A Giant of a Virginian

A giant has fallen. Dying as he would have wanted, at work in his office, Dr. Jerry Falwell is now in the presence of the God he so faithfully served. Controversial, dedicated, persistent, hard-working, fearless—these are just a few of the adjectives being used to describe this Gospel preacher. His critics, and those who hated everything he stood for, wasted no time in kicking his corpse. I’ll not repeat the hate-filled comments here; suffice it to say that they are coming from the same crowd on the left who claim to have cornered the market on compassion and kindness. Observe and learn.

What does this have to do with this blog? Well, first of all, this blog is, among other things, about Virginia history. Falwell was a Virginian and arguably one of the most influential leaders of the 20^th century. Secondly, he promoted the study of the religious aspects of the Civil War by his support of the new Chaplain’s Museum that will be located on the campus of Liberty University. My friend, Liberty University Professor Kenny Rowlette, has given me permission to share the following email with readers:

Everyone,

As you have probably heard by now, Dr. Falwell has gone on to be with our Savior. Perhaps the most fitting tribute that I can give now is to quote the words of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton at the moment of Lincoln's death: "Now he belongs to the ages."

Another quote that comes to mind is one by Robert E. Lee: “Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.”

Dr. Falwell's legacy is this ministry and all of those whose lives he touched for Jesus through it. Above all, he so often was that last line of defense between Christians and the secular juggernaut. He admired President Lincoln and General Lee immensely, and his own devotion to his duty as a pastor and a chancellor is to be admired as much as we might admire Lee's sense of duty.

He was a great student of history and did much to help Dr. Hall and me promote the study of the Civil War in our area via our seminar and other activities.

In the past he provided monetary support to the reenactment of The Battle of Lynchburg, The Jackson Procession, and, of course, our fledgling National Civil War Chaplains Museum and Research Center. He also provided support to historical events in other ways to numerous to mention here. He was a true friend of all of us who study the Civil War and strive in various ways to honor our ancestors.

He had relatives who fought in the Civil War, and he understood the need for us to never forget them. Perhaps the best way that we can honor Dr. Falwell is to continue to promote the study of the Civil War and to honor those of both sides who fought in it.

We should all be of one accord in trying to accomplish these goals for his sake and that of others. Please continue to pray for the Falwell family for their loss and for the ministry leadership as it looks ahead to the future without him.

I am quite confident that God will continue to bless this ministry and use it to reach those who are lost. I am also certain that Dr. Falwell is now enjoying himself talking Lincoln, Lee, and others about the great struggle that defined us.

I am honored to have known and worked for such a man as he.

KGRowlette

Despite many hateful comments from the left, I found exceptions to that sad commentary:

"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

"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.

"When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." ~ Proverbs 16:7