As usual, expect the most outspoken to misinterpret what's happening in America. I can't speak for the coasts, but for the midwest where I live, the faithful are by and large folk who go to work to put food on the table, live a comforatable life, and see to it that their kids have a good life, as well, just like any other person. These people yearn for a sense of community and fellowship that their religion gives them, but nobody ever wants to talk about the positive benefits of faith (Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, etc., not just Christianity).

As usual, the vast majority of these people are unfairly stuck with the stereotype of the superstitious illiberal fanatic. Because people of the various faiths make convenient scapegoats for the woes of the world. And THAT, in my personal opinion, is the kettle calling the pot black.

Chris Anderson, Buffalo Grove, IL, United States

Scott:
You say that God is in control. Is that why genocide is in full bloom in Darfur; the Army of the Lord is wreaking havoc in Northern Uganda; children are dying in the United States because their parents cannot afford decent medical care; Iraq is in flames; etc.?

Guillermo, New Berlin, Wisconsin, USA

US is drifting to the period before 1960's when minorities had no voting rights, minorities could not find jobs (the government employees, congressmen/women, lawyers, medical doctors were pure white), minorties could not become citizens even though there were born here. Before this extreme happens, Americans need to do something to stop it.

Will, Lynchburg, VA, USA

Baker could have added many more items to his list of policies that illustrate the triumph of (what he calls) the "Immoral Minority" over the "Moral Majority". Some of these are federal contract preferences and set-asides for ethnic minorities and women; hiring preferences and quotas for ethnic minorities; preferential admissions to universities based on race; and egregiously gerrymandered electoral districts (at the behest of the Dept of Justice).
It is enough to make one ask whether Falwell was substantially right.

David, London,

Greetings from then Christian Right. I attend one of the "mega churches" that is just like the one Falwall founded. Our membership has gone up from 4000 in 1994 to over 16000 this year. Perhaps some of you have heard of John Hagee? Falwell didn't fail. He rekindled a long awaited and much needed revival here in America.

While so called mainline "moderate" churches who preach a "watered down" version of the bible lose members by the 1000's per the week, our so called "fire and brimstone churches" grow and a rapid pace. There is a difference between being "tolerant" and being a sell out to one's faith.

American laws becoming more tolerant of Gays? I don't think so. In 2006 over 24 states voted to ban gay marriage. Seems the writer of this article in question thinks that Massachusetts and California set the agenda for the whole USA.
Falwell failed? Get real. He was a visionary and a blessed man of God

Dream on Mr.. Baker. God is still in Control!

Scott, San Antonio, Texas USA

I think what Mr. Baker misses is that the Moral Majority was a push back to a trend which occured during the 70's. Fundamentalists had stayed out of US politics for a long time - possibly since the Scopes trial in the 20's. They left the US government alone and the government left them alone.

This truce was broken during the 70's when the US government began to tighten it's grip on private schools and colleges (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grove_City_College#Supreme_Court_case). Some in the christian fundamentalist movement (including Falwell) decided to push back. They were only partially successful in the Grove City case but arguably the election of Ronald Reagan put an end to such efforts and left institutions like Falwell's Liberty University largely unregulated.

Ithink Falwell's influence and that of his compadre Pat Roberston have been overstated, but figures such as James Dobson and even Ralph Reed (for a time) have had more influence.

Don , London, UK

Wow, plenty of comments about a man. I wonder what we will say to GOD when our time is up. Believing or not believing in GOD does not change the truth. Oh well, I guess we'll find out when we die.
P.S. everyone should be allowed to find out by seeking the truth without having all these other people trying to convince them they are right. Try it and see what happens. (Must be done with sincerity.)

sotnas, mami, fl

Baker, nothing short of a propagandist, calls himself a Christian and attacks Falwell instead of the Bible?
If Falwell is wrong then the Bible is wrong, why bother with Falwell except he is an easy target and then Baker doesn't have to validate any of Falwell's beliefs. All he has to do is disagree. AH, sounds a little like bigotry to me. Kettle calling the pot black.

Jesse Johnson, GAINESVILLE,

I had a boss who was one of Falwell's followers, as is my own sister. These people nothing more than insecure about their place in the world, and use hatred as a security blanket, wrapping themselves in the cloak of Christianity to justify their over-the-top attitudes.

Not all of these are bad people--some are just undereducated (not an insult but a fact) and are easily lead by people who tell them what they most want to hear.

These, sadly, are people who don't like questions--who, in fact, really do fear questions, thinking, anything that is outside their sense of order and/or knowledge. They don't like change, and they don't like anyone who thinks, acts or looks different from them.

I've lived and worked beside people like Falwell and Robertson. They scare me to death, but...I've learned to keep my mouth shut around them--intelligent conversation upsets the heck out of them.

