Rev. Jerry Falwell Dies at 73

[LyLMyssChaos]

LYNCHBURG, Va. - The Rev. Jerry Falwell — founder of the Moral Majority and the face of the religious right in the 1980s — died Tuesday after being found unconscious in his office, a Liberty University executive said.

Ron Godwin, Liberty's executive vice president, said Falwell, 73, had been found unresponsive around 10:45 a.m. and was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital.

Godwin said he was not sure what caused the collapse, but noted that Falwell had “a history of heart challenges.”

Read the whole story here: Excite News (http://apnews.excite.com/article/20070515/D8P4V1000.html)

[ysolde]

I disagreed with him on a lot of issues, but I admired his ability to talk to everyone, and make friends of the most unlikely people.

[LyLMyssChaos]

I feel so badly for his family. I guess he's had a lot of health issues recently and I know that can be very trying on a family.

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

I'm not at all fond of Falwell, but 73 is too young to die. I feel bad for his family.

[chrisinluv]

I never liked him either but when I read how he was found in his office my heart went out to him and his family. Although he had heart problems, it seems clear that nobody expected it to happen so suddenly. I just imagine someone I love leaving for work and everything is fine, and then getting a call out of nowhere that he has been found such as Falwell was.

[tenofcups]

Good riddance. I only wish he had suffered more.

[kugrrly]

Good riddance. I only wish he had suffered more.

I was not a fan of his, but I think this comment is a bit extreme.

[msnicolea]

Wow, tenofcups. Regardless of his politics, that seems a bit much.

[thedoorchick]

Good riddance. I only wish he had suffered more.
Good lord! I'm surely no fan of this man, now or ever, but this is just cruel.

He gave a bad name to Christians everywhere and was a general nut case, but I can't imagine wanting him to die in pain.

[tenofcups]

Feel free to disagree, but that's MY opinion and I stand by it. I think he was a hateful divisive man who did/attempted to do extreme damage. Just because he's dead doesn't make him or his ideas any more palatable to me. I'm on the mind that some people deserve to suffer greatly and he would be one of them.

[LyLMyssChaos]

Wow.

[sea74]

I'm on the mind that some people deserve to suffer greatly and he would be one of them.
I'm not a fan of his, and you're right, you are welcome to have your opinion but frankly I think your opinion sucks.

[kugrrly]

you are welcome to have your opinion but frankly I think your opinion sucks.

I agree with this also.

[Sophia]

Wow. I thought he was a hateful man and I won't miss him, but I don't hope he suffered, and I don't see how being hateful in response will help anything.

[BlackMagicRose]

I do not want anyone to die either and I feel bad for the family who loved him. They knew him in ways that the general public did not and I feel sorry for their grief.

But I would be a hyprocrit to say that his death upsets me personally. It does not.

I am not sad. That is all I will say.

[Jenyfer9]

Upon hearing about his death, I went to Liberty University's website (the college he was affiliated with) and man, we sure did differ in our views of what a "proper education" should be, but I certainly wish the man no pain or sufferring.

[silentbunny]

No, I wouldn't say that I wish suffering upon anyone, but I do think he was an evil man, and I am not sad to see him gone. Regardless of the pain his family is feeling (which I'm sure is great) he did a lot to demonize many people, and the world is probably better for his passing.

[KK812]

Good riddance. I only wish he had suffered more.


Wow. I think people deserve exactly what they wish upon others. You say this and have the audacity to say that he was a hateful person? Right.

[msnicolea]

ITA, BlackMagicRose. I am not personally mourning but always feel sad for loved ones. He was still someone's husband, someone's father--and they have suffered a loss.

[silentbunny]

If there is any cosmic justice in the universe, he will be met at Heaven's gate by a gay jewish man in a purple tinky-winky ensemble, and have to talk his way in. THAT I can wish upon him with a clear conscience.

