why he was so hated. He was hated because he preached the message of God, and he is not the reason he is hated. The reason is in America itself. Freedom of speech, freedom of choice, and freedom of religion are certainly NOT well-received by God should they not follow His direction; He will not accept you pending your apology for them. But they are tenets of American society. We largely lambast Falwell for his "bigotry", "ignorance", and "prejudiced attitudes." Of course he had them. God ordains them.

In the end, we can hate him if we have no problem hating the messenger. God has not reversed his position on anything I am personally aware of (at least I seem to have missed his memo), and so the Bible's rules stand. So you can attack him all you want for telling you that you will go to Hell unless you prostrate yourself before God and beg forgiveness. God has said no less.

If that particular aspect of Jerry Falwell (his 9/11 statement detractors aside, that was a particularly low blow) offends you, perhaps it is that you are more offended by the idea that someone may not like you simply because you refuse to give up something close inside you. Maybe you are a gay or lesbian who does not feel you are doing anything wrong in your homosexuality. Maybe you are a woman who refuses to be submissive as you were intended to be. Maybe you dislike the idea that you may be shunned from God's presence if you believe in another faith.

In that case, you have every right to dislike Jerry Falwell. Just understand why you hate him so much. He was simply passing on the message as it was written in the first place.

So let's please not kill the messenger, here.

Did Rev. Falwell get called to Heaven or struck-down by God? Only he knows.

Jr Conner,

I wonder how you justify your statements "Falwell was a great lover of people and God" and "he hated sin not the sinner"? Based on Falwell's post 9/11 comments--where he blamed gays, lesbians, secular society, et al., as the ones responsible for the tragedy--I see little great love for people God created and a whole lot of hate. I wonder how the loved ones of the 9/11 victims will remember Falwell and his hateful comments, which further victimized them. Hopefully, they--like the rest of us who reject hate and intolerance--will simply be able to forget him.

Wow, people should really know what they are talking about before they blog.....just spouting off shows your own lack of education (putting it politely). Using words like biggot, hate-monger, prejudice, ignorant, and intolerant to describe anyone just shows that these writers are themselves guilty of these offenses. Jerry Falwell was NOT caught with hookers and gay men and did NOT hate gays, lesbians or feminists.........he simply hated deviant behavior and lifestyles. He hated sin not the sinner.........just as God does. He did not tolerate what he did not believe in and NONE of us have to either. Falwell was a great lover of people and God, otherwise he would not have put himself on the line day in and day out to help people see what a life with God as central can offer. End of Story

Rev. Larosa,

Just curious, since you're quoting Paul and Levitical Law in the same breath, as it were: do you believe Levitical laws still apply? As a child of unmarried parents, I'm not allowed to enter a church at all, yet I've been an ordained minister for just over 7 years. We choose to ignore those laws we disagree with and follow others more suited to our personal preferences. Most of my colleagues argue that Levitical Law was erased with the New Covenant in Christ. Christ himself revoked the food-cleanliness laws when he rebuked Peter for claiming that what enters his mouth can make him unclean.

And as for Paul, do the members of your church follow this gem from his letter to the church in Corinth:

1 Corinthians 14:34 - "women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says."

Or how about his mistelling in Romans of how Abraham reacted to the news that Sarah would become pregnant? Read Paul's account:

Romans 4:18-21 - "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." **Without weakening in his faith**, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. **Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God**, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." (asterisks for emphasis mine)

The Old Testament account?

Genesis 17:17 - "Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, 'Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?'"

I'm guessing your church doesn't require the female members of the congregation to remain silent, yet we choose to ignore that little tidbit and focus on certain rules. If Christians want to be dogmatic about the Bible, they should be dogmatic about ALL of it.

Too many Christians throw discernment out the window in favor of words written by men, who in their very nature are fallible creatures and whose opinions and attitudes are strongly influenced by the societal mores of the time in which they live or (as in Paul's reference to Abraham) faulty memory.

The extreme conservatives seem to forget that men (even Paul) are fallible and that the Holy Spirit is an equal member of the Trinity, capable of speaking to us and guiding us in God's will so many years later. The issue I took with Falwell is that he attempted to take that role and left no kindness or tolerance for those that disagreed with his interpretations, skewed as they may have been.

God and I are on very good terms, brother, and beleive me when I say my issue is most definitely not with Him, but with those who would argue law and doctrine over true faith, as I believe the Pharisees and Jerry Falwell were both guilty of doing. I don't stand in judgment of the man, but I don't condone his actions, either.

I have purposely and respectfully read all the comments listed in this blog. I must admit some well enlighting, some were insightful and some were indicative of the multi catergorical and pluristic society in which we live. According to my statistics of the comments well over half were ones of something less than kind remarks about Falwell. In addition, these comments speak to the unscientific perception one could come away with. One would think this man above all others was hated more than any body else living today.

Permit me it you will to review what he did NOT do. He never killed anybody. The Green River killer was guilty of killing many women, the Bosten Strangler also killed many and a young man recently was arrested for stabbing to death his entire family. Jerry did NONE of this. He never committed any type of abuse toward women, children or men. He never received a DUI or was even arrested on any type of felony or misdeamenor. In addition, he was never found to not pay his taxes on time and in full. Nor was he ever a part of a scheme to sell real estate to unsuspecting clients on a river in Arkansas. He was never accused of insider trading on any stock.

With that said allow me to ask the question, "What did he do?" He helped over 50,000 alcholics recover and live a productive life in society. He provided a home for unwed mothers in a non-judgmental environment. He started a school that has graduated over 115,000 students that today include, doctors, lawyers, ccounselors, social workers and many faithful pastors. He spoke to the need for us all to continue to look for ways we can improve our own performance and our service to those less fortunate.

One gentleman (I use that word complimentary) spoke of Jerry's unwillingness to help the poor.
The many children that have come out of the Home for Unwed Mothers he started and are now going to Liberty on a full scholarship may disagree with you. The many thousands of dollars the Thomas Road Baptist CHurch has poured into local feeding programs for the poor might deemed your comments unviable.

I am a counselor and see people everyday that are hurting. I could not do what I am doing if it was not for Jerry's Distance Learning program that is an intricate part of Liberty University's programs. Many others out there will say the same thing. Jerry has probably done more to change the landscape of College training than anyone I know. Many of the training programs that are a normal part of College programs were being used by Liberty l;ong before other colleges thought to include it in their programs.

What will Jerry be remembered for? Let state what he has done. Took at small group of believers in an out of the way community, with no major highway going through it, and turned it into one of the largest churches in our country. He started with just 5 teachers and 150 students and started what is now, hear this carefulloy, the LARGEST evangelical college in the WORLD. Started a home for alcoholics and drug addicts that they might live a productive life. Started a home for unwed mothers to include a loving and non-judgmental environment. Finally, started the Liberty Bible Institute, that people who could never afford or have the time to go to college now have a way to study the Bible in the privacy of their own home and at a very resonable price.

History may or may not look kindly on him,yet he affected more lives positively than all the hateful, mean and uncaring people making comments on this blog COMBINED!

Most people's problems are not with Dr Fallwell but rather with God.

Shouldn't someone who confesses to be a follower of Jesus Christ follow the
Bible?

1 Corinthians 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous [1] will not
inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually
immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
[2] 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Timothy 1:8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9
understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the
lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and
profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10
the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, [1] liars,
perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound [2] doctrine, 11 in
accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I
have been entrusted.

Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman,
both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to
death; their blood shall be upon them.

Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is
abomination. 23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself
therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto:
it is confusion. 24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in
all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:

Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the
lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between
themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and
served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for
ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for
even their women did change the natural use into that which is against
nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman,
burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which
was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their
knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which
are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication,
wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate,
deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful,
proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which
commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have
pleasure in them that do them.

Most people's problems are not with Dr Fallwell but rather with God.

Shouldn't someone who confesses to be a follower of Jesus Christ follow the
Bible?

