The End of an Era

by Ron Sider

Jerry Falwell's death marks the end of an era.

Falwell had a major impact on American public life. His Moral Majority, launched in 1979, not only helped elect Ronald Reagan in 1980, it also encouraged a whole generation of apolitical fundamentalist Christians to join the political debate. Falwell played a central role in focusing the political agenda of that new group of theologically conservative voters on the issues of abortion, marriage, and sexuality, and in aligning them almost entirely with the Republican Party.

Therein lies the tragedy of Jerry Falwell. He deserves much credit for helping millions of unengaged fundamentalists and conservative evangelicals understand that one aspect of biblical faith is faithful political engagement. Tragically, Falwell failed to develop a biblically balanced agenda for his political work. His tone was sometimes too harsh, but Falwell was largely right in what he promoted on the sanctity of human life and marriage. But he said little about economic justice, overcoming racism, and care for creation. Falwell is one of the significant reasons why evangelical political engagement was so one-sided for more than 20 years.