[Sophia]

If there is any cosmic justice in the universe, he will be met at Heaven's gate by a gay jewish man in a purple tinky-winky ensemble, and have to talk his way in. THAT I can wish upon him with a clear conscience.


Hee :)

[BlackMagicRose]

If there is any cosmic justice in the universe, he will be met at Heaven's gate by a gay jewish man in a purple tinky-winky ensemble, and have to talk his way in. THAT I can wish upon him with a clear conscience.

That was very eloquent! :) I love it! LOL

[sea74]

he will be met at Heaven's gate by a gay jewish man in a purple tinky-winky ensemble, and have to talk his way in.
tee-hee :)

[ysolde]

If there is any cosmic justice in the universe, he will be met at Heaven's gate by a gay jewish man in a purple tinky-winky ensemble, and have to talk his way in. THAT I can wish upon him with a clear conscience.

Hehe. :D

[ginadc]

Silentbunny, I think I love you. That visual is going to have me grinning all day.

[kris97]

Good riddance. I only wish he had suffered more.

What a terrible thing to say. Short of someone who causes death or suffering, I don't know you can wish this on anyone.

Statements like this completely undermine the persuasiveness of your political opinions, and cast doubt on others who share them. Way to go.

[lml41981]

Good riddance. I only wish he had suffered more.
Jesus...what's wrong with you? It isn't like he sold heroin to school-kids or killed puppies for fun.

***

May his family find peace.

[thyme]

Good riddance. I only wish he had suffered more.

How ugly, tasteless, and hateful. I was not one of his fans, but cheering for a fellow human being's pain is just repulsive.

[chrisinluv]

I just wish that he, himself had been less hateful. I think that whatever negative feelings people have about him, he brought them upon himself. What tenofcups said is nothing compared to what people are saying on newsy message boards.

And (big sigh) *somebody* must have agreed with him or he wouldn't have made the news so much during his career. It's sad to think about, but I'm sure he'll be replaced by someone just like him.

[lawyerlee]

I'm sorry for his family.

[imagirliegirl]

Feel free to disagree, but that's MY opinion and I stand by it. I think he was a hateful divisive man who did/attempted to do extreme damage. Just because he's dead doesn't make him or his ideas any more palatable to me. I'm on the mind that some people deserve to suffer greatly and he would be one of them.

The first thing I thought was I hope he's enjoying hell. Which is probably awful but he wasn't a good man and I agree that his death doesn't take away from that. It's really too bad, I think he was quite a negative voice for "his people". :(
I wouldn't say I wish he suffered more, but I'm not sad he's gone.

[kugrrly]

It's sad to think about, but I'm sure he'll be replaced by someone just like him.

I am quite sure that there will be.

He was a nasty man, but I do feel for his family.

[bookworm]

What a terrible thing to say. Short of someone who causes death or suffering, I don't know you can wish this on anyone.



I'm not defending the comment, but he did cause a lot of suffering for a lot of people.

It isn't like he sold heroin to school-kids or killed puppies for fun.


And I'd also equate the way he rallied people around hate to be about on par with either of these things.

[Regina Phalange]

He was an awful man, and while I don't wish he would have suffered more in death, I do wish he would have suffered more in life for the pain he inflicted on thousands!

[jnettie]

You know, I try to be level headed and fair. But, I'll admit it here, the first thing that came out of my mouth when I found out he was dead was "good."

For years, he was just entertaining to me. But then, he came out with this gem:

And, I know that I'll hear from them for this. But, throwing God out successfully with the help of the federal court system, throwing God out of the public square, out of the schools. The abortionists have got to bear some burden for this because God will not be mocked. And when we destroy 40 million little innocent babies, we make God mad. I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way -- all of them who have tried to secularize America -- I point the finger in their face and say "you helped this [Sept. 11] happen."

I feel sorry for his family for loosing someone sudden. I know how that feels. But I'm not remotely sad he's dead, and I'm glad he's gone.