1 Corinthians 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous [1] will not
inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually
immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
[2] 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Timothy 1:8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9
understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the
lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and
profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10
the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, [1] liars,
perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound [2] doctrine, 11 in
accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I
have been entrusted.

Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman,
both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to
death; their blood shall be upon them.

Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is
abomination. 23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself
therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto:
it is confusion. 24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in
all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:

Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the
lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between
themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and
served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for
ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for
even their women did change the natural use into that which is against
nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman,
burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which
was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their
knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which
are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication,
wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate,
deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful,
proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which
commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have
pleasure in them that do them.

All of you who call Falwell bigoted, full of hatred, and intolerant tend to sound bigoted, full of hatred and intolerant in the way that you do so.

It is amazing to me that all of you seem to be tolerant of every view except conservative Christianity. What happens to you tolerance? Why are you not bigoted and full of hate based on the way you talk about him?

I think what we have here is a bunch of pots calling a kettle black.

Rev. Bryant J. Williams III @ May 17, 2007 1:27 AM:

With due respect, Falwell (actually all those of his ilk) was selective in the parts of the Bible, that he preached. He also managed to miss the essence of the New Testament. I am very suspicious of 'Christians' who miss the essence of the New Testament.

Most importantly, he was intolerant of those who wanted to help the poor and mis-fortunate; and frankly I got the impression that in his mind it is a personal failing to be poor. Whereas the Christ unconditionally helped those in need, Falwell demanded obedience to himself as a pre-condition for help. Whereas the Christ condemned the wealthy and powerful for oppressing their fellow men, Falwell snuggles up to them and justifies their every action.

Whereas the Christ valued life, I have never heard Falwell (or any of his ilk) condemn war, or the death penalty for that matter. Respect for life cannot be selective. Nor can helping those in need be conditional to their subservience.

It is this selectivity in Falwell (and those of his ilk) that is detestable. It is the arrogance that they exhibit towards everyone who does not agree with their every utterance that is offensive.

Rev. Jerry Falwell will be remembered differently by everyone. One thing is clear "One should not speak evil of the dead."

Rev. Falwell preached what the Bible has always said. For fundamentalist this is what is to be preached. For the liberal this will sound like bigotry, etc.

I will say this, The Bible is quite clear regarding certain issues. Sin is sin whether it be homosexuality, gossip, adultery, lying, blasphemy, worshiping idols of our own making, murder, hatred, not honoring father and mother, etc. The above is not a complete list. We are guilty of every one of the sins just mentioned. That is what Falwell preached. But he also preached the Jesus died for our/mine sins. That belief in Jesus would save us and give us forgiveness of sins if we repent. It is the only to heaven. That is pretty exclusive, but Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; nobody comes to the Father, but through me."

Again, that is a pretty exclusive statement. If any one wishes to argue about it, then argue about it with God. He said it. I am just the messenger.

Finally, just because one is a Christian does not mean that one checks his/her Christianity in at the door when performing public service. The First Admendment is very clear about that both in the regards to freedom of religion and the free exercise thereof. What has to be remembered is that the Church does not control the State, but that the State does not control the Church. We all have some type of morality. Morality, even murder, fraud (form of lying), etc., is legislated. What is not to be legislated is religion.

This country was founded on the ideals of freedom of conscience. That is our moral guide of right and wrong. We know when we do wrong and when do right. We justify a lot to keep from saying, "I was wrong." We need to repent and change our ways.

Falwell's fat ass is now roasting in Hell. Praise God!

You liberals shoudl change your motto to "live and let live, as long as I agree with how." You peple are amazing hypocrites.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
no, liberals preach accomodation for everyone except those who preach exclusion. This is logical. Hypocrites are those who preach love for everyone except those they disagree with for moral reasons. The illogic is that morality is absolute. Clearly morality is not absolute or there would be a global love fest among religions.

You liberals shoudl change your motto to "live and let live, as long as I agree with how." You peple are amazing hypocrites.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
no, liberals preach accomodation for everyone except those who preach exclusion. This is logical. Hypocrites are those who preach love for everyone except those they disagree with for moral reasons. The illogic is that morality is absolute. Clearly morality is not absolute or there would be a global love fest among religions.

Falwell will be remembered as a irredeemable bigot.

Falwell will be remembered as a irredeemable bigot.

The day of his funeral ahould be a National Day of Celebration. My friends and I will be partying to celebrate the fact that such a hateful, evil man is now in hell meeting his equals.

He couldn't be in heaven, he wouldn't like Jesus who hung around will all those prostitutes and poor people.

Ding Dong Falwell's gone - Jerry Falwell's gone. Yeah! - Party on!

Mr. Fallwell's contribution to America and Americans was negative. He inspired division on the basis of his religious faith. A narrow vision which mixed religion with politics and acquired great power and wealth. He is best quickly forgotten as history will not remember him kindly.

Mr. Fallwell's contribution to America and Americans was negative. He inspired division on the basis of his religious faith. A narrow vision which mixed religion with politics and acquired great power and wealth. He is best quickly forgotten as history will not remember him kindly.

He should just be forgotten. However, power and influence and wealth tended to keep one living forever.

You know, Jerry Falwell was one of the great influences that helped me to realize that I am an atheist. So, I must thank him for the clarity.

BTW, I'll bet he took amazingly enormous craps with a body so bloated. So much for taking care of his temple (body). What a bigoted jackass he was.

JustRemember - I believe that ululating is the word you were searching for when describing the fat woman in a scarf whose tongue was gleefully wagging after 9/11. Of course, you wouldn't be familiar with it since it's neither of Greek nor Latin origin.

nmaif - Thanks for the anecdote and you're right - Christianity has been politicized. In my opinion, by preachers seeking temporal power and a Republican party trying to turn churches into their version of the old Democratic union halls. If I were a Christian I would be even angrier about it than I am already.

I work for a social polling site called BuzzDash, and they’re taking a vote right now to see how Jerry Falwell will be remembered.

It’s real time, so you can watch the numbers change as the day goes by. It’s in the News and Politics section; here’s the URL: www.buzzdash.com

Whew! Thank something or somebody! He's gone forever....we hope. Unless they let some other phony dude fill the slot. Woops! Look out....here comes Dr.Dotson! Run everybody...he wants your shoesole.

Whew! Thank something or somebody! He's gone forever....we hope. Unless they let some other phony dude fill the slot. Woops! Look out....here comes Dr.Dotson! Run everybody...he wants your shoesole.

I think Falwell turned more people away from God than
towards God.

He was a hate-monger who played on existing bigotry in order to build a lucrative empire. Remind anyone of Jesus throwing the money-lenders out of the temple.

Truly, he is an example of a modern Pharisee with a cloak of false-righteousness covering the lack of Christian love. Jesus hung out with hookers and tax-collectors. Falwell obviously didn't follow his example as evidenced by his hate-filled tirades.

I am sorry he didn't live longer so he could witness the crumbling of his political machine.

It Jerry's next life he comes back as a Dung Beatle.

What I want to know, America, is why you never spot fakers like Falwell, Bush and Cheney? Could it be that you're faking too, that your self-dealing, insufferable, quack "religion" is just a fig-leaf that covers up your cruelty, your lack of pity or remorse.

Falwell is gone, but he left ignorant millions behind him, ready to conspire, bully, hurt, punish, lie, betray, torture, make war, in the name of their god. What do they teach you in those churches and institutes anyway, that makes you so trusting and sheep-like, that blinds you to some childishly simple truth? What are you going to give us next? Fascism? Holy War? The Inquisition? Or something so terrible there's no name for it yet?

Look in the mirror, America, if you can stand the sight. Look your self-righteousness in the face. Stare down compassion if you can. Too cowardly to turn away, you see there what a lifetime of hypocrisy will amply confirm. Hideous, isn't it? All red and swollen and crusted with filth, like a baboon's hindquarters.

Take a good, long look. Drink it in. Now go and pray to that god of yours, if you dare.

Exaggerate is spelled with two g's.

Exaggerate is spelled with two g's.

