In memoriam: Jerry Falwell

There's a lot I didn't care for in Jerry Falwell -- the self-righteousness, the moralizing, and the alarmism that built walls between the church and the rest of society -- but I have to say, he was no worse a man than I, and in many ways, he was someone I could learn from.

He doggedly pursued a vision that he believed was from God and unquestionably emerged as a powerfully influential person, for both good and ill.

He was a tremendous benefactor on the Baptist Haiti Mission in Kenscoff, and through its ministry benefitted thousands of children, farmers, artisans, laborers and others throughout Haiti.

Rest in peace.