Blog Interruption

I interrupt today’s blog about the seniors of Hewitt- Trussville High School rolling the streets of Trussville to comment on Jerry Falwell’s death.

Say what you want about Jerry Falwell—positive or negative—he was an influential man. Perhaps the greatest measure of his influence would be measured when he swayed much of the American public to elect Ronald Reagan as president in 1980. Many agree that Reagan was elected thanks in large part to the Moral Majority, which was organized and led by Falwell.

My grandfather, Charles Henley, was a huge supporter of Dr. Falwell, his church, Thomas Road Baptist, and his college, Liberty University. Papaw pleaded with every one of his grandchildren to matriculate at Liberty. On a shelf above my computer is one of my grandfather’s favorite Bibles he purchased from The Old Time Gospel Hour television ministry also sponsored by Dr. Falwell.

I cannot say I always agreed with Dr. Falwell’s methods. His involvement in politics often caused me consternation. And, sometimes his method of preaching the Gospel struck me as strange. (I am sure many that attend CrossPoint have formed the same opinion about me). However, I never doubted his faithfulness to Christ and his family. Falwell always appeared to me even through his public persona as being a godly man who loved his wife, children and grandchildren. For that, and several other things, I respected him.

Al Mohler was asked to write an article about Dr. Falwell for Newsweek. The article is well-written, as is anything the President of the Southern Baptist Seminary writes. What is more astonishing than the article, however, is the comment section provided by the readers.

Click here to read what others say had to say about Falwell (and Mohler).

It is obvious Dr. Falwell was both revered and reviled. Such is the case when you take a stand for Christ.

We should pray for those who have so much hatred in their heart for Dr. Falwell. I guess it shows us what kind of persecution he lived with as a preacher of the gospel. After reading just a few of the comments, I now respect Dr. Falwell even more.

I would like to hear your impressions of Jerry Falwell.