Jerry Falwell Goes To the Big Guy in the Sky!

[Mephisto]

Jerry Falwell just found out what happens to you after you die today - I wonder if he was disappointed.

Falwell dies at age 73

POSTED: 1:39 p.m. EDT, May 15, 2007

LYNCHBURG, Virginia (AP) -- The Rev. Jerry Falwell has died, a Liberty University executive said Tuesday. He was 73.

Earlier, the executive said Falwell was hospitalized in "gravely serious" condition after being found unconscious in his office.

Ron Godwin, the executive vice president of Falwell's Liberty University, said Falwell was found unresponsive around 10:45 a.m. and taken to Lynchburg General Hospital. Godwin said he was not sure what caused the collapse, but "he has a history of heart challenges."

"I had breakfast with him, and he was fine at breakfast," Godwin said. "He went to his office, I went to mine and they found him unresponsive."

Falwell, a television evangelist who founded the Moral Majority, became the face of the religious right in the 1980s. He later founded the conservative Liberty University and serves as its president.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/05/15/jerry.falwell.ap/index.html

We'll all miss him as there will be no one else to tell us which Teletubbie is the gay one. ;)

[ImaginalDisc]

Good riddance.

[ponderingturtle]

Jerry Falwell just found out what happens to you after you die today - I wonder if he was disappointed.



We'll all miss him as there will be no one else to tell us which Teletubbie is the gay one. ;)

And how else are we supposed to know which national tragedies are god punishing us for the Gay Problem?

[Mephisto]

And how else are we supposed to know which national tragedies are god punishing us for the Gay Problem?

I know! Thank God we still have Fred Phelps. ;)

[Darth Rotor]

We'll all miss him as there will be no one else to tell us which Teletubbie is the gay one. ;)
You will note that bluess began a thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=82284)about this a 1218. You posted this at 1254.

You spend a night in the box.

For ID: I hear he spoke very highly of you as well.

For PT: I suspect some of his disciples will take care of the bulletins to all and sundry regarding Teletubbies, Gays, abortion, End Days, and whatever else is on the menu.

DR

[billydkid]

Actually, I feel a little bit sad about this. As far as judgemental, self righteous and intolerant religionists go, he was the one I minded the least. At least he didn't go around pretending to heal people and the venom he spewed was at least tempered by....well, no actually it wasn't tempered by much of anything. But he didn't bother me as much as some. My sister who is fairly well known in the American Baptist community (very different from the Southern Baptists) actually knew him and a few other of the big names in mainstream religion. As it happens, my sister is about as lefty as you can get - animal rights, protect the planet, attack injustice, fight for the rights of minorities and the oppressed and so on - but I don't think they ever discussed anything serious.

I actually think my sisters version of religion (or faith as she would prefer to think of it) is the best possible interpretation. That the purpose of man's existence is to follow the example of Jesus - the show compassion and help others and to live simply and sacrifice material gratification for the satisfaction that comes from doing good in the world and loving your fellow man. And not for some reward in heaven, but only because it is the right thing to do. I don't think she actually believes in heaven.

[rikzilla]

Jerry Falwell just found out what happens to you after you die today - I wonder if he was disappointed.



We'll all miss him as there will be no one else to tell us which Teletubbie is the gay one. ;)

Phred Phelps is still here....he thinks they all are the gay one!

-z

[ImaginalDisc]

For ID: I hear he spoke very highly of you as well.


One of most important differences between me and the late Mr. ******** is that when I find him morally objectionable, I say that I think he's scum. He, on the other hand, was such a coward that he claimed that a magical invisible man hated gays, fornicatitors, and other people, and is going to torture them for all eternity, and smites them with diseases and extreme weather and let god take responsability for his words.

[rikzilla]

pondering turtle...meph...

I think I hate you.

[Darth Rotor]

One of most important differences between me and the late Mr. ******** is that when I find him morally objectionable, I say that I think he's scum. He, on the other hand, was such a coward that he claimed that a magical invisible man hated gays, fornicatitors, and other people, and is going to torture them for all eternity, and smites them with diseases and extreme weather and let god take responsability for his words.
That you disagree with the Reverend is no big deal. I did not find much in his way to admire.

That your momma didn't teach you correctly about speaking ill of the dead is another matter.

No class, ID.

ETA

That goes for the rest of you grave dancing crasshats as well: let the body cool, eh? How about a modest amount of propriety?

DR

[Overman]

Good riddance.

Quoted for Truth!

[ImaginalDisc]

That you disagree with the Reverend is no big deal. That your momma didn't teach you correctly about speaking ill of the dead is another matter.

