I once met a teacher at our children's elementary school who happened to mention that she was a graduate of Liberty University. My facial expression betrayed my surprise.You went to Liberty University? Jerry Falwell's school? I - probably unfairly - judged her as anti-intellectual and misguided from that point on.
Falwell's interpretation of scripture, his theology, his treatment of Christians who did not agree with him made me write him off basically. When cultural commentators start to make such outrageous statements that even their supporters take a step back, I wonder if he/she is simply out for attention, if even he/she doesn't believe such ridiculous remarks.
Shortly after hearing that Jerry Falwell had died, I received a phone call from a colleague who sang a certain Munckin song and I knew exactly what he was calling about.
Falwell can be blamed for making it much harder to many of us to call ourselves "Christian." I remember telling a friend in 1979 that I was a Christian and he followed with "Like Jerry Falwell?"
"Uh, no. Not like him," I said.
Here is where my hopes for an end to the "us" versus "them" theology wars hit the skids. How do we become one with a brother in Christ who says this? Or this?
I am sad for Falwell's loved ones that he is gone. I cannot be happy about that. But I wish he had not said some of the things he said. Franklin Graham said on Larry King last night that Falwell spoke the truth even when it was unpopular. I think that, actually, he spoke what he believed to be the popular truth. It would have been more unpopular/Christlike in Lynchburg, Virginia to speak words of reconciliation and peace.
Regardless, he deserves these words - among the most gorgeous in our tradition: "Lord, support us all the day long until the shadows lengthen and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done . . ."
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Last summer my Beloved and I went to Lynchburg VA to visit her sister, who lives there. The morning we left we passed by a small group of men sitting on couches in the hotel lobby; at their center was the Rev. Mr. Falwell, holding forth, while the others (all young men) leaned in with great interest and attention.
Of course, our first reaction was the thrill of having sighted a bona fide celebrity, followed immediately by an interpretation that he was bloviating on something or other, followed even more quickly by the slightly wicked thought that people like "us" had passed so closely by-- we wondered if he'd have tried to exorcise us, given the chance.
The short version of my response to his death is: I think he did a lot of harm, I think he did it while invoking the name of One who was probably appalled by it, I think he did it in the name of acquiring political and financial power, and I do not mourn his passing. I sincerely hope, as someone wrote in comments on another blog, that he was met at the pearly gates by Matthew Shepard and some of the dead upon whom he blamed 9/11.
Thank you for your thoughtful piece Jan.
Pax, C.
Jan,
When I saw your story, I called my wife and said. "Do I celebrate or do I pray?" I knew the answer to the question but now knowing I am going to live and serve churches down in that area, I can only hope the successor preaches love a little more. That is what is it all about.
Cecelia -- After one of my friends commented: "I hope he and Hitler have an interesting conversation at the not-so-pearly-gates . . ." I like what you said much better. Can't think of a more moving moment than having Matthew Shepard's face being the first one JF sees upon reaching the pearly gates.
"I wish he had not said some of the things he said." Perhaps I would should say, "I'm glad the media haven't reported on many of the things I have said!"
I may have disagreed with Falwell and his approach on many issues but I believe he loved Jesus very much. Many Christians loved and respected him and many others counted him as an enemy. But loving our enemy is something we must do.
It is easy to be glad or have a sense of smugness when our enemy is dead and gone, but we are to "mourn with those who mourn."
You're right Neil - especially about being grateful the press doesn't print our own regretful comments.
His loved ones deserve our sympathy, to be sure. I don't want to appear/be smug at all. I have to admit, though, that the process of responding to his death is indeed a process. Remembering to pray for our enemies is a good start.
I often get that shocked look when I tell people that I'm a bonafide graduate of Moody Bible Institute. Recently, I mentioned my alma mater to a Harvard prof/member of my church, and his chin didn't come off the ground for the next hour!
I certainly didn't agree with much of anything Mr. Falwell said, but I wish him peace. My Episcopal tradition says it this way:
"Into thy hands, O merciful Savior, we commend thy servant N. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech thee, a sheep of thine own fold, a lamb of thine own flock, a sinner of thine own redeeming. Receive him in the arms of thy mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.Amen.
He's in God's hands now.
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