It would be an understatement to say that the Rev. Jerry Falwell will leave behind a mixed legacy. At the "On Faith" panel blog, for instance, a number of kind eulogies -- including a statement by Chuck Colson -- are met with incredibly disgusting vitriol from other commenters and panelists. This comes as no surprise, since Falwell was hated as passionately in life.

I never met Jerry Falwell, but from all I can tell, this was a man who truly loved God and loved his neighbor. He spoke tough words -- some of them ill-timed or off the mark -- but he also backed up those words with deeds of good will and kindness. Perhaps we should all aspire to be so despised.

Comments

[Greg Laurich]

What do you expect from the left? The lecture about tolerance and inclusiveness but it only applies if you're in lock step with them. Otherwise you are the devil. Jerry fell in group 2, and the liberals are besides themselves in joy... pot meet kettle...

[Bob Kopich]

I will remember Jerry Falwell as a man raised up by God to stand in the gap when this country needed a brave spiritual leader to do so. He is critized for the same reason he is praised--he was uncompromising in principle, and for that I am thankful. He was true to his calling and was not afraid to defend his position, no matter the adversary. He will be greatly missed but his wonderful legacy will live on in the hearts, minds, and actions of his fellow believers and defenders.