Nancy, Glens Falls, USA NY

From what I have read of Mr. Falwell's views (through secondary sources), he appears to have attached himself to a Protestant sect that believes in some concept of the predestined "elect". But did he actually suggest that any identifiable person was incapable of reform, i.e. that they were damned if they did and damned if they didn't? If not, then to denounce him as a "bigot" seems hypocritical.

As for the 9/11 comments, it is not apparent that Mr. Falwell initiated the soul-searching discussion about what America had done to "deserve" the attacks. Mr. Falwell's comments were wrong - and he apparently apologised for them - because, of course, America had done nothing to deserve the attacks. Is that why his critics condemned him? If so, do they universally condemn all other attempts at "justifying" those murders?

Kevin, London,

Mr Baker like most who preach "toleration" cannot "tolerate" those who hold a different world view than that propounded by the liberal left. The fact is that in America, and to a lesser degree in the UK, there are many who hold traditional Christian values who believe that sodomy is wrong, marriage is for one man and one woman, killing children in the womb is wrong to name but a few.

Mr Falwell though not perfect like the rest of us, at least got under the skin of those who cannot cope with the challenge of views differing from their own humanistic creed.

Anthony James Keating, Epping, UK

With the warped mentality, twisted spirituality, and very sad and depressing penmenship of millions of people all over the nation and the world abroad, just like our dear beloved "BWallace" above, leaves me feeling like I've just O.D. on perscription Valium!!! Help them all ,Yah (God)! Please!

"Many people seem to have the intellectual, emotional and spiritual capacity of a prawn sandwich. Easy on the mayo!" - Jon Bond <3

"That there is a devil there is no doubt. But is he trying to get in us or trying to get out?" - Unknown

"In my opinion, most religions tend to emphasize "blind faith" as a concomitant folcrum. In fact, they expound and expound on this one point with self-elected absolution. However, after having personally witnessed countless cruelties, endless slander, and even hate crimes and murder, all perpetrated "in the name of God", it occurs rather ferociously to my mind, that blind faith is, in the end, nothing more than "matured ignorance"! - Jon Bond <3

JON BOND, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

There is a common myth that fundamenttalists like Falwell exhort that there is somehow a contest between "true Christianity" (that which follows their model) & others. This is spawned by the intolerant right or wrong, black or white, our way or the highway interpretaion of the 'Bible as inerrant' mode of belief. Those of us who believe we 'get' the teachings of Christ as those of compassion and understanding really aren't competing with Falwell types, despite what they might think. We just want to be respected as being able to have faith and morality outside the constraints of their doctrine.

Jeff Tuttle, Oceanside, Ca.

Pastor Hagee makes Falwell seem like a model of restraint.

90 percent of the greatest nation the world has ever seen believe in bronze age fairy tales. That's a problem.

Chris, Chesterfield, UK

Evangelical Christianity in red-state America is a fact of political life. And whilst the Evangelical Christian right certainly stands in opposition to the modern neo-Marxist culture politics Gerard Baker evidently admires, it is not THE opposition to them.

In a sense, then, Falwell established a false polarity, whereby American liberals think their opponent is a guy with a cross and a microphone, but in reality it is - and always was - the family man, the manly man, the white American whose hegemony they declared their enemy and set out to destroy.

I don't think Falwell was harmful in the sense that liberalism is harmful. I don't think he was helpful in the sense that a religious critique of liberal social pathology only alienates intelligent men.
But he stood up and said the liberal prescription was morally wrong, and that is something many more of us should be doing.

Guessedworker, Lewes, England

"If not, the not the bottomless pit awaits all who rejects Jesus." BWallace

Kind of reinforces the point of the article doesn't it? As a general rule, I like the USA and I like Americans (and count relatives among them), but people like this scare the hell out of me!

Macelington, Nottingham, UK

Falwell inspired hate and discrimination with his words against anyone who dare not fit into his political view of a "proper christian". He was a "tv friendly" version of Fred Phelps of the WBC, and if anything, he tarnished christianity in the eyes of many people. He did Christianity more harm than good. I will not miss him.

Lynette, Houston, Texas, USA

Bigotry is a two-way street. Mr. Falwell had strong opinions based on his Christian beliefs and was outspoken about them, as was his right. Anti-Christians, gay advocates and abortionist advocates have strong opinions and are outspoken about them, as is their right. So following logic, if Mr. Falwell was a bigot, so are the others, towards those who disagree with their positions. If I recall, Christians have objected to, yet tolerated, having a crucifix in urine, an elephant dung Virgin Mary and a chocolate crucified Christ presented as art, and I would wager those who embraced that "art" considered Jerry Falwell a bigot. However, I can't recall those who objected to Falwell saying Tinkie Winkie, (or whatever that thing was) gay, being called bigots by the general media because they stood up for their beliefs. Why are Mr. Falwell and his fellow Christians characterized as bigots so easily, and not those who are bigoted towards Christians and their beliefs?

