Hating Jerry Falwell

Posted by Brian Tubbs May 20, 2007

In the immediate aftermath of the Reverend Jerry Falwell's death, the Secular Left tripped all over itself to do the victory dance on his grave - and spared no insult or venom in describing the televangelist's legacy.

Christopher Hitchens called Falwell a "vulgar fraud and crook" (on FOX's Hannity & Colmes) and castigated Falwell as an "ugly little charlatan" (on CNN's Anderson Cooper).

So thorough is Hitchens' absolute revulsion for all things Jerry Falwell that he told Cooper "it's a pity there isn't a hell for [Falwell] to go to." The irony here is breathtaking, since Hitchens condemns Falwell for allegedly saying that "people he [Falwell] didn't like will go to hell." What exactly are YOU doing, Mr. Hitchens?

In the discussion boards at this site, I clearly categorized Christopher Hitchens' vicious comments as "TRASH" (capital letters). I stand by that characterization, even if (should I say "especially if") it offends some here who agree with Hitchens.

Some in San Francisco's gay and lesbian community organized an "anti-memorial" service for Falwell. Fortunately, there was enough class exercised, that it collapsed due to poor attendance.

The Left's chorus of contempt, though, has been swift and sustained - and clearly evident in blogs, radio and television interviews, and newspapers.

Liberal blogger Mykola Bilokonsky at Darkside/Newsvine echoes the Left's contempt for Falwell. Though he acknowledges it isn't very "classy," he maintains that there is a "very good reason for all of this vitriol and invective." Still, he cautions his readers that "to take joy from the death of anyone is a deeply problematic, dehumanizing experience."

The TRUTH - ah, yes, that - is rarely in the extremes. And people are rarely one-dimensional. Jerry Falwell began his ministry as a narrow-minded fundamentalist, doctrinal separatist and (sadly) a racist. Over the years, however, he changed.

While he never abandoned his core beliefs in God, Satan, the Bible, heaven, hell, etc., he renounced racism and separatism. And, though non-Christians would never notice, he moderated his fundamentalism - accepting that there were often honest and harmless differences between Christians on matters of biblical interpretation.

Many of the more outrageous Falwell quotes have been lifted by critics out the Falwell life timeline without any regard to how the man truly changed -- and did so for the better.

Yes, Falwell could still sling out some verbal whoppers. His infamous comment laying the blame for 9/11 at the doorstep of gays, lesbians, abortionists, etc, etc, etc was a terrible example of ths. Yet Falwell repeatedly and sincerely apologized for those remarks. Can we not accept that apology?

The real reason the Left (including people like Christopher Hitchens) hates Falwell isn't that he made some outrageous statements. Those are just fuel for the fire. No, the real reason is that Jerry Falwell represented something that is absolutely 100^ contrary to the very premise of modern, secular progressivism.

Jerry Falwell believed fundamentally that TRUTH is determined by God. That understanding Right from Wrong, Truth from Falsehood, and our deep purpose and identity is a matter of revelation from God -- not creating our own reality. On this fundamental point, Jerry Falwell and I agree. As do millions of Americans and hundreds of millions around the world.

For more on Falwell and the hatred he has received from the likes of Christopher Hitchens, check out this excellent op-ed piece by David Limbaugh.