Falwell is one of those responsible for the decline in respect for
Christianity, at least for me. I remember in about 1980 when I
had moved for a new job and was shopping for some kitchen towels-- I found some in blue and white checks, cute little
house with a red roof in the middle, and, get this, written over
the house, "Bless this kitchen." I bought 4 of them and used
them until they were threadbare. Now, because of the politici-
zation of religion by Falwell, Islamic extremists, etc, no
company would dare put such a religiously oriented saying
on their dish towels. I miss the age of (relative) religious
tolerance. Christianity has evolved from a (relatively) benign
presence in America to an oppressive one.

Pam and John:

Overexagerate is urban slang. Something you might miss in the midst of celebrating.

"Ding Dong the witch is dead and the world is a better place for it."

"Ding Dong Cha Cha Cha!"

Funny how your posts strangely remind me of the fat lady in the headscarf -tongue wagging gleefully after 9/11.

Cheers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buzRV-t5fLM

Pam - Just Remember's comment was directed at me. It is rough when you haven't had a classical education. The ablative case, sadly, will forever remain beyond my feeble mind's grasp. Occasional thoughts of suicide when I'm not fantasizing about living in Edwardian England. Anyway, Ding Dong Cha Cha Cha!

"For they that sow to the wind: they shall reap the whirlwind."

"Legacy"? Yep, 20 years from now Falwell will be as famous and respected as are Aimee Semple McPherson and William Miller.

From Just Remember:
"You need to make a real effort to stop overexagerating, It ruins any argument you may have had. "

I'm surprised that someone who claims to have a "Classical Education" would use a word like "overexagerating". There is no such word - it would be redundant if there were, and you would also be misspelling it.

Ding Dong the witch is dead and the world is a better place for it.

The death of anyone is tragic and oh! his poor family! Get a grip. Too bad Hitler doesn't have a grave - you all could visit it bearing tear besprinkled flowers. The death of evil men who sow hatred is a good thing. The sooner the better.

Thank God he’s gone. I will shed no tears for this big, silly man. He managed to do quite a bit of damage to the faith he professed and common human decency in his lifetime. Pat Robinson can be safely dismissed as a witless baboon. But Falwell had the allegiance of millions of gullible and vindictive American Christians. He and they made life inexcusably more difficult for perfectly good and descent people just because they were free thinkers or gay. Blaming them for 9/11 should be his epitaph.

Farewell Falwell.

He will be remembered as someone who perverted Christian virtue for personal gain, used people's religion to brainwash them, and helped saddle the American people with one of the worst administrations in my 45 year memory. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

What a hateful man. Good riddance.

The best riddance of all. I shall mourn Jerry Falwell as much as I mourned the last piece of used food flushed down the tubes. It will be so nice to look at newsreel footage of his "I'm so pleased with myself" smirk and know that he is now permanently consigned to the past tense.

Left behind? Yes, like all hate-mongers masquerading as TV messiahs.

Res Ipsa Loquitur!

The best riddance of all. I shall mourn Jerry Falwell as much as I mourned the last piece of used food flushed down the tubes. It will be so nice to look at newsreel footage of his "I'm so pleased with myself" smirk and know that he is now permanently consigned to the past tense.

Left behind? Yes, like all hate-mongers masquerading as TV messiahs.

Res Ipsa Loquitur!

Straight to hell to be with Ronnie and Dick. Too bad it's twenty years too late!

Straight to hell to be with Ronnis and Dick. Too bad it's twenty years too late!

Using Mr. Falwell's Bible we can see that God took him because he ignored God's commandment regarding over-eating. Just another sinner that God decided to eliminate in order to make the world a better place. Good riddance to this hateful man, and let's all thank God for killing him, although sooner would of been better considering all the people attacked by this hateful fat man.

Look, he blamed 9-11 on gays and abortion.

One less religious fanatic nut in the world.

Condolences to Falwell's family, etc., but the world would be a better place without his brand of divisive hatemongering. Too bad Pat Robertson, James Dobson and other "True Christians" will only pick up where Falwell left off. From where I stand, there isn't a lot of difference between the Moral Majority and the Rev. Fred Phelps's Westboro Baptist Church.

Condolences to Falwell's family, etc., but the world would be a better place without his brand of divisive hatemongering. Too bad Pat Robertson, James Dobson and other "True Christians" will only pick up where Falwell left off. From where I stand, there isn't a lot of difference between the Moral Majority and the Rev. Fred Phelps's Westboro Baptist Church.

Good riddance to a man who seemingly was only out for himself. Although it's sad when someone dies, Falwell will probably be remembered as the "religious leader" who took advantage of his flock of sheep and his office to gain self-empowerment and enhance his own prestige. It would be kind of interesting to get a visual when he answers to "The Man".

Condolences to Falwell's family, etc., but the world would be a better place without his brand of divisive hatemongering. Too bad Pat Robertson, James Dobson and other "True Christians" will only pick up where Falwell left off. From where I stand, there isn't a lot of difference between the Moral Majority and the Rev. Fred Phelps's Westboro Baptist Church.

He SHOULD be remembered for these evils: As the "good person" who said about an effort to minister to gay Americans, "thank God this vile and satanic system will one day be utterly annihilated and there'll be a celebration in heaven," and when confronted about it simply lied, saying he'd pay $5000 to anyone who could prove he said it. Tapes were produced, including one from his very own Old Time Gospel Hour "store." As the "enemy of anti-Semites" who fought having to pay in court, losing two rounds and in the process his lawyer accused a Jewish judge of ruling against Falwell because he was a Gentile.

As the man whose "compassionate heart [and] gentle spirit" let him mass mail a fund-raising letter in 1987 claiming that gays with AIDS were purposely donating blood because "they know they are going to die—and they are going to take as many people with them as they can."

As the "forthright" man who only apologized for claiming that ""abortion rights activists, gay people, civil liberties activists." et al., caused 9/11 after realizing that mainstream Americans had finally found their threshhold for his rivers of poison, but two weeks later allowed yet another fund-raising letter to go out on "Jerry Falwell Ministries" stationery over his son's name claiming, "liberals, and especially gay activists, have launched a vicious smear campaign to discredit him. ... [He is] being roundly vilified by the news media for remarks he made in a TV interview while calling for spiritual revival in America. ... Please return the enclosed Vote of Confidence Reply Card right away in the envelope I have provided within the next 5 days.... And with your card, please remember to include a special Vote of Confidence gift for Jerry Falwell of at least $50 or even $100 along with your signed card."

Shame on Warren and Eck and Sarna and Forbes and Thomas for trying to reinvent this money-grubbing megalomaniac in death just because they weren't among his victims in life. Jesus weeps indeed.

The death of anyone is a very sad and tragic event for anyone, especially the deceased's loved ones. I feel that the Rev.'s death will only remind people across the world of how much hatred one person can have. Not only was he filled with hatred for certain minority groups, but he had a tremedous amount of power, power that he used in a hypocritical manner.

He "professed" the word of God, as he saw fitting, but could somebody please remind me where in the bible it says that one should spread their hatred throughout the world.

My condolences to the family of the Rev., but the world will not miss this pathetic man or his disgusting preachings.

Another warmonger died. It's good news for the world we live in. He'll definitly go to hell.

Another warmonger died. It's good news for the world we live in. He'll definitly go to hell.

I have seen many good Christians and, in my opinion, Jerry Falwell was anything but. Reminds me of an old saying which I have adapted to his situation. "It is easier to pass a camel through the eye of a needle than for Jerry Falwwell to enter the kingdom of God"

I have seen many good Christians and Jerry Falwell was anything but. Reminds me of an old saying which I have adapted to his situation. "It is easier to pass a camel through the eye of a needle than for Jerry Falwwell to enter the kingdom of God"

Mike - Those who sow hatred deserve their condemnation. Too bad your moral turpitude prevents you from seeing it. Burn in Hell, Jerry.

I guess I am having a hard time listening to all of you enlightened Liberals talk with hate and the happiness of someones death while lambasting the deceased for his hatred. You liberals should change your motto to "live and let live, as long as I agree with how." You peple are amazing hypocrites.

