Jerry Falwell died today, and to mark the occasion of his death internet forums everywhere are probably using it as an opportunity to either mark his life or rue his existence. He's obviously a polarizing figure as he's arguably done plenty of good with his ministry. But on the other hand, he'd come out in favor of segregation and apartheid (which he later apologized for). He blamed the terrorist attacks of 2001 on pagans, gays and abortionists. Currently, he had been a staunch supporter of DOMA. So plenty there for people to either love or hate--not too many fence sitters when it comes to Mr. Falwell.
So now that he's died, some people are talking about what a horrible person he was, and that he won't be missed. And those that revered him are talking about how horrible it is to disrespect him in the time of his death. But is that a good reason not to talk about the issues surrounding him? Just because he's dead, we should observe some indefinable period of reverence?
To me, that doesn't make a lot of sense. I mean, it's not like Falwell supporters would suggest that his death is a tragedy. I mean, his Lord has called him home. Isn't that a *good* thing? So why a period of mourning when they should be celebrating his heavenly reward? And if you're not mourning, why do you care if people talk about him?
Shouldn't his death be an opportunity for discussion, to talk about issues he cared about?
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3 comments:
One year of morning with a black armband.
It's a good question: why do we mourn when we believe a loved one is in heaven.
(nice blog, bro ;))
oops..
I meant mourning...
I guess we mourn for what *we've* lost. But I really believe death should be an opportunity to celebrate the life someone lived, and not so much to grieve for what we're missing. Loss is always sad, but if you believe a person is in a better place, shouldn't we be happy?
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