And, lo, Mr. Hitchens has put his words to paper (internet paper!). You can read his column here. Some choice excerpts follow:
The discovery of the carcass of Jerry Falwell on the floor of an obscure office in Virginia has almost zero significance, except perhaps for two categories of the species labeled "credulous idiot."
Like many fanatical preachers, Falwell was especially disgusting in exuding an almost sexless personality while railing from dawn to dusk about the sex lives of others. His obsession with homosexuality was on a par with his lip-smacking evocations of hellfire.
It's a shame that there is no hell for Falwell to go to, and it's extraordinary that not even such a scandalous career is enough to shake our dumb addiction to the "faith-based."
Reader Comments ( Page 11 of 12)
151. For the woman that wrote God created everything in the Universe including homosexuals and it is a natural thing...you are totally wrong. God created everything in the universe and has allowed sin to enter into our world through Adam & Eve. To lie down with a person of the same sex is both a SIN and UNNATURAL. We were created to pro-create. Sex is not a selfish act but has a purpose. Homosexuals enjoy nothing but a selfish desire of pleasure. Is it natural that man lie down with beasts? NO! Is it natural to lie with a child? NO! Just because you CAN DO SOMETHING, does not mean it is GOD created.
He has given his commands on how we should behave so that we will not reap the things which are harmful. Having sex with a married person is WRONG. What can come from it but a broken family, children without both parents, disease, death & heartache.
His commandments are for our protection. It is NOT natural to have sex with someone of the same sex. If everyone had done this in the beginning the population would have died out. All of the people voicing outrage over Falwell are the ones convicted of their SIN. He spoke the truth about things that matter to God. For those ministers that have responded with hatred and are living in SIN...the ones above my message that state they are Gay...you are angry at a man that is convicting you through the HOLY SPIRIT. The bible you use clearly states that living a homosexual life is a SIN. How you can twist HIS Holy Word and deceive people is wrong. God states also in the bible that you will be held accountable for everyone you deceive! Maybe if SIN was not part of your life you would not be so condemming to a minister of God's truth. To all those stuck on the teletubbies, porn... GET OVER IT!
Jerry Falwell did not spend his whole life talking about a children's tv show! As far as the porn...well Larry Flynt is the one that has loaded his personal pockets with proceeds from it and had disgraced women for profit. He is the one that needs prayers and is lost. Even last night on Larry King he admits that Jerry Falwell was a genuine human being and he liked him. He just does not believe in God like Jerry preached. At one time Mr. Flynt did believe in God until he realized what he had to give up. Maybe one day like Jerry belived Larry Flynt will come back to Christ. I think he will choose to do this when he is on his deadbed if he still has the time to make that choice. What a tragic game of Russian Roulette and one that could cost him not only his life but his soul. Everyone is afraid of the religious right in this country because they want to be able to live like total animals. No one to be accountable for! I believe God's hand of protection can be removed from America and considering we have murdered more babies than the entire population of today's USA, we are living on borrowed time. We have been very fortunate not to have to live in terror like other countries. God destroyed Sodom for less than what we are performing daily in America and we need to wake up! One person mentions that it is not a God thing to be a servant of anyone else. How DUMB? Jesus Christ came into our world to SERVE man and to be a sacrifice for our very sins. To be a SERVANT of our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest honor anyone could have bestowed upon them. For my house will SERVE the Lord said Joshua. I agree. Love the sinner and hate the sin. The difference in Christians is we know God forgives our sin. We are NOT perfect but are FORGIVEN. Believe and be saved.
This is what Jesus preached and what Jerry Falwell strived to do as well. Jesus was perfect but Jerry Falwell was not. In Christ, Jerry Falwell has been made PERFECT and so will all those that just accept the truth of Christ! This is my prayer for everyone that is making excuses to NOT be held ACCOUNTABLE for their sins in life. It's your choice and once you make it, nothing can take your name out of the Lamb's Book of Life! NOTHING! Jerry Falwell, I will see you in our father's Holy Kingdom one day and will serve and praise Christ with our brothers and sisters! I am so comforted to know that Jerry is in GLORY and no longer has to be abused by those that cannot accept the truth of God.