I guess I am having a hard time listening to all of you enlightened Liberals talk with hate and the happiness of someones death while lambasting the deceased for his hatred. You liberals shoudl change your motto to "live and let live, as long as I agree with how." You peple are amazing hypocrites.

I’ve just seen pictures of a mocking memorial erected in honor of the late Jerry Falwell. Signs posted at the memorial read, “Rest in Torment” and “Falwell dies but the Rainbow lives”. Gray duck tape bordering a makeshift plot bare an invitation written in black marker to, “dance on my grave”. And, I’ve seen a picture of a man doing just that.

At no point prior to now did I ever think I would feel complied to defend Jerry Falwell, but the actions of this mindless and heartless few have prompted my response.

Yes, if you’re a homosexual living in America, you feel tormented at times. Maybe you always feel tormented, but try putting things in perspective.

Homosexuals have never been enslaved here in America (at least not by force), or the subjects of mass genocide. Homosexuals are protected by the same laws as minorities. And while our society has not been purged of prejudice, we’re actually a lot more tolerant than the majority of countries across the globe. In comparison to the bulk of sovereign governing bodies throughout the World, the Federal and curtain state Governments of the United States are on the more progressive side of the spectrum. And, don’t forget, simply being an American means you enjoy a standard of living grossly superior to that of almost every other nation.

Jerry Falwell was convinced is ideals were best for America. Many of us have disagreed. But not all of us have his faith in our own convictions. One thing Falwell was not is a fair-weather fan. He stuck by what he believed in, when it was popular and when it wasn’t. And, believe it or not, he did do some really good things for people trying to deal with alcoholism, single-parenthood, and other less-than-comfortable situations. I personally don’t believe the man was a Saint, but dancing on a makeshift grave is beyond tasteless, far worse than tacky and just plain wrong.

He was a country boy, with country ways and all that other simple American stuff, but I’m reminded of a little folksy adage I heard often growing up in the South; two wrongs don’t make a right.

The reaction to the passing of Jerry Falwell of a small, hopefully isolated group of homosexuals in the Castro District of San Francisco displays woeful ignorance, hatred, and embarrassing pettiness. In a way, this group has become their own enemy, displaying all the characteristics of the people they’re fighting against. Good work.

I know some will defend their actions by saying they were just blowing off steam. Well, maybe, but it doesn't make it right.

The Reverend Falwell had stature and power; it is too bad that he failed to use that to make this world a better place. He chose instead to demonize groups of people. And can we say that the political health of our country is better because of his active encouragement of mixing religion with politics in Washington. I think not.

The Reverend leaves a sad legacy and frankly, I don't think he will be missed in this world.

I hope God asks Jerry Fallwell three questions:

1. Why did you speak at anti-segregation rallies in the 1950's?
2. If Martin Luther King was a political phony, as you were quoted as saying, why did The Moral Majority support political candidates and accept money from Coors?
3. Explain one more time how gays were responsible for 9/11?
4. 25% of American children live under the poverty line, but you were worried about the Tellatubbys? The TELLATUBBYS!

He was a con artist who raised money from the poor, as are many who claim to have a higher relationship with God.

As a white male, it's still quite easy to agree with these posts. Why are some people so full of hatred? An even freakier question is how these people find an audience. That's the real message here. Fartwell was just the messenger. It's easy to kill the messenger than deal with the message. What that message is is beyond me. Fear. Hatred. Ignorance cultivated through a long and sordid history. All I can say about the so-called moral majority is that it is neither moral nor the majority. Can we just take all fundamentalists from all faiths and put them on the moon or something where they can only hurt each other?

I hope God asks Jerry Fallwell three questions:

1. Why did you speak at anti-segregation rallies in the 1950's?
2. If Martin Luther King was a political phony, as you were quoted as saying, why did The Moral Majority support political candidates and accept money from Coors?
3. Explain one more time how gays were responsible for 9/11?
4. 25% of American children live under the poverty line, but you were worried about the Tellatubbys? The TELLATUBBYS!

He was a con artist who raised money from the poor, as are many who claim to have a higher relationship with God.

As a white male, it's still quite easy to agree with these posts. Why are some people so full of hatred? An even freakier question is how these people find an audience. That's the real message here. Fartwell was just the messenger. It's easy to kill the messenger than deal with the message. What that message is is beyond me. Fear. Hatred. Ignorance cultivated through a long and sordid history. All I can say about the so-called moral majority is that it is neither moral nor the majority. Can we just take all fundamentalists from all faiths and put them on the moon or something where they can only hurt each other?

Interesting how the bigots who don't have the courage to stand alone but need to find justification in God have a tendency to shut down discussions by posting the same thing over and over again.

How will Falwell be remembered? It obviously depends on what your relationship was to him.

If you were one of his "flock" you'll remember him as a man who could do no wrong, and who knew how to challenge non-conservatives.

But for most everyone else, he'll be remembered for his outrageous, bombastic statements of intolerance, particuarly those associated with 9/11, blaming gays and others for its occurrence, as well as his highly profitable television ministry. That Falwell managed to politicize the fundamentalist community has had a lingering effect on this country, one which we're still living with today, and will for years to come. Many folks in said community elected and re-elected this current administration and the tone in this nation has never been darker ... unless, of course, divisiveness is what you like.

The Book of Revelation says the Beast is a politician AND a false prophet. Falwell's efforts to bridge church and state are straight from Revelation. He may be remembered as an early footsoldier of the Anti-Christ.

In reality, there are 3 Jesus's of Nazareth.

The first is the Historical Jesus, namely the Jesus that can be reconstructed from what is correctly or otherwise written about him, preferably using methods one can find set forth in books like [a] Bart D. Ehrman, MISQUOTING JESUS -- The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why (2005) HarperSanFrancisco [b] John P. Meier, A MARGINAL JEW -- Rethinking the Historical Jesus [Multi-volume](1991, et. seq.) Doubleday-Anchor Bible Reference Library [c] John Dominic Crossan, THE HISTORICAL JESUS -- The Life of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant [Multi-volume] (1991, et. seq.) HarperSanFrancisco [d] John Davidson, THE GOSPEL OF JESUS -- In Search of his Original Teachings (1995) Element Books Ltd., Rockport, Ma. [e] Raymond E. Brown, THE DEATH OF THE MESSIAH -- A commentary on the Passion Narratives [Multi-volume] (1994) Doubleday.

The second is the Jesus of faith which would include the Jesus as preached from the pulpit, [fire and brimstone, etc.] or as seen in the heart or conscience of the beholder, though that Jesus can be at considerable variance, for what someone BELIEVES is very, very important [be it 'correct' or otherwise.]

The third Jesus is the Real Jesus, [the Jesus that is arguably impossible to know, for we were not there] the very same Jesus who walked in person teaching, healing and causing considerable chaos for the existing ruling Jewish elite, the Sanhedrin.

Of course Jesus was a Jew and a Rabbi and while he clearly challenged the authorities of his day, this commentator personally sees no evidence that he came [to Earth] for the express purpose of creating a religion separate and distinct from his native Judaism. That would occur only after the crucifixion and especially after the death of Stephen the Martyr.

When most Christians speak of Jesus, they BELIEVE they are talking about Jesus #3 [the Real Jesus], but in fact they are usually speaking of Jesus #2 [the Jesus of faith -- as they BELIEVE] which is probably the MAJOR REASON why there is so much disagreement among Christians about WHO JESUS WAS and/or WHO THEY WOULD LIKE TO BELIEVE JESUS WAS.
___________________________________________

So, when I am asked WHO WAS JESUS OF NAZARETH, I like to ask WHICH JESUS OF NAZARETH do you mean?
___________________________________________

Rest in peace Jerry Falwell.

I am glad he is dead, and in the company of Hitler, Judas, Benedict Arnold, and saddam Hussein (only the language used was different - same garbage).

A hate filled demogogue who inspired the worst from otherwise good people.

The guy was a pig and there wasn't any good in him and those that listened and followed him.