No class, ID.

DR

He was an embarassment to humanity and we're all much better off now that he's dead. There's nothing remotely decent to say about him.

[ImaginalDisc]

We are here not to mourn the *******, but to bury him, put a stake through his heart, and make sure the sucker's gone.

[Darth Rotor]

He was an embarassment to humanity and we're all much better off now that he's dead. There's nothing remotely decent to say about him.
That says more about you than him.

DR

[ponderingturtle]

pondering turtle...meph...

I think I hate you.

Hmm, now that Falwell is dead, the hate he held needs to go somewhere.

I am now proposing a Conservation of Hate theory. I predict mass riots when all the hate tied up in Fred Phelps gets released.

[Tricky]

That you disagree with the Reverend is no big deal. I did not find much in his way to admire.

That your momma didn't teach you correctly about speaking ill of the dead is another matter.

No class, ID.

ETA

That goes for the rest of you grave dancing crasshats as well: let the body cool, eh? How about a modest amount of propriety?

DR
Don't be a hypocrite, Darth. If you hated what he stood for while he is alive, then you shouldn't pretend to be sad when he dies. Actually, though, I'm always a little sad when a good example of a bad Christian dies. Fallwell was one of the best recruiters the nonbelievers had.

I forgot who said it:
"I wept when he died for I had always longed to see him hung."

[ImaginalDisc]

That says more about you than him.

DR

What, that I don't subscribe to the staid and archaic notion that there is some prohibition against telling the truth about the recently deceased? Speaking ill of the dead in his house or at his funeral would be classless. Speaking ill of him in a pub, my home, or in a public forum is part of civic discourse.

Grow up.

[ponderingturtle]

That you disagree with the Reverend is no big deal. I did not find much in his way to admire.

That your momma didn't teach you correctly about speaking ill of the dead is another matter.

No class, ID.

ETA

That goes for the rest of you grave dancing crasshats as well: let the body cool, eh? How about a modest amount of propriety?

DR

Why? If expressing these views would have been acceptable yesterday and will be again in two weeks, why does it change being today?

[Darth Rotor]

Don't be a hypocrite, Darth. If you hated what he stood for while he is alive, then you shouldn't pretend to be sad when he dies. Actually, though, I'm always a little sad when a good example of a bad Christian dies. Fallwell was one of the best recruiters the nonbelievers had.
Why are you trying to put words into my mouth, Tricky?

DR

[spiteme]

Good riddance.

To bad rubbish.

[fishbob]

That goes for the rest of you grave dancing crasshats as well: let the body cool, eh? How about a modest amount of propriety?
DR

. . . 57, 58, 59, 60.
OK - that's long enough. Let's Conga.

[FenrisWolf]

That goes for the rest of you grave dancing crasshats as well: let the body cool, eh? How about a modest amount of propriety?

DR

Crasshat is a good word; if you made that up, then congratulations! I'm gonna steal that one.

However I think you're wrong in thinking that being dead should entitle someone to a "clean slate" as it were -- the minute before he died, this man was an enemy of free thought, a bastion of intolerance, a fount of bigotry and divisiveness. In a word, a crasshat.

But the minute after he dies, we should forget all that and give him our respect? Screw that, respect is earned. I'm glad he's dead, and I think the world is better off without him. To pretend otherwise feels like hypocrisy to me.

[ImaginalDisc]

Why are you trying to put words into my mouth, Tricky?

DR

Yeah, why are you such a meanie, Tricky? Darth Rotor isn't some kind of hypocrit who'd call the recently deceased Borris Yeltsin a drunkard and then come in here and call us classless for um. . .er. . .
(http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=2546067#post2546067)

Well, he'd certainly never call the recently deceased Anna Nicole Smith a gold diggger and then. . .er. . . (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=2325651#post2325651)

:covereyes

[ConspiRaider]

That says more about you than him.

DR
Pontificating yet again, are we Darth?

Instead of wasting everyone's time posting chidings to others for how they feel, why not just post your opinion and feelings and be done with it? Rather an easy task to handle. Falwell, to most if not all of us here was a public figure only. And he was divisive, so strong opinions on his death should be clearly expected. Let 'em speak. And we'll let you.

I'd like to be able to say that we lost a good person and that it was cause for some mourning by me - but I cannot do that. Best thing I can say is I wish Falwell would have lived long enough to maybe realize just how divisive he was, how much hate he stirred up, how hypocritical he was, how anti-American he was (with his pressure to blend church and state), and how many mindsets he adversely affected. And had reversed his course. So while I'm not happy he died - I cannot mourn his passing in true conscience. I'm sure there will be some with the same sentiment when I finally get out of Dodge City. So be it.

