Rev. Jerry Falwell: 1933-2007

The Reverend Jerry Falwell passed away unexpectedly today in his hometown of Lynchburg Virgina, the suspected cause was cardiac arrhythmia. The founder of 'the Moral Majority' and an important voice in the infusion of conservative Christian political clout into the Republican party, starting in the late 1970's, he was a man much loved and hated. Senator John McCain once called him an agent of intolerance, and even evil, before changing his tune in an effort to court the Evangelical base that failed him during his 2000 campaign for the presidency. Once time Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater was known to detest the man, saying that every good Christian should kick him in the ass. These are Republican voices, those on the left criticized Falwell for his long time support for South African apartheid, strong stances against homosexuals, and comments linking the 9/11 attacks to divine punishment for decaying American moral values, among other things.

Of course Falwell was well loved on the right, and received much praise there for his efforts in supporting Reagan, and the 1994 GOP sweep of congress, not to mention George W. Bush. Though firm in his orthodox Evangelical interpretation of the Bible, he was willing to work with other groups, including Mormons, in advocacy of generally shared social issue goals. He also, in my opinion, came off better in interviews then the stereotype might lead you to expect. Anyway his death was surprising, and it will be interesting to see if it comes up in tonight's Republican presidential debate.