GREGORY at 1:13AM on May 18th 2007
152. ENJOY!
Adam Abeles at 3:41PM on May 17th 2007
153. What kills me in instances such as this is that most of the Christian comment authors can't seem to leave a comment without it being rife with typos and generalized linguistic errors.
Falwell was an ass. He didn't deserve death, death is too good for him, he deserved to live forever, THAT is an appropriate punishment for someone like him.
I lose respect for someone when I find out they're a Christian. I don't see how anyone with an elementary grasp of logic and religious history can possibly believe in such a jealous, insecure, hate-filled being as the one found in your Bible.
Although I do have to respect a religion clever enough to discourage its followers from seeking outside knowledge. How convenient to be able to contain them with fear.
hahaha at 10:24PM on May 17th 2007
154. falwells homophobia is a classic example of
"people persecute in others the very thing
they fear in themselves" (tea and sympathy)
me think the man? doth protest too much!!
alfred
alfredruttenberg at 10:51PM on May 17th 2007
155. My sympathy extends to friends and family and all the people Mr. Falwell helped through his years in service to God. I am confident that while Jerry like none of us is perfect, he is now in paradise with Christ in heaven. All of us will be judged by God one day. It's not in our right to judge others alive or even the dead. Speaking ill of the dead only displays a lack of taste and common every day decency and ettiquite.
(It's also obvious most the posters to this commentary are clearly biased and bigoted themselves against religion and faith to be so outwardly hostile towards a man who they probley never really knew first hand. -Be caustious of what the media spins you. Seek the truth of people directly from the source and do not allow yourselves to be spoon fed by the drivels of the popular media.)
Joel Uldrych at 1:13AM on May 19th 2007
156. My deepest sympathy extends to the many close friends and family and all the people Mr. Falwell helped in so many thoughtful and generous ways through his many dedicated years in service to God.
I even pray for those who hold judgement or anger at this man (Jerry Falwell) or any other man who is but nothing more than human just as we all are.
I am confident that while Jerry like none of us is perfect, he is now in paradise
with Christ in heaven. All of us will be judged by God one day.
It's not in our right to judge others alive or even the dead.
Speaking ill of the dead only displays a lack of taste and common every day decency and ettiquite.
(My opinon- It's very obvious most the posters
to this commentary are clearly biased and bigoted themselves against
religion and faith to be so outwardly hostile towards a man who they probley never really knew first hand.)
-"Be caustious of what the media spins you. Seek the truth of people directly from the source
and do not allow yourselves to be spoon fed by the drivels of the popular media" -Joel Uldrych
"Forgiveness is true love, if you believe someone has wronged you or spoke ill will against you, Love them instead. You will then become a greater person than you were before you you were first offended." -Joel Uldrych
Joel Uldrych at 6:35AM on May 18th 2007
157. I invite any fellow readers or posters to share with me your thoughts on my post or any other postings by others in this topic. You do not have to agree with me, I am just opening up the opportunity to an honest and genuine diologue. Postings here are limited and I'd like to allow us to share in a more open forum if you wish.
I can be reached by contacting me at: Joel (at) Joelandfriends. (com).
I look forward to your thoughts. Many thanks, Joel Uldrych
Joel Uldrych at 6:59AM on May 18th 2007
158. RE: Herr Falwell:
Well said, Christopher. The only problem with your characterization of the life of this nasty little man is that the very people whom he's fleeced will be unwilling (or unable) to understand your words, or to agree with you said if they could. The saddest thing about his departure is that every time someone like Falwell takes the dirt nap, there are several more of his ilk to replace him. They breed like mushrooms, such is the fertilizing power of hatred, bigotry and dishonesty.
