I finally read the article, and the man in question has already spoken up; apparently, they have been dealing with him for quite some time over the idea of extortion. As for Dr. and Mrs. Falwell, there is a certain culture that comes with money, in which other forms of “prosperity” and licence seem to entangle people. Some former Christian greats seemed to avoid it, like Billy Graham, living in the same house, instead of building mansions, etc., having the ability to exercise self control, and so on. But their offspring haven’t done so well in that direction. They’ve never gone without, and their parents indulged them too much. I don’t know if that’s what happened to Dr. and Mrs. Falwell, but I know it’s common in his generation.
Franklin Graham was a wild teenager and young adult, but with mentoring from several of his fathers associates in ministry, he came around and is now a very effective witness. He focuses more on rescue missions than mass evangelism as did his father, but is an inspiring preacher and prayer leader in his own right.
He described his process in an autobiography, well worth reading. While his father was a great and yet personally humble man, Billy Graham was largely absent from his childrens lives as they were growing up (due to his extensive evangelical touring across the U.S. and worldwide). Hence, some hurt and rebellion.
I admire the way Franklin did not try to cash in on the heights of his fathers fame, but did seem to absorb the humble approach. He worked his way up in the Billy Graham charities for a long time, learning the ropes, until he got his head and heart straightened around. He has now for many years spearheaded the estimable Samaritans Purse organization, which shows up around the world at floods, famine, hurricanes and even the recent covid-19 panic in New York City to deliver disaster relief food, shelter, and medical care and suppliesin the name of Christ.
I think this Falwell is a business man not a pastor or theologian