Sally Smith, Columbus, Ohio, USA

Falwell and co's genius lay in blending two strands of Christian thought into a potent ideological brew that - by mobilising the 'religious right' behind the neocons - has clearly changed world politics.

The two strands are exemplified by Francis Shaeffer who wanted Christian engagement to resist 'secular humanism' but was anti-theocratic and pro-pluralist politically; and the Rushdoony sect ('reconstructionists') who are theocratic and want to restore 17th Century puritan polities, but are not 'Christian Zionists.' Cobble together bits of these two to suit the interests of the current 'princes of this earth' and you have a piece of political hocus pocus with no biblical credibility but huge saleability.

Christians know 'no one is declared righteous by observing the law' (Romans 3.20) so a heartfelt love for God is the change Christ offers - support for competent, secular and pluralistic governance is entirely consistent with this. Theocracy is idolatry.

Paul Lusk, Wolverhamp,

Gerard,
WELL SAID. What is often forgotten is that ALL religions are just IDEAS - unsubstantiated "lets pretend" imaginative constructs - emanating from our psyches, where they should stay and be analyzed, rather than made into SUPPOSED "facts". They are, in reality, no different than the story of Santa Claus, which kids, in their infancy accept, but which, when they grow up ( mature ) SHOULD give up. With religious beliefs ( lets pretend positioning), people DON'T grow up, and give it up. Thus, are neurotic and out of touch with reality.

Religious beliefs, as propagated by Falwell are just IDEAS, not reality. Where is this thing called "god"? Where is this thing called "heaven, or hell"? Where is all of the basic ideas of religion? Answer : in somebodies imagination - which non-rational people grab onto, and accept as true ( "believe") having no other way to understand the mystery of life. Science ( nature ) , and Analytical Psychology ( mind ) is finally filling that gap.

Jacqueline Rich, Victoria, B.C. Canada

Jerry Fallwell's churchmanship leaves much to be desired, especialy his lack of love towards the lost. His stance, depicted in this artical, seems to forget that Christ cam to save sinners and took our just punishment before God for our sins to redeem us to our heavenly Father. All any sinner, or rebel agaist God's rule in their lives, needs to do to be saved is to trust in Christ and to live, by His strength alone, in obidience to Him. We can never be free of sin compleatly before Christ returns, but we must strive to this end, by the Holy Spirit's strength, if we claim to be saved.

However, society and the individuals that make it up do need to hear the Gospel faithfully taught, a condition which I am not sure Dr Fallwell fulfilled, without compromise. This is the only way that they can hear the saving message of Jesus Christ and be redeemed. We all need God's Word faithfuly preached, so we can be moved, by God's power, to be right with our heavenly Father. God bless,

Gareth Rhymes, Hull, UK

The points made here underline the triumph of the US constitution - a secular beacon - over the massive force of christian fundamentalism intent on undermining, or overturning, it. But the question is still unanswered. Was Falwell a bad man? And to this, the answer has to be yes. The author is clearly too moderate a christian as to judge him so.

However, hyprocrisy, intolerance, exploitation, aggression and incompassion are cornerstones of the man's legacy. Setting up a 'university' on these tenets merely exaggerated the fact. He was a charlatan just like Swaggert, Bakker, Haggard and all the others. We in the UK should not forget or ignore this.

To paraphrase Woody Allen, 'If Jesus Christ had ever heard or seen what was being done [by Falwell] in his name, he would never stop throwing up.'

jonathan Anthony, london,

This article was obviously written by a fan of "abortionists, sodomites and pornographers" quite the fashion nowadays; in other words, by one of the many, the masses, the heathen and Godless. So what's new? If you want a little intellectual status, go liberal, and attack good taste and anything even reeking of morality. Without religion, some form of it, some relation to God and the mandates of nature, any society is lost.

Eugene, Heidelberg, germany

Unfortunately, Mr Baker is mistaken about Mr Falwell's legacy. Falwell has largely suceeded in his anti-gay agenda. The US was a pioneer in gay rights in the 60's but today it proudly lags behind most western democracies. Arguably, US gays have fewer rights than they had 15 years ago. Twenty states have adopted constitutional amendments and 46 atates and the US Congress have adopted laws to prohibit same-sex marriages (and other same-sex relationships in some cases). Falwell has also suceeded in bypassing the separation of church and state and weakening religious freedom by forcing everybody to comply with fundamentalist Christian doctrines though legislation and taxation (ie government-funded religious evangelism, such as faith-based initiatives). The religious right is powerful and arrogant, while gays and religious minorities are weak, fearful and increasingly secretive.