[Tricky]

Why are you trying to put words into my mouth, Tricky?
Okay, I apologize. You didn't say we should act sad. You said we should show respect. But I still regard that as hypocrisy. Obviously I'm not going to call his family and say "Nyah nyah Jerry's dead," but in a private forum like this, I see no reason to temper our remarks. Who exactly are you showing respect to? Do you think a dead guy cares?

ETA: Some of what my momma taught me turned out to be wrong.

[Tricky]

I'm sure there will be some with the same sentiment when I finally get out of Dodge City. So be it.
Exactly. In fact, I'd be truly disappointed if I discovered that there wasn't a single person who was happy about my death. It would tell me that I hadn't done anything controversial. All great people make some enemies. But it does not follow that all people with enemies are great.

[rikzilla]

'e's only pinin' for the fijords

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Good riddance.

Agreed.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Jerry Falwell just found out what happens to you after you die today - I wonder if he was disappointed.

Actually, he didn't find out. Since nothing happens after death, you "find out" nothing. You're dead. :)

[CACTUSJACKmankin]

I am going to take the moral highground and show respect for his death that he didn't show to others such as the 9/11, hurricaine, and tsunami victims.

[bluess]

'e's only pinin' for the fijords

Snort....snigger....

Great. I have to go into a meeting with an image of Jerry Falwell with his feet nailed to a parrot perch.

Thanks, rik. Really. :D

[CACTUSJACKmankin]

'e's only pinin' for the fijords
No, 'e's stunned.

[rikzilla]

Snort....snigger....

Great. I have to go into a meeting with an image of Jerry Falwell with his feet nailed to a parrot perch.

Thanks, rik. Really. :D

Ta mate!

But the fact that we "get" a cult classic....does that mean we've drunk the Koolaid and are bound to sing with the choir everlasting??? :eek:

Have fun in your meeting.
-z

[rikzilla]

No, 'e's stunned.

:deadp

;)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I am going to take the moral highground and show respect for his death that he didn't show to others such as the 9/11, hurricaine, and tsunami victims.

I'm taking the low road. Not only will I be in Scotland before ye', but it's also more fun.

[Overman]

As far as I heard, his cold heart was incapable for warmth long ago anyway...

[Darth Rotor]

. . . 57, 58, 59, 60.
OK - that's long enough. Let's Conga.

*chuckle* :)

DR

[CACTUSJACKmankin]

I must say though I do think it would be beautiful BEAUTIFUL irony if Jerry Falwell is in hell right now.

[LostAngeles]

I do sincerely hope God looked at him and said, "So. About making me out to be an *******..."

[Kerberos]

No, 'e's stunned.

Lovely plumage.

[tsg]

Lovely plumage.

Plumage don't enter into it!

[taking the low road as well]

[Mephisto]

That your momma didn't teach you correctly about speaking ill of the dead is another matter.

My momma taught me to always tell the truth no matter what the costs. Maybe that's why I'm not the first person people think of when it comes to delivering a urology[/ArchieBunker] when someone I didn't care for dies. If I didn't like you when you were alive, I'm damn sure not going to speak well of you when you're dead just because you're dead.

If you were an A-hole when you were alive, I think that's how you should be remembered!

[Kerberos]

Plumage don't enter into it!

Well, I'd better replace him, then. *takes a look around* Sorry squire, I've had a look around, and uh, we're right out of Fundamentalists.

[taking the low road as well]
Less climping that way.

[kbm99]

Well, I'd better replace him, then. *takes a look around* Sorry squire, I've had a look around, and uh, we're right out of Fundamentalists.

If only.

[ClintonHammond]

I hope it makes Larry Flint get up and dance!

[slingblade]

Funny thing: I didn't like Falwell even when I was a fundie. His hypocrisy and self-righteous sanctimony disgusted me even when I was supposedly "on his side." Moral Majority my sweet derriere.

He persecuted people in the name of god, and he was proud of it.

I'm not saying I'm glad he's dead. But I am glad there's been a permanent stop put on him and his racist, bigoted, persecutory ways.

Think of me what you will.

[LostAngeles]

Funny thing: I didn't like Falwell even when I was a fundie. His hypocrisy and self-righteous sanctimony disgusted me even when I was supposedly "on his side." Moral Majority my sweet derriere.

He persecuted people in the name of god, and he was proud of it.

I'm not saying I'm glad he's dead. But I am glad there's been a permanent stop put on him and his racist, bigoted, persecutory ways.

