The Rev. Jerry Falwell died yesterday morning. And for the last 24 hours, I’ve been trying to put my thoughts into words--that’s what writers do--concerning his death. But, I’m having a hard time. I and the founder of the 1980s political power house, “The Moral Majority” as well as Liberty University are from two different generations and two very different approaches to the non-Christian culture.

I think “embarrassing grandfather” may sum it up best. We all have older relatives who say outrageous things, who have very different opinions on current issues than we do, and generally embarrass us when we’re out in public. But they're family! Falwell could say embarrassing things. He’s probably most famous (infamous) for blaming the 9/11 attacks on God’s judgment on "gays and lesbians," "pagans" and the ACLU as well as accusing the TeleTubbies “Tinky Winky” of being “a homosexual.” In fact, I devoted an entire column to his outrageous outbursts.

His health, as well as his political and spiritual power, had dramatically declined in recent years. When TIME published its list of “The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America” in 2005,” Falwell didn’t make the cut.

So, I will miss Falwell the same way I miss my grandfather who used the “N” word on a regular basis, thought President Kennedy was a “young whippersnapper who was going to get himself shot,” and spit gallons in public. But he was still my grandfather, shared my DNA, and was worthy of respect.

Jerry Falwell inspired evangelicals to get involved in their world. He sought to bring biblical principles to the public square. And while he tended to embarrass me in public, I share Christ’s DNA with him. And he deserves , if not my agreement, at least my respect. He's family!

Jim www.jameswatkins.com