On Jerry Falwell…

Date May 15, 2007 | 1:12 PM

I used to lump Jerry Falwell into the same category as most of the anti-culture Christians (Jerks for Jesus, as one friend puts it).  My impression of him was that he was loud and angry at everything and everybody.  Sometimes, I guess, maybe he came across that way.  Richard Niebuhr wrote in Christ and Culture about the kind of mentality I thought Falwell had: Christ against culture.

Then I read some of his articles and interviews.  And while I disagree with him about a lot of things, from politics to theology, I never once questioned his belief in Christ as Lord or his sincerity.  And sometimes he surprised me- in one interview he clearly professed the importance of Christ transforming culture, rather than Christ railing against it.  My wrong was in stereotyping and categorizing him.  There was more to Jerry Falwell than any of us knew.  I pray we get to know that man, now.

Rest in peace, Dr. Falwell.  Maybe I’ll get to know you better in eternity.


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Category Posted in Christianity, Life, SBC

One Response to “On Jerry Falwell…”

  1. Monk-in-Training said:

    I believe that our culture can only be changed one heart at a time. However, at this time, I simply pray for Rev. Falwell & family.

    † Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;
    And let light perpetual shine upon him.

    May 15th, 2007 at 6:50 PM