UPDATED: This was just announced -- Rev. Falwell has just died.

Just heard this on our local radio station that Jerry Falwell was found unconscious in his office and was rushed to Lynchburg General Hospital around noon today in grave condition. He has a history of heart problems.

Wow, we grew up on Jerry Falwell. Every Sunday morning that's what we'd watch on TV before going to church. No matter what a lot of people say, I respect Jerry Falwell and what he has done for people. He has made a huge contribution to our society by building Liberty University and Thomas Road Baptist Church and taking a stand on Christian beliefs.


"Roanoke Select Another City


LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) -- An aide to the Reverend Jerry Falwell says Falwell is in "gravely serious" condition after being found unconscious in his office today.

Ron Godwin is the executive vice president of the school. He says Falwell was found unconscious after missing an appointment this morning and taken to Lynchburg General Hospital around noon.

Godwin says he's NOT sure what caused the collapse, but he -- quote -- has a history of heart challenges."

Godwin says he had breakfast with him and he was fine.

He says Falwell is receiving emergency care. A hospital spokeswoman said she had "no information to release at this time" on Falwell.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)"





In our prayers... Rest in peace

I saw on yahoo that he passed away.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I think it's interesting that there haven't been anymore posts on this. No matter what "side" you're on, it seems people generally had a strong reaction to him. He was controversial to say the least.

My daughter attends Liberty University through it's distance learning program, and my son-in-law is from Lynchburg, so I guess I'm a little tuned into this, but so is CNN! LOL

There's no doubt that he was an important figure in American religion and politics, but I suspect there are as many that think he had an adverse effect on both as think he had a beneficial effect. He said some pretty awful things in his life. Controversial is a good word to describe him.

I actually kept my mouth shut out of respect for the OP, since she obviously respected the man. But I'm really not very good at keeping my mouth shut for long.

Isn't this the same man who blamed 911 on pagans, abortionists, feminists, gays and lesbians?

Yep, and that whole Tinky Winky thing. Mama always said if you don't have something nice to say about someone...

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"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God? " ~Epicurus

Nanci39 - Mama always said if you don't have something nice to say about someone...

Well, my Mama said, "If you have nothing nice to say....then come sit next to me!"

Out of respect for his family that loved him, I will keep my mouth shut.

I went to Liberty and met him once while I was there...it's very sad.

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" Even though life can be a very long, hard, stressful and never-ending journey, never lose hope in what you want the most."

My tounge is bleeding from biting it so hard!

What I want to know is why when someone who is Liberal and/or a Democrat gets sick the religious right says it's God's way of saying something? What is God saying today? When someone who is religious/conservative/right gets sick or dies it's a different story isn't it?

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I've heard that argument from boths sides of the fence, and it's just as ugly and hateful no matter which side is spouting it.

What Cici said! LOL.

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God rest his soul! Obviously he was just as human as the rest of us however, I have to agree with what he has said about God punishing this nation. 47 million abortions so far, gay marriage, etc... Read the Bible. God is a LOVING God but also a just God. As a Father, he sometimes needs to correct his children and bring us to our knees. Just as a good parent does to their child-the child might not understand it is good for him but the parent knows what he must do. I wouldn't put up with a lot of the stuff that goes on; I don't know how God does!!! lol
I'm glad so many of you are biting your tongues! And the clapping picture? Shame, shame shame on you! That was disrespectful.

so agreeing w/ someone is now considered to be disrespectful?

riiight.

shame shame shame on you for even suggesting such a thing!

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"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God? " ~Epicurus

Reread her reply. The clapping picture was in agreement with the comment "Mama always said if you don't have something nice to say about someone...". It was NOT disrespectful. Shame on you.

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Real eyes...realize...real lies.