Good ridence!!!

You have to give Jerry Falwell some credit. He knew what he believed and worked tirelessly in support of those beliefs. These beliefs he identifed with Christianity as inspired by Jesus and preached by Paul. Too bad he was mistaken. American Christian fundamentalism is Christianity altered by American culture to reflect peculiarly American preoccupations and prejudices. As such, Paul might be surprised by much of what fundamentalists ascribe to him. If the parables and sayings in the gospels count for anything, Jesus would probably be be shocked and horrified to see how his name and teachings are used and misrepresented. But I have no doubt whatsoever that the Galilean peasants and fishermen who followed Jesus, and the Greeks and Jews in Paul's congregations would find Jerry Falwell's so-called Christianity to be largely incomprehensible.

I am a Christian. I believe Jesus Christ is the son of God and I pray to Him for guidance through this journey called life. I do my best not to judge (buzz word #1) people, although I am human and do not always live up to that expectation. Jerry Falwell was a "Christian" and he was one judgmental dude. I find it personally offensive (buzz word #2) that people who share his opinions and ideologies defend their bigotry, racism, greed and prejudices by calling their beliefs "Christian values". 1Jo 2:9-11: "Those who say that they are in the light, yet hate their brothers and sisters, are in the darkness to this very hour. Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and so there is nothing in them that will cause someone else to sin. But those who hate their brothers and sisters are in the darkness; they walk in it and do not know where they are going, because the darkness has made them blind." I hope Jerry has a flashlight with him, because I imagine it is very hard for him to see.

Falwell, as the consumate hypocrite, will always be remembered as the right-wing nazi who readily condemned anyone who was not a religious garbage. His attack on the pink Teletubbie, apart from being a ridiculous statement, showed what this obese inmoral half-witt was capable of in his anti....everything tirade. I am glad you are dead.

What i find amusing is the Pro Christians on this blog saying we should show him respect in death even though he did not show respect to his fellow Americans and his fellow mankind while he was alive.

What I find most amusing on these postings is a bunch of atheists, or liberal secularists who despised Rev. Falwell, trying to lecture Christians about the true virtues of Christianity.

While it is true Christ taught us to "love one another as I have loved you", that wasn't a prescription to enable the sin of sinners. Ignoring sin, or indeed welcoming or embracing sin isn't what is meant by "love one another". To love is to sometimes say the hard truth to help release someone from their destructive behavior. When Christ said to those who were punishing Mary Magdelene by stoning "let he who is without sin cast the first stone", he didn't say she wasn't worthy of punishment for her crimes. She was an adulterer and concubine, but repentent for her deeds. Indeed, we are all worthy of our punishment for our sins...but true faith in Christ is the bargain we strike to avoid that punishment...that's the tradeoff. "I am the truth, the way, and the life...no one goes to the Father but through me". Salvation is the pure rejection of sin and Grace is the recognition of that sinless life.

What Christ was saying is that if she was guilty, so were they! Forgiveness of sin is found in repentence for that sin and recognizing Christ as "the truth and the light", which is exactly what Christ said to Mary when he instructed her to "go and sin no more".

The world will always have those who reject God, reject Biblical teachings, and in fact reject any and all figures of authority. Rejection of God has been with us since Eden, the scene of the ultimate sin, which is the rejection of God's word. Every time Man chooses his rules over 'His' rules, man finds heartache, suffering, and death.

Those of you on this and other sites who are nothing but pathetically critical of all things Christian should spare those of us who understand our faith the lecture on how we should practice it.

I will always remember Jerry Falwell as being against everyone except Evangelical Relpublicans. Everyone else was an infidel. He preached love and goodness, but hated so many, especially Bill and Hillary Clinton. He compared Hillary to the devil. Is that the talk of a religious man? I will never forgive Fallwell for his part in the Clinton Chronicles, a video he was instrumental in producing and SELLING! The video portrayed Clinton as a murderer, fornicator, and drug-runner. He said Clinton beheaded his enemies. How could a minister say such vile things about another human being, let alone the President of the United States? Bill had some indescretions, so did Pat Robertson, Ted Haggart, Jim Bakker, Jim Swaggert, Cong. Foley, to name a few. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. But for a minister to be involved in smearing a president of the United States by selling the Clinton Chronicles in his Church and College is unforgiveable. Good luck Jerry.

To all those trying to turn the table on those who justifiably hated Falwell for being a force of evil in the world, be reminded that his Moral Majority organization saw to it that our government in the 80's kept its head in the sand while AIDS spread. In fact, he and his followers delighted in the death of gay men as a proof of divine judgement. Millions around the world are dead because of America's tardy response. I wish I had been around 73 years ago to strangle him in his cradle, just as I wish I could time-travel back to the 1930's and have a go at Hitler. If that makes me a hater then so be it.

Falwell spoke no truth. He was a bigot, he was intolerant, he was arrogant. He missed the essence of Christianity "Love one another as I have loved you". He spewed hatred against anyone, of any religion, who actually dared think rather than just agree with him.

His followers should begin by apologizing, and correcting for his flaws.

Everyone sits in judgement of Rev. Falwell. All of your statements are judgmental and make you the same type of person. I would not want to be in any of your shoes on judgement day. Leave the judging to Christ.

If Jerry Faldwell is not, right at this moment, standing at the Pearly Gates and having a hard time convincing St Peter that he loved more in his life than he hated, and that he gave more to his fellow man than what he took away from them then I throughly misunderstand the deepest meanings of Christianity as taught by The Carpenter; and Faldwell indeed succeeded in his lifetime in doing great damage to the practice of one of the worlds great religions.......

"I come to give you a new commandment, one that is above all others ' Love your neighbor as yourself'......"Jesus of Nazerath

Oh Lord, give me strength. Thank You for taking Jerry somewhere better away from us. I have a sneaking suspicion You'll be asking Mr. Falwell some pretty embarassing questions about his days on earth.

I'd like to know where WaPo found these Kool-Aid Drinkers? Say something kind about Jerry Falwell? Are you kidding me? The man was determined to destroy our Republic, one frightened fundamentalist Christian at a time.

He almost succeeded. He may yet. We all have our spiritual work to do, but believe me, it's okay to not like Jerry Falwell.

Little did Barry Goldwater think that his 1960's comment "Every good Christian should kick Jerry Falwell in the ass" became his epitaph as well as his legacy.

If Jerry Faldwell is not, right at this moment, standing at the Pearly Gates and having a hard time convincing St Peter that he loved more in his life than he hated, and that he gave more to his fellow man than what he took away from them then I throughly misunderstand the deepest meanings of Christianity as taught by The Carpenter; and Faldwell indeed succeeded in his lifetime in doing great damage to the practice of one of the worlds great religions.......

"I come to give you a new commandment, one that is above all others ' Love your neighbor as yourself'......"Jesus of Nazerath

For those who advance the theory that Mr. Falwell's death exempts him from criticism of his life, stop. Too often in the United States we allow ignorant and evil people to be buried without disapproval, allegedly "for the sake of their families." This is compassionate poppycock for, as Shakespeare said, "The evil that men do lives on; the good is oft interred with their bones." Mr. Falwell was a bigot, a homophobe, a political opportunist, and a hypocrite. The horror that he visited upon American political discourse---framing debates on civil issues in terms of his fundamentalist interpretations of Christian theology, with those who disagree labeled "immoral","ungodly", or "humanists"---live on in his proteges like Ralph Reed and in the new Republican party that he helped to shape. The corruption of the neoconservatives of the current Bush administration can be directly traced back to the wealth that Mr. Falwell accumulated by using his fellow Christians. About the only good thing you can say about the man is that he wasn't Pat Robertson.

Falwell turned American Christianity into a religion of hatred.

I sure would like to have seen the look of surprise and fear on his face when he reached the Gates of Hell.

Just Remember - "OK I had a Classical Education and you didn't. Get over it."

