America Remembers Jerry Falwell
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Tue, May 15, 2007
- Viewed 156
- (20) comments so far
“The Reverend Jerry Falwell and I were arch enemies for fifteen years. We became involved in a lawsuit concerning First Amendment rights and Hustler magazine. Without question, this was my most important battle – the l988 Hustler Magazine, Inc., v. Jerry Falwell case, where after millions of dollars and much deliberation, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in my favor. My mother always told me that no matter how much you dislike a person, when you meet them face to face you will find characteristics about them that you like. Jerry Falwell was a perfect example of that. I hated everything he stood for, but after meeting him in person, years after the trial, Jerry Falwell and I became good friends. He would visit me in California and we would debate together on college campuses. I always appreciated his sincerity even though I knew what he was selling and he knew what I was selling. The most important result of our relationship was the landmark decision from the Supreme Court that made parody protected speech, and the fact that much of what we see on television and hear on the radio today is a direct result of my having won that now famous case which Falwell played such an important role in.” --Larry Flynt, publisher of Hustler Magazine
“Jerry has been a tower of strength on many of the moral issues which have confronted our nation.” - evangelist Pat Robertson.
“Dr. Falwell’s shadow falls across the face of the rebirth of conservative values in our nation, in the Southern Baptist Convention, and in the entire evangelical world. Only once in a generation will a man of his stature arise. We all owe him a debt of eternal gratitude.” - Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
“I think the proper attitude at this juncture is to pass on our condolences and prayers. And we’ll try to do the fixing in place in history a little later.” - White House spokesman Tony Snow.
“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.
“I believe Jerry Falwell’s primary legacy will not be his political leadership, but the church he pastored for 50 years, the university he founded that has produced two generations of leaders, the millions who heard him preach the Good News, the innovations in ministry he introduced, and the thousands of young pastors, like myself, that he constantly encouraged, even when we did it differently.” --Rick Warren
“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.
“His life is a testament not only to the power of faith to move hearts, but to the strength of the American ethos that stresses the importance of citizenship ... He was a great leader, a person totally sustained by his faith but able to work with many people from many different backgrounds without imposing rigidity on anyone else.” - Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
“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.
“Over the years we became friends; sometimes we had polar opposite points of view. ... I have many fond memories of him. He leaves a great legacy of service and a great university behind. He’s left his footprints in the sands of time.” - The Rev. Jesse Jackson.
“Jerry Falwell was a close personal friend for many years. We did not always agree on everything, but I knew him to be a man of God. His accomplishments went beyond most clergy of his generation. Some of my grandchildren have attended and currently attend Liberty University. He leaves a gigantic vacuum in the evangelical world.” - Evangelist Billy Graham.
“In a world filled with ambiguity Rev. Falwell stood out as a person whose message was clear and ideas were conveyed without fear or favor. In my mind he will long be remembered for his emphasis on education and his relentless tenacity and political will. Through his leadership many Christians became more engaged in the political process and it affected in many cases the course of this nation. He has left an indelible impression on the culture and many of those who followed him closely are grief stricken. My heart goes out to his family as well as his congregation as they have lost more than a religious giant and icon but a loved one for which you have my deepest sympathy.” --Bishop Thomas D. Jakes
“It was my honor to share the front lines with him in the battle for righteousness in our nation. We will continue that fight, in his honor, until our mutual goals are achieved.” — James Dobson
“Reverend Falwell and I didn’t agree on anything, but we got along personally. He personally was genuinely a nice guy, and I would find him to be one of the few people in the public light who was genuine. He believed what he said. I used to tell him, ‘What you’re saying is crazy,’ but he really believes it.” Rev. Al Sharpton
“One of his lasting contributions was the establishment of Liberty University, where he taught young people to remain true to their convictions and rely upon God’s word throughout each stage of their lives.” —President Bush
So… do any of you have any personal stories or thoughts to share about Jerry Falwell?
I’ll start. I remember when Jerry came to speak at Cedarville University… it must’ve been back in 1987 or so (when Jerry was much more of a controversial figure than of late). It was very controversial that he spoke at Cedarville. (He was viewed as a ‘liberal’ by many of the college supporters. I still remember that he told his “Three wisemen and a virgin” joke in chapel. People talked about that for weeks!
I know the youth pastor at my church tells the story that while he was at Liberty, one day he was in a hurry and parked in Jerry’s parking place. When he returned, he got a nasty note on his windshield from Falwell’s secretary kindly rebuking him… something like “Dr. Falwell is a busy man and needs his parking place”!
OK… your turn… any thoughts or memories?
Reactions are coming in from all over the country on the death of Jerry Falwell. I'll share some of the more positive things being said about Jerry here. Falwell made a lot of enemies with people who didn't agree with him; but it's amazing some of the people who disagreed with him the most are saying how much they liked him personally. Here's a sampling of some of the verbal tributes coming in...