John Gamble, Halifax, Canada

When all is said and done, the man's attempt to dominate others through his supposed connection with the Almighty is best summed up in his own words: 'Christians, like slaves and soldiers, ask no questions'

William Crawford, Emmaus, USA/PA

Jerry Falwell was another of those American Luddites who feared the changes in the world more than they feared religious hypocrisy. It amazes me that so-called Christians like Falwell and his ilk fail to remember the words of the man they deify and worship in their dealings with the rest of humanity. They misread the One Commandment of Jesus as being "Treat those who you see as your economic betters as you would have them treat you. No one else matters."

Matt Froelich, Fontana, California, USA

Excatly, Raymond. Thanks.

The only true bigotry is from those who say ...

"YOU NEED MY HELP".

Chris Lawson, Oklahoma City, OK,

To Raymond Henrie of the improbably named Beech Bluff - listen to yourself for a moment. Change the name to Allah and you sound not unlike a Taleban Mullah shortly before he 'delivers' the sinner with the bullet from an AK47. Religious zealots should be outlawed regardless of which religion they support. More blood has been spilt in this cause than in any other and it's time we recognised that we are the masters of our own destiny and acted accordingly. Religion should be for those who want or need it and should not be forced upon the majority.

Paul Ford, London,

Michelle Davis illustrates precisely what is wrong with Falwell-type fundamentalists; presuming to think for God.

On Falwell, Gerald Baker leaves out only one point; Falwell was the best enemy homosexuals ever had. Thanks to his rants over the years, discerning Americans came to look critically at homosexuality and the result was acceptance and inclusion. Homosexuals thus have a lot to thank Falwell for because he ensured that they got constant media coverage which helped debunk Falwell's paranoid pronouncements.

Homosexuals also helped Falwell get attention and so when America stopped taking him seriously on this issue it was a body blow. Falwell thus likely died out of a combination of health issues and melancholy at having been so decisively marginalized.

Richard Ssebaggala, Kampala, Uganda

Falwell could be in Hell, if it exists. Ouch ouch ouch. No loss to humanity there. He was soooo self-sure it was beautiful. That's why Larry Flynt had such a fun time with him. I hope he had a nice life. Oh wait, he was so stressed out about pushing his beliefs on everyone, he probably forgot to! I bet he worried all night about those frightful gays. Hm.

Jake, Manchester, NH, USA

The religious bigotry on display here is not of the Rev. Falwell but of the author and the blathering posts of the hate filled Godless Left in response. One can easily discern the veiled and not so veiled enthusiasm at another human beings death. Now how disgusting is that??

Jason, Des Moines, Iowa, USA

He may have been a bigot, but I don't recall any fatwas from him on people like you!

Gabe, Dublin,

''What more apposite proof could you have that these Christians are morally indistinguishable from the Islamist jihadists?''

Hello Mr.Baker, suicide bombing in hospitals,schools,market places,adultery stonings,school girlbeheadings,9/11,7/11,apostacy death sentences,Satanic Verses,death fatwas,honor killings mean anything to you?

Gabe, Dublin,

If I had not been raised a Christian I would be quick to judge Falwell. All I can say is I don't think he actually understood the overarching message of Christianity which is to forgive and not to judge. Maybe Falwell is being judged this very moment as he judged others. One can only hope.

Mad Dog Bites Back, Hamilton, Canada

If the two commentators above are in any sense representative of American (Christian) opinion, then truely we are two nations divided by a common language. I mean, I can see that the words are written in English, but they leave me feeling rather like Alice on her arrival in Wonderland. What very strange people with what a very strange world view.

Giles Richardson, London,

"Jerry Fallwell was a visonary who saw thw disintegration of the American moral fabric as it was unraveling. Our moral collapse will bring our fall, just as it did Rome. Those who demonise him do so because they are blinded by their own love for sin. Be free of your sin in Jesus Christ. Raymond Henrie, Beech Bluff, TN"

Jerry Falwell perverted Christianity. The Jesus described in the Bible was not a homophobic, sexist bigot who only cared about affluent white Americans. He was a tolerant man who embraced social outcasts and the poor, the same people Falwell heaps scorn upon. If Jesus had been around in Falwell's time, Falwell would have screamed to have him crucified anew.

Eric Johnson, Kutztown, PA, USA

What more apposite proof could you have that these Christians are morally indistinguishable from the Islamist jihadists?

There's no real comparison, given the Islamist jihadist actually commit crimes. Here we have a very right-wing religious agenda, but don't blacken the entire religious right of America with such a sweeping rhetorical statement.

Fabien, Luxembourg,

It seems to me, as a Brit living in the USA. The average religious Joe on the street sees marriage as the first step towards starting a family with children.

