Jerry Falwell

Date of Birth: August 11, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: May 15, 2007

Biography

Jerry Lamon Falwell Sr. was an American Southern Baptist pastor, televangelist, and conservative activist. Born on August 11, 1933, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Falwell was a prominent figure in the rise of the religious right in the United States. He founded the Thomas Road Baptist Church in 1956 and later established Liberty University in 1971, which has grown to become the largest Christian university in the world. Falwell’s influence extended beyond the pulpit as he became a significant political figure advocating for conservative values. In 1979, he founded the Moral Majority, a political organization dedicated to promoting evangelical Christian values and influencing public policy. The Moral Majority played a crucial role in the election of Ronald Reagan as President in 1980. Throughout his life, Falwell was a polarizing figure, known for his outspoken views on various social and political issues. Despite facing considerable criticism and controversy, he remained a steadfast advocate for his beliefs until his death on May 15, 2007. Falwell’s legacy continues through the institutions he established and the impact he had on American politics and religion.

5 Interesting Facts about Jerry Falwell

1. Jerry Falwell founded the Thomas Road Baptist Church when he was just 22 years old.

2. Liberty University, which Falwell founded, has grown to become the largest Christian university in the world.

3. Falwell’s Moral Majority organization was instrumental in mobilizing conservative Christians to participate in politics, significantly impacting U.S. elections in the 1980s.

4. He was known for his televangelism, reaching millions through his “Old Time Gospel Hour” program.

5. Falwell was a controversial figure, often criticized for his outspoken views on homosexuality, abortion, and other social issues.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jerry Falwell

1. “I am proud to be a fundamentalist.”

2. “The idea that religion and politics don’t mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country.”

3. “God doesn’t listen to Jews.”

4. “Christians, like slaves and soldiers, ask no questions.”

5. “If you’re not a born-again Christian, you’re a failure as a human being.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Jerry Falwell’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Jerry Falwell had three children: Jerry Falwell Jr., Jonathan Falwell, and Jeannie Falwell Savas. Jerry Falwell Jr. served as the president of Liberty University until his resignation in 2020. Jonathan Falwell is the senior pastor at Thomas Road Baptist Church, continuing his father’s legacy in ministry.