[chrisinluv]

See, one of the reasons I didn't mind him being around is that he was so extreme with his bigotry and ignorance, that most of what he said could be laughed at.

Like his famous rant jnettie posted made me absolutely crack up. I thought it was one of his best EVER. What I found most comical is that he actually seemed to believe all this stuff he said, and am in awe of how insulated a person can make himself if he tries very hard.

There was another one I heard about how the feminist movement is finally dying so we can all have a Christ-centered man's movement again. lol.

I have to say, I was surprised to see how much coverage this is getting in the media. Even the Bushes made a statement about it. I keep thinking, what's the big deal? He's an old guy and he had heart problems.

I suspect the right is going to try to use this as a "revival," if you all will pardon my pun. :o I can see his funeral going off just like Reagan's.

[Niobe]

Can't say I'm sad to see him go. The world has lost someone who made a career of spreading hate and ignorance, that's not a loss that I will mourn.

[SingleWhiteFemale]

Upon hearing about his death, I went to Liberty University's website (the college he was affiliated with) and man, we sure did differ in our views of what a "proper education" should be, but I certainly wish the man no pain or sufferring. Oh to say the least! I was hounded by his Liberty University admissions office to come there (I never applied, never put down my religious affiliation on my SATs/any data source... the only thing I can think of is that my church willingly gave up the information)... full ride tuition/board/books and a new car (Jeep Liberty). It really is not a respectable institution, academically speaking.

[TX Sweetheart]

My mom is/was a huge fan of his... went to his church back when she was in college (she went to Lynchburg College)... I personally couldn't stand the man (one of many points on which my mom and I don't agree, obviously), but I am sorry for his family's loss.

[sue-bert]

Good riddance. I only wish he had suffered more.
I would reserve this sort of extreme comment for those very few people who wilingly and visciously commit acts of violence/murder against fellow humans. This short-list would include 9/11 terrorists, brutal rapists, Adolf Hitler, Pol Pot, and their willing accomplices.

It would not include people who espouse(d) opinions with which I disagree, (say, Pope John Paul II, Phyllis Schlafly, Hugh Heffner, Vanessa Redgrave).

I think your remark reveals more about you than about Jerry Falwell...

[batgirl]

You know, I try to be level headed and fair. But, I'll admit it here, the first thing that came out of my mouth when I found out he was dead was "good."


This is pretty much the first thing that popped into my head, too.

And frankly, I don't feel too bad for his family either. The guy was a pig and anyone who believes the way he does is a pig, too.

If people like Falwell are in "heaven", I'm glad I'm going to "hell".

ETA: I missed that Johnny hart just died, too. Don't they say this happens in three's? Wonder's who's next... bet Dobson and Robertson are shaking in their boots!

[greenbunny]

This quote from LJ sums it up for me:

"Who's going to help America find its moral center now that there's no longer a lying, crooked, blackmailing, anti-intellectual, censorious, fake-doctorate-holding, libelous, gay-bashing, tax-cheating, fraudulent, debt-ridden, doomsaying, anti-Semitic, self-aggrandizing, racist, theocratic son of a bootlegger to do it for us?"

The world is a slightly kinder place now that he's stopped breathing.

[Sarah]

ITA with Sue-bert. I didn't agree with him, and I was always frustrated that he gave Christians a bad name and reputation, but I don't wish anyone suffering. I guess I don't agree with her 100%, though, because I don't even wish suffering to Hitler or Stalin or rapists and murderers. No one should suffer.

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

ITA with Sue-bert. I didn't agree with him, and I was always frustrated that he gave Christians a bad name and reputation, but I don't wish anyone suffering. I guess I don't agree with her 100%, though, because I don't even wish suffering to Hitler or Stalin or rapists and murderers. No one should suffer.
That's more along the lines of how I feel too.

[msnicolea]

I guess for me that while I don't mourn his death, I don't celebrate anyone's passing either. He was a hateful man who promoted bigotry form a pulpit of all places--that's particularly reprehensible. But I guess I don't feel happiness when someone dies--no matter who they are.