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Chris Rhodes on Tue, May 15, 2007
I am proud to say that I am one of Jerry’s kids (Undergrad and Seminary Alum). I have many memories of Dr. Falwell, but I will just share one story for now.
My pastor growing up was Dr. Harold Henniger, who was close friends of Dr. Falwell. When Pastor Henniger retired Dr. Falwell preached at his retirement service. It was at that service that I surrendered my life to full time ministry. Shortly after Dr. Henniger went to be with the Lord, I graduated from the Seminary (10 years after my undergrad days), and as I walked across the platform Dr. Falwell leaned in to me and told me that my pastor was a godly man and would be missed.
That was Dr. Falwell, even in the midst of thousands he never forgot to minister to the one.
May God bless and sustain his family and his ministries.
Knowledge Aflame,
Chris Rhodes
Al on Tue, May 15, 2007
Chris,
Thank your for that insight. With all the hatred that was directed at this man of God, the Truth continues to come to life.
Blessings,
Al
Tadd Grandstaff on Tue, May 15, 2007
Today was a sad day! Today I lost my pastor of 26 years! Today I lost the most influential, inspirational and biggest visionary person that I have ever known! There is no one that I know that has demonstrated more incredible faith and has trusted God to do the unimaginable like this man has!
My dad has been on staff at TRBC for about 16 years…my brother and myself both served on staff there as well. Me, my wife and 5 other members of our church plant launch team are all graduates of Liberty University. I knew the man on a pesonal level and he has forever impacted and changed my life.
Whether you loved the man or were stupid enough to hate him…You have to respect what he stood for! Over 50 years of ministry and never a word spoken against his integrity or character. That let’s you know who he was and what he stood for! He didn’t just preach it, he literally lived it out!
That man has influenced more good for this country and not just through politics, but by raising up dynamic leaders all across this world! You can’t go to a town anywhere in this country and not find someone who is on staff at a church that graduated from Liberty University or Lynchburg Christian Academy or has some affiliation to Thomas Road Baptist Church.
Dr. Falwell has had such an impact on my life, my ministry and teaching me to trust God to do things that no on else would ever believe possible! Just 2 weeks ago when our team was visiting TRBC, Dr. Falwell told our team to turn Burlington, NC upside with the message of Jesus Christ and that is what we intend to do!
Dr. Falwell you will be forever missed not only in the hearts of Becki and I, but in the hearts of so many! Your place in history has been defined and your legacy will live on!
Ray Brock on Tue, May 15, 2007
I heard this afternoon that Dr. Falwell went to be with the Lord. I know that people have differing opinions of him. All I know is that when I met him, he was very nice to me and very encouraging. He said remember, it’s all about Jesus! I remember him saying that the person people see on TV is him on defense, that the TV people and usually his opponent on whatever the topic was, would usually always be trying to trick him into saying something stupid, or a series of words that could be turned into a sound bite. He laughed and said that he said the stupid things without their help sometimes.
As most all the Center Pointe attendersrs know, I am a graduate of Liberty U. , which I consider to be the finest school in the world! It was his vision and dream to train men & women to take the gospel to the people.
Remember the folks at Liberty, and the church family at Thomas Road Baptist Church.
Leonard on Tue, May 15, 2007
I never met Dr Falwell but I have always appreciated the courage and conviction he demonstrated. I have also appreciated the way he backed up his beliefs with practical ministry to people he viewed as entangled in sinful behavior. In our culture of criticism I hope and pray he gets a fair shake for his faith. Thank you Dr Falwell for your commitment to Jesus Christ and the countless number of people who will be in heaven because of the ministries and the leaders you have raised up. God be with your family.
Jami Ruth on Tue, May 15, 2007
Todd thanks for posting this.
I am also a grad of Liberty. I will forever be thankful to Jerry. Liberty is where my relationship with Christ became real—my own. It was no longer a list of rules, regulations (although they had plenty of those)… I learned what it meant to be a true follower of Jesus Christ.
I admire Jerry for his leadership. He knew what he was called to do and chased that without apology or hestiation.
Here’s one story…
Even with his death, I’ve seen comments the media are making about “stupid things that Jerry said”. Obviously one of those they are bringing up is the telletubbies. Well, I was actually at Liberty during that time. Jerry showed up to convocation and asked the students “What is a telletubby? Apparently I’m on the news for making a comment about them.” Apparently someone on staff wrote an article about it in one of the school papers, but the media ran with it. That day, I remembered thinking and still do today that not everything you hear is what is truth or what is perceived. Wow, what a good lesson on not to judge.
Matt Fry on Wed, May 16, 2007
Todd, enjoyed your post on Dr. Falwell. while serving as his youth pastor at Thomas Road i had the privilege of seeing Dr. Falwell up close. He’s the Real Deal. Passionate and visionary leader. He was one of the biggest jokster you’d ever meet… often he would come up behind me and give me a bear hug (he’s a big and strong guy). it was at Liberty in ‘83 where God got a hold of my life and i surrender to serve HIm in ministry and then in ‘98 while serving on his staff that God gave me a vision to start C3 Church in Raleigh. it was an honor to have him speak at our building dedication service a few years ago. He was one of my heroes. Gonna miss him big time.
