Falwell Creates Controversy with Mountain Emblem in Lynchburg

This has got to be one of the dumbest articles I've ever read. If you did research, you would know that the issue was brought up in a public forum (city council meetings) and were announced publicly (that's the law) and any of the people in Lynchburg could've stated their case then. However, they were too lazy to leave their house to go to the meeting. There was a series of articles in the newspaper before the monogram was even started. The reason they were allowed to put the monogram up was that they were using natural elements (stones, rocks, shrubs, etc). Liberty owns the land, they're allowed to do whatever they want within the scope of the law. If people didn't like it, they should've gotten off of their butt and did something about it instead of pissing and moaning afterwards, but then again, that's what Lynchburg does.

Controversy is not why action should be taken against Falwell and those like him. Controversy might lead to the awakening of some, and the mobilization to action of others. The deforestation of the hill above the campus of the school that is Falwell's legacy is ugly, but let it serve to remind everyone who sees it of the size of the bloated ego, and the results of the uncaring bigotry of the mean little man who put it there. There are many scars made on the earth in Lynchburg by the projects, policies, and programs of Liberty college. The LU emblem, though ugly and offensive, is perhaps among the least harmful. The acres of asphalt of the so called church and school parking lots probably do more harm. Action should be taken against Falwell because he has proven again and again that he personally does not believe that he is subject to any command to love others, or to go and sin no more. He and his kind need to be watched like the wolves in sheep's clothing that they are. The master they serve is Old Scratch, the bogey man they summon to fleece the pockets of those who don't buy willingly into their tax exempt businesses. Don't let them scare you, they have no power where there is an intent to love and do good.

I guess if it was outlined in neon lighting from a closed down strip club nobody would complain.

Kitty you have got to be kidding yourself. You obviously don't know anything about Jerry Falwell. He doesn't show love. why does he have the elim home for alcoholics, the godparent home for unwed mothers who have children. and other ministries that reach out to the people. if that is not showing love then you need to recheck your definition of love. As for the Logo, it is LU's land to begin with and they can do anything they want with it as they please so why you and the publisher of this article go whine about something else.

Would Jerry admit a debt ridden pagan to his Godparent place, or a HIV positive man to his Mile High Club? Would he give back His Lord and Highness Mr. Moon's money, or return the thousands he took as a deposit from an old lady whose condo was never built as promised, or repay a loan from a foolish old millionaire? Love? The only part of love that Jerry understands is the friction, he has perfected the jerking motions.

I agree with the first comment (by Jonathan). This is one of the most ridiculous articles I've ever seen. It is a shame that you are so bitter and have made such assumptions about Dr. Falwell. Obviously, you have never taken the time to visit or attend the church and school and make an honest informed decision. I would like to know, how is the emblem "insulting"? It was not illegal, and while individuals are entitled to their opinions, Dr. Falwell is a tax-paying citizen, too, and is entitled to do what he wants within the limits of the law. I, too, live in Lynchburg, and I have seen first hand that Dr. Falwell is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. At least he stands up for what he believes in, and doesn't talk out of both sides of his mouth. He loves and cares for people on a daily basis and is man enough to stand up and proclaim what he knows is right. We need more people like him. He has done more for this town and country than people will ever acknowledge. Maybe you should do some soul searching of your own and quit worrying about a stupid mountain. If you don't like it, don't look at it! This town would be poor without the presence of LU. It's really not fair for you to speak on behalf of the entire city, because not everyone shares your opinion, especially the one about him running a political organization instead of a church.

I love the "pay back the old lady's money who's condo didnt get built"

As I'm sure you know with all of your extensive research Liberty had a contract with the contractor to use Liberty's name only. Liberty was not involved in the construction of Liberty Village.

You might not understand that so I'll translate it to VaTech language. Liberty was no more responsible than Sonny Merryman would be if the building he put his name on went bankrupt during the process.

This article has little to do with the Liberty emblem put on the mountain. This girl obviously detests Falwell and is looking for a reason to complain about him. It is very humorous to listen to citizens of Lynchburg complain about Liberty, yet never voice any appreciation for the benefits they receive from a university that brings in tens (maybe hundreds) of millions of dollars every year to their city. The campus has made a basically uninhabited mountain, a BEAUTIFUL place that has brought employment opportunities and wealth to Lynchburg.

If Liberty University and Jerry Falwell want a picture of his face on the side of the mountain. As long as they've followed the law, they have every right to do it. Although that would definitely be something worth complaining about!

Liberty is one of the main reasons Lynchburg and Central Virginia's economy is growing. Without Liberty, theres no Lynchburg!

Kitty. its obvious you don't like Falwell. would you like some cheese with your wine (whine)? That is all you are doing right now is whining.

