Jerry Falwell's response to today's Media Accusations

Falwell.com ^ | Sept. 14, 2001 | Jerry Falwell

[Media2Powerful]

STATEMENT BY JERRY FALWELL ON 700 CLUB COMMENTS

Senior Pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church and Chancellor, Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia

September 14, 2001

Despite the impression some may have from news reports today, I hold no one other than the terrorists and the people and nations who have enabled and harbored them responsible for Tuesday's attacks on this nation.

I sincerely regret that comments I made during a long theological discussion on a Christian television program yesterday were taken out of their context and reported, and that my thoughts--reduced to sound bites--have detracted from the spirit of this day of mourning.

Today, I join millions of people throughout this nation and around the world in remembering all those who died, and praying for our nation, the victims of this travesty, and their loved ones.

[pray4liberty]

I don't know that God has abandoned America for it's evil ways. I think it is possible. God punishes those he loves and I am sure God has shown he loves America. He also punished Israel many times when they strayed.

Yes, but that would mean America would have to admit to those evil ways in the first place.

[Media2Powerful]

You make an excellent case. I do not defend Robertson as much as Falwell but you make an excellent point. Even Robertson has the right to free speech and I think his intentions are not as rotten as his choice of words are insensitive.

Falwell, on the other hand, I have great respect for and I think he frequently gets a bum rap. It is difficult, however, to defend a soundbite like that. I believe he was saying something different than the way it is being reported.

Everyone is guilty of a poor choice of words now and then. The timing is unfortunate. Falwell does have a right to define sin according to the Bible and to preach against it. It's tough when Planned Parenthood watches the 700 Club looking for soundbites and then engages the full force of the liberal media to spread distortions of ones intended meaning.

They should just turn off the 700 Club. If they are so concerned about gays being offended then don't spread the words. I doubt many gays watch the 700 Club and would have never known.

[Media2Powerful]

Illbay, it is not that I don't see your point. I read lots of stuff Falwell writes and I know him to be a praying man. A good person who believes in the literal interpretation of the Bible and has devoted his life to speaking against sin and about God's love and forgiveness. He has a lot of enemies in the media and liberal activist crowds because of his strong stand against abortion and homosexuality, etc.

No ones words could stand up to constant examination and soundbite manipulation. At the same time, he should have been more careful at such a sensitive time. His motives were pure, the outcome was not so much. I have seen him treated unfairly again and again so since I didn't hear the 700 Club show myself I am going to take the word of this man I find to be honest and full of good will.

[pray4liberty]

It's tough when Planned Parenthood watches the 700 Club looking for soundbites and then engages the full force of the liberal media to spread distortions of ones intended meaning.

You are right on the money.

[swheats]

I think in light of reading Ezekiel Chapter 8, I'm rethinking much about 9-11-01. Thank God we are humbling ourselves and seeking God's face that He may hear from Heaven and heal our land.

Ezekiel 8

Matthew Henry Commentary of Ezekiel 8

I couldn't believe that God was bringing his judgement upon America because of past things that we've allowed to happen, but we really don't know what those in authority began to concoct behind the doors to further bring America's citizens into captivity from serving an awesome God. It's even more unthinkable for many to have lost their lives for those remaining to wake up.

In so many ways I pray that the all seeing, knowing omnipresent God redirected many from being in those buildings on Tuesday.

[Twodees]

The term you're groping for is "gobbledegook" not "gobbledy goop". Falwell's Christian philosophy isn't either, unless this weird term you made up doesn't mean the same as the one I just gave you.

You may need to lay off of coffee for awhile. I think you're about to blow a gasket.

[Michael2001]

"It is reprehensible for Falwell or Robertson to make public remarks blaming an entire religion for the acts of a few fanatics."

This is much more than a few fanatics, and I resent the media fot trying to portray it that way.

[Belial]

It's tough when Planned Parenthood watches the 700 Club looking for soundbites and then engages the full force of the liberal media to spread distortions of ones intended meaning.

Don't blame Falwell's words on Planned Parenthood. He said them. Listen for yourself.

Jerry Falwell is just leapfrogging off this attack to advance his own ends. He is no different than folks here in San Francisco who keep telling me this is what we get for electing Bush.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

It was Rev. Billy Graham's daughter who made the provocative statement that "God has lifted his blanket of protection over the U.S." on the 700 Club yesterday. Pat Robertson caught H$%) for it all day, but he never once mentioned Mrs. Graham Lotz (who gave a very powerful and unapologetic sermon).

I don't understand the level of hatred people have for both of these men. I suspect that much of it is inspired by the intense attack from the left, every non-PC quote is well publicized by the liberal media. I'd recommend anyone who is basing their opinion on rumor, watch "Listen America," do some research.

At least the discussion is now out in the open. A Defining Moment

[FITZ]

Ben Laden himself has told Western reporters that the reason he hates the West is because of the decadence we spew into the world. Pronography, homosexuality, corruption of all kinds.

Arabs are as decadent. Who brings in the drugs to Detroit? Who loves to visit Las Vegas wearing lots of jewelry and expensive clothes while they are in America? And when Saudi rich men have 4-5 wives don't you know the others turn to each other? The hijackers were reportedly having lap dances done to them in the stripper bars just Monday night. Islamics aren't Puritans. Even adultery means something completely different than it does in Christianity. And I've seen Arabs drink alcohol.

[marbren]

No, What I meant was, I believe Pat is a Christian. He has made mistakes. If they are illegal he should be prosecuted. If he is wrong his errors should be made known. I do not believe, as you might, that he is part of some evil "conspiracy". He is wrong about Bible Prophecy as I am sure you are also.

[FReethesheeples]

bump

[Tribune7]

Porn not sinful? Whoever looks at a woman with lust commits adultery according to the Bible.

[marcde]

What version of the Holy Bible you've ingested leads you to feel pornograpy, homosexuality, abortion and corruption are not offenses to a holy God?

[Frogurt]

All religious fanatics are the same.

Now, do you really think that is a fair statement? Religion doesn't make you less human.

It certainly doesn't... but Fanaticism can.

[Frogurt]

What version of the Holy Bible you've ingested leads you to feel pornograpy, homosexuality, abortion and corruption are not offenses to a holy God?

If you must know, it was the exact same version that stated slaves lives are worth less than Jews, and that mixing fibers is immoral, and that women should be subserviant to men. It's the one that convinced me that The Bible was written by mortal men and not God, so I choose to use a less arbitrary standard in comprehending morality.

That is why I believe that corruption offends a just God, homosexuality does not, and porn and abortion fall somewhere in between. (Yes, I also believe there is a between.) I realize that many of you will disagree, but the freedom to do so is exactly why we live in a pluralistic America and not under the Taliban or Farwell-topia.

[Frogurt]

One is in dire need of prayer if they have to resort to Susie Bright to stimulate their sex life...

"Have to"?

as if they didn't find their own partner exciting..

Oh, she's a fan too.

[Illbay]

I have never in my life accused anyone of being a pawn of Satan, but you sure come close.

Oh, give it a rest.

"Fundamentalism," btw, is NEVER a good nor a wholesome thing. What it IS, is the substitution for earnest inquiry on the part of every person of faith, with a rote, catch-all, believe-or-die philosophy that is JUST RIPE for some demagogue like Jim Jones or David Koresh or any of a slew of such demagogues to take and twist to his own ends.

"Fundamentalism" in Islam is the reason you have people taking fuel-laden plains with innocent passengers including women and children into the sides of buildings.

"Fundamentalism" in Christianity is a gross perversion, and it is an abomination in the sight of God.