Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, National Director, RFFM.org
The Rev. Jerry Falwell died last week at the age of 73. Many credit the Evangelical Christian minister with giving political power to millions of United States citizens who previously were relegated to the shadows of public discourse.
I didn't always agree with what he said. I didn't always agree with the way he said it. However, there is one thing I know for certain. America is a much better place because of the impact he had on the country and America will be worse off without him.
If it were not for individuals like Jerry Falwell, I probably would not be writing this column. Now some might say the fact I am participating in the national dialogue is not a good thing. However, this is why Falwell was so viciously attacked before his death and it is why he was pilloried after his life ended. The truth is there are those who do not want social conservatives to have a voice. Hence, they blame Falwell for the existence of a force which ultimately turned out to be an influential voice in American society and, as in ancient times, their response is to "kill the messenger."
Jerry Falwell talked about things that were politically incorrect in a culture which advances the premise that there is no absolute truth, we are all subject to situational ethics and bound by the edicts of moral relativism. Falwell related the truth regarding Christian Scripture to millions of Americans who have become spiritually and biblically illiterate. For example, Falwell was blamed for being judgmental of homosexuals and those who support abortion. But Falwell was merely relating what Christian Scripture said about both subjects and he became a lightening rod for criticism because of this fact.
Today, many Americans look at Christianity as though it were a box of assorted chocolates. Let me see...I like this one. I don't like these. I'll leave the nougat-filled chocolates for someone else to have later. However, I really enjoy the mints because they go down easy. Many look at Scripture in the same way. Because some words are in conflict with their lifestyles, they are ignored. Other Scriptural messages may be easy to follow, so they are adhered to. The ultimate excuse for this type of Christianity is that Scripture is all just a matter of ones personal interpretation, they will say. Again, this enforces the philosophy which tells us there are no truths and morality is subject to the mindset of an individual. And I call those who advance this version of Christianity as members of the Church of Anything Goes.
Falwell did not candy-coat Christianity like many would have liked him to do. Yet no matter what his approach was to the Christian ministry, Falwell did not deserve what he received after his death. Those who claimed to be compassionate, demonstrated the least compassion towards Falwell's family. Those who claimed Falwell demonstrated a mean-spirit, were the most mean-spirited--just hours after Falwell's death. Those who call for tolerance in society, demonstrated little tolerance for the feelings of others when they spoke about Falwell after he died.
But the reaction to Falwell's passing seemed to prove what many Evangelicals believe to be the truth. The battle over some issues is not driven by politics. Many feel our nation is in the midst of spiritual warfare. Good against evil. A culture of life versus a culture of death. Therefore, this made it possible for there to be more compassion voiced by the Left concerning the death of the evil Saddam Hussein than there was for a man who passed along the words of God.
I am not saying all of those who disagreed with Falwell are going to hell. In fact, if alive, Falwell himself would say he did not have the right to judge any man or woman, no matter what their behavior, "least he be judged." But there are a number of those on the far Left who disagree with any take on life other than their own. Ultimately, their argument was not with the Rev. Jerry Falwell; it was--and is--with God, as it is given to man through Scripture.
Jerry Falwell could probably have been more sensitive at times while relating Christian Scripture to a culture which, for the most part, is not educated on the subject. However, I believe no matter if Falwell was the most sensitive individual God ever put on the Earth, there are some who would--and do--hate his message and, in reality, they hate God's message as well.
I truly believe without the impact Jerry Falwell had on the nation at this time in America's history, Christians would truly be relegated to the backseats of public participation. As it is, Christianity is under attack in a nation whose roots are solidly planted in a Judeo-Christian philosophical foundation. Because of Falwell this tree is still bearing fruit and has a chance to survive. Looking at the reaction some on the Left have had to Falwell's death, they would rather this not be the case.
Copyright 2007 Daniel T. Zanoza
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