Think of me what you will.

A poster over on Pharyngula said that it was difficult to mourn someone who blamed him/her for 9/11. Being one of those he blamed, I agree.

[CACTUSJACKmankin]

If anybody else is on christianforums (yes, I go when I need a good laugh), Check out the current events falwell threads. They're all getting closed because so many people (including christians min you) are saying negative things about the man and his supporters can't handle the criticism.

[Darth Rotor]

Plumage don't enter into it!

[taking the low road as well]

The Virginia Blue likes kippin' on its back. ;)

DR

[CACTUSJACKmankin]

The Virginia Blue likes kippin' on its back. ;)

DR
It's the Norwiegian Blue!!!
Then again parrots are probably about as common in Virginia as they are in Norway.

[Kerberos]

If only.

Well, this is a Danish shop, our supplies of Christian fundamentalists, particuarly politically involved ones, is limited. We don't get much call for them around here, sir.

[DoubtingStephen]

I wonder if his last thoughts might have been another one of those deeply troubling gay sex fantasies that Satan kept using to tempt him?

I sure hope they bury him fast so people can start discharging urine onto his grave. Where does the line start?

[tsg]

A poster over on Pharyngula said that it was difficult to mourn someone who blamed him/her for 9/11. Being one of those he blamed, I agree.

I think the list of people he didn't blame is shorter.

[Darth Rotor]

I think the list of people he didn't blame is shorter.

Yep, so is the list of who actually did it. But then, we have a whole forum full of CT & 9-11 discussion to cover that.

DR

[ponderingturtle]

Does anyone have a complete or near complete list of those he blamed for 9/11?

[LostAngeles]

Does anyone have a complete or near complete list of those he blamed for 9/11?

..."I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'"...

"I do believe, as a theologian, based upon many Scriptures and particularly Proverbs 14:23, which says 'living by God's principles promotes a nation to greatness, violating those principles brings a nation to shame,'" he said.

Falwell said he believes the ACLU and other organizations "which have attempted to secularize America, have removed our nation from its relationship with Christ on which it was founded."

"I therefore believe that that created an environment which possibly has caused God to lift the veil of protection which has allowed no one to attack America on our soil since 1812," he said.

...

Falwell told CNN: "I would never blame any human being except the terrorists, and if I left that impression with gays or lesbians or anyone else, I apologize."

http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/09/14/Falwell.apology/

[pgwenthold]

If anybody else is on christianforums (yes, I go when I need a good laugh), Check out the current events falwell threads. They're all getting closed because so many people (including christians min you) are saying negative things about the man and his supporters can't handle the criticism.


How many spoke up when he was alive?

[Kerberos]

Does anyone have a complete or near complete list of those he blamed for 9/11?

"I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'"

[ponderingturtle]

"I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'"

Damn I am barely on there.

[Kerberos]

Damn I am barely on there.

The "all of them who have tried to secularize America" category is a nice catch all.

[ImaginalDisc]

You must have missed this post, Darth.

Yeah, why are you such a meanie, Tricky? Darth Rotor isn't some kind of hypocrit who'd call the recently deceased Borris Yeltsin a drunkard and then come in here and call us classless for um. . .er. . .
(http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=2546067#post2546067)

Well, he'd certainly never call the recently deceased Anna Nicole Smith a gold diggger and then. . .er. . . (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=2325651#post2325651)

:covereyes

Mind confessing to being a hypocrit?

[ConspiRaider]

The "all of them who have tried to secularize America" category is a nice catch all.
That's the one, thanks! I was trying to figure out where I fit in there.

I think he nailed me specifically when I was passing through Lynchburg Virginia and proceeded to nuke a gay whale in the lake behind his church (I had some time to kill). As a goof I kept calling the whale Jonah while I was jamming the suitcase nuke down its baleen-guarded homosexual throat. Jerry said that was blasphemous and wouldn't let me contribute to his apartheid fund for 3 weeks as punishment. And he called me a wannabe secularist. Damn...

[Darth Rotor]

You must have missed this post, Darth.



Mind confessing to being a hypocrit?
You want to confess to being your usual irrational, jerk self?

This has what to do with Falwell and your immediate, triumphalist vitriol? Nothing.

You will note in this thread, and the other, that I crack a joke or two at Jerry's expense. What I don't do is the triumphal grave dance while the body is still warm. That is where your lack of class leaps off the page.

Not even a nice try, ID.

