Jerry Falwell

I felt a very strange mix of emotions yesterday when I heard about the death of public figure Jerry Falwell.

As leader of the "Moral Majority", Falwell spearheaded a unique political movement. He had distinct and uncompromising spiritual and political views. These views fueled intense controvery.

When I was in college, I began to question the dogmatic authority of this man. I slowly began to regard his views as narrow, stuffy, and irrelevent. Especially when he blamed gay people for the tragedy of 9/11. (Sounds insane, but it's true. Falwell later retracted that statement, partially.) It was the statement of a bitter man out of touch with society.

But now, in retrospect and upon his death, my view is different. Yes, his views were what I consider ultra-conservative. And yes, he made mistakes. And yes, he had an exterior shell of superficiality, but no more than any other public figure. My view is different now because I see Falwell's torrid and varied legacy as that of a well-meaning, spiritually conscious, passionate man. I imagine that he was headstrong, determined, and deeply emotional about his beliefs.

My most distinct memory of this man was when I met him in high school. I was on a summer church camp with my Baptist youth group. The camp was on the campus of Liberty University. One morning, Falwell spoke to us about how great Liberty U was. Afterward, I went up front and shook his hand. I remember, he seemed fairly pudgy. And, his face looked more elderly and round from up close. Almost scary looking. He signed my dad's Bible. I know, it's weird. But, I felt like I had to have some excuse for going up front to meet him. And, he was signing stuff. So, I had him sign the inside cover of my dad's Bible. Weird.

Through all the controversy, and disagreements I had with the man, I still respect his legacy. And, I respect a man who will stand up in the face of what he perceives as injustice. He was probably a caring man under his stuffy exterior. I'll pray for that campus, and for his family. And I'll pray for future leaders, that they may be able to immulate his courage.