I cannot believe all the commotion about a stupid logo on the hill overlooking Lynchburg, when Jerry Falwell owns the mountain it is on.

Has not any ever seen other logos on mountains overlooking their local college. I live in Phoenix, Arizona and I do not think anyone had a beef with the A on the mountain overlooking Arizona State University, or the H for Hoover High School that was on the mountain overlooking my high school or the G for Glendale High School on the mountain overlooking our rival high school. I have even seen an S on the mountain overlooking one of the local high schools. I hope I have made my point by now. I think the only reason why some people are all upset is because it stands for a Christian university and for the man who by God's grace and blessing has allowed it to grow. If Lynchburg College wanted to put just an L on a mountain no one would mind, but because of what Falwell and Liberty Univ stand for people are having such a hissy fit. It is time for all the those dissenters to put on their big boy or girl panties on and get over it.

I don't hate the man, I hate the self righteous hypocrisy, the lies, the theft, and the support one self righteous hypocrite will give another if there's the possibility of a nickle in it for them.

I have lived here over 20 years. There are many parts of Lynchburg that are ugly and unsightly. While I prefer looking at a green mountain side, I really don't understand all the hoopla about the LU logo. I think it was very tastefully done and I don't mind looking at it. While you may agree with his politics or not, and whether you may like it or not, you have to admit that the reverend Falwell has accomplished a lot and has done a lot of good things for many individuals. People here were screaming in outrage about the logo before it was even completed. Where is the outrage over areas like the Plaza, downtown, 12th street or litter everywhere? Or is that Falwell's fault also???

There is an old ritual that many might recognize as the exchange of the peace. Anyone who has known peace knows that it is a sweet gift and one of the few real treasures we can have in life. We cannot know if when our lives end there is any opportunity to give any gift to another. There are those who would deny love and even peace to others. Some accumulate what others envy as wealth by preaching that it is right, just, and good to deny others love and peace. I cannot believe that there is any good in that. Jerry will end his days having many believe that he was doing good when he accumulated the dirt and filth he leaves others by profiting from teaching that we all have the chance to do right. Thought he may accumulate much that many will envy, what he teaches is wrong. Anyone who believes and follows his example takes the same risk. Deny love and peace to others and you deny what is right, and just, and good. That is the end of my complaint.

Are you guys serious?

i can gurantee if VT,or LC or RMWC..put a logo up you guys wouldnt be whining. Get over it. Jerrys succeeding..and your whining on a message board. Stop taking your personal vendettas for falwell..out on everyone and everything else. Its a nice logo on LIBERTY owned land. But i guess if it doesnt have anything to do with cows,other livestock,or budweiser..you people could careless

Well, I found it interesting that I stumbled across this article. I am in town on business and when I saw that obnoxious logo on the mountain, my first thought was, "How awful to clear away trees like that for a COLLEGE LOGO?" Every I see it, I find it sickening to think that a decision was made by someone to deface a natural beauty to promote ANYTHING. It is just the epitomy of the lack of respect so many people have for the beautful land that is here to enjoy. There is nothing appealing, or enticing about this logo. It's horrific. It doesn't matter WHO is responsible for it. It's symbolic of a commercial world where God's gift of natural beauty is less important than self-promotion. So as an outsider who wouldn't have been able to attend any of the public forums, and didn't even know that Jerry Falwell was the culprit, I'd say I'd have to agree with the poster that the mountain, indeed has been destroyed. I will leave this area with a lot of stories about how beautiful it is, but will also add the one about how "some university decided to deface a mountain". I am glad I know the real story! Adding that Jerry Falwell is behind it gives it a lot more spin!

It is hideous.
I am from Lynchburg.
To return and see a beautiful mountain defaced is heartbreaking.

I don't care who did it.

Are you kidding me? Despite who did what in what public forum let's be real about this. First off what audacity it must take to say you love God and all his creatures and then destroy what God made. Not to mention the displacement of the wildlife that made that their home. Then there is the matter of all the natural resources that were destroyed all in the name of advertising. This to me is nothing more than ego at it's finest. That being said I know for a fact there are 100's of families just in Lynchburg that could have been helped with some of the money it cost destroy the mountain side. I can think of 100's of charities that could have benefited from that money as well. So the flame job I will get is ... look at all he does already for people and charities...So my answer to that is....I guess there is a limit on doing the right thing? Isn't one of the deadly sins Vanity? I don't care who you are to do what he did by destroying the mountain side. Shame on him. I wonder if all the people who donated money to the church knew exactly what that money was being used for would still give it knowing where it was going. Their are elders who need the money they donate just to live. I guess many feel by donating they will secure a passage into Heaven as they approach their time. To think of this and know the money they need to pay bills, eat, buy medication etc was used to for personal Vanity. Shame on him and everyone involved.