DR

[pgwenthold]

I am reminded of the following:


Fellow Ozians:
Let us be glad
Let us be grateful
Let us rejoicify that goodness could subdue
The wicked workings of you-know-who
Isn't it nice to know
That good will conquer evil?
The truth we all believe'll by and by
Outlive a lie
For you and -

No one mourns the Wicked
No one cries "They won't return!"
No one lays a lily on their grave

The good man scorns the Wicked!
Through their lives, our children learn
What we miss, when we misbehave:

And Goodness knows
The Wicked's lives are lonely
Goodness knows
The Wicked die alone
It just shows when you're Wicked
You're left only on your own

Yes, Goodness knows
The Wicked's lives are lonely
Goodness knows
The Wicked cry alone
Nothing grows for the Wicked
They reap only what they've sown

No one mourns the Wicked!
Now at last, she's dead and gone!
Now at last, there's joy throughout the land
And Goodness knows
We know what Goodness is
Goodness knows
The Wicked die alone

Woe to those
Who spurn what Goodness is
They are shown
No one mourns the Wicked

Good news!
No one mourns the Wicked!
Good news!
No one mourns the Wicked!
Wicked!
Wicked!

[ImaginalDisc]

You want to confess to being your usual irrational, jerk self?

This has what to do with Falwell and your immediate, triumphalist vitriol? Nothing.

You will note in this thread, and the other, that I crack a joke or two at Jerry's expense. What I don't do is the triumphal grave dance while the body is still warm. That is where your lack of class leaps off the page.

Not even a nice try, ID.

DR

Translation: "No, I prefer to be a steaming pile of ****."

Got it.

[President Bush]

I hope it makes Larry Flint get up and dance!
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/campari.jpg

[Tricky]

I am reminded of the following:
While I can't bring myself to be mean to anybody who quotes from "Wicked", I must remind you that it is the people who are singing that song who are jerks. Poor Elphaba, whose death they are celebrating, is the hero.

I don't think we have a good parallel here.

[Tricky]

http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/campari.jpg
That one's impossible to read, Mr. Prez. This one's only a little better.
<picture deleted -- oops. Rule 8, ya know>

[Solus]

Now if only Pat Robertson and the other religious fanatics would join Falwell, the world would be a better (albeit quieter) place.

[pgwenthold]

While I can't bring myself to be mean to anybody who quotes from "Wicked", I must remind you that it is the people who are singing that song who are jerks. Poor Elphaba, whose death they are celebrating, is the hero.

No, she was not a hero to them. They perceived her as wicked (whether it was a fair assessment or not is a separate issue)

While it is true that McGuire's story paints her as a misunderstood heroine, fighting for the rights of Animals, whether she is heroine or wicked depends on your POV (although there is not much ambiguity about the Wizard, who everyone views as wicked, at least until he returns to oz as a reformed man). If fundies write the story of Falwell, he would be painted as a hero, too.

The point of McQuire is that "wicked" depends on your perspective. However, regardless of that case, no one mourns the wicked. No one cries they are dead and gone. No one leaves a lily on their grave.

[Darth Rotor]

Translation: "No, I prefer to be a steaming pile of ****."

Got it.
Lack of wit noted.

Do you understand that I am not, and was not, taking any joy in the death of either Yeltsin, nor Smith, but you are and were revelling in the death of Falwell? No class.

Since you cannot understand the distinction, my observation that your mother raised you poorly, or that you blew off what she taught you (more likely), is confirmed.

DR

[Darth Rotor]

Now if only Pat Robertson and the other religious fanatics would join Falwell, the world would be a better (albeit quieter) place.
I dare say others are standing ready to fill their slots. Why would you think otherwise? Or are you wishing death on all religious persons, not just some of the more outspoken leaders?

DR

[steverino]

Falwell may have had his faults, but he was correct about...Well, who here is going with, "Tinky Winky is a straight?"

[DanishDynamite]

My understanding is that this guy was a typical evangelist, preaching the typical balloney, probably with a "toll-free number" you could call, "on your screen now!".

Good riddance and congratulations to the US for having yet another charlatan die off.

[slingblade]

A poster over on Pharyngula said that it was difficult to mourn someone who blamed him/her for 9/11. Being one of those he blamed, I agree.

Oooh, that's right. I hadn't specifically recalled that gem. :mad: Thanks for reminding me.

I've changed my mind and have registered a noticeable increase in my satisfaction level.

[Mephisto]

I wonder whether anyone will think to check out his tomb in three days? :)

[skeptifem]

This has what to do with Falwell and your immediate, triumphalist vitriol? Nothing.

You will note in this thread, and the other, that I crack a joke or two at Jerry's expense. What I don't do is the triumphal grave dance while the body is still warm. That is where your lack of class leaps off the page.

