Just to inject some humility into the subject, obviously people feel strongly about Falwell as he did about his own beliefs and convictions. But it's interesting to take a step back and take a look at what guys like Falwell and Robertson stood for. They reached out to evangelical Christians, yet condemns those in society whose beliefs and lifestyles they disagreed with.
But sometimes when I hear these televangelists asking you to buy their books and DVD's or these shows where they pat each other on the back for being great Christians and blaming the world's ills on secularity, I have to wonder if it's all for show. I mean, I think a lot of Christians will agree that it is an unfortunate circumstance that people like Falwell and Robertson have become a face of Christianity and, in doing so, has shed a negative light on it as a whole. I agree that this isn't fair as Christians in this country are open, and welcoming and reaching out to those in need, rather than condemning those they disagree with.
So I have to wonder, when they preach their televised sermons in the 5,000 seat mega-churches, hock their DVD's and books on tape, while focusing on the sin rather than the faith, is it really sincere? Do these guys believe what they're saying?
Coppermine wrote:So I have to wonder, when they preach their televised sermons in the 5,000 seat mega-churches, hock their DVD's and books on tape, while focusing on the sin rather than the faith, is it really sincere? Do these guys believe what they're saying?
I have had that same question many times about these guys, and I can't say that my answer is all that flattering to them.
Coppermine wrote:So I have to wonder, when they preach their televised sermons in the 5,000 seat mega-churches, hock their DVD's and books on tape, while focusing on the sin rather than the faith, is it really sincere? Do these guys believe what they're saying?
I have had that same question many times about these guys, and I can't say that my answer is all that flattering to them.
I've often thought that about guys like Falwell, Robertson, and Michael Savage (who I am absolutely convinced is a made-up character, if not outright satire), but then I think about some of the stuff that I feel strongly about and realize that many people probably wonder the same thing about me. So I give them the benefit of the doubt that they actually believe what they say.
Though the fact that they make millions of dollars off of their "beliefs" at least makes the question valid, if nothing else.
Coppermine wrote:So I have to wonder, when they preach their televised sermons in the 5,000 seat mega-churches, hock their DVD's and books on tape, while focusing on the sin rather than the faith, is it really sincere? Do these guys believe what they're saying?
I have had that same question many times about these guys, and I can't say that my answer is all that flattering to them.
I've often thought that about guys like Falwell, Robertson, and Michael Savage (who I am absolutely convinced is a made-up character, if not outright satire), but then I think about some of the stuff that I feel strongly about and realize that many people probably wonder the same thing about me. So I give them the benefit of the doubt that they actually believe what they say.
Though the fact that they make millions of dollars off of their "beliefs" at least makes the question valid, if nothing else.
At least they should be taxed; it's not like they aren't pushing a political agenda, especially when Falwell goes around saying "Jesus is a Republican." Fine, but I say pay up if you want the fire dept to show up in case one of the church ladies burns the brownies.
If you're a battery, you're either working or you're dead....
And here is part of Larry Flints statement about Falwells death, just found it kind of interesting:
Larry Flynt - from link ----------------------------- "The Reverend Jerry Falwell and I were arch enemies for fifteen years. We became involved in a lawsuit concerning First Amendment rights and Hustler magazine. Without question, this was my most important battle – the l988 Hustler Magazine, Inc., v. Jerry Falwell case, where after millions of dollars and much deliberation, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in my favor.
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. He would visit me in California and we would debate together on college campuses. I always appreciated his sincerity even though I knew what he was selling and he knew what I was selling.
The most important result of our relationship was the landmark decision from the Supreme Court that made parody protected speech, and the fact that much of what we see on television and hear on the radio today is a direct result of my having won that now famous case which Falwell played such an important role in."
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by Coppermine » Wed May 16, 2007 11:13 am 