If the purpose of language is to communicate, why communicate in a dead language? To what end did you write in Latin? From my viewpoint, it came across as an attempt to show everyone that you're educated. Well...congratulations, I think we can acknowledge that fact without too much controversy. Now, what does that mean in regards to your opinion on the news of Falwell's death? Does an educated person's opinion matter more?

As a pastor who studied the two languages taught at my seminary (Hebrew and Greek), I could post (phonetically, of course) in either language to show my education, but who would understand? Why would I waste my time writing what very few can read unless I'm trying to show of my education or listen to the sound of my own voice (as it were)?

I prefer to speak and write clearly so that if anyone cares to hear or read my opinion, they have that chance.

As for Falwell's death (the subject of the thread, lest we forget), no one can every truly know the mind of God but given the way Falwell spoke and acted in life and the beliefs he claimed to hold, I believe his judgment must have been an interesting event, indeed. There is no room for hatred or bigotry in heaven so if he's there now, I hope he's finally free of those vices.

I disagree with Mr. Falwell's beliefs, actions and words. In fact, I have and will spend my life fighting against that which Mr. Falwell avocated: hate, bigotry, and the use of politics to force other people to live by his beliefs. But that does not mean I am happy about his death. There are people in this world who love and respect this man, and to spew hate is to disrespect and hurt them. Hate hurts the one who does the hating. The man is gone; let him rest in peace, knowing he no longer has the power to do that which offended and hurt so many, and we are still here to try and undo the damage he did, not create more damage with hate.

Falwell was a self-righteous gasbag who, if Hell existed, would deservedly spend the rest of eternity there.

Falwell was a self-righteous gasbag who, if Hell existed, would deservedly spend the rest of eternity there.

Christianity provided the vehicle but he himself was the fuel to spread a message of hate and for that Falwell should be condemned. Hating hatred is not the same as causing it. It seems many can't make that distinction.

I did not agree with all his beliefs, and actions. But the man did many good things for less fortunate people. I hope that he will rest in peace.

It is not enough to observe Falwell's good and bad characteristics. One needs to reflect on the image of religiosity he gave us: bigoted, self-righteous, ignorant, and belligerent. No American can be proud of Falwell. He was an embarrassment and one which reflects very negatively on the state of the American mind. He was the consummate Redneck Christian.

Thank goodness he is finally gone! Now, to rid ourselves of these other fanatics---Robertson, Swaggart, Dobson, Sharpton, Jackson, etc.,. They surely will all die off someday.

Linda Walls:
I despised Falwell, as I despise Swaggart, Dobson, and Robertson, not because they were/are Christian, but because they delight in fostering hate against people like me. I am not Christian, I am pagan. Pick any belief system/philosophical school from atheism to Zoroastrianinsm, and I have either a friend or family member who practices it, and that includes Christianity. I don't begrudge any of them their beliefs, but then again, they don't go about trying to get legislation passed that would force everyone to live by their religion's dogma. They also don't go about spreading lies about people who believe differently than they do, calling for governmental coups, etc. Those kinds of actions are the reasons Falwell and his ilk are despised by so many people.

With TV evangelist Jerry Falwell's body still warm, the drum beats of the right wing "Christian" fundamentalists' propaganda machine can already be heard in its attempt to deify this false profit of hate and malice. Falwell's life has been a terrible condemnation of fundamentalist Christianity. In the name of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, Falwell devoted his life to preaching hate, ignorance, and intolerance. Jesus must have wept to see His name and message of love and acceptance so utterly defiled by Falwell and his kind. Ultimately, God is just -- as Jerry Falwell will so rightly dicover as he burns in Hell.

He'll be remembered by me as ALWAYS wanting people to ask this question:

What about YOU? When will YOU die? Today? Tomorrow? This Year?

Please ask yourself this question "WHEN I DIE, WILL I GO TO HEAVEN?"
And then ponder the answer. PLEASE, PLEASE ponder the answer.

God has provided a way for EVERYONE to go to Heaven. But.....
We must realize we've sinned against him (we ALL have) and that Jesus' sacrifice paid for those sins. That's all. God is gracious to ALL who believe that.

PLEASE CONSIDER THIS NOW. You do not know when your heart will beat it's last beat.

Questions? Read this WHERE IS DR. FALWELL NOW???? DO YOU KNOW?

He woke up yesterday morning like every other day and never expected it would be his last.

What about YOU? When will YOU die? Today? Tomorrow? This Year?

Please ask yourself this question "WHEN I DIE, WILL I GO TO HEAVEN?"
And then ponder the answer. PLEASE, PLEASE ponder the answer.

God has provided a way for EVERYONE to go to Heaven. But.....
We must realize we've sinned against him (we ALL have) and that Jesus' sacrifice paid for those sins. That's all. God is gracious to ALL who believe that.

PLEASE CONSIDER THIS NOW. You do not know when your heart will beat it's last beat.

Questions? Read this
http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/2wtl/2wtlonline.asp

Falwell is a poster boy child of the unholy marriage of religion and politics.
And god, his god, apparently did not like him since he recently was asking for 20 more years to consolidate his crappy empire.

Falwell's legacy lives on in the graduates of his Liberty University who flood the ranks of the federal government, the Justice Department in particular.

Rocket --- Britain didn't exist in the middle ages.

Those who spout religion and then speak the way he did about those he held differences of beliefs was a poor display of judgment by a supposedly intelligent religious leader. It appears as everything revolves around the almighty dollar, religion is no exception. The television evangelists have personified this in their ability to raise money and live in a very lavish lifestyle while calling for those to contribute in the name of Jesus Christ. People like him are the reason I follow no organized religion. I try to treat others the way I would like to have others treat me. So far this has gotten me a lot farther that attending a formal church each week while screwing the public and acting offensive as many of those who profess to follow their religion do. These same people believe that they are forgiven for their sins even though they continue to repeat them week after week. As a man who was not very well educated formally, but studied his bible and attended different churches over his lifetime told me, "there are more hypocrites in church than you will find elsewhere." I found this comment quite profound from someone who had no great influence as some of these so-called religious leaders do. As we have seen from these televangelists and the Catholic Church as well, they hide their problems until they are exposed. Televangelists are charlatans who live off the fear of those who follow them even though they are exposed as fakes and hypocrites. Although a death is nothing to normally celebrate the world will be better off without his ilk.

Those who spout religion and then speak the way he did about those he held differences of beliefs was a poor display of judgment by a supposedly intelligent religious leader. It appears as everything revolves around the almighty dollar, religion is no exception. The television evangelists have personified this in their ability to raise money and live in a very lavish lifestyle while calling for those to contribute in the name of Jesus Christ. People like him are the reason I follow no organized religion. I try to treat others the way I would like to have others treat me. So far this has gotten me a lot farther that attending a formal church each week while screwing the public and acting offensive as many of those who profess to follow their religion do. These same people believe that they are forgiven for their sins even though they continue to repeat them week after week. As a man who was not very well educated formally, but studied his bible and attended different churches over his lifetime told me, "there are more hypocrites in church than you will find elsewhere." I found this comment quite profound from someone who had no great influence as some of these so-called religious leaders do. As we have seen from these televangelists and the Catholic Church as well, they hide their problems until they are exposed. Televangelists are charlatans who live off the fear of those who follow them even though they are exposed as fakes and hypocrites. Although a death is nothing to normally celebrate the world will be better off without his ilk.

I hope that Mr. Falwell will be remembered by his own words, an fine selection of which are on display here: http://www.slate.com/id/2166220/

I hope that history, sentimentality, and misplaced sympathy for those who thought he was a great moral leader don't succeed in putting a false patina on that hateful, small minded bigot that he was. The world is a better place without him in it.

Linda Walls wrote: The good thing is that in this technological age, young people are much more pro-life than the previous generation. Why? I have a different answer than the one she posted. The "because" is that significantly fewer children grew up in abusive situations because those who did not want children and who would have made horrible parents had access to safe legal abortion. Read Chapter Four in Levitt's "Freakonomics" about the correlation between the legalization of abortion and the decline, 20 years later, of crime (he lists this as one of four contributing factors).