[MLA]

I feel bad for saying this and for thinking it, but I'm glad he's gone. I certainly didn't wish him suffering, and I feel sad for his family, as I'm sure they miss him. But I can't be sad he's gone. I'm happy that we won't have to hear from him any more.

[kris97]

I have to say, I'm appalled at the glee and vehemence that some have expressed. Maybe I didn't pay attention, but I never thought of him as more than a loony crackpot, and while his views were stoopid and ridiculous and infuriating, I just don't get how can people be clapping at his death. I also wonder at the implications this has on the celebrants' commitment to free speech (something I'm sure many would say they support) - it's like, Falwell has the right to say these things, but we're to be really happy when he dies. and wish him greater suffering? This is astounding to me.

[bookworm]

I also wonder at the implications this has on the celebrants' commitment to free speech (something I'm sure many would say they support) - it's like, Falwell has the right to say these things, but we're to be really happy when he dies. and wish him greater suffering? This is astounding to me.

I don't think it's at all inconsistent with supporting free speech. No one suggested the government should have stopped him from saying the things he did. Supporting someone's right to say things doesn't mean you think they are immune from consequences, just that they shouldn't be arrested for it.

(FWIW, I don't think I wish suffering on anyone. At least I try not to.)

[kris97]

I don't think it's at all inconsistent with supporting free speech. No one suggested the government should have stopped him from saying the things he did. Supporting someone's right to say things doesn't mean you think they are immune from consequences, just that they shouldn't be arrested for it.

(FWIW, I don't think I wish suffering on anyone. At least I try not to.)


Yeah, I understand that no one's saying he should have been arrested for his views, but the opinions some have expressed cast real doubt on - maybe there's a better way to phrase it - respect for others' rights to give unpopular views? I think it may be even worse to wish death or suffering on someone because of their speech (however vile) than to say they should be arrested for it.

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

Yeah, I understand that no one's saying he should have been arrested for his views, but the opinions some have expressed cast real doubt on - maybe there's a better way to phrase it - respect for others' rights to give unpopular views? I think it may be even worse to wish death or suffering on someone because of their speech (however vile) than to say they should be arrested for it.
Now, I don't agree with this. If wishes or hoping had actual power, okay, I see the point. But they don't. Feelings, IMO, are much different than actions. You have the power to control your actions. That's not always true for feelings.

I think bookworm is right. Free speech means having the ability to say what you want without threat of harm. It doesn't mean people don't get to think you suck or hope bad things happen to you because of what you say.

[msnicolea]

I don't respect his bigoted, intolerant, ignorant view of the world--that doesn't mean I don't think his speech, however vile, should be "protected."

[Sarah]

Now, I don't agree with this. If wishes or hoping had actual power, okay, I see the point. But they don't. Feelings, IMO, are much different than actions. You have the power to control your actions. That's not always true for feelings.

I think bookworm is right. Free speech means having the ability to say what you want without threat of harm. It doesn't mean people don't get to think you suck or hope bad things happen to you because of what you say.
Yeah, I agree. It's not like anyone here would have actually tortured or harmed this man, even given the opportunity (I think this is safe to assume). Some peope are just glad he's gone, and some people "wish" he had suffered. Although that's pretty distasteful to me, I still think it's in no way censorship.

[December27JJB]

From TMZ

http://www.tmz.com/2007/05/15/jerry-falwell-1933-2007/#comments

[wendalah]

I am never happy when someone dies. That's why I am against the death penalty.

[Niobe]

I have to say, I'm appalled at the glee and vehemence that some have expressed. Maybe I didn't pay attention, but I never thought of him as more than a loony crackpot, and while his views were stoopid and ridiculous and infuriating, I just don't get how can people be clapping at his death. I also wonder at the implications this has on the celebrants' commitment to free speech (something I'm sure many would say they support) - it's like, Falwell has the right to say these things, but we're to be really happy when he dies. and wish him greater suffering? This is astounding to me.

