Was it just three weeks ago that we were talking about a “racy picture” of Liberty University’s then-president, Jerry Falwell Jr., sparking curiosity and controversy?
Given the allegations that surfaced this week, that infamous deleted photo of Falwell with his pants unzipped, belly button showing and arm around a woman (not his wife) suddenly seems tame.
So does the news — reported earlier this month by Religion News Service’s Emily McFarlan Miller — that Falwell “liked” a handful of Instagram images showing young women in swimsuits.
For anyone who spent the week taking a long nap in a cave without TV or internet (I envy you, friend), here is a Reader’s Digest version of what occurred: On Sunday night, the Washington Examiner’s Paul Bedard broke the news that Falwell said he had “suffered depression caused by a former family friend who had an affair with his wife and who has been threatening to expose it.”
Then on Monday, Reuters dropped a bombshell that seemed to explain why Falwell had sought friendly coverage with a conservative publication the previous day.
“Giancarlo Granda says his sexual relationship with the Falwells began when he was 20,” journalist Aram Roston reported. “He says he had sex with Becki Falwell while Jerry Falwell Jr., head of Liberty University and a staunch supporter of President Trump, looked on.” (In an interview with Washington Post religion reporter Sarah Pulliam Bailey, the Falwells denied the accusation that Jerry was involved in his wife’s affair.)
After Reuters’ story was published, developments happened fast. Falwell, already on an indefinite leave of absence as president of the world’s largest evangelical university, reportedly resigned. Then he insisted he hadn’t resigned. Then he really did resign.
But the headlines didn’t stop: On Thursday night, Politico published an exclusive story by Brandon Ambrosino about a claim, denied by the Falwells, that Becki initiated a sexual act with a student. And in the wake of Falwell’s departure, Liberty alumni are demanding change and action by the university’s board, report Religion Unplugged’s own Meagan Clark and Paul Glader.
How well did you pay attention to the Falwell news? Let’s try another pop quiz and see. I’ll share the answers at the bottom of this column.
1. What evidence did Reuters offer to back up its investigative report?
2. How many millions did the Liberty board pay Falwell to step down?
3. Did Falwell admit sinful behavior on his part?
4. What famous American did Falwell quote in describing his feelings about his departure from Liberty?
5. What animal tried to enroll in Liberty’s online program and initially got a favorable response?
6. Which religion reporter chose pancakes for dinner after a day of listening to Falwell “waffle” on whether he would resign or not?
7. Now that Falwell is history, where is attention focused at Liberty?
Bonus question: This son followed his famous father as president of a prominent evangelical university. But the son’s tenure was rocky. Eventually, he took an indefinite leave of absence. Finally, he resigned. This happened in 2007. Name the son and the university.
Power Up: The Week’s Best Reads
1. Abortion over immigration: Trump's pro-life policies remain paramount for many Latino Catholics: When it comes to politics and religion, I’m a big fan of stories that focus on real voters. Alejandra Molina, Los Angeles-based national correspondent for Religion News Service, does just that in this enlightening report.
For another interesting read, check out this story by the Washington Post’s Pam Kelley on a Catholic swing voter who doesn’t like Trump but “can’t stomach Biden’s position on abortion.”
Meanwhile, don’t miss this thoughtful commentary by David French, who asks, “Do pro-lifers who reject Trump have ‘blood on their hands?’”
Continue reading “Time For A Pop Quiz: 7 Questions About The Stunning Exit Of Jerry Falwell Jr.,” by Bobby Ross Jr., at Religion Unplugged.