Rev. Falwell had the ability to alienate so many people in life. He had very, very strong and vocal condemnations about all those with whom he disagreed. He wished death to gays. His conspiracy theories ran wild. He was one of the people who seemed to feel that because he was a "Christian" he was more righteous than those people he defamed without ever knowing. I do not gloat about his death, but it does not make me sad that the venom he had a tendency to spout will no longer be around.

I believe in a higher power, and do not wish to deprive anyone else of theirs. But just because my higher power might not be the same as the next person's, that shoul d not invalidate my core beliefs. And my beliefs are that if you are a truly Christian person it is not YOUR right or place to judge anyone else. It hurts me down to my soul when certain people claim the right to belittle others with their mistaken sense of entitlement.That right of judgement belongs to the higher power only. What is sad to me is when those who should know better have chosen to skew goodness to pillory those who have the audacity to disagree with them---even if ever so slightly.

I will still say a Prayer for the soul of Rev. Falwell and send my condolences to his family and loved ones.

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"Well-Behaved Women SELDOM make history."Laurel Thatcher Ulrich


"Yesterday is but a vision, and tomorrow is only a dream. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a dream of hope." Anonymous

"Your candle does not lose it's light by lighting another candle" Generosity

Have the courage to be yourself.

No matter what; before it's all over everyone shall confess that he' is Lord to the Glory of God.,

Well Carrie that is an excellent way to put it. I agree. We all want the SAME things: financial stability, spiritual fulfillment, success and happiness, safety, for us and all our loved ones. It is just the achieving of those things that has us at odds with each other.

One thing that bothers me about all these "religious" outspoken types (don't get me wrong I believe in God and am very spiritual) is that they seem to think their way is the ONLY right way. That is the problem these types of people act all righteous and judgemental because "their" God is the "only true" God.

Well there is only ONE God you can call him/her/it anything you want and attribute whatever you want to him/her/it but the entity that we call "God" the being/entity/force that created us there is only ONE. We all have to learn to accept that even though our "religious" beliefs are different none of us is "better" or "more deserving" of eternal life than anyone else.

And who knows who is "right" on this subject? If it is right for you and you live a life filled with integrity then I personally don't care whether you think "God" is a rock, the leg of a table, an old man in a white robe sitting on a throne or a figment of my imagination.

What I care about is that people appreciate and respect each other and try to learn from people whose beliefs seem to be different than ours because that is why the world is such a diverse place so we can learn from each other to enhance our own Earthly experience.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Here are a few Falwell quotes:

* “AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals”

* "It appears that America's anti-Biblical feminist movement is at last dying, thank God, and is possibly being replaced by a Christ-centered men's movement which may become the foundation for a desperately needed national spiritual awakening."

* "If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being."

* After the September 11 attacks Falwell said, “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 happen."

* “Christians, like slaves and soldiers, ask no questions”

* “[Homosexuals are] brute beasts...part of a vile and satanic system [that] will be utterly annihilated, and there will be a celebration in heaven.”

And let's not forget these gems

The idea that religion and politics don't mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country.
-- Rev Jerry Falwell, Sermon, July 4, 1976

Grown men should not be having sex with prostitutes unless they are married to them.
-- Jerry Falwell, on CNN's Crossfire, May 17, 1997

I do not believe the homosexual community deserves minority status. One's misbehavior does not qualify him or her for minority status. Blacks, Hispanics, women, etc., are God-ordained minorities who do indeed deserve minority status.
-- Rev Jerry Falwell, USA Today Chat

Billy Graham is the chief servant of Satan.
-- Rev Jerry Falwell

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WOW, I didn't really follow Jerry Falwell, but, from reading this post, he didn't seem like someone I'd WANT to follow, anyway. If there is one thing I can't stand, it's someone who thinks their way is the ONLY way. Seems like he was a bit "off center" in his thinking.

It's sad that he died, but, he lived longer than a lot of people.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

Do you know there were unborn children on those planes, and in those buildings???