Steve Alber at 11:35AM on May 18th 2007
159. I completely understand Mr. Hitchen's sentiment. No, Mr. Falwell did not live his last life time here on earth in a Christian manner. However his life was, as it is with all lives, purposeful. He did his best- as even Hitler did his best- given the lack of awareness inherent. I urge all of us here to be focused on that which is most important to us and to reflect that unto others. I urge everyone to be aware that whenever we encounter the Jerry Falwell's along our journey- to have patience with them and treat them like the unhappy, hurt and desperately lonely children they are. Those who condemn and judge and point fingers only want to be loved- as we all do. Like begets like as Jesus reminded us. I forgive Jerry Falwell. He knew not what he did.
dave at 1:41PM on May 18th 2007
160. @ GREGORY (comment 152)
That was some sermon... but you are an idiot.
You say, "To lie down with a person of the same sex is both a SIN and UNNATURAL."
It might be a sin but it is not unnatural. It is a sin because sin is defined in the Bible that way. But nature is uncaring. What gays do comes naturally to them. This is not just a 'turn of phrase'.
What you do, try to shove your opinion down people's throat comes naturally to you, because you are an idiot, naturally.
You say, " Having sex with a married person is WRONG. What can come from it but a broken family, children without both parents, disease, death & heartache."
Geez, GREGORY, I'll give you heartache... if the affair is revealed, disease comes from viruses(virii) and bacteria, unless one spouse shoots the other, the kids will still have their parents... and death, well if somebody gets carried away with a gun or something.
You say, "The bible you use clearly states that living a homosexual life is a SIN."
Yes GREGORY, but the Bible says a lot of stupid things about witches and a talking snake and a talking donkey and a fiery chariot and horses coming to take Elijah to heaven and such... GET OVER THAT.
How can you imagine for one second that you are going to live forever when you KNOW that you are going to die. You know Falwell died, right?
pboyfloyd at 1:28AM on May 19th 2007
161. My apology, as it appears somehow a portion of my previous posting appears twice, yet it is somehow strangly edited??
On a different note, I have read some various attacks from one person's commentary to another. Please remember, most of us here are adults, let's try to at the least attempt to behave that way.
Please show respect to each other even if your opinions are opposite of theirs. Attacking each other here serves no purpose and distracts the postings from the original video subject issue.
No one's anger or voice at another poster will ever influence or change the views of the individual under attack. It only makes the attacker appear childish or angry with nothing relevant to contribute. We all have our own personal reasons and values for how we view the world or for the faith we have or in some persons case for a lack there of.
In defense of Gregory, I think he simply is stating his reasons for his views. Obviously he takes confidence in the sanctity and holiness of the Bible. Either someone believes the Bible or they don't. People who don't believe that the Bible is the word of God and that Jesus Christ is the key to eternal life will never understand those who do. Be sure of who you are angry at. Are you angry at Gregory for his fervant belief in the words of the Bible? Or are you more angry at God himself because the Bible while giving us free will in our lives also gives explanations for the wages of sin. Of course through Jesus Christ there is hope and redemption for even the current unbeliever, if they should come to believe and truly believe this faith in thier heart thus allowing Christ to enter into their soul and let Christ lead thier lives rather than struggling through this short life alone. All Christians are sinners and so it is unfair to be angry at the Christian believer who simply is sharing why he or she views this world in the way that he does. I ask again, are you angry at feeling judged or condemned by a believer or are you more than likely angry at God because you don't like the so called "rule book" / life guide book (the Bible).
I realize your heart may be hardoned and many Christians seem like nothing more than nut cases from your perspective. However, that aside it would be a disservice if I did not tell you how much God loves you and wants to show his love in your life. He will never intrude, Christ is a gentleman. Salvation is a free will gift, and will never be forced upon. Countless people have come to know the joy and peace of a life with Christ in their hearts. Couldn't it be possible that if millions of others have found that missing piece to that empty hole in thier hearts, couldn't it be possible that you too could find that same peace and love in your heart? While the Bible may seem full of many rules to life, God is merciful and loving. No matter what your previous lifestyle or sins, if you seek his love and allow him into your life and seek his truths, I promise you that in time true peace will come to your heart and soul. It will not be an easy road as being a Christian is not a walk in the park, (the Bible provides a guide to a life more rich in peace to the soul along with the basic instructions for life) If you seek out the peace that comes with walking with God personaly, I am confident you will find yourself to be a lot happier in your daily travels through life.