Adios:

Reading your plethora of posts, I realise -its people like you who are causing the left to implode. Free thinking has lost its verve and vocabulary and become a hopeless sniveling rant of excess..

John:

"Pretentious quotes from Latin"

OK I had a Classical Education and you didn't. Get over it.

"millions of Americans are undergoing a catharsis - a deeply evil force has left their lives for good."

If you gave Jerry Falwell that much control over your life -you need to get a grip and get a your life back. And BTW,

"millions of Americans"

You need to make a real effort to stop overexagerating, It ruins any argument you may have had. Cheers.

The world will be a better place without him!

Jesus on the Rev. Falwell's of this world:

Matt 6:5 - And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Jesus Christ on Rev Falwell and his ilk:

Matthew 6:5 - And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Jesus Christ on Rev Falwell and his ilk:

Matthew 6:5 - And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

It's amazing all of the intolerance in this board spewed in the name of tolerance.

Falwell was a man of meanness to the gay community and to others who did not kowtow to his ideology. In the spirit of my New England tartness, I offer my final comment: Good Riddance.

A racist in the 50's and 60's a homophobe throughout.
Keep those tax cuts and contributions coming.

It's always interesting to note that the usual sanctimonious windbags refrain from posting when something utterly indefensible comes up. Jerry Falwell, for example.

Falwell did more to hurt Christianity and its image than anything else. He called for the deaths of 3 Supreme Court justices, simply because they had different beliefs. He blamed 9/11 on gays and the non-believers. Indeed, he apologized each time, but why should we treat him differently than Don Imus who was fired for disparing blacks, and the 2 NY shock jocks who pranked a Chinese restaurant.
Falwell represented the wrong side of Christianity. If he had his way, he would have launched a 21st century Crusade on the Islamic people, just like the Brits did in the Middle Ages.
I am on my way to becoming a Christian, and when I hear Falwell's comments denouncing others, I can only wonder what religion I'm stepping into.

Falwell will always be remembered for his "700 Club" comment in the wake of Sept. 11: "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America, I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen."

That is the legacy of Falwell: hate, bigotry, and stupidity.

Nasty, awful, mean spirited, foul person. His version of make believe fairy tales trumped everyone elses version, so he way better than the rest of us. He will be remembered for his disgusting views, not for his Christian attributes.

I involuntarily put my latest post as "anonymous" but I'd like to please reclaim it. You'll recognize my key word "lardbag" when referring to Lardbags Falwell, conman extraordinaire. Yes please. That post is mine.

JUST REMEMBER: you're a shill in the religious right's monstrous con.

Falwell was an evil lardbag. Our vituperations are nothing in return of what he did to the people of this country, dragging millions into a mental world of superstition and ignorance that resembles the Middle Ages.

I am glad he is gone and it is my great hope that his replacement will be a much less-competent sociopath.

Just Remember - Pretentious quotes from Latin and condescending admonitions are not appropriate at a time when millions of Americans are undergoing a catharsis - a deeply evil force has left their lives for good.

For all the posters so generous in their vituperation:

Have you forgotten -Jerry Falwell is gone. All your hateful comments are wasted. Who are you hoping to wound? Can't wait for his body to grow cold before you dance on his grave?

Just remember:

Liber scriptus proferetur,
in quo totum continetur,
unde mundus judicetur.

Judex ergo cum sedebit,
quidquid latet apparebit:
nil inultum remanebit.

Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?
Quem patronum rogaturus,
cum vix justus sit securus?

Let us remember The Rev. Falwell for his memorable untruth:

"If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being."

Were Einstein, Gandhi, Mozart, FDR, Darwin, Beethoven, Carl Sagan and Dostoyevsky failures as human beings?

Let us remember The Rev. Falwell for his memorable untruth:

"If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being."

Were Einstein, Gandhi, Mozart, FDR, Darwin, Beethoven, Carl Sagan and Dostoyevsky failures as human beings?

Let us remember The Rev. Falwell for his memorable untruth:

"If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being."

Were Einstein, Gandhi, Mozart, FDR, Darwin, Beethoven, Carl Sagan and Dostoyevsky failures as human beings?

Let us remember The Rev. Falwell for his memorable untruth:

"If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being."

Were Einstein, Gandhi, Mozart, FDR, Darwin, Beethoven, Carl Sagan and Dostoyevsky failures as human beings?

Let us remember The Rev. Falwell for his memorable untruth:

"If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being."

Were Einstein, Gandhi, Mozart, FDR, Darwin, Beethoven, Carl Sagan and Dostoyevsky failures as human beings?

wouldn't be nice if tomorrow Pat Robertson will join him in hell.

I bet he is already rotting in hell.

For the next week, I'm going to fly my flag at double-staff.

He will be remembered as a charlatan, a manipulator, a thief, a profiteer, and a lardbag.

Falwell's Moral Majority was a major force in delaying our government's response to AIDS and preventing a more rapid development of an effective treatment. For those too young to remember, our government under Reagan did absolutely nothing for many years while the contagion spread. Millions, both homosexual and heterosexual, around the world, are dead today because of Jerry Falwell and his ilk. Frankly, I would express myself using quite a few profanities in regard to this evil and profoundly deluded man if I knew my post wouldn't get deleted because of it.

What a day this has been! Bright sunshine, warm, but with a breeze and the cherry on top when I crank up the Internet-Falwell is dead! You know what I mean-one of those perfect days that only happen once in a while. Wow, if I'm this happy about Falwell, how happy will I be when the Bushies start passing on to the sweet by and by. What a wonderful world to look forward to. I do feel bad for Monica Goodling, though. Jail and Falwell's death is a lot to take in one year. I feel like Scrooge waking up Christmas morning! Anything is possible! Every time I see his face next to the word "Dead" I smile-I know that's heartless, but I can't help it. Sorry Jerry, you inspired me after all, but in the wrong way, I'm afraid.

Jerry Falwell turned the concepts of racial bigotry into religious bigotry.

In the 60's he started a network of Christian schools to avoid integration. When that didn't pan out, he turned Roe vs. Wade into the modern Brown vs. Board -- his paradigm of how the Constitution only means what it says if you start by pre-supposing his own views.

A hateful divisive bigot goes to meet his maker. Thank God.

I feel for his family, I feel for his community.

My mother told me if you can't find anything nice to say....you must be talking about Falwell....

/|||\

The Rev. Falwell will be remembered for what he was... a minister who politicized the Christian faith and polarized believers.

There is a difference between a man who holds personal views and shares them openly and a pastor who does the same. The pastor leads the flock, and their shepherd led them astray.

Those who subscribed to the Rev. Falwell's brand of preaching and supported it with their prayers, presence, and gifts, should think of the seeds they have sown.

"God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."

Is this the Gospel the Rev. Falwell taught?

Why is it that non-religious people think that born again Christians are hateful, etc. etc.? Probably because they see all people like they know themselves to be. That is the only reference any person has. You blame the messenger - the Bible talks of all the things he was concerned about. Your quarrel is not with Rev. Falwell but with God Himself. What arrogance we humans have!! There is nothing wrong with being pro-life. The good thing is that in this technological age, young people are much more pro-life than the previous generation. Why? They get to see their BABY (not fetus or blob) as early as 6 weeks in the womb - sucking theirs thumbs, moving, etc. A real person. Live your life as you see fit but do not condemn & clap for the death of someone who lived his as he felt God demanded of him.

Why is it that non-religious people think that born again Christians are hateful, etc. etc.? Probably because they see all people like they know themselves to be. That is the only reference any person has. You blame the messenger - the Bible talks of all the things he was concerned about. Your quarrel is not with Rev. Falwell but with God Himself. What arrogance we humans have!! There is nothing wrong with being pro-life. The good thing is that in this technological age, young people are much more pro-life than the previous generation. Why? They get to see their BABY (not fetus or blob) as early as 6 weeks in the womb - sucking theirs thumbs, moving, etc. A real person. Live your life as you see fit but do not condemn & clap for the death of someone who lived his as he felt God demanded of him.