I think he was a LOT more than just a loony crackpot. He was the minister of a huge church, who's members looked to him for guidance in their religion and he preached hatred and bigotry. He was also the founder of the "Moral Majority". He has a huge following that seems to really believe what he's preaching (as disturbing as that notion is to many of us) and yes, I'm glad he's not out there spreading that hate around.

Now, just because I'm glad he's gone from this earth, I'm not one who wished him greater suffering - I'd have wished him a gay child, or a child who was madly in love with someone of another race.

But I don't see how this contradicts with my belief in the freedom of speech. I'm not saying he should have been prevented from preaching such disgusting things in the first place. No one in this thread has. I am fully aware that by supporting free speech, I may be subjected to some really awful things being spoken. But free speech also means that I can come back and say "Hey, I think those beliefs suck and I don't like that guy for promoting them".

[amew]

I would never wish suffering, death, or eternal damnation upon someone, but I will say Falwell is not someone I'll miss. I do think he brought suffering upon many and fueled hatred and intolerance. I have a hard time viewing him as nothing more than a harmless looney.

And I, too, fail to see how any criticism of him is destructive of free speech. He engaged in free speech, and others are choosing to engage in counter speech. That's the way it works. Protecting speakers from harsh criticism would seem to me to be just as damaging to free speech rights as prohibiting speech in the first place.

[jessesgirl]

The first thing I thought was I hope he's enjoying hell.


Who says he's there? You?

He was an awful man, and while I don't wish he would have suffered more in death, I do wish he would have suffered more in life for the pain he inflicted on thousands!

And how is that better than wishing suffering in death?

I'm absolutely speechless on what people will wish on others all because of a disagreement on thoughts or cultures.

[cocoa_femme]

So long Falwell.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a334/cocoa_femme/untitled.jpg?t=1179342753

While I'm sad that his family lost a loved one, I am not sad to see him go.

[BlackMagicRose]

cocoa_femme has anyone ever told you how awesome you are!! That made me laugh so hard!

[cocoa_femme]

cocoa_femme has anyone ever told you how awesome you are!! That made me laugh so hard!
Thanks! But, I can't take credit for it. They also had it on TMZ.com.

[emschwar]

LOL! The pic of Tinky Winky reminds me... My mom's Rabbi has a tinky winky doll in his office. If you ask why, he'll tell you that since Jerry Falwell hates Tinky Winky, he (the Rabbi) figured he'd better get one! :)

[ysolde]

I think if I ever have a child, his/her first Halloween costume will be Tinky Winky, and s/he will go to the Greenwich Village Parade in the Tinky Winky outfit, to have fun, and as a show of support.

[greenbunny]

I should point out that, at least for me, when I think or say something about him being in hell (I've made a few handbasket jokes today), you have to realize that I don't believe in hell in the first place. According to your beliefs, my saying that might be horrific. But, according to mine, it's more of an ironic joke.

[Sarah]

or a child who was madly in love with someone of another race.

I am in no way defending Fallwell, but was he against interracial dating or marriage? I hadn't heard that. I knew he was against gay marriage, abortion, purple children's TV characters, etc, but I hadn't heard of that one. Is that true?

[MLA]

I am in no way defending Fallwell, but was he against interracial dating or marriage? I hadn't heard that. I knew he was against gay marriage, abortion, purple children's TV characters, etc, but I hadn't heard of that one. Is that true?

Yes, apparently he did:

As recently as the 1980's Falwell preached against interracial marriage and even at the height of its power, 'Moral Majority' never made even a pretense of being anything other than a nearly all-white organization. They maintained ties with the Council of Conservative Citizens and other 'just under the line' racist organizations.
(http://tiodt.blogspot.com/)

[PG-rated]

I'm with everyone else who didn't actively wish him harm but can't be upset that he's gone.

