It’s a sad sad day for Christians everywhere. Notorious Evangelical leader and founder of the Moral Majority Jerry Falwell has gone to meet his maker. Wait a second. Shouldn’t the passage of a God-fearing Christian from this world into Heaven be a happy day? Isn’t that what they’re all waiting for? I’m serious about this. Can you Christians out there please explain this to me? Why do you mourn the death of a Christian if you truly believe he’s gone to spend eternity in Heaven? Isn’t that preferable to life on Earth? Shouldn’t you be celebrating?
OK so if that’s the case, I’m sure I can make a few comments on Falwell’s passage without offending you. First, let’s look at some comments on this news aggregated by AP:
“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.” — Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
“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.” — Republican presidential candidate and Sen. John McCain.
“He was a man who set a direction. He was someone who was not afraid to speak his mind. We all have great respect for him … he is a person who told you what he thought, and you knew where he stood.” — Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani.
Not surprisingly, the Republican Prez candidates had to weigh in on the loss of this great leader. They’re all so desperate for the Evangelical vote, half of them say they don’t even believe in evolution. But what is it about death that commands such respect? Sure, we all feel empathy for Falwell’s family. It sucks to have someone you love pass away. I know that. But why is it that as soon as someone dies, we’re so quick to rewrite their history? Falwell was an asshole. He was an asshole in life and he’s an asshole in death. We’ve seen some of the comments made about him, now let’s revisit a few of the things he famously said – all in the name of “morality.”
AIDS is not just God’s punishment for homosexuals; it is God’s punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals.
It appears that America’s anti-Biblical feminist movement is at last dying, thank God, and is possibly being replaced by a Christ-centered men’s movement which may become the foundation for a desperately needed national spiritual awakening.
I believe that global warming is a myth. And so, therefore, I have no conscience problems at all and I’m going to buy a Suburban next time.
If you’re not a born-again Christian, you’re a failure as a human being.
The idea that religion and politics don’t mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country.
What a loss indeed. I was recently having a conversation with a friend of mine about Hollywood and its notorious aversion to change. He posited that until the old guard dies off and a new generation of leaders takes their place, progress in the media industry will be limited. We need a new set of leaders who embrace new technologies and the values of the next generation. Well perhaps we’ll see the same evolution in our political and religious institutions as the old guard makes way for more worldly and tolerant leaders. And if that doesn’t work, we can always rewrite history!
“I think the proper attitude at this juncture is to pass on our condolences and prayers. And we’ll try to do the fixing his place in history a little later.” — White House spokesman Tony Snow.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
His doctors say Falwell had a history of heart problems. You’ll find no argument from me.
Well said. I was thinking the same thing.
Chad
http://www.wtfShouldIDo.com
I find it amusing so many people online are saying the same Mickie and I fully agree he was an incredible big and ignorant asshole. This amused me because i contrast this death with death of a true American hero Vonnegut: When Vonnegut died everyone praise him and truly morned his death, while Falwell dies and even Jesus says, “He was a real dick. I mean I love everybody, but even I was tired of all his bullshit.” ( see http://otherpoisondevils.blogspot.com/2007/05/jesus-on-falwell-even-i-was-tired-of.html)
I’m sure history will agree!
Good post. I also blogged about it today. Thanks for the revealing quotes from the Republican candidates. Kiss-ups much? Here’s my two cents.
Not for all of us. There are plenty of us Christians who were just as disgusted by Falwell as you are.
“I believe that global warming is a myth…”
Whoa, wait…THAT’S a myth and immaculate conception isn’t?
I was just thinking of how much Falwell was a douche bag a couple days ago….I wonder if that had anything to do with it
Well said Micki, you parallelled my thoughts exactly.
probably the worst thing Falwell ever did was support and defend the Reagan administrations arming and supporting brutal dictatorships and death squads in Central and South America during he 80’s.
Anyway, here are a few other choice quotes;
“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 try to secularize America – I point the finger in their face and say, ‘You helped this happen.’”
“Christians, like slaves and soldiers, ask no questions”
“Billy Graham is the chief servant of Satan in America” (gotta love it)
“I hope I live to see the day when, as in the early days of our country, we won’t have any public schools. The churches will have taken them over again and Christians will be running them. What a happy day that will be!”
“I listen to feminists and all these radical gals…These women just need a man in the house. That”s all they need. Most of the feminists need a man to tell them what time of day it is and to lead them home. And they blew it and they”re mad at all men. Feminists hate men. They”re sexist. They hate men; that”s their problem.”
Well said Mickie. Also, Christopher Hitchens on Falwell’s passing…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMvnh87iJkY
http://www.slate.com/id/2166337/nav/tap2/
I highly recommend Hitchens new book if you haven’t already picked it up. That guy spits fire and shits wisdom (sometimes).
Sorry, no e.
A friend just got the Hitchens book for me as a gift. It’s next on my list!