The late William Sloane Coffin Jr.

The late Jerry Falwell

Jerry Falwell -Rest in Peace

Unlike many of my comrades on the 'religious left' I think it is inappropriate to dance on the grave of Jerry Falwell. I have the greatest sympathy for his family, his church and his university. But what astounds me is the level of press coverage his death is getting. The British newspapers are even speculating on how many Republican presidential candidates will show up at the funeral to gain brownie points with the Religious Right. When William Sloan Coffin died last year, where was the extensive press coverage? He was the Minister of one of the nation's most prestigious pulpits, Riverside Church in NYC. His opinions were often as controversial as those of Jerry Falwell -although from the other side of the theological spectrum. This should be another indication that the 'liberal media' myth is just that -a myth.

William Sloane Coffin's death was almost unnoticed by the mainstream media. The column inches devoted to Revd. Falwell are astounding. Both men have been hailed as Christian exemplars. Here are some of their words. Each of us can decide for ourselves who we think most closely followed the teachings of Jesus.

Peace does not come rolling in on the wheels of inevitability. We can't just wish for peace. We have to will it, fight for it, suffer for it, demand it from our governments as if peace were God's most cherished hope for humanity, as indeed it is. WSC

“I had a student ask me, "Could the savior you believe in save Osama bin Laden?" Of course, we know the blood of Jesus Christ can save him, and then he must be executed” JF

The argument that gays threaten to destroy heterosexual marriage is an assertion only, not an argument. If anyone destroys marriage, it's married people, not gays. WSC

“AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals” JF

What I hold against the religious right is its cruelty. It's cruel because it's ignorant; and as its ignorance stems from self-righteousness and complacency, it, it is an ethical, not an intellectual default. WSC

“[homosexuals are] brute beasts...part of a vile and satanic system [that] will be utterly annihilated, and there will be a celebration in heaven.” JF