I did note that he was so quick to blame people for bringing God's wrath down upon themselves, and I wondered what significance he would have given to the circumstances of his own death - struck down with no warning, all alone.

[Southlooper]

If there is any cosmic justice in the universe, he will be met at Heaven's gate by a gay jewish man in a purple tinky-winky ensemble, and have to talk his way in. THAT I can wish upon him with a clear conscience.

LOL!!

I pray that this does happen. Not for cosmic justice as much as hoping that in this next phase of his existence he can learn to be less hateful of himself and others.

[jnettie]

I have to say, I'm appalled at the glee and vehemence that some have expressed. Maybe I didn't pay attention, but I never thought of him as more than a loony crackpot, and while his views were stoopid and ridiculous and infuriating, I just don't get how can people be clapping at his death. I also wonder at the implications this has on the celebrants' commitment to free speech (something I'm sure many would say they support) - it's like, Falwell has the right to say these things, but we're to be really happy when he dies. and wish him greater suffering? This is astounding to me.

I'm absolutely speechless on what people will wish on others all because of a disagreement on thoughts or cultures.

Falwell was not simply a crackpot. He was a very dangerous man, IMO. He inspired many many people with the hate he spewed. He was an active bigot, homophobe, and extremist. He poisoned people's minds.

He was a very bad man, and the world is better without him.

I believe in free speech, and I believe he had the right to say whatever he wanted. I have the right to think he was an asshole.

[sublime311]

I'm agnostic, so I'm not convinced there is a heaven, but if there is, I do hope that the forgiving God we're made to believe is there waiting for us, is giving Falwell a heck of an entrance exam. Surely, any God I would hope to find in heaven wouldn't let him pass without at least a little groveling.

I hear Desi Arnez telling Lucy Ball, "Luuuccyyyy! You've got some 'splaining to doooo!" but instead God says to Jerry, "Jerrryyy! You've got some 'splaining to doooo!"

[jessesgirl]

I believe in free speech, and I believe he had the right to say whatever he wanted. I have the right to think he was an asshole.

Are you wishing/hoping that he suffered in death instead of just passing away peacefully?

That's what I was getting at and I believe what kris97 was getting at as well. Thinking someone is an idiot is one thing, hoping and wishing that someone suffers severe pain in life and death is another. And if the old saying "what goes around, comes around" is true, I'm guessing some people here might be in for a surprise for wishing such things upon another person.

[BTB]

I wondered what significance he would have given to the circumstances of his own death - struck down with no warning, all alone.

I don't know - is that really such a bad thing? There are a lot longer, more painful, more torturous ways to die: chf, copd, cancer, etc. Going about your regular day, and then all of a sudden just dying doesn't really sound so bad to me.

[jnettie]

Are you wishing/hoping that he suffered in death instead of just passing away peacefully?

That's what I was getting at and I believe what kris97 was getting at as well. Thinking someone is an idiot is one thing, hoping and wishing that someone suffers severe pain in life and death is another. And if the old saying "what goes around, comes around" is true, I'm guessing some people here might be in for a surprise for wishing such things upon another person.

Me, no, I don't wish him suffering. I'm just glad he's dead.

People keep reacting to posts like mine and tenofcups, invoking karma against us. But I say, Falwell's heart attack was karma kicking him in the ass. Spewing hate for so long was bound to catch up on him.

[PG-rated]

I don't know - is that really such a bad thing? There are a lot longer, more painful, more torturous ways to die: chf, copd, cancer, etc. Going about your regular day, and then all of a sudden just dying doesn't really sound so bad to me.
True, and obviously I didn't know him, but I feel like he was the type who would've wanted a "long goodbye." I think of my two grandparents, who died within weeks of each other. Both got exactly what they wanted - my larger-than-life grandfather died in hospice, surrounded by family and "holding court" until just a few days before the end. My grandmother had a massive heart attack while she was in the hospital for observation after a cardiac episode - she never saw it coming and was gone almost immediately. I was happy for them that they both got the exit they hoped for. I suspect that Falwell would've chosen something different for himself, if given the choice.