Whilst the majority see marriage as a life long, loving, commitment to a soulmate. Children are not the be all and end all of a relationship. It seems that this social v's religious interpretation is where many of these problems mentioned above begin.

Ad, Sacramento, CA

I say good riddance to bad rubbish. Falwell got fat and rich by playing on the insecurities, fears and hatreds of others. Boy, that doesn't sound like Jesus, does it? Everyone is deviant in some way. Falwell's deviance was being destructive, denomic and hateful. Falwell, you are the weakest link. Goodbye!

Robert, Washington DC, USA

Wow Mr Baker (and company) those are some mighty smooth stones you’re throwing. What I gleaned from your article, and many of these postings, does not have what I’d call a love thy neighbor feel. It’s more like venomous rhetoric. And you say Mr Falwell spread hate and discontent?

David Nelson, Salt Lake City, UT

Jerry Falwell was a bad man. He had a little god with an ugly - dangerous - soul. One cannot spew hate - and lead others to hate - and expect to be well remembered.

Khaki Scott, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas

Raymond Henrie, Beech Bluff, TN: "Jerry Fallwell was a visonary who saw thw disintegration of the American moral fabric as it was unraveling. Our moral collapse will bring our fall, just as it did Rome. Those who demonise him do so because they are blinded by their own love for sin. Be free of your sin in Jesus Christ."

Just because Falwell believed in the same god-bothering sect you do did not make him a moral individual, just a divisive one who encouraged hatred and believed he had a direct line to the allmighty, not to mention a burgeoning bank account.

Morality is not dictated by the irrational need for afterlife insurance, it is dictated by how you act day by day towards other people and tolerance is the key.

Dan, Hampton, UK

One unfortunate legacy of the Religious Right is that the US Supreme Court is now much farther Right than before (and majority Roman Catholic, because they're anti-abortion). The new Court has not made many decisions yet, but its rulings will be coming down for years and may yet have a big impct of American life.

The late-abortion method you deplore is grisly but very rare, and is sometimes the best method to preserve the woman's health, and for the first time no exception was allowed for this. Instead the fetus must be cut up inside the uterus and taken out in pieces-- no advantage for the fetus, but more dangerous for the woman. Who benefits?

Tina Rhea, Greenbelt, Maryland US

The fact that many of Fallwell's adherents now back Rudi Juliani gives the lie to the notion that this was ever much about religion. Juliani's moral persective is radically different and he is religious in only the most marginal of terms. Rather, it was always about building a less permissive society. Free societies engender a great deal of fear among the cowardly and the ignorant. It was in this quarter that Fallwell found many of his backers. The other cohort, the ones that gave him great prominence, were the conivers seeking power who found him a convenient vehicle.

This is not to say that some of his followers are not truly religious, but I believe that they may be the smallest of the contingents which were his base.

Jim Walton, Washington, DC

While, legislatively speaking, it would appear that the Moral Majority has not achieved much, I would say that rhetorically speaking, they have managed to make hate speech more acceptable. By cloaking their intolerance in moral and religious robes, Mr. Falwell and his ilk have told millions of people that it is acceptable to spread malice because God permits it.

Mr. Falwell's right to freely express his "religious" views on minorities, homosexuals, etc. was protected by the US Constitution. He was also free to convince people that the laws of this country should reflect those same narrow views. And he did. The laws may not reflect it, but society does. Bigotry and prejudice can thrive anywhere. It doesn't take much to set actions in motion. One sermon by one man? Yet, despite God "guiding" Mr. Falwell's words and actions, those of us who didn't fit into his Moral Majority remain relatively unscathed. Mr. Falwell may have "failed", but thankfully, our Constitution didn't.

MFarrell, Philadelphia, PA

Great article, if only to expose the believers below.

Adey, The North, UK

WWJD? What Would Jenna Drink??

Bob, Toronto,

I am horrified to see that the only two American responses thus far are from conservative Southerners who unfortunately stand as some counterexamples to the article. For the most part though, I have to agree with Mr. Baker's reading. The United States, despite some powerful (not to mention vocal) fundamentalists, will always be balanced by intelligent, well-spoken individuals who believe in tolerance and rationality.

sm, New York, NY

You can tell who the evangicals are here. They are the only ones supporting Falwell. The truth is Falwell and evangicals have been trying to bring the US back to a Puritan state. They won't be happy until we are burning homosexuals and atheists in the manner of the Salem Witch Trials. Separation of church and state means just that. . . SEPARATE! Falwell didn't get it, Bush doesn't get it, and evangicals certainly don't. If the they want to live in a theocracy, go live in Iran.

