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Christianity Today, July, 2007 |

Tidings

The Quest for the Historical Jerry

You can tell a lot about someone by what he says about Falwell.

Ted Olsen | posted 6/13/2007 08:20AM

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In other words, giving into temptation can kill. And as Falwell knew better than most of his critics, speaking such a message can be done out of grieving love, not hate. Flynt wasn't the only person who heard Falwell speak this message, but I can't help but think the preacher would have enjoyed seeing the pornographer proclaim it to the world on a cable news program.

Related Elsewhere:

Christianity Today published the Religion News Service obituary for Falwell, and an original obituary.

Recent Tidings columns include:

Partial Reversal | The Supreme Court's abortion decision shows that the arguments have changed. (May 14, 2007)

Jingo Jangle | Christian tribalism is a renunciation of God's kingdom. (April 18, 2007)

Church Divorce Done Right | Denominational splits just aren't what they used to be. (Mar. 7, 2007)

Why Isn't 'Yes' Enough? | The fuss over swearing-in ceremonies reveals a deeper problem. (Feb. 23, 2007)

Bottom-Up Discipline | What do you do when your pastor--or your entire denomination--strays? (January 16, 2007)

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July 2007, Vol. 51, No. 7

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Bob	Posted: June 14, 2007 9:12 PM

Fallwell had a national stage, and instead of using it to talk about grace, the cross, our need for a substitute, and God’s offer of forgiveness (Graham is a good counter-example), he chose instead to blame left-leaning Americans for the 911 attacks and rant angrily about the evils of Tinky-winky. Sigh. We give them stuff like this and then wonder why people aren’t interested in Christianity. It’s not just that his priorities were foolish and trivial; they were actually counter-productive. For those of us interested in engaging and perhaps even reaching the people of our lost culture, he was an obstacle and a barrier, and will likely continue to be for many years. I’m disappointed that Warren didn’t tell it like it is. Our response to his legacy should be to learn from his mistakes and move in a new direction; not talk about what a “great leader” he was.

arnold turner

Posted: June 14, 2007 4:14 PM

I never met Dr Falwell but his vision for ministry has been a blessing for countles people. When I began to be burdened about the need for a pro-life crisis pregnancy clinic, I made one phone call and he sent an experienced minister that advised in setting up the first such clinic in the state of Kentucky. No quesions asked. No request for money. Just, "what can we do to help?". Lives were saved and many families blessed by the adoption of a wonderful child.Later, as I was called into ministry late in life, his innovative ideas allowed me to obtain a quaity and fully accredited Masters Degree in Religion without leaving my law practice and evangelism ministry. I now pastor a growing church and much of what I am is due to Liberty Theological Seminary and Dr. Falwell. I was often pained as I watched him wound himself and hurt others needlessly but will forever be thankful for what God made possible through him in my life. He was a great man of God. A doer of great things.

Robert

Posted: June 14, 2007 10:44 AM

Sharon -I confess my ego is way too big, but like Falwell I just can't help it. I just can't seem to find the self control to reign in my appetite. Every time I try to refrain from allowing my ego to inflate further, I simply take another healthy portion of ego to go, following which I focus on the sins of others, such as Falwell's sin of obesity or his inability to keep his mouth shut. In fact, I generally find myself asking "What would Jerry do?" before I act, with the result that every time I think about being nice, kind or helpful, I find some other sin on the raise in Christian America and work myself into a frenzy of self righteous judgmentalism about. I never claimed to be free of addiction. In fact, I confess that I am addicted to sin in various forms, including arrogance, pride, selfishness, lust, etc. This list goes on, but I don't want to bore you with the details of my short comings. I am just grateful that being addiction free is not a requirement for forgiveness.

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