[lml41981]

People keep reacting to posts like mine and tenofcups, invoking karma against us. But I say, Falwell's heart attack was karma kicking him in the ass. Spewing hate for so long was bound to catch up on him.
If death is Karma's way of kicking someone's ass, then why did Mother Teresa die? Everyone dies...it isn't Karma, it is nature. And everyone has to die of *something.* Nobody really dies of old age...they die of cancer, renal failure, lung failure, heart failure, etc.

[ginadc]

I don't wish anyone suffering. But I do think the world is a slightly less cruel, thoughtless, intolerant, bigoted place without him in it. I wouldn't have wished death on him, as I don't wish death on anyone, but I am not sorry he's gone, either.

[chrisinluv]

"Jerrryyy! You've got some 'splaining to doooo!"
lol!

Oh well, I hate to say it but I'm already getting sick of coverage about him on the news. It seems like an incredible waste to devote so much airtime to what seems to be the SAME story over and over. I get so annoyed with mainstream media sometimes.

[greenbunny]

People keep reacting to posts like mine and tenofcups, invoking karma against us.

What I'm wondering is, where is the karma for a person who's so eager to point out that someone has bad karma coming to them? Gleefully pointing out that someone wishing bad things on another person is going to get what's coming to them sounds pretty kettlish to me.

[gayle]

I don't wish anyone suffering. But I do think the world is a slightly less cruel, thoughtless, intolerant, bigoted place without him in it. I wouldn't have wished death on him, as I don't wish death on anyone, but I am not sorry he's gone, either.

What she said!

[thedoorchick]

If death is Karma's way of kicking someone's ass, then why did Mother Teresa die? Everyone dies...it isn't Karma, it is nature. And everyone has to die of *something.* Nobody really dies of old age...they die of cancer, renal failure, lung failure, heart failure, etc.

This is what I was wondering. Where's the karma in someone's heart failing when they are old? I know he wasn't all that old, when compared to some others, but 73 is higher than the average age of death for adult males. It's not all that surprising that he might have been nearing the end of his life by this point.

[wendalah]

I don't really buy a traditional karmic explanation here, as Falwell led a prosperous life which I am sure he himself was very pleased with.

I have trouble with the concept of karma in general as there are very many people who are not necessarily bad, but rather blank slates who are inexplicably blessed with wealth, health, and good fortune.

[Sarah]

I have trouble with the concept of karma in general as there are very many people who are not necessarily bad, but rather blank slates who are inexplicably blessed with wealth, health, and good fortune.And lots of wonderful, hardworking, kind, poor people who spend their lives in misery. And vice versa.

[IrishEyes]

Westboro Baptist will be protesting at Rev. Falwell's funeral.

Article here. (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,273313,00.html)

[thedoorchick]

Well, that's confusing. If Falwell was anti-gay, and this church is as well, what is their problem with him?

It sounds like they were crazier than he was.

Though, I don't care who the deceased is or what your views are, I don't think it's ever appropriate to protest at a funeral.

[wendalah]

What I don't get is--what the heck do you protest at a funeral? The fact that the guy is dead and they're mourning him?

[Niobe]

So, if Falwell wasn't conservative Christian enough for Westboro, who is?

"Falwell warmly praised Christ-rejecting Jews, pedophile-condoning Catholics, money-grubbing compromisers, practicing fags like Mel White, and backsliders like Billy Graham and Robert Schuler, etc.," the site reads.

Did he now? I'd love to see the transcript of Falwell praising Jewish people. :rolleyes: Those Westboro people have to be about the nuttiest group on Earth.

Does the Westboro Baptist Church get tax-exempt status? Are they actually considered a legitimate church?

[wendalah]

pedophile-condoning Catholics

Awright! This is refreshing. We usually get slammed by this kind of Christian group for being agents of Satan and the One False Church.

