The Legacy of Jerry Falwell

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I bet the good reverend wishes he went out like that.
As we all know, the Reverend Jerry Falwell has died this afternoon, at 12:40 PM ET (9:40 AM PT) at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was supposed to attend a meeting, but instead, was found unconscious at his mansion on the campus of Liberty University- which he founded in 1971. He was taken to Lynchburg General, where he was pronounced dead. The hospital confirmed that he died of sudden cardiac arrhythmia, or sudden cardiac death . Falwell suffered from heart related problems- just two years ago, he was treated for blocked arteries and a viral infection.

Statements have come in already.

First, this statement from close associate Pat Robertson, leader of CBN in nearby Virginia Beach:

My wife and I have sent or condolences to Macel Falwell and her family. Jerry has been a tower of strength on many of the moral issues which have confronted our nation. Liberty University is a magnificent accomplishment and will prove a lasting legacy. Jerry's courage and strength of convictions will be sadly missed in this time of moral relativism. I join with the tens of thousands of his friends to mourn the passing of this extraordinary human being.
-Rev. Pat Robertson, CBN.com


Two of the Republican presidential candidates have weighed in:

An American who built and led a movement based on strong principles and strong faith has left us. He will be greatly missed, but the legacy of his important work will continue through his many ministries where he put his faith into action...Ann and I have had the honor to meet and talk with Reverend Falwell and get to know him as a man of deep personal faith and commitment to helping those around him. He will be forever remembered.
-Mitt Romney, former Massachusetts governor.

I join the students, faculty, and staff of Liberty University and Americans of all faiths in mourning the loss of Reverend Jerry Falwell...Dr. Falwell was a man of distinguished accomplishment who devoted his life to serving his faith and country...Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Falwell's family at this difficult time.

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-US Senator John McCain (R-Arizona)

Even the Civil Rights activist, Reverend Al Sharpton, whom had many disagreements with Falwell had this statement:

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Reverend Jerry Falwell. Though he and I debated much and disagreed often, we shared a very cordial and warm friendship. I visited him in Lynchburg, dined with him, and even talked with during personal crises. Though we were as politically opposite as two people could be, I truly respected his commitment to his beliefs and our mutual belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I stated to my nationally syndicated radio show, I pray for the Falwell family and join the nation in mourning the passing of this religious leader.
-Reverend Al Sharpton

Just a few accolades, if you will, for the late, great Jerry Falwell.

But say what you will about the man who was born in the same city in which he died, Falwell was larger than life- both literally and figuratively. Watch what he has to say on Glenn Beck on CNN Headline News:

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Falwell talked disparagingly about gays and lesbians; abortion supporters, and feminists. In other words, he said that he loved people who were gay, lesbian, and pro-choice, but his actions proved otherwise. Thing is, he founded the Moral Majority in 1979, which brought him to the one thing he had no business stepping into in the first place- the political arena. He- along with his minions of demons- took credit for putting Ronald Wilson Reagan into the White House. He blamed adult entertainment, as well as the aforementioned abortion rights and gay rights movements, for the downfall of America. He even blamed little innocent Tinky-Winky from Teletubbies for 'advancing the gay rights agenda'. Must've been that fabulous Prada purse Tinky was carrying, I don't know.

I could go biographic on you, but I'll leave that to the historians and his butt pirate buddy Pat Robertson to that (of course, almost everything that comes out of ol' Marion Gordon Robertson, Sr's mouth is a lie...'sigh').

The only thing I can say is that almost every gay and lesbian on the planet is holding parties, not unlike the White Party on Fire Island. For them, the pride festivals began a month earlier.

For those Coca-Cola Christians, however, it's almost as if Jesus himself has once again died. Only the Messiah, this time, has died of cardiac arrest.

Copyright (C) 2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.