Rev. Jerry Falwell Dead at 73

Television Evangelist Falwell Dies at 73

Is this a sign from God that the religious right has gone too far?

Seriously, folks. This is the man who made the religious right what it is today. Without him, the South would still be staunchly Democratic, and religion wouldn't have a place in politics.

I don't want to hate on a guy who used to build elementary schools and homes for unwed mothers and alcoholics, especially after his death. But in his later years, it seemed as though he forgot what it actually meant to be Christian.

I was actually having a similar discussion with a friend last night. We were watching Jonestown and commenting on how far charismatic people can push their agendas, especially under the guise of religion. It saddens me to think of how many weak-minded, or just weak, people there are out there that latch on to these ridiculous claims and causes. I was raised Catholic, a religion that, at least in my parish, seemed almost cult-like in its insistence that you just follow their rules/catechism and never question your leaders. That's the short answer to why I no longer follow that religion. The longer answer is all tied up in the personal agendas inherently involved in any type of organized religion, and that if there really is a God or some higher power, then what does it matter what specific religion you follow, as long as you're a sincerely good human being.

At any rate, being raised Catholic, I know how a Christian is supposed to act. Love thy neighbor, give to those who have less than you, and save judgement of others for God. Which honestly, sounds more like a Democratic point of view than the current Republican agenda. But somehow Christianity has gotten all turned around in politics to mean: hate thy neighbor unless he's exactly like you, take as much as you can from whomever you can, and judge everyone for all their potential faults. I just don't get it. And I don't get how people don't realize it. Somehow Republicans are perceived as more moral people than Democrats. But my opinion is that they just hide their faults a little bit better.

I'm afraid I just did the unthinkable and posted a religious/political topic on my blog. But what can I say? When the words decide to flow, who am I to stop them or try to change their course?