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I think that this goes against every aspect of the roots of Christianity. Jesus was trying to teach people to love and accept EVERYBODY, especially the "sinners".
Preachers,reverends,pastors,priests,etc, that spiel hatred like that and call themselves leaders of Christianity make me sick!
GOD BLESS EVERYBODY IN THE WHOLE UNIVERSE!(not just a few select morons)

Ok, I'm stepping down now!

Seems to me that those who protest loudest about homosexuality are the ones who are the most drawn to it. Haggard and Foley are two names that come to mind...

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"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God? " ~Epicurus

at one time. the place I worked required us to wear purple scrub suits. when Jerry Farwell started the whole " purple color is the choisen color of gays" started going around, they changed the rule and we could wear any color scrub we wanted. we didnt like the purple cause we all looked like a bunch of plums so thanks to this stupid idea he had, we benifited from it. thats the only thing he did i liked. ( only cause we didnt look like a matching bunch of plums. lol)

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I'm sure that when/if Falwell gets to heaven he will get all that he deserves from our Lord and Saviour.


So, all the bad things that happen are a result of God "punishing" us/society as a whole? I'm not buying that for a moment. I believe God gives us free will. We either believe and follow his word or we don't. It's my opinion that God doesn't want us to follow him out of fear that he will strike us down if we don't. I could be wrong.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Well, I started this post and thank those who have been respectful. A lot of my sons' friends and my friends attend/attended Liberty U and know Rev. Falwell personally. We've all attended concerts and seminars there. It's a great university and great church and he was greatly loved and had a love for his church and university and others. He also started a home for alcoholics, has a home for unwed mothers and has adoptions for those children. Even though a lot of you have 'quoted' things he has said, he has done a lot of good in this world. Although Rev. Falwell was VERY outspoken, you can't say he's not the only one out there who hasn't misspoken or said something that has 'rubbed' someone the wrong way. IMO, he did a lot more good than bad. BTW, the quote Rev. Falwell made about 9/11, even though he said it, he then apologized for saying it. Some things I think he said, as others have often done, after they're said, you realize how silly the comments sounded. I guess it depends on who you talk to (liberal/conservative) as to whether he was a 'villan' or not. Anyway, here's some quotes, good and bad, by the Associated Press.

"Comments on the Death of Jerry Falwell
By The Associated Press 05.15.07, 5:21 PM ET



"Jerry has been a tower of strength on many of the moral issues which have confronted our nation." - evangelist Pat Robertson.


"Dr. Falwell's shadow falls across the face of the rebirth of conservative values in our nation, in the Southern Baptist Convention, and in the entire evangelical world. Only once in a generation will a man of his stature arise. We all owe him a debt of eternal gratitude." - Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.


"Unfortunately, we will always remember him as a founder and leader of America's anti-gay industry, someone who exacerbated the nation's appalling response to the onslaught of the AIDS epidemic, someone who demonized and vilified us for political gain and someone who used religion to divide rather than unite our nation." - Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.


"I think the proper attitude at this juncture is to pass on our condolences and prayers. And we'll try to do the fixing in place in history a little later." - White House spokesman Tony Snow.


"An American who built and led a movement based on strong principles and strong faith has left us. He will be greatly missed, but the legacy of his important work will continue through his many ministries where he put his faith into action." - Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.


"Dr. Falwell was a man of distinguished accomplishment who devoted his life to serving his faith and country. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Falwell's family at this difficult time." - Republican presidential candidate and Sen. John McCain.


"His life is a testament not only to the power of faith to move hearts, but to the strength of the American ethos that stresses the importance of citizenship ... He was a great leader, a person totally sustained by his faith but able to work with many people from many different backgrounds without imposing rigidity on anyone else." - Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich.


"He was a man who set a direction. He was someone who was not afraid to speak his mind. We all have great respect for him ... he is a person who told you what he thought, and you knew where he stood." - Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani.


"Over the years we became friends; sometimes we had polar opposite points of view. ... I have many fond memories of him. He leaves a great legacy of service and a great university behind. He's left his footprints in the sands of time." - The Rev. Jesse Jackson.


