Christians across our land paused yesterday, May 22, to remember the life of Dr. Jerry Falwell, the fiery televangelist who galvanized Christian conservatives of America in the 1970s into a powerful and effective political force known as the Moral Majority. As I listened to his eulogy at Thomas Road Baptist Church I was reminded that our nation had just lost not only a great preacher, but also a strong moral voice in our society. Personally, I had lost a good friend.
Several years ago Dr. Falwell invited me to speak at this same church, and I remember how nervous I was as he sat on stage throughout my message. But this great preacher was also a gracious host. In 2003 I was honored to have Dr. Falwell travel to Montgomery, Ala., to stand by my side in defense of the public display of the Ten Commandments at the Alabama Judicial Building. I will never forget his words of encouragement at the state capitol building where he spoke in my support.
Dr. Falwell had not always been active in the public arena, however. In fact, in the early years of his ministry he believed that Christians should stay out of politics and public life. But in 1973 the United States Supreme Court decided that women had a constitutional right to kill their unborn children – and a country preacher in Lynchburg, Va., by the name of Jerry Falwell was compelled to go on the offensive and to become a national spokesman for virtue and morality in America.
Dr. Falwell was outspoken about the sin of abortion and fervently urged Christians to become actively involved in our culture. Of course, his actions infuriated the media and liberal groups like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood – but his boldness encouraged others who had been silent about the growing immorality in America to speak up as well.
In more recent years when issues of homosexuality and same-sex "marriage" became part of the public debate, Jerry Falwell again stepped forward to renounce such sin and boldly proclaim the truth about God and His word. Falwell followed in the shoes of another brave Virginia preacher, the Rev. John Peter Muhlenberg, who during the Revolutionary War threw off his minister's robe at the conclusion of a sermon to reveal a military officer's uniform. Muhlenberg then marched hundreds of his congregants out of the church to become an infantry brigade in our war of independence. Like Muhlenberg, Jerry Falwell was never afraid to take a stand for truth and righteousness and to put his faith into action.
Since his death last week, the media has referred to Dr. Falwell as "controversial" and even "radical." But his actions and public leadership distinguished him as a true patriot and great American. While many pastors are content to keep their faith within the four walls of the church, Dr. Falwell's life and ministry remain as a timeless example of a strong Christian witness. Like the Rev. John Witherspoon, the president of Princeton who in 1776 not only served in the Continental Congress but helped craft the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Falwell knew that "separation of church and state" did not mean we must banish morality and virtue from our public square.
Dr. Jerry Falwell was a man of vision. His testimony continues at Liberty University, the Christian school he loved and worked so hard to build. A Christian law school was recently added where young men and women are taught the truth about God's law and its intimate connection with our own. We should not be surprised that Dr. Falwell passed away in his office at the university doing what he loved – building future leaders of our country. His legacy and influence will continue not just through the thousands of students who attended and will attend Liberty University, but also through his loving family, his devoted congregation, and others like me, who have been inspired and touched by his character and example.
At this critical juncture in history, America faces a crisis of moral leadership. Leading candidates in both major political parties appear unconcerned with the immorality and sinful conduct around them, and politics seems once again to be more about power than principle. We need more men like Jerry Falwell who was not afraid to hold public servants accountable, and to face criticism and rejection for doing the right thing.
We will miss Dr. Jerry Falwell, but I am sure that he will be rewarded in Heaven for his faithful service on earth. Like Paul of the New Testament, Dr. Falwell fought a good fight, he finished the course, and we can thank God that he kept the faith.
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"Christianity and the American Commonwealth"