More Careful, Less Polarizing

Following the unexpected death of the Jerry Falwell, many are revisiting his legacy. Some remind people of his numerous controversial remarks, while others praise him for his political and social influence.

Critics and supporters alike wonder who will take his place--not so much as leader of Thomas Road Baptist Church or Liberty University--but as a public face and voice of American evangelicals.

The guessing game has been going on for some time. Google "the next Jerry Falwell," and various names are found: Jerry Johnston, Rod Parsley, Rick Warren. Expect many others to add to the speculation in coming days.

A more important question is not who might be the next Jerry Falwell, but how that person should act and talk. Do evangelicals in general or Baptists in particular really need another controversial and polarizing public figure?

....My hope and prayer now is that the next generation that arises to take his place will be more careful and less polarizing with their words. In short, I hope the next Jerry Falwell sounds a lot less like Jerry Falwell.

[via Ethics Daily, HT: For God's Sake, Shut Up!]