Not even a nice try, ID.

DR


I agree with a few other posters, I'll talk and think about him the same way i did when he was alive.

i am reminded of that episode of the sopranos where tony's mother dies. some people are just vile, and I for one am not going to pretend I dont get a mild satisfaction from someone that bad being gone forever. its not as though he refrained from disrespecting people who died from AIDS, i think he deserves nothing in death.

[Darth Rotor]

I agree with a few other posters, I'll talk and think about him the same way i did when he was alive.

I am not asking you to like the man if you didn't. I certainly didn't care for him. Like him or not, and most people would fit in "not" in my estimation, that doesn't excuse being a jerk, which you are not being.

DR

[DanishDynamite]

I dare say others are standing ready to fill their slots. Why would you think otherwise? Or are you wishing death on all religious persons, not just some of the more outspoken leaders?

DR
I personally don't wish death upon them. Just enlightenment. Soon.

[Wowbagger]

In memory of this bloated-sack-for-brains, I point you to this talking-blues-style ditty by Roy Zimmerman:

http://www.royzimmerman.com/lyrics/homeland_falwell.html

And if people are jealous and judgmental and vengeful and violent, maybe it's because you made them in your image.

[Darth Rotor]

I personally don't wish death upon them. Just enlightenment. Soon.
A noble sentiment.

I suspect you'd find it quaint that from where they sit, they wish the same for you. :D

DR

[Dr Adequate]

It's cases like this that make St Peter's job such a challenge.

[President Bush]

That one's impossible to read, Mr. Prez.
Try this (http://medialibel.org/imgd/falwell.jpg) Jorge Luis.

[Darth Rotor]

It's cases like this that make St Peter's job such a challenge.

As I noted elsewhere, it appears a slam dunk case of a false prophet.

Drat, I just invoked "slam dunk."

Quagmire ahead.

DR

[ConspiRaider]

My understanding is that this guy was a typical evangelist, preaching the typical balloney, probably with a "toll-free number" you could call, "on your screen now!".

Good riddance and congratulations to the US for having yet another charlatan die off.
I guess you have to be here in the USA for quite awhile to "appreciate" the influence and damage this man Falwell has brought to bear. He was much more than your garden variety holy huckster on the tube. You know how we Yanks are now in the grip of the most dangerous Administration any of us can recall - regardless of our ages? Falwell gets some of the "credit" for that.

We're the information and media leader in the world. When it goes bad - as it mostly has - the effects are far-reaching. Add to that the fact we're the world's 3rd most populous nation. And deep puritanical roots. With an embarrassingly large segment of the population that worships - NEEDS - strong authoritarianism to help them get through their lives.

Falwell is one they could dial in to supply that authoritarian leadership. It's amazing how much power he had. Ditto for the right-wing radio talk show hosts, with the kingpin of them all being Rush Limbaugh. Tremendous power, and they know it. Limbaugh also can claim some "credit" for the current state in which our country finds itself.

So, for normal-thinking people here in the States - it's more of a relief than anything else that Falwell is permanently gone.

Watch how much praise is heaped upon Falwell by the right-wingers in the coming days. Good way to differentiate between them, and normal-thinking people.

[DanishDynamite]

I guess you have to be here in the USA for quite awhile to "appreciate" the influence and damage this man Falwell has brought to bear. He was much more than your garden variety holy huckster on the tube. You know how we Yanks are now in the grip of the most dangerous Administration any of us can recall - regardless of our ages? Falwell gets some of the "credit" for that.

We're the information and media leader in the world. When it goes bad - as it mostly has - the effects are far-reaching. Add to that the fact we're the world's 3rd most populous nation. And deep puritanical roots. With an embarrassingly large segment of the population that worships - NEEDS - strong authoritarianism to help them get through their lives.

Falwell is one they could dial in to supply that authoritarian leadership. It's amazing how much power he had. Ditto for the right-wing radio talk show hosts, with the kingpin of them all being Rush Limbaugh. Tremendous power, and they know it. Limbaugh also can claim some "credit" for the current state in which our country finds itself.

So, for normal-thinking people here in the States - it's more of a relief than anything else that Falwell is permanently gone.

Watch how much praise is heaped upon Falwell by the right-wingers in the coming days. Good way to differentiate between them, and normal-thinking people.
I can't quite put myself in your place, but I have caught onto the fact that the US is currently very much, perhaps more than ever, in the throes of fighting with the religion monster.

I hope sanity prevails. For all our sakes.