"Jerry Falwell was a close personal friend for many years. We did not always agree on everything, but I knew him to be a man of God. His accomplishments went beyond most clergy of his generation. Some of my grandchildren have attended and currently attend Liberty University. He leaves a gigantic vacuum in the evangelical world." - Evangelist Billy Graham.


"My mother always told me that no matter how much you dislike a person, when you meet them face to face you will find characteristics about them that you like. Jerry Falwell was a perfect example of that. I hated everything he stood for, but after meeting him in person, years after the trial, Jerry Falwell and I became good friends. ... I always appreciated his sincerity even though I knew what he was selling and he knew what I was selling." - Hustler magazine founder Larry Flynt.


"Jerry Falwell politicized religion and failed to understand the genius of our Constitution, but there is no denying his impact on American political life. He will long be remembered as the face and voice of the religious right." - The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State."

On our local news last night, they interviewed a neighbor of Rev. Falwell. A few years ago, a little boy hit a baseball over the wall into Rev. Falwell's yard. A few days later, a security guard brought the ball back and gave it to the little boy's grandmother. On the ball, it said the little boy was to have a four year college education for free at Liberty U. And it was signed by Rev. Falwell. He wasn't the mean person a lot of people are making him out to be.

I don't think he was mean--I do think he was a religious fanatic and zealot--who thought that only HE knew what was right and good in this world. A lot like Osama BinLaden. The only difference is Falwell used words to destroy and divide a nation, while BinLaden did it with planes and terrorist attacks. Different method, same outcome.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Then I guess we could say the same for, say, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and numerous others who are outspoken on their opinions?

YEP--of course, the Rev. Jackson has toned it down a bit in the last few years. Sharpton does nothing but create more dissension and unrest amongst the very people he proclaims he wants to help.

There are several "tele" evangalists that while I don't agree with their opinion or interpretation of the Bible, I respect them because they preach love and tolerance instead of hate and judgement.

It's one thing to be outspoken in your beliefs and opinions, but to state that your opinion, and only your opinion is correct and proclaim that others will be burning in Hell for not agreeing with you is wrong. I do not understand how people can look at some of these preachers and not see that they are RELIGIOUS ZEALOTS and FANATICS, much like Osama BinLaden!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Sure. Why not? If/when they voice hateful or divisive rhetoric they deserve to be called on it.

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Real eyes...realize...real lies.

I live in the city where Jerry is....Lynchburg VA......And I have NEVER had any use or respect for him...

My biggest quarm with him is that is NOT even a high school graduate, NOR a college graduate, BUT yet people refer to him as a Doctor, I have even made my view on that publicly!.......That has been a pet peeve of mine for years. I am not bad mouthing anyone who didn't complete high school, I am bad mouthing him for being labeled a 'doctor' when he is NOT!

I have some VERY negative comments that I will not post right now, simply out of respect for the dead, BUT I have to disagree with a comment that was made about Jerry doing more GOOD than Bad....Of course, you're entitled to your opinion, BUT I totally (& respectfully) disagree.

Some of the things he has did and said is nothing less than hypocritical.......and that's all I will post at present.

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SOME bad things are punishments from God-it's all over the Bible. LOTS of bad things, MOST bad things, are free will from human beings. No he doesn't want us to follow Him out of fear, however, there is such a thing as "fear of the Lord". Just as a child fears dissappointing his parent........ You do the right thing or you may get punished. I don't understand people can't see the correlation between God and man in the same way.

So if some left wing liberal died, like Hillary or Al Sharpton, would this clapping picture offend anyone???? I jjust want people to be consistent.....

The point was made before, but let's try it again. The note with the clapping referred to the following statement:

"Mama always said if you don't have something nice to say about someone..."