[ysolde]

Awright! This is refreshing. We usually get slammed by this kind of Christian group for being agents of Satan and the One False Church.

I thought I saw a chick pamplet that said the pope is the antichrist. :rolleyes:

[MLA]

Did he now? I'd love to see the transcript of Falwell praising Jewish people. :rolleyes:

Well, he was very pro-Israel. Though he definitely didn't like Jews.

He was pro-Israel for his own, nefarious reasons (having to do with the apocolypse and all that). Here's what he had to say about Israel:

"It is my belief that the Bible Belt in America is Israel’s only safety belt right now."

“There are 70 million of us [Christian conservatives]. And if there’s one thing that brings us together quickly it’s whenever we begin to detect our government becoming a little anti-Israel.”

"There’s nothing that would bring the wrath of the Christian public in this country down on this government like abandoning or opposing Israel in a critical matter.”

Now, here's what he had to say about Jews:
"I know a few of you here today don't like Jews. And I know why. He can make more money accidentally than you can on purpose"

"The Jews are returning to their land of unbelief. They are spiritually blind and desperately in need of their Messiah and Savior."

"While I am a strong supporter of the State of Israel and dearly love the Jewish people and believe them to be the chosen people of God, I continue to stand on the foundational biblical principle that all people -- Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, Jews, Muslims, etc. -- must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ in order to enter heaven."

"In my opinion, the Antichrist will be a counterfeit of the true Christ, which means that he will be male and Jewish, since Jesus was male and Jewish."

He was a gem of a man.

[wendalah]

BTW, someone at work sent me this gem from the Westboro folks:

edited--took out link

It's not funny. But it's so ludicrous it almost IS funny. Check out the headlines: "Typical f*g-ass American soldiers." Not to be stereotypical or anything, but the military is not exactly the first group that springs to mind when I think of homosexual-friendly places to be.

ETA: Same friend at work told me the Westboros have been on Howard Stern. I'm sure that had to be good!

[wendalah]

Holy cow it gets better!
From satellite site: (edited)
"BTW, does anyone really think that in between the time that the priests diddle the little boys and then feed the idolaters the goofy 'eucharist' wafers, that they even wash their hands?"

[coquelicot]

Billy Graham is a "backslider?" Oy...that's the last word I'd use to describe him!

[SiValleySteph]

wendalah, You might want to break the link to the Westboro website so they can't see that people are clicking on it from here.

On another message board I am on, they don't allow direct linking to that site. I think they don't want to attract posters from that site. Not sure if that's a likely scenario or not, but thought I would mention it.

[wendalah]

Good point, I edited it

[jnettie]

If death is Karma's way of kicking someone's ass, then why did Mother Teresa die? Everyone dies...it isn't Karma, it is nature. And everyone has to die of *something.* Nobody really dies of old age...they die of cancer, renal failure, lung failure, heart failure, etc.

Good gravy, that's what I get for not being clear. No, of course dying isn't karma catching up with you - everyone dies! The discussion was in how he died - and depending on what your thoughts are it was either a good death or a bad death, so to speak. People were saying that the circumstances were aweful, and if so, then perhaps that's karma catching up with him.

What I'm wondering is, where is the karma for a person who's so eager to point out that someone has bad karma coming to them? Gleefully pointing out that someone wishing bad things on another person is going to get what's coming to them sounds pretty kettlish to me.

LOL! and thank you!

And, now, I've officially put too much thought into the life of Jerry Falwell.

ETA...are the Westboro people for real? Are people really that crazy?
Last month, the group released a music video entitled "God Hates the World." Sung to the tune of "We Are the World," the song changes the chorus to: "God hates the world and all her people, you, every one, face a fiery day for your proud sinning. It’s too late to change His mind, you lived out your vain lives, storing up God’s wrath for all eternity."
I mean, that sounds like an SNL skit!

[wendalah]

I know, they seem like they're out of The Onion or something.