Ken, Boston, USA, Massachusetts

Michelle - there is no such thing as "the" homosexual lifestyle. Just as with heterosexuals, there is a wide variety of practices and behaviours. I believe that the social and health problems you refer to would be better attributed to "promiscuous lifestyles" and could be equally well seen in heterosexual communities that shared these principals. Something for your consideration: do you think that commitment and fidelity should be encouraged and celebrated? If you truly believe that marriage consecrates a relationship, perhaps it is rather the refusal to allow homosexuals to marry than a supposed "homosexual lifestyle" that has contributed to the fractured communities you speak of?

JL, London, UK

Jerry Falwell called it as he saw it. If he upset the deviants of the world, too bad.

Connor, Bexhill-on-Sea, England

I guess Gerard Baker had his rosy glasses on when he wrote this unrealistic, overly-optimistic picture of "moral" America under Jerry Falwell's rule. Gays still face discrimination daily in housing, public services and the work place. Worse, they endure physical and mental abuse from all quarters, not just from the religious fanatics like TV evangelists, Catholic bishops and their evil Roman leader, pope Benedict XVI th century.

Yvon Thivierge, Ottawa ON Canada, Canada

When all is said in done, many people will be in Heaven because of Falwell's efforts to spread the gospel. He was a good man who has gone to meet his Maker in Heaven. All of us should
trust Jesus and be assured of our future after death. If not, the not the bottomless pit awaits all who rejects Jesus.

BWallace, Summerville, SC/USA

While I was never placed much stock in anything Falwell said or preached, I have to say that Gerard Baker's editorial and understanding of American is as misguided as that of his protagonist. Such irresponsible and invidious editorializing by a supposedly educated person contributes more the world's negative image of the US than ten Jerry Falwells.

Richard Hite, Galena, OH

One less bigoted fundie to ignore, I guess. Good riddance.

Louis Ralph, Chester, UK

Regarding gay rights, I can't agree with your article. The USA which once was at the forefront of gay rights now lags way behind most developed countries and gays daily face religious-based and tolerated prejudice in a way that they simply do not in any Western European country. Most states in the USA have not 'reached a perfectly decent state of tolerant progress in which civil unions are recognised'. Only about a fifth of the states offer civil unions with rights fairly equivalent to marriage and nearly all states have provocative constitutional amendments or statutes defining marriage as being only between a man and a woman. Civil unions offer only rights at state level and not at federal level, so American gays rightly feel discriminated against by their country.

tom moncrieff, london, england

Jerry Fallwell was a bigot and a man filled with hate, who spewed forth, in equal amount vile misinterpretation of the scriputres and the rantings of a mind poisioned by his own evil. I'm sure there is a warm spot down below for him and his entire congregation.

Ian, Ramsgate, UK

I don't know much about the late Mr Falwell, but this write-up sounds just too smug.

David, Newcastle, UK

Did the disintegration of America's moral fabric include civil rights campaigners Raymond? WWJD?

James A, Newcastle,

Mr. Bakers' thoughts on Reverand Falwell mirror my own. As a recovering Catholic, I have never had much use for organized religion and especially for those who would mix their version of self-rightiousness with any number of political views. America was created with the idea of church and state being forever divided...what happened? I hope organized religion goes the way of the dinosaur...lets believe in our fellow man, because all we have is each other.

Mark Willmott, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

In pronouncing the failure of Falwell's "movement" loosely considered, Gerard Baker has spoken too soon - as he may realise if he visits Cincinnati in ten days' time.

Dan Baynes, Barton Seagrave,

Still I note Bush described Blair as 'a man of convictions', presumably not meaning as a war criminal. How many times have men of faith led humanity to disaster?

Heaven save us from reason (as they might say).

Phil, Hong Kong,

You say you call yourself a Christian. Do you believe that widespread abortion, including partial-birth abortion is something we ought to applaud, or do we merely applaud the freedom to do it? Do you believe the sociological studies about the "homosexual lifestyle"? Do you really think homosexual marriage would change anything relating to the social and health problems in that community? I was just wondering. Mr. Falwell may have been wrong about many things, but do you really think the final breakup of sexual morality has made us better, happier people?Also, if you're a believer, what do you suppose God thinks?

Michelle Davis, Louisiana, USA,

The Religious Right has never had a grip on the Republican Party. The Republican Party had the grip on the Religious Right, but was careful to make it look like the Religious Right had the grip...

D Swanson, Manchestger,

Jerry Fallwell was a visonary who saw thw disintegration of the American moral fabric as it was unraveling. Our moral collapse will bring our fall, just as it did Rome. Those who demonise him do so because they are blinded by their own love for sin. Be free of your sin in Jesus Christ.

Raymond Henrie, Beech Bluff, TN

I object to the insinuation that bovines are so stupid that they believe in a deity. If bovines were able to communicate effectively I am sure that their response would be a resounding no to the existence of any supreme being. Of course, the chap in the slaughterhouse would probably be worthy of some prayers if bovines were able to plan ahead but I guess we'll never know.

