It never makes me happy when a person dies. I want to preface by saying that because I realize that death is a very serious matter and I don’t mean to handle it carelessly.
Having said that, Jerry Falwell died today at age 73. While I’m sympathetic to his family and friends, I am also relieved to know that there is one less person in the world using religion as a forum for spreading hate.
Hate is a disease that Jerry infected the world with for decades. You can dress it up and say it’s the word of God, but I don’t buy it. I don’t believe that God encourages hate.
Jerry has been very powerful at pushing religion into politics since the 1970’s, and he’s definitely made the world a more hateful place.
It’s amazing to think how different the world might have been if Jerry never got into politics. I wasn’t around in the 1970’s, but I know it was a very political decade, focused on giving all Americans equal rights. Religion should have never been allowed into politics.
I believe that everyone has a uniquely positive gift in life. I’m sure Jerry had something good to contribute. Unfortunately, I think he chose the wrong path.
Having a spiritual connection is a wonderful thing. I’m not Anti-God. I just believe that religion is a private choice, and should not be forced upon American citizens through politics. Jerry felt otherwise, and used conservative politics to accomplish things.
So ta-ta and farewell, Jerry.