Please go back and re-read the note in it's entirety.

cj/

Of course there were innocent children on the plane. And the point is??? My COUSIN was just entering the building when the plane hit and just exited the bldg as the second one hit and he saw it and all the horrible things that happened afterwards. So my very own blood relative was minutes from possible death. That doens't change anything.......

I do understand this point. But clapping at someones death sends the same message as SAYING something in this case now doesn't it?? Kind of a childish way to say you won't SAY anything bad but by gosh you will get your message across anyway. THAT defeats the whole intent of if you dont' have anything nice then don;t say anything at all.

I honestly don't get your point of view. I think the clapping is agreement with the sentiment of "if you can't say anthing nice, don't say anything at all", not clapping at the death of Jerry Falwell. That was the point that you say you understand....but then you go back to talking about clapping at the death....which is not what the intent was. I don't understand your point of view and you don't see mine (the correct one - LOL); so I'll leave it at that.

cj/

Once again, jaded was not clapping at Falwell's death. It's been explained in this post twice now, yet you still choose to interpret it any way you want. That's fine for you, I suppose, but please stop trying to mislead others into thinking otherwise.

I don' t think the poster (jaded) is the one being childish here.

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Real eyes...realize...real lies.

Amen! (I was going to put the clapping picture in...but didn't want to add to the confusion... )

I took it as clapping at the phrase about not saying anything if you have nothing nice to say, too, since it was under that quote....which means you are responding to the quote, much like is done in many threads. Not replying for anyone else, but, perhaps some people are reading it to be the person who responded with the clapping is doing so with the meaning of, "ok, I'm not SAYING anything, but, I'm clapping instead" which has been gone over, and over, and over, and over some more, that this is NOT what she was doing. I think if they wanted to clap about Jerry Falwell's death, they would not quote another poster, but, just post the clapping people. Maybe too much is being read into it by some posters??? But, I see it as she is agreeing with the statement that was made, not rejoicing in someone's death.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

The point is, why would God killing an innoncent child be a "good" thing??? Especially if it considered a sin to have an abortion?? I am just not following this logic here.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

Have you ever considered that when God caused the flood "Noah's ark" that people that was not in the ark died. I would "suppose" there were children that died.

Wow! All I can say is WOW! To think that God punishes us because he's angry just does not fit my belief or perception of what God is all about.

It is my belief that God's punishment for us (man) will be at Judgement day--when those who have lived a good and righteous life (aka "done the right thing") will have a place in his Kingdom. While those you have not "done the right thing" will be cast into various degrees of Hell.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Yes! Exactly!
Careful, you have a smiley with a big grin in your post. That could be misconstrued < j/k, wink>

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Dont go through life,
GROW through life

Real eyes...realize...real lies.

If I took it wrong (the clapping thing) then I apologize!!! It's not always easy interpreting words on here. I took it to mean I won't say anything but I will clap instead of saying something mean. I see now that it was applauding the don't say anything statement. Sorry about the misunderstanding.
To the other thoughts-read the Bible. Ever heard of Sodom and Gomorrah? The locust plagues? The famines? The killing of the first born son????? God does exact a toll on his people SOMETIMES. And we do deserve it. Look at all the Ten Commandments broken in this country every single day. It can't go on forever. And that doesn't mean he isn't a LOVING God. It means He is a just God. Just as a father punishes his son when he misbehaves. The punishment can be minor (no cartoons tonight) or major (grounded for a week) depending on the severity of the deed. Any Christian that knows anything about the Bible should know all of this.
And Mr. Fallwell did NOT HATE GAYS. He loved them, just not their lifestyle. Those are TWO different things. Once again, you might not like how your child is behaving but you still love them. As a Christian he loved them. Very simple. And he cared about their souls.
PEACE!!!

Oh, bullhockey. He was filled with hate towards gays and many others and it came out in his statements about those people. He preached the Word, but he lived a life filled with hate and intolerance.

I'm quite sure that when Falwell met his Maker, he got what he deserved.