A Legend Passes
The Reverend Dr.Jerry Falwell, founder of Liberty University and pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia went to be with the Lord today.
To say the least, Dr. Falwell was a Southern Baptist who influenced untold thousands of people for Christ during his 73 years on the earth. He was the consummate example of a man leading a life of faith in His calling over seemingly insurmountable odds. He started Thomas Road Baptist with 35 members and presided over the church as it eventually grew to 24,000.
Falwell also started a Christian college, now Liberty University, which has over 21,000 students in its enrollment and also boasts a tremendous seminary.
Falwell also was the driving force behind the creation of the "Moral Majority" which was then instrumental in electing Ronald Reagan as president in 1980 and solidifying the Republican Party with Evangelical Christians.
It was this marriage of politics and Christianity which drew Dr. Falwell much ire from the secular media as well as Democratic (and some Republican) congressmen.
Whether one agrees or disagrees of how Dr. Falwell chose to influence the culture for Jesus Christ, one can not minimize the giant footprint that he has left in our convention, our culture, our nation, and even our world.
For a full biography on Dr. Falwell, you may click here.
Well said, Charlie. I, too, was thinking about how to view the death of one who was so influential, and in many ways, controversial. Psalm 116:15 says it best: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
Thanks for the post Charlie. Speaking of agreeing with or disagreeing with Dr. Falwell, I came upon a little article that gives a few reactions from folks all across the board.
I was floored and extremely saddened when I learned of Falwell’s death.
As involved as he was in political causes, he remained a devoted pastor until the end. If I recall correctly, when he spoke at the SBC in 2005, he said that he had been in ministry for almost 50 years and had only missed 14 Sunday morning sermons in his own pulpit! What a testimony to his devotion to his flock.
Michael - Great verse.
Jason - Yes, he seemed to live as though the pastorate was his primary calling in life, which it should have been. 50 years in ministry…that's unreal.
Thanks for the link, JC. It's always interesting to read the potpourri of thoughts from fellow Americans across the land.