Tally Wilgis on Wed, May 16, 2007
Todd, I too thank you for opening this thread. I echo the thoughts of Tadd and Matt. As someone who served at Thomas Road for several years in various capacities I always had great encounters with Dr. Falwell. I posted many of my thoughts on my blog but I will say that anyone who knows anything about Thomas Road or Liberty University can tell you that although some people know the ‘soundbyte’ Falwell, there are thousands of people who are loyal to him for who he was.
Dr. Falwell was able to grow a fantastic ministry one person at a time. He truly loved people and he was a genuine Christian man.
Jim in NJ on Wed, May 16, 2007
What I admired most about Jerry Falwell was that he seemed to truly believe that God wanted us to hate the sin, but love the sinner. Although he was very clear and forthright in his beliefs and spoke out against areas of sin that he saw, he reached out to individuals with God’s love. One proof of this was the tribute to him by Larry Flynt. If Falwell had anyone he could have been antagonistic to on a personal level, it was Flynt, who printed some vile personal attacks on Falwell in his magazine. Instead he reached out to Flynt as a person. Neither convinced the other of their beliefs, but they debated on the level of ideas, not personalities. That is refreshing these days when people express differences of opinion by personally attacking those whose opinions differ. I also heard of one occasion when he invited a pro-gay rights group to his church to sit down and eat with himself and some of his people to express their different points of view without malice.
Tally Wilgis on Wed, May 16, 2007
Yes Jim. I was there during that time (as well as Tadd and likely Matt). Dr. Falwell handled that first class. The group that came was loved, honest discussion took place around tables and the church service went without incident. There were a grand total of maybe 10 protesters outside and they were there to criticize Jerry for meeting with the homosexual group. I haven’t seen that reported in the last 24 hours. Good point Jim.
Another Jeff on Wed, May 16, 2007
I was not a fan of the Reverend Falwell. Many of the things he said seemed to me to come across as intentionally divisive. It is interesting and necessary to read the thoughts who were close to him and worked with him to gain their perspective on his leadership. I didn’t agree with him or his methods, but I also didn’t work with him. My prayers go out to his family, friends, and church. He was an influential figure
carole on Wed, May 16, 2007
This is what I worte on my blog about Jerry Falwell:
Controversial, articulate, fighter.
Gentle, humble and knowledgeable.
A man who tried very hard to love God with all his heart soul and mind and lived the way he thought was the best way to love his neighbor as himself.
Like us all, he was human and made mistakes sometimes in what he said, but unlike us all he made his mistakes for all the world to see and ridicule.
But you know what, he tried. He gave it his all. I didn’t always agree with him but he sure as heck lived by the motto I love…
It’s better to burn out then fade away.
Rest with Jesus Mr. Falwell. Rest.
Pastor Dan on Wed, May 16, 2007
As a Liberty grad (undergrad and sem) I had a chance to see and meet Dr. Falwell on many occasions and like anyone else who knew him it was quickly obvious he was the real deal. His genuine love for people and his willingness to take time for anyone showed that he never lost touch. You don’t know Dr. Falwell if all you know him by are a few sound bites when he said something a little bit off the wall. He showed more grace and forgiveness to people who messed up big time than anyone I know.
I surrendered publically to the ministry my first week at LU while attending a service at TRBC. At the end of the invitation Jerry says “God is calling some of you young men to preach and you have never publically surrendered. “ I was cut to the heart and that day made the decision once and for all to serve God vocationally the rest of my life. Jerry taught us all to have a “BHAG” - A big hairy audacious goal. Dr. Falwell’s abilty to trust God by faith was not matched in his time. I will be forever thankful for the imact his life has had on mine and I will always be able to hear him say… “Never, never quit”
Pastor Tony on Thu, May 17, 2007
As a distance learning student at Liberty Seminary, we are required to visit the campus for a minimum number of courses. While in Lynchburg, I visited Thomas Road Baptist Church. Fortunately for me, it just happened to be one of the Sundays that Dr. Falwell was preaching. He preached on vision that day. After the service, he would stand on the rostrum and visit with however many people stuck around to seek a personal audience with him. I’ll never forget that. A man who was that busy all the time waited around after a Sunday morning worship service and took some time for me. Great lesson in praxis for all of us preacher-types: you’ll never be too important to be availabe for people.
Robert Upton on Sun, May 20, 2007
Dr. Jerry Falwell made a difference with his life and he finished well. A great leader that tries to live out Christian principles will leave the world have friends and enemies. What doe this mean? Dr. Falwell tried his best to live out the Christian life. My prayers are with his family and the Liberty University community and his church.
Robert
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