Rather like here on Earth, a veritable slaughterhouse as far as some religions are concerned; however, better to appease the supreme being that may or may not exist than risk the possibility of eternal damnation I suppose. And for some, make a bucket load of cash at the same time.

Hey, where do we join up?

Harry Day, Ashford,

Now that Rev. Jerry Falwell has entered the post-human phase of his existence, he no doubt has learned a few devastating facts: the Great Goddess actually loves gays, junkies, drunks, and rock'n'rollers, and anyone who took an unpopular stand because it was what they believed in, while She has a very low tolerance for hypocritical, crypto-fascist preachers who keep needing your donations long after they have burst through the highest tax bracket...or would have, if most of the proceeds were not, indeed, nontaxable. Now the Falwell's mission will be to right the wrongs his errant judgments caused in this sphere, and spread a little pixie dust on all those he rode roughshod over in this life. But, at this point, he's still wandering around in the clouds, asking any passing angel, "What? No rapture?"

Thomas Smith, Iowa City, IA

The notion that Falwell failed is ridiculous. How do you suppose Ronald Reagan and George Bush were elected?

The war may not be won, but the political momentum is definitively on a conservative trend.

Suzanne , Ottawa, Canada

"...nation’s...lurch towards intolerance and bigotry in the past 30 years..." Uh, no, that would be the democrats, in particular, and liberals, in general. Well, don't you worry your pretty little pink panties about it, Gerard. The religious right is alive, well, and very powerful in the USA. For the record, every single state in the US that has had "gay marriage" on the ballot has seen it defeated; the Supreme Court has turned decidedly to the right; and abortion laws are beginning to tighten. I'd do a little more research next time, if I were you.

Cate Wheeler, Omaha, NE, USA

America is the only hope of the world (and I speak as an Englishman). It's also the most entertaining place on earth. Falwell was part of the show. Don't take him so seriously. His countrymen didn't.

John Lynch, Oswestry, England

It's not so much Falwell as the intolerant Left that has changed the face of these United States with its sacramental homage to diversity and cultural sensitivity. This is code for accepting that all cultures are equally great and all religions are true thus underming the essence of western civilization. To the extent that Falwell was willing to risk being lampooned for bold assertions of the religious and cultural traditions of this country he will be remembered well. Just look what has occured in Europe. They cannot bring themselves to so much as include a single sentence in their draft preamble to acknowledge the Christian heritage of the continent. They rebuked John Paul II and now they want to lecture us about Falwell. Shame on these folks.

Stanislaus Pulle, Thousand Oaks, United States

It is easy to characterize the "Religious Right" in Falwell & Robertson terms. I think that the real issue is more complex. As you recognized the USA has this complex relationship between church & state and the internationalist movement of the liberal left has forced situations that has angered many moderate church going folks. Falwell/Robertson capitalized on this anger and became a force in USA politics representing church goers when none existed. I believe these two were almost spent forces who would have passed into the background. BUT what they did was put the liberal extremists on notice and exposed their hypochrisies. As I said our church/state relationship is complex - perhaps this is what remains of the Puritans. It is amazing to me how we still struggle with the remnants of European culture brought with us as immigrants

Frank Crucian, Houston, Texas USA

"So, sorry to disappoint, but America is not really the fundamentalist state its enemies claim and Falwell dreamt about."

I fact, we remain one of the freest states in the world. Everyone is free to believe anything or nothing, and attempt to influence public opinion in any direction.

Falwell never held public office, or had any power other than the power of speech and persuasion. He had a number of followers, but the vast majority of the citizens paid no attention to him.

Jonathan, NYC, USA

Falwell may have his critics but he introduced a new humanity to the US when it comes to the recognition of the faults of others. He abhored sin and yet reached out to sinners in a way that post modern thinkers can only wonder at.

He was indeed a man of his times. When the world shook with the horrors of Israeli persecution of Moslems his voice rang out with christian conviction reminding us that the chosen people is a tribe embracing all of humanity.

Marek, London, UK

Mr. Falwell was an astonishingly American tale & he leaves a legacy that will outlive him for a 100 years. Truth be told, his critics, soon forgotten, have much to work with. A large target, he led with his chin. But few recount that when he said or did something wrong, he was quick to apologize. He repented for racism in the South. Against homosexual marriage, he had homosexuals speakers to his university -- & none can tesitfy to being treated with a lack of respect or dignity. He was against abortion, yet built homes for un-wed mothers. A conservative, yet he invited the most liberal Democrats to address his thousands of students. In person, he was exceedingly gracious & self-effacing, with a hilarious sense of humor. He had little fear of Hitchens & co. Unflapable, his identify was in small-town friendships. Really, the only things Mr. Falwell was ultimately guilty of was staking his life on the Christian Bible as completely True, taking great risks & being fully human

R Bakke, Minneapolis,

"So, sorry to disappoint, but America is not really the fundamentalist state its enemies claim and Falwell dreamt about. But there will surely be plenty of other religious conservatives to demonise."