Larry Flynt remembers Jerry Falwell with kindness and has out-classed almost every poster on this thread.

"My mother always told me that no matter how much you dislike a person, when you meet them face to face you will find characteristics about them that you like. Jerry Falwell was a perfect example of that. I hated everything he stood for, but after meeting him in person, years after the trial, Jerry Falwell and I became good friends. ... I always appreciated his sincerity even though I knew what he was selling and he knew what I was selling." - Hustler magazine founder Larry Flynt.

He will be remembered as the Elmer Gantry of his age. He was nothing but a capitalist who sold Jesus to the weakest amongst us. He traded in hate to keep in organization growing. Today is a good day to be living.

It was always about the money and what it bought Falwell. Religion was the vehicle to acquiring power. If it really had anything to do with morals, he would have been taking all that money and feeding the poor and doing good in the world. Instead, he got fat and political, using his wealth to fool the true-believers that he had something righteous to say. The same dullards that vote for Bush and the Republican (and some Democrat) windbags that are destroying this country. His legacy will be right up there with Father Coughlin and Pat Robertson, who is so nutty even God must chuckle a little...

"I think the proper attitude at this juncture is to pass on our condolences and prayers. And we'll try to do the fixing in place in history a little later." - White House spokesman Tony Snow.

Falwell was a religious bigot who used Christianity as a cover. The Bible says that without real, godly love whatever you do is phony and Falwell magnified the truth of that statement. Influence with men does not equal influence with or the approval of God. Falwell preached a gospel that struck a chord with mostly poor and middle class whites who wanted to vent their frustrations but wanted to be able to claim a biblical basis for the nasty things they expoused. This became the blueprint for evangelicals of every race and stripe to plaster themselves in misinterprered "bible verses" but whose actions and words left much to be desired if you were looking for Christ glorified. There was more looking at the world's sins that exhorting and strenghtening and teaching the church body. Falwell encouraged evangelicals to become media savvy and always be the one to "cast the first, second, third stone. Speak loudly and don't allow the other person the opportunity to point out your failings". It is a sorrow to realize that this man and others like him wasted so much of the opportunities given them by God to harangue others and abuse their influence. If Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, Richard Land, Tony Perkins, Pat Robertson and others had really wanted to expand the kingdom of God, what a glorious experience that would have been instead of this muddled, messy, mismash of half-truths, hate and self glorification passing for religious leadership for evangelicals now.

Now is an opportunity to let the country try to heal, however idealistic that may sound. This man helped cultivate hate and intolerance, as well as the insidious religious mentality that fuels much of the federal government today. We need less people like Falwell, and more who actually care about open society and democracy. His veiled power-mongering and religious fascism deserves a dark note in the history books.

Condolences to his family, but I am glad he's gone. Hope the rest of the "moral" "majority" will follow soon, and the "rev." Ian Paisley as well!

Evil man, Evil deeds. He did nothing but spread hate and intolerance of his fellow human being. His only legacy is hate and evil.

I bet he's where he belongs now, and I bet he's surprised.

Of course, if he actually READ the Bible instead of using it as a political weapon, he wouldn't be surprised at all.

Alas, poor Henry.. are you attempting to draw a correlation between Jerry Falwell and Hitler?

Just remember, when you're over the hill, you'll begin to pick up speed. ...

Jesus had no tolorence for people like Falwell.

Just Remember

Good slogan.

Just remember the bigotry and genocide of the Nazis.

Just remember that hate and demagoguery of Jerry Falwell.

Learn our lesson never to listen to such a man again. Will we learn? History doesn't make it hopeful. But we must try anyway.

Jesus had no tolorence for people like Falwell.

Jerry Falwell was a self-rightous, mean-spirited person who claimed he was a Christian but never acted like one.

For all the posters so generous in their vituperation:

Have you forgotten -Jerry Falwell is gone. All your hateful comments are wasted. Who are you hoping to wound? Can't wait for his body to grow cold before you dance on his grave?

Just remember:

Liber scriptus proferetur,
in quo totum continetur,
unde mundus judicetur.

Judex ergo cum sedebit,
quidquid latet apparebit:
nil inultum remanebit.

Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?
Quem patronum rogaturus,
cum vix justus sit securus?

I mourn the passing of Rev. Falwell, and I reflect upon whether mixing politics and religion as he did served the best interest of God. I do see the hate and evil thrown back in the faces of believers. I do see such people politicizing themselves. I do see them, married to the world, inexorably seizing power and warping our laws and government to suit their ends. I then am reminded of Ecclesiastes. There is nothing new under the sun. Man never learns. We fall back into apostasy and idolatry. Periodically God calls us to account through prophets and judgment. Yes, Rev. Falwell spoke the unwelcome Truth to a world lost in self gratification and self glorification. God bless him and his memory. My condolences to his family.

One less monster in the world! He was, after all, founder of the Church of the Poison Mind.

As someone who believes that no-one is ALL bad I'll extend condolences to Mr. Falwell's family, but his public life was one of bigotry, hatred, hypocrisy and vile lies. He was a supporter of apartheid, an enemy of civil rights and a purveyor of lies and character assassination.

For example:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinton_Chronicles

The evil that men do lives after them.....

Unfortunately, so shall it be with Falwell. He specialized in hatred, ignorance, fear, diviseness, bigotry, intolerance, anti-anything that is science (unless it kept him alive longer to spew his hatred), parochialism, priggishness, narrow-mindednedd and any any other social destructive trait one can name that sends knowledge and understanding back to 400 AD.

Falwell was a profiteering, Bible thumper.

As an arrogant, ignorant, self-righteous, holier than thou, everyone who doesn’t believe the way I do is the anti-Christ, hate-bag.

A person like this is an icon and symbol of Christianity?

He was a "christian-wahabi" as I like to call these hetefilled Bigots.

Along with all of his other odious attributes, Mr Falwell was a perverter of the English Language, the sin most operative for me.

Instead of using language to promote subtle understanding of the compexities of life and the varieties of human experience,

Falwell used language to
fortify his own power, FIRST including Money
by attacking with hate those who he thought he could attack and get away with it
posing as God's greatest saint.

The world is a better place now that he is gone, though yes, someone will "rise" to take his place.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:20-23

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:20-23

I would not want to be Falwell right now. He championed a brand of Christianity that validated its followers' worst prejudices and exploited their worst fears. I know I shouldn't say the world will be better without him, but it certainly isn't any better because of him.

Where's my comment?..................................
Gee wizz, doesn't anyone here like Jerry?.....pg.....
De mortuis nil nisi bonum. If you can think of any. bonum, that is.

I don't like to speak ill of the dead, but...

Jerry who?

As a pro-choice woman, a feminist, a pagan, and a friend and family member to many BGLT people, I'm not exactly dehydrating from shed tears. He was such a hateful man.

How will Jerry Falwell be remembered? I guess it depends on who you ask.
By me?
As a bigot, a lier, a mean and hateful man that I hope faces Karma.

When I heard he was dead I smiled. I am not sad, I sympethize with his family, I am sure someone loved him. But for me...I remember the bigot blaming 9-11 on the ACLU,Gays and Pagans.

All I can say is...good riddance.

I'm just glad he isn't around to make headlines anymore. Thanks to him, many view Christianity as a fundamentalist religion because of his skewed interpretation of the Bible. It's people like him that grabbed all the attention while the more rational people of faith were so often overlooked.

Whatever your views on Christianity or religion in general, I think most outside of his right-wing nutjob sect would agree that one less rabble-rouser is good for the current state of affairs.

I believe he's facing God's judgment right now. I'd just dearly love to know what that is.

It will be interesting to see if John McCain plays a role in his funeral. McCain has been sucking up to the reverend and every other ultra right-wing pseudo evangelist during his sell-out for the presidency. Will Senator McCain speak at Reverend Falwell's funeral?

Falwell's entire life's work was based on the belief that he had a right to tell me what to do with my uterus because of his goofy interpretation of an ancient fairy tale.

Good riddance.

What Khote14 said

What Khote14 said

good riddance.