UPDATED by MvdG
Americans United issued a statement on the death of Jerry Falwell; Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United:
“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.
“Falwell manipulated a powerful pulpit in exchange for access to political power and promotion of a narrow range of moral concerns. I appeared with him on news programs dozens of times over the years and, while I disagreed with just about everything Falwell stood for, he was a determined advocate for what he believed.
“Falwell reached his apex of power in the 1980s. Since then, leadership of the Religious Right has passed to James Dobson, Pat Robertson, Tony Perkins, Donald Wildmon and others. However, Falwell remained influential in politics, with Republican presidential candidates seeking his support this year.
“Americans United extends its condolences to members of Dr. Falwell’s family, the congregants of Thomas Road Baptist Church and the students and staff of Liberty University.â€
Agreed, agreed and agreed.
A loss to many: may God bless his soul. I am a Christian myself and can honestly say that I did not agree with much Falwell said. He was, firstly, too right-wing for me and, secondly, he used God a bit too much; and I’m not talking about in Church. Thirdly, he was a bit too anti-everything for me.