Rev. Falwell had once opposed mixing preaching with politics, but he changed his mind and in 1979 founded the Moral Majority. This “faith-based” political lobbying organization raised nearly $70 million to support conservative politicians.

The Moral Majority in some ways redefined the word “moral,” or at least so narrowed it that it became synonymous with issues of sexuality: abortion, homosexuality and pornography. Moral issues such as poverty were squeezed out of the public square by the very efficient work of this lobbying group. In some ways, Rev. Falwell’s single-minded focus in this regard was typified by his comments, after the attacks of 9/11, that the attacks were the result of God’s anger with gays, lesbians, abortionists and feminists, a comment for which he later apologized.

After the 9/ll attacks, however, his polarizing rhetoric was expanded to include Muslims. In 2002, Falwell flatly declared, "I think Muhammad was a terrorist. I've read enough of the history of his life, written by both Muslims and non-Muslims, that he was a violent man, a man of war." This comment was lethally polarizing as riots broke out in protest of this insult to the Prophet Muhammad.

I did not know Rev. Falwell, but I know people who knew him well and regarded him as a sincere Christian and dedicated to his principles. This is important to remember and yet it underlines the fundamental problem with his legacy.

Sincerity is not enough. The world can no longer afford the kind of absolutist religion and politics Rev. Falwell helped to popularize. It will literally be fatal.