[fuelair]

What, that I don't subscribe to the staid and archaic notion that there is some prohibition against telling the truth about the recently deceased? Speaking ill of the dead in his house or at his funeral would be classless. Speaking ill of him in a pub, my home, or in a public forum is part of civic discourse.

Grow up.

Or attending his funeral to jeer at his family (and, I suppose, friends) like fred does - wonder if fred is planning something along those lines?

[DanishDynamite]

Or attending his funeral to jeer at his family (and, I suppose, friends) like fred does - wonder if fred is planning something along those lines?
Jeering at this charlatan's funeral should be the only acceptable behaviour.

What a cad.

[skeptifem]

Or attending his funeral to jeer at his family (and, I suppose, friends) like fred does - wonder if fred is planning something along those lines?


lol i can see it now 'the usa's acceptance of gays MURDERED JERRY FALWELL"

[tsg]

I wonder whether anyone will think to check out his tomb in three days? :)

If he comes out and sees his shadow, that's six weeks more winter, right?

[The Mutha]

Am I the only one who envisioned the Bloom County series with Oral Bill claiming that God would call "The Big Three" home as soon as people sent in enough money? I heard about Falwell and immediately thought about the strip... :D

[Babylon Sister]

Or attending his funeral to jeer at his family (and, I suppose, friends) like fred does - wonder if fred is planning something along those lines?

Apparently so according to www.godhatesamerica.com

[LostAngeles]

Apparently so according to www.godhatesamerica.com

:eek: :eye-poppi :covereyes :boggled: :boxedin:

God just manifested into existence next to me just to say, "WHAT THE DONKEY BALLS?!"

[Darth Rotor]

Apparently so according to www.godhatesamerica.com

You can't make this stuff up.

DR

[Skeptic Guy]

I wish it was "made up". That's some scary s***.

[Tricky]

I wish it was "made up". That's some scary s***.
A little bit scary, but I could enjoy watching the religious fanatics turn upon each other and devour themselves.

[Earthborn]

In memory of this bloated-sack-for-brains, I point you to this talking-blues-style ditty by Roy Zimmerman:

http://www.royzimmerman.com/lyrics/homeland_falwell.htmlMyE5wjc4XOw

[Zep]

While I'm not sorry to see the man gone, I won't be so crass as to dance on his grave in front of his family. Let me put it this way: He will NOT be sorely missed.

[Zep]

Apparently so according to www.godhatesamerica.com
I'd just like to point out that Fred would take his asshat signs and preaching to ANYBODY'S funeral if it meant he had a chance to rant his songs of hate.

He is certifiably insane.

[Babylon Sister]

A little bit scary, but I could enjoy watching the religious fanatics turn upon each other and devour themselves.

I was thinking the same thing. Could be interesting, in a trainwreck kind of way.

I wonder if the networks will pre-empt a fulls day's programming so we can all share in the fun.

[UnrepentantSinner]

If anybody else is on christianforums (yes, I go when I need a good laugh), Check out the current events falwell threads. They're all getting closed because so many people (including christians min you) are saying negative things about the man and his supporters can't handle the criticism.

I knew my CFers wouldn't let me down. :)

[delphi_ote]

:yahoo :yahoo :yahoo
I guess this is the result of God's wrath for befriending Haggard?
:yahoo :yahoo :yahoo

[UnrepentantSinner]

It looks like Larry King is devoting his show to Falwell. I wonder how the transcript will read.

[Mephisto]

If he comes out and sees his shadow, that's six weeks more winter, right?

:)

Or six more weeks of Hell. ;)

[Walter Wayne]

A little bit scary, but I could enjoy watching the religious fanatics turn upon each other and devour themselves.Given what happens to bystanders when religious fanatics turn opon each other I hope it happens at some distance from me.

[Skeptic Ginger]

You will note that bluess began a thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=82284)about this a 1218. You posted this at 1254.

You spend a night in the box.

For ID: I hear he spoke very highly of you as well.

For PT: I suspect some of his disciples will take care of the bulletins to all and sundry regarding Teletubbies, Gays, abortion, End Days, and whatever else is on the menu.

DRWell you missed nw843x's thread posted at 11:50 AM (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=82304) where you can find my comments all matching the sentiments of these posts. Seems we all mostly hated the jerk.

[sphenisc]

Jerry who?

[Lonewulf]

Lack of wit noted.

Do you understand that I am not, and was not, taking any joy in the death of either Yeltsin, nor Smith, but you are and were revelling in the death of Falwell? No class.

Since you cannot understand the distinction, my observation that your mother raised you poorly, or that you blew off what she taught you (more likely), is confirmed.