If you wish to accept Jesus into your heart and if you should ever want someone who cares about your decision, I lovingly invite you to contact me at: Joel@Joelandfriends.com.
Leave me your contact info and I'll be in touch. Or if you are not ready for this kind of decision and would rather just discuss or ask any questions or even if you just need a friend I am here for you. I am not here to persuade you into anything. I'm just offering my hand in friendship and in the spirit of love. I'm not a pastor or anything connected with the church. I am a small business person who happens to be an ordinary christian full of my own sins and trials. I am no better than you or anyone else. I simply find that God provides me with an undescribable peace that I believe you might benefit from if you could just allow yourself and God a chance to soften your heart enough to allow his love to fill up your life. Don't be afraid to contact me, I will not judge you for anything you tell me. I just offer myself to you as someone to turn to for any of your questions or concerns spirtual or otherwise.
Joel@Joelandfriends.com (leave your contact info and I'll be happy to be of any service to you I can.) This invitation extends to anyone reading this comment.
Whether our lives cross paths or not, I wish each of you peace, goodwill, and love in your lives.
Yours sincerely,
Joel Uldrych
Joel Uldrych at 4:20AM on May 19th 2007
162. Critics ruin my day. When will I ever "have a nice day"? It will be difficult to do this until the critics return back to their caves. The phrase R.I.P. is meant to instruct us, folks.
Carol at 7:43PM on May 19th 2007
163. @ Joel Uldrych
You say, "In defense of Gregory, I think he simply is stating his reasons..." Looked like a hate-filled rant to me.
You say, "Or are you more angry at God himself..."
I'm not angry at anyone Joel... and there are no gods.
pboyfloyd at 10:48PM on May 19th 2007
164. Thank you, Jerry Falwell. God has kept His hand on our country because of people like you and others who pray for our country. I'm afraid that will be coming to an end.
Kelly at 12:41PM on May 21st 2007
165. @ Joel Uldrych (comment 161)
You say, "..various attacks... most of us here are adults, let's try to at the least attempt to behave that way. Please show respect ...No one's anger ...will ever influence ...the views of the individual under attack. It only makes the attacker appear childish or angry with nothing relevant to contribute..."
That all sounds very reasonable of you ... right up 'til you say, "In defense of Gregory.."
So Joel, all that 'let's be reasonable' was just a cover, a Jedi Mind Trick... it was all already 'in defense' of what you planned to say about Gregory then...
Do you fool people into giving you money every Sunday at church... and to come back next week to give you more??? You must imagine that we are all fools then.
Then you go on to say, "Couldn't it be possible that if millions of others have found that missing piece to that empty hole in thier hearts..."
No, Joel, but it's possible that they've filled the missing piece in their head where their common sense should be.
As for the rest... you are offering me 'peace in my heart' if I believe that drivel... I don't need to believe drivel to have peace in my heart... another Jedi Mind Trick, Joel...
I've heard plenty 'Christians with peace in their hearts' ranting and spitting their venom... much like 'love-filled' GREGORY and Jerry Falwell who you seem to think should be defended by reasonable people like yourself against people like me...
... that you are painting oh-so-passive/aggressively as 'childish and angry'... real Jedi Mind Tricky of you, Joel.
Gee, Joel, I have REAL peace in MY heart... not this faith-based peace that seems to vanish into thin air at convenient moments...
Keep the faith, Joel... admonish your own herd or flock or whatever to be human..oh, and relevant too.
pboyfloyd at 9:07PM on May 21st 2007