Every year (more or less) members of the universal Church (actually just me) gather to select the winner of the Uncle Tony Award. The Uncle Tony is given to the Church leader who most exemplifies the career and calling of Uncle Tony Campolo. To win the Tony, you must manage to make the Gospel comport with the agenda of your friends and the political platform of you preferred political party. Winners have included those that have twisted the Gospel to the preferred sexual agenda of the Democratic Party. This year we salute a Republican.
This year’s winner is Mr. Jerry Falwell, Junior.
Mr. Falwell began his career as a son of Jerry Falwell, Senior. As a result, he is surely the most qualified academic to lead the nation’s largest Evangelical University. Mr. Falwell wins the coveted Uncle Tony not merely for his endorsement of Donald J Trump for President, touting how the thrice married casino mogul reminds Mr. Falwell of his father, or his push for arming college students, but for firing a board member, Mark DeMoss, for disagreeing with said endorsement.
Falwell clarified his endorsement was personal and not for the University. The comments of Mr. DeMoss apparently could not be personal, but had to be taken into account in terms of Board service. So despite years of giving and service to the University, including during trying days of near bankruptcy, DeMoss is out and Liberty University is safe for Jerry Falwell, Junior. Meanwhile the University, which we are assured is not just an extension of the Falwell family, issued statements that charity might describe as “non-operative.”
Even more meanwhile, online education at Liberty University chugs along churning through swaths of Americans who are left with debt, but unable to finish a degree. Some fine scholars and an excellent on site campus are dragged down by association with the seamy sides of the Christian Media Complex. Mr. Falwell has many, many senior administrators to do the work of the University. Viewing his compensation compared to his credentials on the University 990 make for fascinating reading. Try it!
The Uncle Tony has found a worthy home.
God is not a Republican or a Democrat, being a confirmed monarchist, but his American sons and daughters cannot yet live under his direct rule. As a result, we learn to be fit and for that time by choosing the best we can a government lead us. Mistakes, as they say, are made, but we do the best we can. The Uncle Tony is for those who cease from this mental fight, let the sword of the Word slip from their hand, and give up on Jerusalem, instead becoming sycophants to power in this green and pleasant land.
Historic winners of the Uncle Tony include Napoleon who brought the Pope to his coronation only to crown himself. Henry VIII gets a Tony for making himself the church so he could marry his doxy.
If you see Mr. Falwell, congratulate him as this year’s Uncle Tony Award winner.
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