DR

I always liked that idea of, "Your mother raised you poorly!"

Because, yes, because ladies and gentlemen, none of us can think on our own!

When I die, I want people to talk about me honestly. I want people to say how much of an asshat I was on the forums. I want them to say that I died the same as I was born: Wet, naked and screaming.

Amen.



Seriously, the guy was an asshat while he lived. We would say such, and rant about him. The guy's an asshat up to when he died. After he's dead, the only difference is that he's a steaming corpse piled into a coffin. Big deal.

You want to get sentimental and talk about your good ol' "values", I don't really give a flying ****. Go shove your values on people that actually care. Preferably a forum where people let sentimentality override all else.

The only "value" the dead have is in your own mind, and nothing else. I don't have any reason to take on your values as my own. Jerry Falwell... well, honestly, I don't know much about the guy. I don't have any reason to dis a guy that I didn't follow much. But the point stands: The only difference between a dead man and a live one is that one is shoved into the ground (or cremated, or something else that the funeral homes make big bucks off of), and the other is standing around and shoving more bull into the world. Being dead does not automatically deserve respect alone and by itself. If there's anyone I should show respect to, it's the family members of the deceased, unless they deserve otherwise. As I don't think there are family members on this board, I'm not overly worried.

[fuelair]

Or attending his funeral to jeer at his family (and, I suppose, friends) like fred does - wonder if fred is planning something along those lines?

I'll take that million in small unmarked bills:D :http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=82345

[capracus]

I wonder whether anyone will think to check out his tomb in three days? :)
Jerry didn't get to fulfill the resurrection contract. No trial, no torturous march through the streets, no crucifixion, no resurrection. This dinosaur will shortly begin the long squeeze into petroleum.

[Ladewig]

I start with the default position that all people deserve respect until they do something to indicate that they no longer deserve respect. Falwell spent his entire adult life claiming that his love of God required him to convince others to marginalize large swaths of the American public. The man was a small-minded, sanctimonious bigot who continually used his political connections to try to limit the rights of others. Now that he is dead, I will give him the same amount of respect that he deserved last week - none at all.

[ponderingturtle]

I wish it was "made up". That's some scary s***.

Why? No one like Phelps. Falwell was much more dangerous because he had a real following and had a crappy law school sending students right into the justice department.

[delphi_ote]

Did you guys see Hitchens on Anderson Cooper? That was the single greatest moment in the history of television.

The empty life of this ugly little charlatan proves only one thing, that you can get away with the most extraordinary offenses to morality and to truth in this country if you will just get yourself called reverend. Who would, even at your network, have invited on such a little toad to tell us that the attacks of September the 11th were the result of our sinfulness and were God's punishment if they hadn't got some kind of clerical qualification?

[Darth Rotor]

Seriously, the guy was an asshat while he lived.
Certainly in his public utterances, the evidence supports you. Not sure how he was privately, but then, I never had him on my list of people to invite over to dinner.

Fancy that.

DR

[Darth Rotor]

Well you missed nw843x's thread posted at 11:50 AM (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=82304) where you can find my comments all matching the sentiments of these posts. Seems we all mostly hated the jerk.

As that's a different forum, whereas Mephy did his usual "not check the front page before posting" deal, what was your point?

The general agreement seems to be that Jerry Falwell had a genius for building blocs of people to stand against him, and his agenda. I wonder if he is (was) aware of that.

DR

[Trantor]

I heard on the news this morning that Falwell was the son of a non-believer, so I decided to check it out. While I will shead no tears for falwell, I will miss some of the great entertainment that he provided. I guess that I will have to tune in to Pat Robertson until God takes him home.

The news report this morning did say that they know that Falwell is home, and has received his "rewards".


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/05/15/national/main2806425.shtml?source=RSSattr=U.S._2806425

[Lonewulf]

Certainly in his public utterances, the evidence supports you. Not sure how he was privately, but then, I never had him on my list of people to invite over to dinner.

Fancy that.

Well, I couldn't imagine his kid coming out to him and not expecting to get beat a few times. Maybe disowned.

[tsg]

Well, I couldn't imagine his kid coming out to him and not expecting to get beat a few times. Maybe disowned.

I'm betting on "shamed into keeping it a secret", not because it's evil or sinful, but because it would be damaging to his father's image and reputation.

ETA: I can even envision Mrs. Falwell sitting her homosexual son down to calmly explain how he has to think of people besides himself[1] and that, in the end, it will be better for everyone if we just keep this little secret within the family.

[1] most often employed by people trying to justify only thinking of themselves.