The Fall of Jerry Falwell Jr.: A Critical Moment in Evangelical Politics

The rise and fall of Jerry Falwell Jr. mirrors the evolving relationship between conservative Christians and the Republican Party. As president of Liberty University, Falwell Jr. was a key figure in shaping the evangelical right and solidifying its place in the GOP coalition. However, his endorsement of Donald Trump in 2016 and subsequent controversies have left many questioning his leadership and the university's involvement in partisan politics.

Key Takeaways:

• Jerry Falwell Sr., the founder of the Moral Majority, played a crucial role in bringing conservative Christians into the Republican fold, a relationship that has been conditional and has led to a position of power for evangelicals.
• Jerry Falwell Jr.'s endorsement of Donald Trump in 2016 was a turning point in his career, as it helped solidify Trump's hold on evangelical voters and cemented Falwell's role as a gatekeeper for Republican politicians seeking entry into the conservative evangelical world.
• The Falwell family's influence within evangelical politics has been significant, with Jerry Falwell Sr.'s passing in 2007 leaving Jerry Jr. to take on his father's mantle, growing Liberty University from a financially troubled Christian school to a $1.6 billion endowment powerhouse with over 100,000 students.
• The association of Liberty University with Trump has raised concerns among alumni and faculty, with some leaving the university due to its aggressive approach and spending of resources.
• Evangelicals are grappling with the implications of Jerry Falwell Jr.'s downfall, with some calling for a return to a more morally grounded approach and others questioning the role of Christian higher education in partisan politics.

Statistics:

• Liberty University's endowment has grown to over $1.6 billion, making it one of the largest Christian institutions in the country.
• Over 100,000 students attend Liberty University, with the majority being online students
• The university has a physical campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, that benefits the smaller residential student body of 19,000.
• The non-profit status of Liberty University allows it to accept federal loans from its online students, leaving them with the obligation to pay off the loans.
• Under Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, federal rules policing for-profit universities have been relaxed.

Sources:

• CNN: "Jerry Falwell Jr. announces resignation from Liberty University amid controversy"
• The New York Times: "Focus on the Family Founder's meeting with social conservatives in 1998"
• The Wall Street Journal: "Michael Cohen hired a Liberty University employee to rig online polls in Trump's favor"
• The Los Angeles Times: "Jerry Falwell Jr.'s resignation raises questions about the future of Liberty University"