Jerry Falwell
Biography of Jerry Falwell
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Jerry Lamon Falwell
Common Aliases: Jerry Falwell
Birth and Death Dates
Born: August 11, 1933
Died: May 15, 2007
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Professions: Pastor, Televangelist, Political Activist, Educator
Early Life and Background
Jerry Lamon Falwell was born on August 11, 1933, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Helen and Carey Falwell. Raised in a family with a mix of religious and non-religious influences, Falwell's early life was marked by the contrasting personalities of his parents. His father, an entrepreneur and agnostic, ran a successful business, while his mother was a devout Christian. This dichotomy played a significant role in shaping Falwell's future path.
Falwell attended Lynchburg College and later transferred to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, where he graduated in 1956. His education laid the foundation for his deep commitment to evangelical Christianity, which would become the cornerstone of his life's work.
Major Accomplishments
Jerry Falwell's most significant accomplishment was the founding of the Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1956. Starting with just 35 members, the church grew exponentially under his leadership, becoming one of the largest churches in the United States. In 1971, Falwell founded Liberty University, which has since become one of the largest Christian universities in the world, known for its commitment to conservative evangelical values.
Falwell was also a pioneer in the field of televangelism. His "Old-Time Gospel Hour" television program reached millions of viewers across the nation, spreading his religious and political messages far and wide. This platform allowed him to become a prominent voice in the burgeoning Christian right movement.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Falwell's most notable actions was the establishment of the Moral Majority in 1979. This political organization aimed to mobilize conservative Christians as a political force, advocating for traditional family values, opposition to abortion, and support for a strong national defense. The Moral Majority played a crucial role in the election of Ronald Reagan as President in 1980, marking a significant shift in American politics towards conservative values.
Falwell was also known for his controversial statements and actions, which often sparked national debates. His outspoken views on issues such as homosexuality, abortion, and the separation of church and state made him a polarizing figure, but also ensured that his voice was heard in the public sphere.
Impact and Legacy
Jerry Falwell's impact on American society and politics is profound. As a leading figure in the rise of the Christian right, he helped to shape the political landscape of the United States in the late 20th century. His efforts to mobilize evangelical Christians as a political force have had lasting effects, influencing the platforms of the Republican Party and the broader conservative movement.
Liberty University stands as a testament to Falwell's vision of providing a Christian education that integrates faith with learning. The university continues to grow and influence new generations of students, perpetuating Falwell's legacy of evangelical education.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jerry Falwell is widely quoted and remembered for his role as a catalyst in the intersection of religion and politics in America. His ability to articulate the concerns and aspirations of conservative Christians made him a key figure in the cultural and political debates of his time. Falwell's quotes often reflect his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, his charismatic leadership, and his influence on the moral and political discourse in the United States.
Despite the controversies that surrounded him, Falwell's legacy endures through the institutions he founded and the movement he helped to create. His life and work continue to be studied and discussed, offering insights into the power of faith-based activism and the complexities of religious influence in public life.
Quotes by Jerry Falwell
Jerry Falwell's insights on:
A pastor has to be media-savvy if he's going to reach everybody. I don't mean to be ugly and harsh, but to be forthright and candid. And the result is that people that don't like you start listening.
I think Liberty students ought to date a lot without commitment in mind. If you're thinking commitment - and you probably shouldn't until you're a senior - you don't want to start your marriage off under the constraints of poverty and schooling.
I'm at work by 8 or 8:30, and when I get home every night, my wife and I walk around the lawn. We have dinner together, and then we spend most of our evenings alone.
I wake up a little before six, and I go right to my study. That's where I do my daily reading of the Oswald Chambers book, 'My Utmost for His Highest.'
If Americans will face the truth, our nation can be turned around and can be saved from the evils and the destruction that have fallen upon every other nation that has turned its back on God.
We must, from the highest office in the land right down to the shoeshine boy in the airport, have a return to biblical basics.