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"Whenever a religious leader gets involved in political affairs, they get a lot of flack," said former Los Angeles Times reporter Russell Chandler, who wrote a 1972 biography, The Kennedy Explosion. "He was entrepreneurial, he was innovative, and he was brave."

Some have compared him to other televangelists, such as Pat Robertson or the late Jerry Falwell, who were criticized for making controversial remarks about homosexuality.

"Kennedy was usually behind the scenes and not a huge point person like Falwell or Robertson," Eskridge of the ISAE said. "He kept his nose cleaner."

Kennedy was a founding board member of the Moral Majority, which Falwell formed in 1979. Some have called Falwell's recent death the end of the Religious Right, but Eskridge doesn't think Christians will stop caring about issues such as abortion and homosexuality.

"It's a symbol of the passing of the guard," Eskridge said. "It's the passing of generational founders, but the issues persist and it will survive."

Kennedy dropped out of college to become an Arthur Murray dance instructor; in his off hours, he chased girls and played Ping-Pong, according to Chandler's book.

He met a woman one night and told the other teachers, "I just met the young lady that I'm going to marry." He and the woman, Anne, recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.

He later went on to receive several degrees, including a doctorate from New York University.

"There is a need for evangelical ministers to be thoroughly educated and equipped to meet on equal terms anyone with whom they come in contact," Kennedy says in the book. "It is increasingly important to dispel the idea there is an inconsistency between evangelism and education."

Kennedy is survived by his wife and his daughter, Jennifer Cassidy. A public funeral service will be held at Coral Ridge on September 13.

Copyright © 2007 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Stan Guthrie's tribute to Kennedy was also posted today.

Kennedy wrote for Christianity Today about his early ministry.

CT named his book "Evangelism Explosion" one of "The Top 50 Books That Have Shaped Evangelicals."

A roundup of links about Kennedy's death and the press release from Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church are available from CT Liveblog. Coverage includes:

A Celebration of the Life and Ministry of D. James Kennedy (Official tribute site)

Megachurch leader D. James Kennedy dies (Associated Press)

Powerful pastor D. James Kennedy dead at 76 | Led Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church to national prominence (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

Rev. D. James Kennedy, Broadcaster, Dies at 76 | Mr. Kennedy was a Christian broadcaster and the pastor of a Florida megachurch, who played a critical role in the rise of conservative Christianity. (The New York Times)

Politically Powerful TV Evangelist D. James Kennedy (The Washington Post

Televangelist made his church a political power | The Rev. D. James Kennedy left behind a worldwide evangelical ministry and a controversial legacy. (The Miami Herald, older version)

Pastor founded mega-church, expanded message to airwaves (Palm Beach Post)

D. James Kennedy, megachurch pioneer, dies at 76 (USA Today)

Religious Right Leader D. James Kennedy Dies at 76 (Religion News Service)

Dr. D. James Kennedy, 76, Leaves Legacy of Faithfulness | Dr. Dobson calls him 'a giant in the battle to restore traditional values.' (CitizenLink, Focus on the Family)

D. James Kennedy dead at 76 (Baptist Press)

'Excellence in All Things and All Things to God's Glory' | The legacy of Dr. D. James Kennedy (Albert Mohler)

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September (Web-only) 2007, Vol. 51