Is the author saying that we should not confront and oppose people like Jerry Falwell? They incite fear and hate with dangerous consequences for the minorities they attack. There have been 24 bombings of abortion clinics in the USA and several shootings.

Chris, Dorking, UK

In this country, this Talebanic prison of religious intolerance, it’s still easy for a woman to get an abortion more or less on demand. In this nation of medieval values, until a few weeks ago it was actually perfectly legal, sanctioned by repeated court rulings, for a woman to have her foetus aborted through a charming little procedure in which the legs and most of the torso are delivered, then the skull is punctured in the womb and the brain evacuated, causing the death of the foetus.

Your verbage within your editorial of " Jerry Fawell" seems to me ..as I read your words YOU and he have alot in common.

Hmmm, Ann Arbor, MI

You are forgetting a lot of damage... for example... in the 1970s, much more than 50% of Americans believed in Darwinian evolution... now? much less than 50%. The nonsense that has ensued with teaching 'aleternative theories' is even more shocking for a nation that is supposed to be an industrialized super-power.

The separation between church and state is supposed to be complete, yet... the past 30 years, no candidate can win without reference to nonsensical "values"

Perhaps the most disturbing trend in America: the unofficial exchange rate of life. An American Christian is worth 500 to 1000 Iraqis. That the US population was so enraged by the death and destruction they caused in Vietnam and now could care less in Iraq is why: 1) the US has no hope, 2) US Christian values are a fraud.

NicholasA, HongKong/Boston,

Trotskyists, academics or renowned intellectuals like Hitchens et al. in their ivory towers can write reams of high-flown analyses about this, about that, whilst obscurantists and simpletons like the late Mother Teresa go about their prosaic daily lives bringing succour to the poor: feeding them, healing them, clothing them, housing them etc.
Since I have not had the good fortune to read Hitchen's book on this much-maligned nun (and I have no doubts about it being a good read) what was Mother Teresa's depravity he documented?
Using the donations her organization received to fund an expensive personal indulgence like a penchant for gourmet food or exotic clothes, self-flagellation, or some refined sexual practice a la Kamasutra?

SD Goh, PJ, MALAYSIA

"But in practice, most states have long since reached a perfectly decent state of tolerant progress in which civil unions are recognised. "

Where are you doing (or not doing more like it) your research? This is plain wrong. You could count on one hand the number of states in the US where civil unions are recognised in any legal sense. You might need more than one hand to count the states where they have been constituionally banned, though.

Toby, Sydney,

Interesting column. You make some very valid points.

I think Falwell's basic flaw was that he was tactless. It is perfectly acceptable (in my view) to disagree with homosexuality and abortion, but his hellfire and brimstone delivery only served to alienate people. This is not how you win friends!

Robert Sulcer, huntsville, al

Jerry Falwell may not have been your favorite person, but you knew where he stood on the issues of the day. He spoke the Biblical truths that most believers have a difficult time saying out loud. Did he make mistakes? Yes, but he understood those mistakes were covered by the Grace of God.
I can only pray that more Americans would be like Dr. Falwell and stand up for their beliefs rather than let the government in Washington decide the politically correct answers based on liberal politics. Our country needs more people like Jerry Falwell if only to provide a moral compass in a fallen world.

Patty Hall, Caledonia, Michigan

Mr. Baker,
With all due respect, I can't decide if you're trying to entice christianphobics to invest in America or lamenting a lack of progress, despite the 'bury not praise' statement.

I'm afraid you used the wrong yardstick in measuring a failure. Falwell died before seeing a goal he sought; however, do not believe the race is over. Fundamentals have been elected to lower political offices (school boards, etc) and are advancing up the food chain. How could you ignore the fundamental religious questions in current political debates, the intelligent design in science class debate?

The worst by Falwell, Robertson, et al was uniting the fundamentalists' vote. Unfortunately, the concept of The United Fundamental Christian States of America is not dead, so no, not yet a failure.

So far, separation of Church-State has prevented a period of religious domination over US politics, as has happened in English history, the rest of the school prayer debate is political posturing.

DanO, Mt. Vernon, USA

As an American and a Methodist it is hard to believe that people from other nations would believe that a majority of Americans followed Jerry Falwell and his fundamentalist ideas. What a misconception! There are many states that make up the the US - and many other religous and ethical opinions. As a citizen of the US and the state of NH, I take offense that we are piled into one.

DMW, Dover, NH, United States